Singson clan expands political stronghold in Ilocos Sur

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The Singson family has dominated Ilocos Sur politics for decades, beginning with Chavit and his brother Evaristo’s victory over the Crisologo family in 1971

BAGUIO, Philippines – Members of the influential Singson family are set to expand their control in Ilocos Sur politics, with new names joining the roster of elected officials while more senior relatives consolidate higher positions following the May 12 polls.

Annea de Leon, granddaughter of the late Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Honey Girl Singson-De Leon, won the mayoral race in Santo Domingo. She worked at the Office of the President’s Appointments Office from 2016 to 2020. She also served as a director of Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Company under the Presidential Commission on Good Government, overseeing its finance and social responsibility committees before her candidacy.

Entrepreneur Charles Singson, one of the sons of former governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, secured the second-highest number of votes in the Narvacan municipal council race. He is the founder and CEO of LCPS Food and Beverage Corporation.

The two are the newest additions to the growing number of clan members in local government posts.

Chavit’s brother Jerry Singson and his son Ryan ran unopposed for governor and vice governor, respectively. Meanwhile, three other Singson relatives are among the frontrunners for seats on the provincial board.

Janina Medina-Fariñas is the daughter of former Vigan City mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina. She is married to Laoag Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas, who won his reelection bid.

Ericson Singson is the son of former second district representative Eric Singson, a relative of Chavit.

Fayina Zaragoza, Eric’s niece, is the daughter of former Narvacan mayor Edgar Zaragoza. She previously served as the town’s vice mayor.

The three are among the 10 with the most votes in the race, with Janina and Ericson leading in the first and second districts, based on unofficial tallies compiled from 350 election returns showing partial results from Commission on Elections data as of 12:46 p.m. on May 13.

Meanwhile, Ronald, another son of Chavit, holds a commanding lead of over 130,000 votes in the race for first district representative. Kristine, daughter of Eric, is also ahead by more than 87,000 votes in her bid for reelection.

In Vigan City, Chavit’s son Randy, the incumbent vice mayor, is set to succeed his uncle Bonito as mayor after running unopposed. Jerry’s son Bobit also secured another term as city councilor.

In the town of Caoayan, Chavit’s sister Germy Goulart and her son, Juan Paolo Ancheta, defeated their challenger and will retain their posts as mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

In Candon City, Eric secured another term as mayor after running unopposed. He will again lead the city alongside his niece, Vice Mayor Kristelle Singson, who was also reelected without opposition. 

Two incumbent councilors – Eric’s son Owen and his nephew Jimboy – also retained their seats and will continue serving in local government.

At the national level, Chavit’s daughter Richelle Singson, representative and first nominee of the Ako Ilokano Ako party-list, has a chance to return to the House of Representatives. The party currently ranks 44th in the unofficial party-list race tally.

Chavit’s youngest brother, incumbent Vigan City Mayor Bonito, is the second nominee of the Probinsyano Ako party-list, which currently ranks 70th in the partial, unofficial count.

The Singson family has dominated Ilocos Sur politics for decades, beginning with Chavit and his brother Evaristo’s victory over the Crisologo family in 1971 for the gubernatorial and Vigan mayoral seats, respectively. Since then, Chavit, his siblings, and their children have held various government positions. At least 15 family members were occupying posts after the 2022 elections. – Rappler.com