The lawmaker son of a leading Philippine politician has been remanded in custody in Hong Kong, accused of trafficking drugs.
Ronald Singson (pictured), the son of Luis 'Chavit' Singson, governor of Ilocos Sur, was arrested in the arrival hall at Chek Lap Kok airport allegedly in possession of 26.1 grams of cocaine.
Singson Jnr, who is also an Ilocos Sur congressman, is being held at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.
Governor Singson rose to prominence when he helped bring down his former best friend, Joseph Estrada, the then president of the Philippines, by testifying against him on illegal gambling pay-offs and corruption. Singson's political protege is world boxing champion and now congressman Manny Pacquiao.
Reports in Manila say Ronald Singson, accompanied by two unidentified men, was allowed to bypass the X-ray machine and immigration booth at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport when he left for Hong Kong.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said: 'We will investigate [the alleged bypassing of the X-ray machine]. We're also having problems with those who bypass [these areas] for human trafficking. We are disturbed by this.'
Ronald Singson has been charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug and could face a HK$500,000 fine and up to life imprisonment if convicted.