Senators praise Duterte’s dismissal of Faeldon

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators on Wednesday night backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s dismissal of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Nicanor Faeldon.

The President made the decision to fire Faeldon after two hearing on the alleged misapplication of the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law, which allowed the release of almost 2,000 heinous crime convicts.

The Senate has so far conducted two hearings on the issue.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that he had expected Faeldon’s dismissal, saying that the issue was “untenable.”

But Sotto said that he wished other officials within the BuCor would be asked to resign as well.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Faeldon “was caught lying” despite the opportunity given to him by the Senate to clarify the issue.

“He was caught lying and still had the temerity to try holding on to the office,” Zubiri said. “The Senate gave him all the opportunity to cooperate and tell the truth. He didn’t take his fair chance. I think we gave him fair treatment. He deserves to be removed from the BuCor.”

Likewise, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said: “I support the President’s decision.”

Drilon was the justice secretary when then-Mayor Antonio Sanchez of Calauan, Laguna, was convicted over the rape-slay of University of the Philippines Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and the murder of her companion Allan Gomez.

It was news of Sanchez’s possible early release under the GCTA law that caused a public uproar, prompting investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Fight against criminality

Sen. Panfilo Lacson commended the President’s move, noting that the rights of victims and the public should be given priority over those of criminal offenders.

“Firing Faeldon and giving 15 days for the 1,900 released convicts to surrender are reasons enough for me to continue supporting President Duterte’s advocacies and programs against criminality,” Lacson said.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said that Faeldon’s dismissal was a victory for the families of Sarmenta and Gomez as well as the public.

“If the people did not show their anger, Sanchez and so many others like him would probably have been released,” he said in Filipino. “This proves the power of people who take risks and make a stand for justice.”

Pangilinan also called for the government not to transfer Faeldon to another office following his dismissal.

Faeldon previously served as the chief of the Bureau of Customs, a post he resigned after a P6.4-billion shipment of crystal meth managed to slip into the country in 2017.

“Don’t transfer Faeldon to another agency,” Pangilinan said. “Charge him with perjury for his lying in the Senate and for possible violation of Section 3e of the Anti-Graft and -Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) for releasing prisoners who are not qualified.”

Continued probe

Sen. Joel Villanueva, who also backed the dismissal, said that the Senate would release a list of recommendations following its probe.

“This is a commendable move of the President in response to the series of failure in leadership of Faeldon and his association with corruption… The Senate investigation will culminate [tomorrow] I think and there will be a list of recommendations for sure,” Villanueva said.

Sen. Imee Marcos said that it was now the responsibility of the House of Representatives and the Senate to address the issues surrounding the GCTA law.

“Thank [you], Mr. President, for protecting our families from these criminals! Now it’s the job of Congress [referring to the House], the Senate [to] sort out the GCTA ASAP,” Marcos said.

/atm