Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has vowed not to be silenced following his arrest on Thursday over a cyber libel case, calling the legal proceedings an attempt to intimidate him after he raised questions about alleged misuse of public funds.
In a statement, Singson described his arrest as a “badge of honor” and clarified that he voluntarily went to the police station to post bail and comply with legal requirements. He denied reports that he was apprehended at his residence.
Singson criticized the circumstances surrounding the case, noting the assignment of a judge from outside his home province and the rapid pace of the proceedings. He claimed that his questioning of a flood control fund controversy and demands for transparency prompted efforts to discredit and publicly humiliate him, including the circulation of his booking photograph without authorization.
“If asking where the people’s money went and who benefited from it is enough to earn a cyber libel case, then it only proves that these questions are hitting where they hurt most,” Singson said. He also highlighted that as alleged corruption details emerged, those speaking out were facing charges rather than answers from officials.
Urging the public not to be intimidated, Singson insisted that the case is a distraction from the real issue: accountability in government spending. “The more they try to silence me, the more determined I become,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing the truth and exposing those he believes are responsible.