Judge rules Singson brought in drugs for personal use

HONG KONG — (UPDATE) Wan Chai District Court No. 4 Judge Joseph Yau agreed Wednesday that the drugs Representative Ronald Singson brought to Hong Kong last year were for his own personal consumption.

Noting that the Filipino lawmaker was cocaine dependent at the time of his arrest, the judge pointed out that the quantity of the drugs Singson smuggled into Hong Kong was too small for commercial use.

The judge said he was simply ruling on the facts of the case and called for a 30-minute break before hearing arguments by both the defense and prosecution regarding mitigation circumstances.

Singson pleaded guilty last month to a charge of trafficking but pleaded that the drugs he brought in were for his own personal use and not for sale.

Hong Kong laws permit a reduction in jail sentences if one pleads guilty.

Singson was caught carrying 0.24 ounces (6.67 grams) of cocaine at the southern Chinese city’s international airport in July.

Singson’s lawyer, John Reading, argued that the cocaine was for personal consumption, citing testimony that his client was a heavy drug user and no packaging material was found when the drugs were seized.

Judge Yau began reading his ruling on the facts of the case at 10 a.m while Singson appeared to be in a pensive mood, closing his eyes most of the time as if in prayer.

His father, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and other relatives were in court.

Before the start of Wednesday’s proceedings, Ronald Singson said, “I’m very nervous but I’m prepared for any eventuality.”

Singson said he and his father talked Tuesday night and they decided that he wait for the court’s final ruling before announcing his decision to resign from Congress.

Singson also apologized to his countrymen for bringing them shame for what he did.

He said he was still hoping for a favorable decision.

Singson could face up to three and a half years in jail.