Lacson flies to HK to dispel coup rumors

Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson left yesterday for Hong Kong with his eldest son Panfilo Jr. to dispel suspicion that he had something to do with spreading rumors of an imminent coup attempt.

"Lahat na lang ibinibintang sa akin (Everything’s being blamed on me)," Lacson said, insisting that he had nothing to do with coup rumors that started spreading when opposition spokesman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed there was a coup plot, called "Black October."

However, opposition leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Senators Edgardo Angara, Blas Ople and Gregorio Honasan denied knowledge of any plot called "Black October."

Lacson said he hoped his short absence would remove suspicion that he had a hand in the reported plan to destabilize the government by spreading coup rumors.

He said he would be away until after Nov. 2 and his trip to the former British colony was "nothing more" than a short vacation.

Lacson’s name was dragged into the controversy after Remulla claimed that "Black October" was a plot designed to create a crisis environment in the country.

The plot would supposedly project Lacson’s arch-enemy and Central Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya as the "hero" that would stabilize the country, justifying his promotion as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).