MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday has ordered the release of former Bureau of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon from detention.
The move came after Faeldon, now deputy administrator at the Office of Civil Defense, vowed to panel chair Sen. Richard Gordon that he would answer all questions during the inquiry into the P6.4-billion smuggled shabu shipment from China and the alleged corruption at Customs.
“We will call you on cognizance that when we ask you a question, there will be no more back talking and you will answer directly. Do you commit to that?” Gordon asked, to which Faeldon answered in affirmative.
“The committee chair hereby orders your release,” Gordon added.
Faeldon has been detained by the chamber at the Pasay City Jail last January 29 for contempt. He was first detained at the Senate in September.
Gordon, who had traded barbs with Faeldon, moreover, stressed that the panel does not find “pleasure in citing people for contempt.”
“I am not on a power trip here. I am duty-bound to protect the Senate,” Gordon said.