Chavit Singson

"Chavit" redirects here. For the film, see Chavit (film).

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Crisologo and the surname or paternal family name is Singson.

Luis C. Singson
Governor of Ilocos Sur
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2013
Preceded by	Deogracias Victor B. Savellano
Succeeded by	Ryan Luis Singson
In office June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2007
Succeeded by	Deogracias Victor B. Savellano
In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001
In office January 1, 1972 – March 26, 1986
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Ilocos Sur's First District
In office June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992
Preceded by	Vacant Post last held by Floro Crisologo
Succeeded by	Mariano Tajon
Member of the Vigan City Council
In office 1963–1971
Personal details
Born	(1941-06-21) June 21, 1941 Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Commonwealth of the Philippines
Political party	Nacionalista (2011–present)
Other political affiliations	Lakas-Kampi-CMD (2009–2011) Lakas-CMD (2000–2009) PMP (1998–2000) LDP (1992–1998) Lakas ng Bayan (1987–1992) KBL (1980–1987) Liberal (1963–1972)
Spouse	Evelyn Versoza (till 2016,her death)
Residence	Vigan City
Profession	Businessman, Politician

Luis Crisologo Singson (born June 21, 1941), better known as Chavit Singson, is a Filipino politician. He was the Governor of the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines and the Deputy National Security Adviser for the Philippine government (2008).

He also ran under TEAM Unity for the Senate in the 2007 Elections in the Philippines but lost.

Early Life

Chavit Singson was born on June 21, 1941 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He is second eldest among the seven children of José Singson and Caridad Crisólogo. He studied in Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila and finished his Commerce degree.

Both his paternal (Singson) and maternal (Crisologo) families have dominated the political environment of the Ilocos region for generations. Although many members of both families, such as Chavit are related to one another, the two families have shared a bitter feud which reached its apex in the 1960s and 1970s, when shootings and political intimidation were rampant in the Ilocos region. Chavit considered his uncle, Floro Crisologo as a mentor, but eventually had a severe falling out with his cousin and once-confidant Vincent "Bingbong" Crisologo (who was Floro's son) and there were many bloody encounters between the two. It is currently stated by both sides that tensions have eased. [1]

Business Career

As a Businessman

Singson started out as a businessman owning tobacco factories manufacturing and distributing Virginia tobacco, a bus transportation company named Partas,a construction company, a radio station, an ice plant, and a tomato paste plant.

As a Public Servant

He then entered politics, becoming a political kingpin in his province for 28 years, and later playing a significant role in Philippine politics. He was the Governor of Ilocos Sur for long stretches of time. He also owned a number of Jueteng (gambling) dens and was often called Luzon's reigning Jueteng Lord and The Ilocano Warlord by the press.

Personal Life

Family

Singson lives in a mansion called Baluarte, near Vigan City. He was a close friend of the ex-President Estrada, with whom he would gamble and drink. Singson was married to Evelyn Verzosa on May 3, 1962, but later separated.

Politics

Singson had secured a spot as a candidate for the 2007 Philippine senatorial elections. He has sided with the government party, despite being former friends with the former president Joseph Estrada. After losing the elections, Singson had been appointed Deputy National Security Adviser, on September 5, 2008 by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Significant Roles

Role in EDSA II

Singson is said to have started EDSA II, when in October 2000 he alleged he gave President Joseph Estrada Php 400 million as payoff from illegal gambling profits. Estrada was put under investigation, but on 16 January 2001, a key piece of evidence was blocked in court, leading to protests in Manila and other major cities backing to vice president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Estrada's government quickly fell. Estrada was put to jail pending the investigation, leading the then Vice-President Gloria Arroyo to resume the presidency on January 20, 2001.

Role in Hello Garci Scandal

In 2005, during the nation's Presidential Hello Garci scandal, Singson claimed he had a tape of a conversation where the jailed president Joseph Estrada stated he was planning to return to power by disposing whoever would lead the transitional government after current president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resigns.

Role in Miss Universe

For the big event, which will entail a budget of about $13-million, Councilor Chavit had started tapping possible sponsors including big casino-hotels where the candidates and the Miss Universe entourage will be billeted.[2]

Investment

The companies Luis Chavit Singson owns are: LCS Group of Companies, Satrap Mining Corporation, Satrap Power Corporation, Partas Transport, Platinum Skies, The Tree Smile, Casha, Go Sport and Baluarte.

LCS Group of Companies

The LCS Group of Companies, also known as the LCS Holdings Inc, is a Filipino business conglomerate owned by the Singson family in Ilocos. It is a diversified company with interests and investments in agriculture, aviation, mining, renewable energy, media, and retail.

The LCS Group is led by Luisito “Chavit” Singson as Founder and Chairman Emeritus, together with Architect Richelle Singson – Michael as Vice Chairman.

Further reading

• Limpe, Linda C.The 9 Lives of Luis "Chavit" Singson, Foresight Books, 2003.

External links

• LCS Group of Companies