Hong Kong, China. Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson is temporarily out of jail after a Hong Kong court allowed him to post HK$2 million (about PHP11.5 million) in bail for his drug case.
The information was relayed by Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo, who attended the hearing of the case in Hong Kong as an observer.
The surety bond was paid by Singson’s “friends,” who include Hong Kong nationals who will also take custody of the lawmaker.
Although out on bail, Singson was not allowed to leave Hong Kong and was required to report to a police station every day.
Singson’s father, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and rumoured girlfriend, actress Lovi Poe, (shown above) were present at the hearing.
Singson’s arraignment was scheduled on September 7.
Quimbo and Leonardo Palicte III of the House legal department were sent by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to the hearing to get an update on the case.
Quimbo said he will make a report to the Speaker “relative to the actions of Hong Kong on the case and on the part of the House (of Representatives), decide whether to submit the matter to the ethics committee.”
“The Speaker is very much concerned about the reputation of the House,” he added.
On the other hand, Belmonte said the House would continue monitoring development of the case.
“The case is still pending. We will continue to monitor and await developments,” Belmonte said.
Singson was arrested on July 11 for alleged drug trafficking. He was charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs at Tsuen Wan Magistracy’s Court, pursuant to the Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drug Ordinance. Singson appeared in court with his private counsel last July 22. – ?