Gordon: 1 witness backed out of Senate hearing on GCTA due to ‘cold feet’

MANILA, Philippines — One witness was supposed to testify on the controversial “GCTA (Good Conduct Time Allowance) for sale” scheme at the Senate hearing held Thursday, but backed out last minute after getting “cold feet,” Senator Richard Gordon bared.  

“Dalawa dapat sila… To be fair, wala naman akong kinalaman dun sa mga witness… incredulous ako dyan tapos nag-iingat ako,” Gordon told reporters in an interview on Friday. 

“There was another person, dapat ‘yung dumating na tinyente, hindi naman nag-testify. He got cold feet,” the senator added. 

During the Senate hearing Thursday night, a witness named Yolanda Camilon bared that she paid P50,000 to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials to secure the release of her common-law partner.

READ: Witness tells Senate: Freedom comes with a price tag in Bilibid

Asked if the witness backed out upon seeing recently-sacked BuCor Chief Nicanor Faeldon present at the hearing, Gordon replied: “Maari, nandun si Faeldon eh di ba?” 

Gordon gave details on the witness who backed out, saying he is a BuCor official and was present at the Senate hearing. 

Pressed further if the BuCor official will testify on Monday’s hearing, Gordon said: “We will see. Kung meron ganyan at meron akong makitang kinalaman ‘yung mga senador, we will grill him. That’s a possibility.” /je