Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has renewed his attacks on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this time accusing him of overlooking the fact that the controversial Discaya companies also hold major government contracts in Ilocos Norte.
In an interview on Agenda with Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Singson criticized Marcos’ earlier remark during his State of the Nation Address where the President called out contractors behind anomalous flood control projects. “Parang may Alzheimer siya dahil nilabas niya ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ mga flood control eh meron siya eh… Sa Ilocos Norte mismo yung mga Discaya ang contractor nila. Imposible naman na hindi nila kilala, baka nakalimutan lang baka may-Alzheimer,” Singson said.
He insisted that these contracts in Marcos’ home province should be the first to face scrutiny. “Yun maunang imbestigahan nila dapat,” Singson stressed. “Kung hindi multo yun imbestigahan nila.”
The Discaya firms are among the top contractors tapped for flood control projects nationwide, which have been the subject of growing controversy.
This is not the first time Singson has aired his frustration with the administration. Once a close ally who claimed credit for helping Marcos secure the presidency in 2022, he now says he feels betrayed. In a press conference last week, Singson apologized to mayors he persuaded to support Marcos’ candidacy. “Parang nabudol tayo,” he admitted.
Singson recounted how he advised Marcos to run for president instead of seeking the vice presidency again, and even pushed for a tandem with then-Davao City mayor Sara Duterte. He recalled Marcos telling him: “Manong, ang swerte ko, ikaw ang presidente ng mayors league.”
But the alliance soured when Singson’s request for a government post—for himself or his son—was brushed aside. Since then, his criticisms have intensified, from foreign policy issues to corruption scandals.
Now, Singson is calling for nothing less than a government “total overhaul,” saying agencies have been consumed by corruption. He urged that religious groups, the military, and businessmen take the lead while politicians step aside, declaring: “Mga matitino muna… alis muna mga politicians.”
