Ping to back GMA if Estrada is ousted

CEBU CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Panfilo Lacson has vowed to support Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo once she takes over Malacañang if President Estrada is ousted, a leader of the united opposition said yesterday.

Former Cebu Gov. Lito Osmeña told reporters late Saturday that Lacson is "agonizing" over recent developments, although he cannot be forced to abandon his patron, Mr. Estrada, the duly elected head of go-vernment.

"(Lacson) said it very clearly, that he’d support the Constitution," Osmeña said. "If the President is impeached, (Lacson) expects the PNP to support the Vice President."

Arroyo told reporters last Saturday she will "respect" Lacson’s "fixed term" after she becomes president following Mr. Estrada’s removal from office.

Lacson reportedly met with Osmeña upon his arrival here last Saturday, purportedly for a "private visit," which coincided with the first general meeting of leaders of the United Opposition.

Sources told reporters last Saturday Lacson and Osmeña discussed the "present scenario" and the prospects of having Lacson "actively participate" in efforts to "solve" the crisis gripping the country.

But according to other sources, Lacson either met with Lito Osmeña’s brother Tommy or an unidentified "member of the Osmeña family."

Former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa, who is also a leader of the United Opposition, told reporters last Saturday Lacson might have met with "a branch of the Osmeña (family)."

Osmeña refused to speak when reporters asked him if reports were true that he had talked with Lacson even if sources have confirmed their meeting.

"I have no comment," he said.

However, Osmeña was all praises for Lacson during a talk with reporters at the birthday party of Bohol Rep. Ernesto Herrera at the congressman’s residence here last Saturday.

Osmeña said Lacson had "an impeccable record" when the PNP chief was Constabulary commander of Cebu during his term as governor.

"He (Lacson) is one I’ve gotten to know quite intimately," he said. "When he was a colonel, he was an honorable man. I think he still is. I certainly pray that he remains to be the honorable person that I was associated with."

Osmeña said he cannot force Lacson to desert the President because Lacson’s mandate is to protect the Constitution and the duly elected officials.

"I’m putting myself in his place," he said. "He is sworn to support and protect the Constitution and the duly-elected authorities and this includes the commander-in-chief. He knows he (Mr. Estrada) stands accused but is not convicted. I’m convinced of his guilt and I think many of you are, but Ping is very close to the President."

The United Opposition, which is headed by Arroyo, is calling for the immediate resignation of Mr. Estrada.