PNS — DISREGARDING calls for the expulsion or at least suspension of a colleague facing illegal drug charges in Hong Kong, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. maintained that the House member must not be denied due process.
Some lawmakers are urging the expulsion or suspension of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson over his arrest in July 2010 for alleged possession of illegal drugs in the former British Crown Colony.
The calls for Singson’s punishment came after reports from Hong Kong, where he is out on bail, said he would plead guilty to the possession of drugs, instead of illegal trafficking, which could lead to stiffer penalties.
“But at the moment, due process dictates that we wait for official developments from the Hong Kong court and Rep. Singson’s legal moves,” Belmonte added.v