Faeldon has ‘heart problems,’ says chief of staff

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon (right). FILE PHOTO by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon is currently having heart problems and could not be released from the hospital yet, his chief of staff Mandy Therese Anderson disclosed on Wednesday evening.

Faeldon attended neither the House of Representatives ways and means committee’s inquiry nor the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry both held on Wednesday.

Anderson told the House committee that Faeldon’s “having heart problems.”

“He was in the hospital at the time, and as far as I know, his fiancée suggested that he have a checkup since he’s been having chest problems,” she said.

Anderson said she also asked if her boss could be released by Thursday, to which the answer was in the negative.

Asked by lawmakers if he’s had similar health problems before, Anderson said Faeldon had breathing difficulties a few months ago “because of the pollution.”

During the House dangerous drugs committee’s hearing on Monday, Deputy Commissioner Natalio Ecarma attributed Faeldon’s absence to a “dental emergency.” This prompted Deputy Speaker Miro Quimbo to exclaim then that for reasons “less than a heart attack, he should show up.”

Faeldon has been in the hot seat after 605 kilograms of shabu (crystal meth) slipped past Customs controls. The cargo was eventually seized in a Valenzuela City warehouse on May 26, but lawmakers criticized the agency for “bungling” the raid by mishandling evidence and failing to abide by the proper procedures.