I don't have anything to do with that - Erap

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada refused to comment on the statement made by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez tagging a certain “Bigote” as the alleged mastermind in the murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.

“I have no comment on that. Besides, I don’t have anything to do with that,” Estrada said, distancing himself anew from the controversial issue.

Estrada pointed out that Dacer himself was also called “Bigote.”

He did not elaborate.

Estrada was Dacer’s kumpadre, being the godfather of one of the late publicist’s daughters in her baptism and wedding.

Estrada said he last met Dacer when the latter asked for a favor on behalf of his friend.

Senators, meanwhile, expressed hope yesterday that the testimony of former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao II would only be used to bring justice to the families of Dacer and Corbito and not to persecute members of the opposition, particularly Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Estrada.

They also asked the Department of Justice and other concerned government agencies to hasten the filing of cases, if there would be any, so that those being accused of involvement could defend themselves at the proper forum and not suffer from trial by publicity.

They said those being accused also have their rights that must be protected and that they too must obtain justice by being cleared if they did not have any participation in the double murders.

Estrada’s son, Jinggoy, who is also Senate president pro tempore, said they were not worried at all about Mancao’s return because his father did not have anything to do with the abduction and killing of Dacer and his driver.

Asked if Estrada was ready with his defense, Jinggoy said: “Why should we prepare?”

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said they would not allow government agencies to trample upon the rights of a senator. But he expressed confidence that Lacson, whom Mancao was accusing of masterminding the killings, would be able to defend himself from the allegations against him.

Enrile said the Senate could not do anything if Lacson would be implicated in the crime. Mancao returned from the United States yesterday after fleeing in July 2001 at the height of the Dacer-Corbito investigation.

The Senate chief likewise said Mancao’s testimony would not be enough to pin down Lacson and that it would need corroboration.

Lacson himself said he was ready with his defense and that his lawyers told him that Mancao’s affidavit contained hearsay and would not stand in court.

He said the issue was being used apparently for persecution and not prosecution. He denied any involvement in the killings, saying he did not have any reason to do so.

 ‘Overkill’

Senators Loren Legarda, Manuel Roxas II and Francis Escudero criticized the way the Mancao issue was being handled by the government.

Legarda said the security provided for Mancao’s arrival was “overkill” and that the government should give the same protection to victims of torture and other human rights violations.

Legarda noted it was clear that justice was not being served fairly in the country and that politicking would be the main consideration, especially to undermine the opposition.

But like Enrile, Legarda said Lacson and Estrada could defend and take care of themselves.

Roxas said the DOJ should just expedite the process of filing of a case if warranted by evidence and not present issues to the public piecemeal.

Escudero expressed hope the motivation of Mancao in returning to the country was to ferret out the truth in the murders, saying “partisan politics has no place in this investigation.”

Erap-Ping face-off

Estrada and Lacson will meet today at the 2nd ANC leadership forum to be held at the University of the Philippines School of Economics in Diliman, Quezon City.

Aside from Estrada and Lacson, the other presidential contenders who will join the forum are Legarda and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The organizer of the ANC leadership forum said Vice President Noli de Castro and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando have yet to confirm their attendance.

Sen. Manuel Villar had earlier declined the ANC’s invitation because he will be out of the country.

The forum will be aired live on ANC, ABS-CBN News Channel (SklyCable Channel 27) and on Studio 23 on June 6 at 6 p.m. and on ABS-CBN’s “Sunday Best” on June 7 at 10:15 p.m.

ANC leadership forum organizers said Estrada, Lacson, Legarda, Binay, De Castro, Fernando and Villar were not able to attend the first leadership forum that ANC and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) sponsored last May 11.

It was attended by Senators Francis Escudero, Richard Gordon, Manuel Roxas, Gov. Ed Panlilio and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Veteran broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro and Ricky Carandang will anchor the second ANC leadership forum.

The second ANC Leadership Forum is a partnership between ANC and the UPSE and part of ABS-CBN’s “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” campaign, which aims to empower Filipinos, particularly the youth, to make a difference in the national polls next year.

“Through the forums, we hope to help the Filipino youth see who these potential candidates are and what they stand for,” said ANC chief operating officer Glenda Gloria. -With Aurea Calica