The government Wednesday denied it was harassing Sen. Panfilo Lacson, which the senator cited as reason why he had to flee the country for the meantime. “We categorically say that Malaca?ang has nothing to do whatsoever with this case. No one is out to do any harm to anybody,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said at a press briefing at the palace. He was referring to the double murder charges that were filed against Lacson in connection with the twin killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000. Lacson was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the now defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Task Force (PAOCTF) during the Dacer-Corbito killings. He has repeatedly denied involvement in the case. Ermita said Lacson's allegation that his personal safety was in danger because the Arroyo government is engaged in political vendetta for his exposes was just “a suspicion.” He said no government critic in the nine years of the Arroyo administration has ever been subjected to threats. “That's just his suspicion,” Ermita said as he dared Lacson to prove his allegation against the government. “He can come out with proof and evidence to strengthen his position in the manner that he is making the charges that this is part of the harassment against him,” Ermita said. The same challenge was given by Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera. Lacson, in a statement released Tuesday, said he left the country to avoid being a victim of an “evil conspiracy.” between Malacanang and its “stooges” in other government department. Initial reports said Lacson flew to Hong Kong on Jany 5, and then went to Australia. Devanadera said the filing of double murder charges against Lacson is the result of a regular preliminary investigation wherein he was given ample opportunity to answer thealegations against him. She also urged Lacson to return to the country and face the charges against him.
