Disqualification case filed vs Chavit by mayoral bet

By Freddie Lazaro

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur – Mayoralty candidate Edgar D. Zaragoza,is seeking the disqualification of rival, incumbent town councilor and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson, in the May 13, 2019 elections.

Zaragoza appealed to the Commission on Elections to deny the Certificate of Candidacy (C0C) of Singson for mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur due to residency issue.

Zaragoza claimed that on Oct. 17, 2018, Singson filed his COC for mayor of Narvacan and falsely stated that his residence is No.353 National Highway, Barangay Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

Singson claimed to be a resident of the place for more than four years.

Singson, however, insisted that he is qualified to run for Narvacan mayor considering that he owns a property in the municipality.

Singson said that he can prove his Narvacan residency.

“Former Governor Chavit Singson made a false representation in the COC when he declared the he resides in the town for more than four years when the truth is he is neither a resident nor is he domiciled in Narvacan,” Zaragoza said.

“Singson, as early as the 80s, as well as during his run for gubernatorial and congressional seats spanning a period of over 28 years, he has consistently professed Vigan to be his and his family’s place,” Zaragoza added.

Although Singson owns a house in Barangay Sulvec, Narvacan town, Zaragoza said that he is not staying nor sleeping there.

“Nestled in the heart of Vigan is his family’s majestic home, which has over the years gained recognition from locals and tourists alike as his Baluarte,” he added.

“The Singson’s Sulvec property is a humble two-bedroom house made of mixed inexpensive materials including leaves that serve as its roofing with a garage that can only fit one car; strikingly deviating from Baluarte, the Sulvec Property has none of the lavish ornaments, extravagant furnishings, and grandeur that characterize Singson’s excessive and expensive taste,” Zaragoza claimed.

Singson said Zaragoza, fearing defeat in next year’s election, filed the disqualification complaint against him.