Chavit, local leaders in Ilocos resign from Lakas

By Myds Supnad

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur- Gubernatorial candidate and political kingpin Luis “Chavit” Singson admitted Wednesday he resigned from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party and threw his support on Nationalist Party presidential candidate Manuel Villar.

A highly-respected political leader here, Singson known for his command vote, said all the Lakas-Kampi local leaders in the province will follow and resign from the administration party.

Asked by newsmen what party he belongs now, Singson jokingly said that he will under the “Lakas-loob ” party for the meantime.

Singson’s decision came following the consultation he made with his local leaders in the province, who wanted to support the NP presidential candidate. Villar is a close friend of Singson.

But Singson said his decision to resign from Lakas-Kampi was brought about by the consensus of the majority of the local leaders from mayors down to barangay officials.

Singson can command an army of political followers who are ready to obey whatever Singson wants them to vote for, political observers here said.