A Hoodlum in Senate

Human rights violations relative to summary executions has been top issues in forums, lectures, debates and most especially, during protest actions. The matter has reached a certain degree that even the international community took notice of them prompting special envoys to make studies and evaluation on how the government is addressing the problem. However, incidents of alleged human rights violations were obviously being exploited by leftist militants and anti-administration groups. They almost always focus only on violations that were allegedly perpetrated by government agents, leaving serious cases neglected, and worst, forgotten.

Such contentious cases were those that involved Sen. Panfilo Lacson which includes the Kuratong Baleleng gang rub out case and the double murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito. The glaring fact that Lacson is still off the hook have sent a strong message that he can put himself above the law, using his position to be immune from being implicated. It is noteworthy that Sabina Reyes, one of Dacer’s daughters, has recently testified at the Manila Regional Trial Court. Reyes claimed that her father told the family on two occasions that if anything happened to him, it would be Lacson’s doing. Reyes said that Lacson was irked when Dacer supported former Gen. Roberto Lastimoso’s bid for the top post at the Philippine National Police (PNP). Since Dacer is an influential individual, this prompted Lacson to eliminate him.

Lacson by fact is a dangerous man. Nobody can argue with this since the man is still out there, dodging murder cases against him and even landing as a senator. With his resources, connections and influence, he can practically do whatever he wants against his enemies, just like what he did to Bobby Dacer. The loyalty of his cohorts is unquestionable such as the likes of Glenn Dumlao, Cesar Mancao and Michael Ray Aquino. They and some others are willing to give up their life for the senator.

The big question is why did the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) missed Lacson’s vicious activities considering that the family of the victims are still crying and asking for justice? Perhaps the CHR is just too busy handling juicy issues such as manhandling incidents that are only seen on TV, leaving and/or intentionally neglecting those who are really in dire need of their assistance. Aside from such, the media is not fair enough in updating old issues such as the Kuratong Baleleng rub-out case and the Dacer-Corbito murder. The media always play a major role in pressing authorities and bringing out issues but they do not intend to make follow ups unless it is a sought after story. They evidently only use their capabilities to earn extra ratings. On the other hand, militants and activists who cries foul whenever someone got killed sets aside old issues since they are not anymore exploitable.

Now that Dacer’s children revived their search for justice, it is high time that those who were implicated in the Dacer murder should face due process. When Lason told that it was “unfair” of Dacer’s daughter to accuse him of being the mastermind of their father’s murder eight years ago, it is quite more unfair that Lacson did not underwent due process and stepped out of the case just like that. Questioning the timing of Reyes’ revelations, the answer is because Dacer’s kin know that they cannot face Lacson during the height of the controversy due to lack of resources which was drained by the long process of seeking justice. On the other hand, they know that Lacson has everything at his disposal to avoid the case. Now that the case has been re-opened, is the time for Lacson to answer the accusations against him. He should face what every accused have faced and make a point that no one is above or below the law…