As of this writing, Senator Panfilo Lacson is still in hiding and his whereabouts still unknown. He managed to leave the country just a few days before a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is wanted for the murder of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000. In spite of a Red Notice issued by the Interpol, the fugitive senator has been sighted in various Asian and European countries.
To face new judge
The Supreme Court has named Judge Thelma Medina of the Manila Regional Trial Court to hear the case after Judge Myra Fernandez of RTC Branch 18 was appointed associate justice of the Court of Appeals last March. Medina will resume hearing of the murder case on May 28, with or without the presence of Lacson. Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said no political concessions would be given.
Lacson issued a statement saying he had left the country because of the alleged persecution that he was suffering under the Arroyo administration. Many believe that Lacson may surface when Arroyo steps down on June 30.
President-elect Noynoy Aquino however, made a statement that he would approve no special treatment for his former colleague in the Philippine Senate. – ?