Senator Panfilo Lacson should make his testimony on the 2000 killing of publicist Salvardo Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in the court rather than in the immune walls of the Senate, Malacañang said Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the court would be the proper venue for Lacson to defend himself from allegations he was involved in the Dacer-Corbito murder.

Golez said Lacson should submit himself to due process, adding his testimony in court may also help tie some loose ends in the protracted case.

“Mabuti naman sinabi nya na magsasabi siya ng katotohanan tungkol dito at pinakaimportante dalhin ito sa tamang forum, dalhin nila sa korte hindi kung saan-saang forum para sa ganun umusad ang kaso at malaman na at magkaroon ng hustisya lalong lalo na sa pamilya Dacer,” Golez said over government radio.

Former police officer Cezar Mancao has implicated Lacson and former President Joseph Estrada in the death of Dacer and Corbito nine years ago. Lacson and Estrada have denied the charges linking them to the murders and cried foul of government harassment.

On alleged claims of former Senator Ernesto Maceda that Mancao’s testimony is just hearsay, Golez said it is up to the court to decide what is hearsay or not. “That is reason why we have cross examination to appreciate evidence so the case will move forward,” he said.

Malacañang earlier advised Estrada and Lacson to defend their innocence in court in connection with the Dacer-Corbito murder case rather than blame the government for the legal woes. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the accused should eventually have to face the charges in court.