He
is popularly known by Ilocos Sur people as Father of R.A.
7171 when he authored the Tobacco Excise Tax Law which
brought billions of pesos to all tobacco-producing provinces
from its mandated 15% share in the excise taxes of Virginia
tobacco products. The R.A. 7171 fund releases are pro-rated
on the basis of the volume of production per province.
The passage of the Tobacco Law is considered as his most
notable achievement which benefited the tobacco farmers
and Ilocos Sur to a great extent, hence his monicker,
Father of R.A. 7171.
In the national scene,
GOVERNOR LUIS “CHAVIT” SINGSON is popularly
known as Hero of EDSA II after a national uprising where
he courageously fought against his friend and ally when
he publicly accused then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
“as the Lord of all Jueteng Lords.” From then
on, fate has not been so good to the then President who
was ousted from Malacañang and paved the way for
Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to take
over.
Governor Singson entered
into the political arena thirty (30) years back when he
steadfastly swayed the supporters of the Crisologos into
joining his multitude of political followers. The late
Congressman Floro Crisologo was the brother of Governor
Singson’s mother, Caridad.
The people regard him
as their living hero – “BANNUAR TI ILOKANDIA”.
When he ascended into government service, he bravely herded
the goons or “saka-saka” and private armies
into the folds of law. He was also responsible in dismantling
the tobacco blockade which allowed the farmers free trade
of their tobacco produce.
In 2002, the movie “CHAVIT”,
a political saga chronicling his personal exploits, his
numerous brushes with death, his several passion and conquests
and the strifes and challenges he single-handedly hurdled,
was filmed and shown.
With his political comeback
as Governor of the province after a three year respite,
he started putting into action his cherished dreams and
visions for Ilocos Sur – that is to make the province’s
economy to grow and soar high, through its full industrialization,
agriculture and livelihood opportunities and tourism industry
development as his priorities geared towards attaining
economic advancement to reduce poverty. The operation
of Salomague Seaport, a ready access for overseas shipment
of products and its accessibility to China and Taiwan
are the positive indicators to support his development
programs.