Erap unfazed by Ping's bombshell on Dacer case

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday he is unfazed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s threat to reveal his “bad side,” particularly his alleged involvement in the murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.

In a telephone interview with The STAR, Estrada said Lacson is merely dragging him into the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

“He can tell all he wants. Naghahanap lang ng damay yan (He wants somebody to share his problem),” Estrada said.

“First of all, what motive did I have to have him killed? He was my friend ever since I was mayor of San Juan,” Estrada said.

“I was the principal sponsor of Bubby’s daughter in her baptismal and in her nuptial,” he added.

Estrada said Dacer was with him in Malacañang the day before he and his driver were killed.

“Bubby was with his daughter and Baby Asistio when we had merienda (snacks) in Malacañang a day before he was killed,” he said.

“He was asking me a favor involving then Mayor Joey Marquez’s suspension order. I granted his request. We were also exchanging jokes. So, what would have been my motive then?”

“He did not even attack me. I don’t have any motive,” Estrada said.

Lacson vowed last Sunday to reveal Estrada’s dark side in a privilege speech that he expects to deliver this week.