Lacson running for president in 2004?

Embattled former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, retired Director General Panfilo Lacson, who appears assured of a Senate seat when the new Congress opens in July, is apparently eyeing the presidency in the 2004 elections, at least as far as his lawyers are concerned.

In the petition filed by Lacson’s lawyer with the Manila courts to stop the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation of criminal charges against his client, the lawyer hinted of a government demolition job to stall the former PNP chief’s presidential plans. Sigfrid Fortun stands as Lacson’s chief counsel.

"They (DOJ) brook no effort to ensure Lacson’s incarceration and destruction of his political plans, as they know he is a sure-fit for the presidency come 2004," alleges the petition.

Although it has long been rumored that Lacson wants to be president even as he continued to brand politics as "dirty" during the Estrada administration, this is the first time it was acknowledged by the Lacson camp.

Fortun said the DOJ through Secretary Hernando Perez is leading the demolition job to derail his client’s political plans since Lacson declared his Senate candidacy. Lacson enjoys a comfortable 11th position in the latest count of the Commission on Elections to determine the 13 new senators.

Once proclaimed, Lacson will serve until 2007, which is guaranteed even if he runs and loses in the 2004 presidential elections.

Lacson was earlier charged by the National Bureau of Investigation with kidnapping and murder for the disappearance and death of several Chinese men while he was still PNP chief, charges that were denied by Lacson. Lacson is also facing rebellion raps for his alleged role in the foiled power grab last month to topple the Arroyo administration. – Jose Aravilla