Lacson asked to disclose source of travel document

MANILA, Philippines -  Justice Secretary Leila de Lima dared Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday to reveal where he got the travel document he used to return home last March 26.

The consulates in Hong Kong, Macau, Xiamen, and Guangzhou have denied issuing travel documents to Lacson.

De Lima has ordered the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to determine how Lacson was able to travel while evading Philippine law enforcement agencies and the Interpol.

“I have a standing challenge to the senator to reveal his true whereabouts while evading arrest, or at the very least, the sources of his travel documents,” she said.

“Otherwise, a cloud of doubt will be cast or will linger on the integrity and/or efficiency of relevant institutions.”

De Lima said Lacson’s flight has put in doubt the integrity of the BI, the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police.

“I will await the BI report and see whether a deeper probe is warranted,” she said.

De Lima reiterated that Lacson as an elected senator must explain to the public his whereabouts during his 14 months in hiding and how he was able to travel without a passport.

Those who helped Lacson while in hiding should be held liable under the law, she added.

Palace tosses Lacson case to DOJ

Malacañang has tossed the case of Lacson’s travel documents to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said Malacañang has left it to the DOJ to investigate the matter.

“Well, like you said, it has been given to DOJ so let’s wait for the DOJ to decide on the course of action,” he said.

In his letter to De Lima dated March 31, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Rafael Seguis said the Philippine consulates in Hong Kong, Macau, Xiamen and Guangzhou denied issuing a travel document to Lacson.

“The DFA’s Property Division said that Philippine Travel Document with serial number 34258 is still with the department and has not yet been sent out to any particular post,” he said.

“In this regard, the department hopes that this would clarify media reports on the alleged issuance of travel document by a Philippine consulate general.”

‘Probe Lacson travel document’

A lawmaker called on President Aquino yesterday to order an investigation into reports that Lacson used fake travel documents in returning home.

Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros Magsaysay said the administration must get to the bottom of allegations that Lacson violated the law by using fake travel documents. – With Aurea Calica, Paolo Romero