MANILA -- Court of Appeals (CA) has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by lawyers of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson to stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from conducting a preliminary investigation in connection with the November 2000 murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
In a resolution penned by Associate Justice Juan Enriquez Jr., the CA Former 10th Division said the issue has become moot and academic since the DOJ panel of prosecutors handling the murder case has already terminated the preliminary investigation and subsequently filed the criminal Information against him before the Manila regional trial court.
The CA pointed out that the Manila RTC has in fact already issued a warrant for his arrest.
“We have once more reviewed the issues in this case particularly as they relate to the motion for reconsideration… We find no cogent reason to reverse, alter or modify the decision sought to be reconsidered,” the Court ruled.
Lacson earlier claimed the cases were filed against him as part of a political persecution by the administration, through the DOJ, in an effort to silence and take revenge on him because of his criticism of the administration.
Two days before the DOJ’s filing of the case before the court, Lacson flew to Hong Kong via Cathay flight CX-904. His location has not been determined since, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to place him on the “Red Notice” of the Interpol after the Manila court issued the warrant for his arrest.
Aside from the Dacer-Corbito murders, Lacson is also facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of two Hong Kong nationals 10 years ago. The case is still pending preliminary investigation at the DOJ. (ECV/Sunnex)