Lacson seeks Estrada endorsement

Sen. Panfilo Lacson hopes to win the endorsement of his former boss, ousted President Joseph Estrada, in his quest for the presidency in next year’s elections.

He told Pinky Webb of ANC’s On-line on Thursday night that he has not talked to Estrada since he has not been chosen as the opposition standard bearer in the May 2004 presidential elections.

Besides, he said the former president is still reportedly hoping that his close friend, actor Fernando Poe Jr., who has expressed disinterest in the presidency, would change his mind.

He said Estrada’s endorsement would be a big factor in the elections because "he has a large fanatical group of followers."

Among several possible opposition presidential contenders, Lacson is so far the only declared candidate. He served as Philippine National Police chief during the short-lived Estrada administration.

He was Task Force Habagat chief when the deposed leader was vice president and chairman of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission under the Ramos presidency.

Responding to Webb’s questions, Lacson said he is not bothered by the fact that he is running only third and fourth in the latest surveys of potential winners in next year’s presidential polls, behind colleague Noli de Castro and former Education Secretary Raul Roco.

He said surveys do not accurately reflect the electorate’s preference.

"What matters most is people’s reception of the candidate," he said.

He recalled that before the 2001 senatorial elections, he was way behind the winning circle, landing only in the 18th-20th slots.

Asked about what he would do with his principal tormentors, Col. Victor Corpus, the military’s intelligence chief, and witness Mary Ong alias Rosebud, if he wins the presidency, Lacson said he would not bother them. "May konsiyensiya naman sila, bahala na sila," he said.

Corpus, Ong and another "witness," Angelo Mawanay, had accused the former PNP chief of alleged involvement in various criminal activities and of keeping $700 million abroad. They have so far failed to support an indictment against Lacson, who has consistently denied their accusations.

In Mawanay’s case, he recanted his allegations recently. He and Ong were under Corpus’ protective custody. Mawanay, however, has given up military protection. — Jess Diaz