Faeldon now admits authority over release order

MANILA, Philippines— Who really has the authority over the release order of inmates?

At first, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon said he only signed a memorandum of order to start the process of release of persons deprived of liberty (PDL), including former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez.

But he said it was not yet a release order, which he said must be signed by jail officials.

“Only the superintendent can issue the release order,” he earlier told the Senate committee on justice.

READ: Faeldon insists: There’s no release order for Sanchez

When opposition Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, however, asked later if he had a memorandum order that had been reversed in the past, the BuCor chief answered in the negative.

“In other words, administrative na lang. Wala nang discretion itong superintendent para pumirma o gumawa ng release order. Wala na siyang discretion, susunod na lang dun sa memorandum of release?” Pangilinan pointed out.

“Yes, your honor,” the BuCor chief said.

“So hindi maaring ibaligtad ng superintendent ‘yung memorandum of release order?” the senator asked again, to which Faeldon answered yes.

“So ibig sabihin kayo talaga ang may kapangyarihan at ‘yung memorandum order ay kumbaga ‘yun ang susi, ‘yung release order ay susunod na lamang dun sa memorandum order,” Pangilinan said.

Faeldon agreed, “Yes sir, that will trigger the processing of the release until the superintendent will issue the final release order.” /je