Lacson decries spy charges as government ‘black propaganda’

Genuine Opposition senatorial re-electionist Panfilo Lacson decried as "black propaganda" the text messages naming him as the beneficiary of Michael Ray Aquino’s alleged espionage activities in the United States.

Aquino, Lacson’s former police deputy, is in jail in the US for espionage charges together with former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intelligence specialist Leandro Aragoncillo.

"It’s just part of a series of the administration’s black propaganda utilizing the text brigade directed against me and other GO candidates," Lacson said in a text message.

"There is no way that statement could have come from the judge," Lacson ’s text added.

US District Judge William Walls is set to hand down the sentence on Aquino and Aragoncillo in July.

"Aquino is within the jurisdiction of the sentencing judge whose interest is only to impose the minimum, medium or maximum penalty on Aquino," Lacson said.

"A judge, much less in the US, won’t issue a statement bordering on pre-judgment for or against anybody," Lacson added.

Based on the dubious text messages, the US judge was said to have remarked that Aquino spied for Lacson.

Lacson said this was impossible because the judge has yet to decide on the case and that Aquino’s US-based lawyers have yet to secure a deposition from the senator.

Lacson said he remains optimistic that the former police colonel would get a fair verdict from the US court.

"It is not what the US prosecutor seeks but how the sentencing judge would appreciate the arguments presented by both sides in regard to laws and rules that govern their sentencing procedures which include but are not limited to the character and background of the respondent," Lacson told The STAR.

Aquino’s former colleagues at the defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) are also appealing for leniency. US federal prosecutors are seeking a maximum 10-year term on espionage charges.

Aquino pleaded guilty to possessing secret US documents to be used in an alleged opposition plot to undermine the Philippine government.

"I continue to wish him well and join his family in praying for what is best for him under the condition he is in right now," Lacson added.

Lacson said he is "constantly in touch" with Aquino. "Yes, I continue to give support, financial by way of our friends and supporters here and more," Lacson added.

Meanwhile, Aquino’s former colleague said the federal prosecutors should not be "too harsh" on him considering that he had once worked side by side with US government agents.

"He worked so hard. If he should be punished, give credit to the mitigating (circumstances) when he pleaded guilty," a police officer who declined to be named said.