Singson balks as Palace applies pressure

MALACAÑANG yesterday suggested that deputy national security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson go on leave while settling his problems with his common-law wife Rachel Tiongson.

“I know, out of delicadeza, Governor Singson doesn’t need the President to tell him to file a leave of absence. Maybe he can do that himself,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo.

Singson, in a radio interview, said he would not on leave.
“Fire me, if that’s what they want,” he said.
Fajardo said President Arroyo has ordered national security adviser Norberto Gonzales to look into the charges of physical abuse filed by Tiongson, talk to Singson and make the appropriate recommendations.

“The President is alarmed and seriously concerned by such charges against a person regarded as part of her upper circle,” Fajardo said.

She said the PNP investigation should include Singson’s admission that he used facilities of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to obtain text messages of Tiongson and her alleged lover.

Singson denied using NICA resources to conduct surveillance on Tiongson.
“There’s no need to use it because it’s so easy to do,” he said.

Fajardo assured “nobody is above the law” and that the courts will have to deal with Singson.

Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza said Malacañang’s statement urging Singson to take a leave of absence in effect condones acts of violence against women.
Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, also of Gabriela, said: “Ganoon naman sila. Kaalyado nila si Chavit at patriarchal na pag-iisip iyan. Siyempre hindi sila gender sensitive.”