Lacson fails to get TRO to prevent arrest

MANILA, Philippines - Fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson has failed to get an order from the Court of Appeals (CA) securing his temporary freedom while a Manila court is trying a double murder case against him in connection with the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

The sixth division of the appellate court deferred action on the plea of the fugitive senator seeking issuance of a temporary restraining order enjoining Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 18 from enforcing the arrest warrant it issued against him.

The CA opted to hear first the comments of the trial court and the Dacer family on Lacson’s petition seeking review of the resolution finding the existence of probable cause to prosecute the lawmaker for murder, which became the basis for the issuance of arrest order against him.

The CA gave the RTC and Dacer’s daughters – Carina, Sabina, Emily and Amparo – 10 days from receipt of the order to comment on Lacson’s petition for review.

It also gave Lacson the option to file his reply within five days from receipt of the comments. After which, the CA said it will render judgment unless the parties would be required to submit memoranda.

This developed after the Senate leadership cut his salary and budget and dissolved his office in the wake of his continued hiding.