Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday said he received information about an alleged attempt by former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now–Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III to take former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo into custody.
Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Senado” media forum, Lacson said he intends to clarify the matter directly with Bernardo, particularly the circumstances surrounding what he described as a failed attempt to place the former official under Torre’s custody.
“I also intend to clarify with former Usec. Bernardo the circumstances behind a failed attempt by former Chief PNP and now MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre to take him under the custody of the latter and find out for what purpose,” Lacson said.
Lacson noted that Bernardo was reportedly surprised by an offer of “sanctuary,” stressing that the former undersecretary was never under Senate custody at the time.
“Nagulat siya noong meron nag-offer sa kanya na magbigay ng sanctuary. Kasi wala naman sa custody ng Senate si Bernardo,” he said.
According to Lacson, the incident allegedly happened shortly before Bernardo was set to appear again before the Senate. Bernardo later recounted that he reconsidered the offer after seeing Torre at the location.
“Pero pag labas niya doon sa pinanggalingan niya, nakita niya si General Torre. Umatras siya. Sabi niya, ‘Doon na lang ako kay Sen. Lacson,’” Lacson said.
The senator admitted he was puzzled by Torre’s alleged involvement in the situation.
“It was a big and still a big wonder sa akin. Bakit napasok sa picture o sa scene, sa eksena, si General Torre?” he said.
When asked if Torre would be summoned, Lacson said the Senate would first wait for Bernardo’s formal testimony.
“Although nasabi niya na sa akin yan, hindi niya pa lang na-testify. Pero nasabi na, hindi lang sa akin, kundi sa harap mismo ng aking mga kasamang abogado. At meron din siyang kasama noong naikwento niya,” he added.