Chavit Singson arrested for cyber libel

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson was arrested for a cyber libel case in Vigan City on Thursday, June 11, but was immediately released after posting bail.

The Philippine National Police released his mugshots following his arrest at around 1 p.m. on Thursday at his residence in Barangay Ugong Norte, Quezon City.

The warrant was issued on June 10, 2026 by Judge Marie Gene Cecille Umali of the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in connection with an alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Police said the court set bail at P60,000. After undergoing booking and documentation procedures at Station 12, the 84-year-old businessman posted bail and was released.

No further details about the case were disclosed as of this writing.

Singson was previously the mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur from 2019 to 2022. He became the province's governor from 1972 to 1986, 1992 to 2001, 2004 to 2007, and 2010 to 2013.

Singson also served as the deputy national security adviser in 2008.

He was supposed to run for a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, but later withdrew his candidacy due to health concerns.