BuCor chief Faeldon shows up at Senate hearing on GCTA law

MANILA, Philippines – Flu-stricken Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon showed up on Monday at the Senate’s hearing on the controversial law extending good conduct time allowance (GCTA) given to prisoners.

“Tinatrangkaso, umuulan eh,” Faeldon told reporters before he entered the session hall for the hearing when asked how he was feeling.

The BuCor chief said he canceled all his activities to attend Monday’s hearing.

“Priority natin yung hearing,” he added.

Faeldon earlier said he cannot make it to the Senate due to a prior commitment.

Reports of the possible release of convicted rapist and murderer, former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez prompted calls for a probe into the impending release of thousands of inmates under Republic Act 10592 or the GCTA law.

Senator Panfilo Lacson also revealed last week that several Chinese drug lords have been freed under the said law.

The Senate over the weekend issued a subpoena summoning Faeldon to attend the inquiry.

Asked if he is willing cooperate and answer all questions from the senators, Faeldon replied: That’s my responsibility.

Faeldon was previously arrested and detained at the Senate for six months for his refusal to participate in the investigation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, also chaired by Gordon, on the alleged corruption at the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

Faeldon headed the agency at the time.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairman or the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee, earlier said that he would cancel the investigation should the BuCor chief fail show up at the Senate. /gsg