Nicanor Faeldon’s appointment to BuCor pending – DOJ

MANILA, Philippines — The appointment papers of former Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon as head of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) remain pending, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified yesterday.

President Duterte appointed Faeldon to replace Ronald dela Rosa as BuCor chief last month, but the former Marine captain has yet to formally assume the post.

Guevarra said Faeldon’s appointment papers have yet to be issued by Malacañang.

“The President declared in October that he wanted Faeldon to head the BuCor. To date, the appointment has not been executed. Faeldon can’t assume the post as his appointment is still pending,” Guevarra said.

He said the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested the Civil Service Commission to evaluate and endorse Faeldon to the Office of the President as part of the requirements for his appointment.

‘No paper, no appointment’

Faeldon’s camp said he has not been officially notified of his appointment as BuCor chief.

Jose Diño Jr., lawyer for Faeldon, said Malacañang has not confirmed the appointment.

“Unless and until he receives a copy of an official appointment, then there is no appointment to speak of,” Diño told reporters.

Guevarra said he found it “curious” that Faeldon has been mum about the President’s plan to appoint him as head of the BuCor.

“I suppose he’s just being prudent, just waiting for the appointment process to be completed,” the DOJ chief said.

Guevarra earlier said Assistant Secretary Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who is the BuCor deputy director general for security and operations, was appointed officer-in-charge of the bureau.

“But his authority as OIC is limited. There is a need to immediately appoint a BuCor director general,” Guevarra said.

Sen. Francis Escudeo said President Duterte should not appoint Faeldon to any post as he does not appear to be “fit to be in government service.”

“He has been assigned to different positions inspite of the controversies hounding him. I hope Secretary Guevarra would talk to the President to show there are no sacred cows in the administration,” Escudero said.

He said Faeldon should have declined the offer of the President if he did not want the BuCor post. – With Paolo Romero, Ghio Ong