‘Never been happier than now’: Sacked BuCor chief Faeldon attends Day 3 of GCTA law probe

MANILA, Philippines — After missing the morning session of the third Senate hearing into the Good Conduct Time Allowance law on Thursday, sacked Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon surfaced at the Senate premises to attend the public inquiry.

This is the first public appearance of Faeldon since he was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte for “disobeying” his orders and allowing the release of inmates with high-profile cases on Wednesday evening. Faeldon, however, said he felt relieved.

“I've never been happier than now. ‘Pag nawalan ka ng yoke sa balikat mo, you can soundly sleep (If you lose a yoke on your shoulder, you can soundly sleep),” he told the reporters before attending the Senate hearing.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, is conducting a joint hearing into the controversial GCTA law with the committees on constitutional amendments and revision of codes; committee on public order and dangerous drugs; and finance.

LIVE: Senate probe into GCTA law, possible release of Antonio Sanchez – Day 3

On Thursday morning, Gordon said Faeldon’s lawyer begged off to attend the Senate hearing.

The senator said the Senate committee would not sanction him even if he was issued a subpoena to attend the probe.

READ: No sanction as Faeldon skips Senate probe into GCTA law

Gordon summoned Faeldon to attend the hearing since he was involved in implementing the GCTA law, a penal act that allows the shortening of sentences of inmates for their good behavior while inside jail.

Faeldon was also asked to attend the hearing to clarify the supposed release order he signed for former mayor and convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez.

Sanchez was sentenced to seven life terms of up to 40 years of imprisonment for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her boyfriend Allan Gomez, both University of the Philippines Los Baños students, in 1993.

His impending release caused public outrage and met opposition from government officials.