Chavit Singson

Played by Cesar Montano in the movie Chavit (2003).

Singson is known to have started EDSA II in October 2000 when he alleged he gave Philippine President Joseph Estrada 400 million pesos as payoff from illegal gambling profits. Estrada was put under investigation, but on January 16, 2001, a key piece of evidence was blocked in court, leading to protests in Manila and other major cities backing then vice president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resulting in the ouster of Joseph Estrada.

His s father, Jose, was mayor of Vigan (the capital of Ilocos Sur) from 1968 to 1971. His elder brother Evaristo (Titong) also held the post from 1972 to 1986. Titong also became governor of Ilocos Sur, albeit only briefly. He took office on June 1, 1988, and died on Dec. 25 that same year.

First cousin Vincent "Bingbong" Crisologo was, at one time, his worst political enemy. Singson went through many violent and near-death encounters between the cousins, including the sensational arson and carnage in Barangay Ora Centro in May 1970 that put Bingbong behind bars.

Singson's forefathers ruled Vigan as far back as the 1800s. The post of gobernadorcillo was held by Don León Singson in 1846, Don Estanislao Singson in 1852, Don Domingo Singson in 1854, Don Tomás Singson in 1858 and Don Jose Singson in 1877. By the 20th century, almost the whole Singson family was into politics. The Singsons started to put down roots in Vigan in the 17th century. Joaquín Ayco, a merchant from Oasay, China, married a Chinese mestiza, Rosa Songnio, a Vigan native.