Lacson says Faeldon to work behind Senate detention cell

Sen. Panfilo Lacson INQUIRER.net file photo

Former Customs Chief Nicanor Faeldon can assume his new post at the Department of National Defense (DND), but he might have to function from the Senate detention facility “via remote control” unless the chamber lifts its contempt citation against him, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.

“The Senate cannot dictate on the president who to appoint or not. Faeldon has not been convicted of any crime yet and certainly he is not barred from assuming an appointive or even an elective position,” Lacson told reporters in a text message.

While the President Rodrigo Duterte has the authority to exercise his prerogative to appoint Faeldon, Lacson said the Senate could not be dictated upon to release the former Customs chief.

“However, the Senate cannot also be dictated upon to release Faeldon from custody. So, while he can assume his new post at the OCD (Office of Civil Defense), he may have to function  from the Senate detention facility via remote control, unless his contempt citation is lifted by the Senate acting as a collegial body,” the senator added.

Duterte has appointed Faeldon as deputy administrator III of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) under the Department of National Defense.

READ: Palace appoints Faeldon at DND

Faeldon is currently detained at the Senate detention facility after the Senate blue ribbon committee investigating the BOC mess ordered his detention when he repeatedly refused to appear before the panel’s hearing. /jpv