Corruption claims vs. Faeldon, Lacson Jr. should be investigated—Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo (FILE)

Malacañang on Thursday said the corruption allegations against former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and the son of Sen. Panfilo Lacson should both be investigated.

Lacson on Wednesday claimed that Faeldon received P100 million as “welcome gift” right after assuming his position at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

READ: Holy mackerel! Lacson bares Faeldon got P100-M ‘pasalubong’

Faeldon, who has denied the allegation, has been under fire due to the P6.4-billion worth of smuggled drugs from China.

Faeldon hit back at Lacson, saying the senator’s son, Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr., has been smuggling billions-worth of cement in the country.

READ: Faeldon points Lacson a smuggler

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella answered in the affirmative when asked if the accusations against Faeldon should be investigated.

“Of course the President will support all investigations. Since the inquiries have started, it’s best that we are not seen interfering,” Abella said in a Palace briefing.

The Palace official said the accusations against Lacson’s son should also be verified and investigated.

“That also has to be verified. That also has to undergo proper investigation,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said that Faeldon is an “honest” man surrounded by corrupt officials and employees at Customs.

But on Monday night, Duterte said he has appointed Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Chief Isidro Lapeña to replace Faeldon at the Customs. JPV

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