Faeldon released from detention

THE Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday, March 12, released former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon from detention, after the former Marine captain agreed to stop “backtalking or contentious talk.”

Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the blue ribbon committee, announced Faeldon’s release during the continuation of the committee’s investigation into the P6.4-billion methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, shipment from China that slipped through Customs.

Gordon said his committee does not find pleasure in citing people for contempt but insisted that as chair, it is his obligation to protect the Senate as an institution.

“You did not disrespect me. You disrespected the Senate and I am duty-bound to protect this institution as chair of the blue ribbon,” Gordon said after he announced the committee’s decision to release Faeldon.

Faeldon, now Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator, assured that he will answer the committee’s queries in future hearings.

Faeldon has been detained in the Senate since September of last year after refusing to participate in the committee’s investigation. He was transferred to the Pasay City Jail in January after bickering with Gordon.

In August 2017, Faeldon also engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson when the lawmakers accused him of being at the center of corruption at the Bureau of Customs. SunStar Philippines