OPEN LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
20 July 2001

Dear Mrs. Magsanoc,

I had wanted to keep quiet and just allow things to come pass. Being aware, however, of the existence of two 'white papers" which is obviously the "unnamed sources" of your columnist, I was convince that it would be a long series of articles by Mr. Ramon Tulfo. I now decided to take away from Mr. Tulfo and his "sources" the privilege of further thrilling newspaper readers with suspense of what else is there to read in his forthcoming columns.

The "white paper" I am talking about was first circulated in 1995 by former Makati Councilor Bobby Brillante, who brought the 26-page material to the attention of then Congressman Bonifacio Gillego at the instance of Mr. Reynaldo Berroya, who was then detained at the ISAFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo for the kidnapping of Taiwanese businessman Jack Chou which I investigated and help prosecute.

Another edition of the same "white paper" was distributed by Berroya himself upon his release from the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa just before the presidential election of 1998. I am attaching copies of the so-called "white paper" for your ready reference and, possibly, publication. First, allow me to set the record straight in the lies, falsehoods and inaccuracies that Mr. Tulfo committed dated July 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19.

It is not true that I met my wife, while she visiting her ex-husband, the late Reginal Hill at the headquarters of the Metrocom Police Intelligence Services or MPIS (MISG). The truth is, Alice never visited Reginald when he was detained since they were already separated at that time after Alice found out that she was a victim of a bigamous marriage, he being already a married man even when they first met. I also did not have occasion to meet Reginald because I was assigned with the Central Sector, PC Metrocom based in Camp Panopio in P. Tuazon, Quezon City, while he was detained in MPIS in Camp Crame. Reginald was among those convicted in the celebrated case of movie star Merle Fernandez (robbery and rape). The truth is, I met Alice on a blind date arrange by Mr. Roger Cuaderno sometime in 1973 in sunset Village, Parañaque, Metro Manila. Roger later become my bilas (brother-in-law) when he married Alice's sister, Emma De Perio.

I absolutely had nothing to do with the death of Reginal Hill. It is a matter of record in the police blotter of Las Piñas that he and his brother, Roberto died in a vehicular accident sometime in April 1978 while driving a Toyota car (not run over as Berroya and Tulfo had intentionally misled their readers). Roberto died instantly while Reginald was rushed but expired in Las Piñas hospital. These facts can all be verified since they can be made available by the agencies concerned like the police, the hospital, and the census (death certificate) and even insurance companies. Any responsible and conscientious journalist would have easily checked these facts and not simply resort to rumor mongering since they are all matters of public record.

It is a lie that my son, Ronald Jay was kicked out of the Philippine Military Academy. The truth is that my son resigned from the PMA since he never wanted, much less intended to be a military officer. It was I who practically forced him to enter the Academy since, like any alumnus of the PMA, it has been my dream that at least one of my sons would follow my footsteps.

Regarding an expensive watch that Mr. Tulfo mentioned in his column, this much I can say- I have never stolen anything from anybody, living or dead. I NEVER WILL!

On Mr. Tulfo's latest allegations involving the late Francisco "Kit" Mateo, again is a matter of public record that Mr. Mateo executed a sworn affidavit belying all these allegations. I can recall that Mr. Mateo together with his wife, Vina even held a press conference where they gave out copies of that affidavit to reporters. Mr. Tulfo can go on and on and I am sure he will continue destroying my character and reputation, but I humbly appeal to the readers of your newspaper to be more objective in their judgment. I am not a demon that Mr. Tulfo and his financier/s want so much to maliciously and viciously portray.

In all my thirty years in military and police service, I made sure I served well, honestly, with integrity and utmost dedication. There temptations of big money involved in my profession. I never wavered. Even now that I am a senator of this country I shall continue serving the public with honor and dignity of a true public servant.

Thank you very much for allowing my side to be heard. More power.

SEN. PANFILO M. LACSON

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