Lacson has trouble getting NBI clearance

MANILA - For those having problems securing clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, you are not alone. Former senator Panfilo Lacson admitted Friday he had 10 "hits" or cases that prevented him from getting an NBI clearance. He said that at least one of the cases involved a charge of slight physical injuries filed way back in October 1972. "When you say 10 hits, 10 ang dapat i-clear mo. Most of them cleared na. You just need a formal letter informing the NBI plus the attached documents na cleared na yung kaso," he said in an ANC interview. The former senator said he had to secure clearances from the NBI, Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan and Civil Service Commission in preparation for his possible appointment to a new anti-corruption body. He said he recently talked to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to iron out possible kinks in forming the new body. The former lawmaker said he is currently enjoying his retirement with family and friends after his term as senator expired this year. "Ang nami-miss ko dun yung mga sidelights, yung dun sa media, yung katuwaan dun. Before the session will start, merong tete-a-tete with the media people and employees of the Senate," he said. ANC, August 23, 2013