Ping Lacson’s nemesis gets a ‘star’

DAVAO CITY — No less than President Arroyo announced here the other day the promotion to the rank of chief superintendent (brigadier-general) of Southern Mindanao police director Eduardo Matillano, a known nemesis of Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

Lacson and Matillano, who were classmates in the Philippine Military Academy Class ’71, have been at loggerheads for several years over several issues, including court cases of wiretapping.

Meanwhile, Matillano said he is elated by the turn of events against Lacson who is being accused of having engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping and money-laundering.

"It was a lonely crusade then, when I was alone fighting him (Lacson) with his being in power as police chief. And now it can be told that I was right all along about him, especially with all the charges and the witnesses against the senator who have lately surfaced," he said.

Matillano gladly accepted his promotion in front of Mrs. Arroyo during a press conference in Digos City, Davao del Sur Wednesday afternoon. He is set to take his oath anytime this week.