To the Inquirer: This is in connection with the column of Ramon Tulfo on July 7, where he claimed Sen. Panfilo Lacson “was implying that President Digong could have been responsible for [Tanauan City Mayor Antonio] Halili’s assassination because the Chief Executive said the mayor was involved in drugs and that he probably had it coming.” 

Lacson’s office on Halili’s killing

05:01 AM, July 10, 2018

This is in connection with the column of Ramon Tulfo on July 7, “Lacson’s broadside might offend Digong,” where he claimed Sen. Panfilo Lacson “was implying that President Digong could have been responsible for [Tanauan City Mayor Antonio] Halili’s assassination because the Chief Executive said the mayor was involved in drugs and that he probably had it coming.”

First, what Senator Lacson mentioned at the Kapihan sa Senado forum last July 5 was the suspicion of Mayor Halili’s family. Never did he say that President Duterte was behind Mayor Halili’s killing. You can watch the video here.

Second, Senator Lacson said the killing of Mayor Halili should be a challenge to the Philippine National Police because the mayor is well-loved by his constituents. He added that the circumstances of the killing, and the pronouncement of the President, may have contributed to their suspicion that the government may have had something to do with the killing. This is why the PNP must disabuse the minds of Tanauan folk by solving the crime soonest.

Senator Lacson has repeatedly said he wants President Duterte to succeed, for the sake of the nation. This means also pointing out possible wrongs and suggesting what can be done to make them right.

Joel Locsin, media relations officer, Office of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson