In Ilocos, an unlikely challenger vs Singsons

TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur—Even before Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson backed out of reelection on Friday, a move that shocked not only his family members but his party leaders as well, not many in the province knew about the other candidate for governor, Mayor Roque Verzosa Jr. of Tagudin town.

The Singson family’s political influence has been the stuff of legend even outside Ilocos Sur, but public attention has now also been drawn to Verzosa, a former ally and aide of Chavit, who filed his certificate of candidacy for governor on Wednesday, together with running mate Efren Rafanan. Both are running under the Liberal Party.

Verzosa said he is contesting the Singsons for one compelling reason: “This is for the freedom of Ilocos Sur from 42 years of governance under Singson.”

“There is a strong clamor for change and complete freedom in our province,” Verzosa told the Inquirer on Thursday.

Singson is fielding his son, Ryan Luis, the incumbent representative  of the first district, because, he said, he wanted to focus on the family business—real estate, transportation, construction and others.

Verzosa admitted that he was a reluctant candidate. He said he became friends with Chavit, whom he served as head of security during the impeachment trial of deposed President Joseph Estrada in 2001. Verzosa was then police chief inspector.

He said his relationship with Singson started to sour in 2010 when the governor supported another candidate for that year’s mayoral race in Tagudin. He defeated Singson’s bet.

Political differences aside, Verzosa said there was no personal enmity between him and Singson. He said they would still shake hands if they meet.

In an earlier interview, Singson was asked about Verzosa’s political ambition, and the governor said: “He is dreaming.”

“There is freedom in Ilocos Sur,” he added.

Verzosa is a multiawarded town mayor. Under his watch, he upgraded this town’s classification from fourth class in 2004 to first class in 2010.

He is also a member of the Kaya Natin! Movement, which was cofounded by the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Fr. Eddie Panlilio and former Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, newly appointed elections commissioner.