Government to assist lawmaker held in Hong Kong

Manila: The Philippines government is ready to provide assistance to a lawmaker arrested in Hong Kong for possession of a banned substance, an official said.

Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Group said the government is ready to assist Representative Ronald Singson of Ilocos Sur if the latter requests it. He said it is the standard procedure of the government to render assistance to its nationals wherever they are under duress abroad.

Reports said Singson had been arrested at the Chek Lap Kok International Airport after he was found in possession of 26.1 grams of cocaine as well as two tablets of Valium.

Valium, which has the generic name diazepam, is a regulated anti-anxiety drug. Reports did not mention if the lawmaker had a prescription on him from his physician when he was apprehended.

Hong Kong, which is part of China's Special Administrative Region, has strict laws governing illegal drugs. Possession of 50 grams or more is punishible by 15 years in prison, life imprisonment or even death.

Singson is the son of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, a controversial political figure who had accused former president Joseph Estrada of benefitting from the illegal numbers game called "jueteng."

Chavit's accusations against Estrada eventually led to the latter's downfall and ouster by a civilian-led military uprising in 2001.

Coloma said the government is just awaiting Singson's request for assistance. "The government does not see the need to take extraordinary steps concerning Singson. I am not aware if there is any specific request for assistance," Coloma clarified.

Singson's father, Chavit is known for his close political ties with former president Gloria Arroyo. However, it is not known if he still commands the same influence in the newly-installed government of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

It can be recalled that Aquino III had made it known on his first day in office that he will not do special favours and will accord all people equal treatment. This was the essence of his move to ban sirens fitted on government vehicles.

Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Atty. Ed Malaya, said the department has not received any information concerning the arrest of Singson.

Reports reaching Manila said a Hong Kong court had rejected a petition for bail from Singson who was described as a "short, English-speaking resort and television company owner in Manila."

Singson is known to be the owner of the Philippines' cable station "Channel V," and has produced concerts featuring popular artists including Usher.