The authorities will surely disagree but for a Catholic bishop, Senator Panfilo Lacson’s decision to leave the country is ‘justifiable’.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz on Friday admitted he knew that Lacson was fleeing not due to his double murder charges but to avoid being a victim of evil conspiracy.

“I knew Lacson was leaving. We met two or three days before he left (the country) but I don’t know where he was going,” said Cruz.

But the prelate believes the senator has nothing to do with the twin killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

Cruz said Lacson left the country because the Arroyo administration has not stopped harassing him.

“He is not a coward. He just does not stand a chance, and would have difficulty in getting a just trial,” the archbishop said.

“I was listening to him. His decision to leave the country is justifiable,” he added.

Initial reports said Lacson flew to Hong Kong on Jan. 5, and then went to Australia.

The filing of double murder charges against Lacson, authorities said is the result of an investigation wherein he was given ample time to answer the allegations against him.

Government authorities also called on the senator to return to the country to face charges against him.

Cruz said he had already lost communication with Lacson ever since the latter flee. “He would only contact me when there is a major issue,” he said.