Senate frees Faeldon

MANILA, Philippines — Former Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon was freed yesterday from the Senate custody after being detained for more than five months.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, ordered the release of Faeldon after he showed “proper decorum and respect” to the chamber.

The Senate detained Faeldon for contempt in September last year after he refused to testify on the P6.4-billion shabu smuggling from China that slipped past the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in May 2017.

Faeldon faced the hearing yesterday with escorts from the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

Gordon said he ordered the release of Faeldon because of his improved demeanor.

“We will call you in future hearings on cognizance that when we ask you a question there will be no more back-talking and you will answer the questions directly,” Gordon told Faeldon, who responded in the affirmative.

“Do you commit to that?” he pressed Faeldon, who replied, “Yes, your honor.”

“You did not disrespect me. You disrespected the Senate and I’m duty-bound to protect the Senate,” Gordon said.

He signed the release order in front of Faeldon, who told reporters he can finally marry his long-time partner.

Gordon said the Senate panel’s probe on corruption at the BOC would continue.

President Duterte appointed Faeldon as deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense last Dec. 22 while he was detained at the Senate.

Faeldon was transferred to the Pasay City jail on Jan. 29 after he continued to berate senators during a previous hearing.