MANILA -- Malacanang urged Senator Panfilo Lacson to return home and face murder charges following the issuance of warrant of arrest by the Manila Regional Trial Court Friday against the opposition official.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Charito Planas said Lacson should get back to the country and submit self to the jurisdiction of court.

According to Planas, Lacson must set example in following and obeying the law, which he also crafted as a lawmaker.

“Be a statesman,” Planas told the senator who fled the country and reportedly staying in Hong Kong.

“He is part of those who create law, he creates law. Of all people, he should be the one abiding the law. If he has warrant of arrest, he should get back here. That is what the law says, we should follow it,” she added.

Planas said the Palace will not intervene in deporting Lacson and will leave the process to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

She added that they will not order the police or the military to arrest Lacson. The cancellation of Lacson's passport will also be the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

She explained that Lacson is still not a fugitive but will be considered as one should he refused to go home to elude arrest. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)