Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson is facing heavy criticism after urging young people to join a “revolution” against corruption during demonstrations held on September 21 at Luneta Park in Manila and the EDSA People’s Power Monument in Quezon City.
While some branded his remarks as tantamount to “inciting to sedition,” his supporters defended the move, arguing that it was within his right to rally the public for reform.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, however, downplayed the possibility of a case against Singson. In an interview with DZMM, Remulla remarked, “Nu’ng naririnig ko, parang matanda na eh, na parang hindi na niya alam ‘yung sinasabi niya. Napanood mo ba ‘yung presscon? Halos hindi na nakakarinig tapos slurred na ‘yung salita niya. I don’t think he was in the right mental frame of mind.”
He added that Singson neither financed the protest nor explicitly called for an uprising. “Hindi naman siya naglabas ng pera. Hindi naman siya naghamon ng aklas,” Remulla said.
The interior chief also recounted how Singson was jeered at the Trillion Peso March in EDSA. “Bi-noo siya ng mga tao kaya umatras siya at umuwi. Hindi siya kasama sa cause-oriented groups, alam ng mga tao ‘yun. The people didn’t appreciate him being there. Nakita naman natin, naawa nga ako du’n sa matanda eh. Biro mo, 84 na minumura ka pa ng mga tao,” he stated.
Earlier, Palace press officer Claire Castro called for an investigation into Singson after he urged the youth to participate in the fight against corruption.
