Singsons ‘unbeatable’ in Ilocos Sur

By Mar T. Supnad

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur- The Singsons here, headed by gubernatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson, are still a force to reckon with and unbeatable due to their intact and well-oiled political machinery, according to their supporters.

Chavit will be challenged by former board member and radio man Efren Rafanan who had been defeated twice for the governorship.

Although Rafanan is popular, his lack of political machinery and resources is no match with Chavit who was author of Republic Act 7171, known as Tobacco Execise tax, a law that gives billions of pesos to Ilocanos as their share for their tobacco products.

A first class province, Ilocos Sur is developed in terms of infrastructure, electricity, among others and these are being attributed to Chavit.

In First district, Chavit’s son reelectionist Rep. Ronald Singson is still predicted to be the man to beat due to his popularity, intact political machinery and accomplishments during his first term as representative in the district.

Ronald is being challenged by Randy Baterina, an almost unknown political figure in the province, who had been defeated in the previous election.

In this Capital city, reelectionist mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina, daughter of Chavit, and her vice mayor running mate Ryan Singson, a neophyte in politics and another son of Chavit, are running unopposed since no one have the guts to challenge them in the coming 2010 polls.

The Medinas and Ryan Singson’s unopposed team is now being touted as another unbeatable political tandem.

Incumbent Vice Gov. Jerry Singson, younger brother of Chavit, will slide down to board membership to pave the way for incumbent governor DV Savellano who will slide down to Vice governor and running mate of Chavit.

In Second district, congressional candidate Grace Singson, wife of three-termer Rep. Eric D. Singson, Deputy Speaker for Luzon, will also run unopposed after no one opposed her candidacy to run for congress in this tobacco-producing district.

Grace’s son reelectionist Allen Singson of the Component city of Candon is also a sure winner on his third term, his supporters said.

Rep. Eric, a highly respected political leader in the Second district, did not aspire for any elective post.

He was the architect for the concreting of the barangay roads even those at the remote areas that were unreachable before.