League of Provinces of the Philippines Website

He is popularly known by Ilocos Sur people as the “Father of R.A. 7171” when he authored the Tobacco Excise Tax Law which brought billions of pesos to all tobacco-producing provinces from their mandated 15 percent 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 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 went 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 had not been so good to the former president who was ousted from Malacanang and paved the way for Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take over. His bosom friend- turned arch nemesis Joseph Estrada, together with his son, Jinggoy, are now under trial for plunder at the Sandiganbayan.

This event in the pages of Philippine history was preempted when Camp Crame men in civilian clothes accosted Gov. Singson’s convoy of three vehicles in a dimly-lit portion of San Marcelino St. in Malate during one early dawn in October 2000. The reason for the round-up — a flimsy traffic violation.

Luis “Chavit” Singson entered the political arena 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 Chavit Singson’s mother, Caridad.

Though Cong. Crisologo was his uncle and mentor, he loathed the abusive ways of the Crisologos when men in uniform and civilian alike were felled by bullets in broad daylight. Business establishment owners and visiting salesmen feared for their lives and properties. Up to this very day, the burning of two sitios, Ora East and Ora Centro of Bantay, Ilocos Sur (avid Singson supporters) is a concrete demonstration of the abuse and atrocity of the Crisologo’s henchmen. Gov. Singson sought vindication for these people, he fought relentlessly until justice was served against the perpetrators of this sordid crime. His entrance into politics in the late 70’s was auspiciously timed, the province of Ilocos Sur then was in a grip of terror and chaos. The province was notoriously popular as the “Land of the Dead.” Lucky was the day that the province did not hog the headlines of national dailies, killings and ambushes were synonymous to the province of Ilocos Sur.

The people regard him as their living hero – “BANNUAR TI ILOKANDIA.” When he entered the government service, he bravely herded the goons or “saka-saka” and private armies who sowed terror and disorder back into the folds of law. He was also responsible for dismantling the tobacco blockades which allowed the farmers free trade of their products.

THE FATHER OF REPUBLIC ACT 7171
(Tobacco Excise Tax Law)

In 1987, he purposely ran for a Congressional seat to pass R.A. 7171, Tobacco Law. In 1992, after his one term as Congressman of the First District of Ilocos Sur, he went back to his former seat as Governor of Ilocos Sur to pursue some of his lofty dreams for his constituents. He was determined to uplift the living conditions of his constituents especially at the grassroots, working double-time for the province’s industrialization. Under his new political mandate, a provincial masterplan was drawn, contracts were inked, infrastructures mushroomed – Ilocos Sur metamorphosed from a third class to a first class province.

His nine-year term as governor concluded in 2001 wherein he went back to his not-so-private life. His privacy turned out to be a short respite, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed him as Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon in 2002. His scope and area of responsibility expanded, bringing in more demands for his time and attention.

In 2002, the movie “CHAVIT”, a political saga chronicling his personal exploits, his numerous brushes with death, the several passions and conquests and strifes and challenges he single-handedly hurdled, was filmed and shown. “Chavit” the movie had a simultaneous gala opening in six theatres.

With his political comeback in 2004 as governor of the province after a three-year break, he went back to putting into action his cherished dreams and visions for Ilocos Sur – that is to make the province’s economy grow and soar high through its full industrialization, agriculture and livelihood opportunities and tourism development. His priorities are geared towards attaining economic advancement to reduce poverty. The operation of the 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.

Plans are underway for another pet endeavor of the purpose-driven Father of the People of Ilocos Sur. A Memorandum of Agreement between the Luis C. Singson Scholarship Foundation and the Medicem International Japan was drawn for the former to put up a Caregiver Institution while the latter shall take care of the overseas deployment of all the graduates in Japan. In this manner, training for future and qualified caregivers shall be provided locally while Japan will guarantee a steady source of service providers for their ageing populace of World War II baby-boomers.

“To whom much is given, much is expected in return.” Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson was blessed by God and afforded by destiny with a hundredfold of graces, luck, success, good fortune and friends. All of these, he has unselfishly shared with those he has encountered and to those who, in more ways than one, have touched his life. This spells the true measure of living for Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson. He loves unconditionally; he loves everybody, even his enemies. Suffice it to say that every waking moment of his life is spent caring for the people closest to his heart – his provincemates in Ilocos Sur.

For more information about Chavit Singson, log on to www.chavit4senator.com.