Nicanor Faeldon still a no-show at Bureau of Corrections

MANILA, Philippines — It has been almost a month since former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon was appointed as Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general, but he has not reported to his new post and Malacañang has been informed of his continued absence. 

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who has supervision over BuCor, said that until last Thursday, Faeldon has not assumed the post as bureau chief.

Last Oct. 12 Guevarra reported that President Duterte had designated Faeldon to replace retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, who filed his certificate of candidacy for senator and resigned after serving as head of BuCor for only five months.

“He (Faeldon) has not shown up or said anything. I have no idea why. I have mentioned this fact to the executive secretary,” Guevarra said. 

“I told the ES (Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea) about it during the Cabinet meeting last Tuesday. He said that he would mention it to the President,” he added.

He also said that while there is an officer-in-charge running the day-to-day affairs of the correction facility, Guevarra admitted that the powers of the acting BuCor head are limited. 

Guevarra earlier said that Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who is BuCor deputy director general for security and operation, has been appointed as officer-in-charge of the detention facility.

But since Buenafe is only serving as acting BuCor chief, the detention facility is unable to function normally.

If the BuCor has a director general then that person would be able to perform other functions for the bureau such as sign important contracts, procure materials of substantial value and move personnel.

Faeldon, a former Marine captain, was among the young military rebel officers who led the 2003 mutiny and took over Oakwood Premier hotel in Makati. 

When Duterte ran for president in 2016, Faeldon was among those who actively campaigned for him. 

After Duterte won the presidency, Faeldon was appointed as Bureau of Customs commissioner.