By Hannah Torregoza
The Senate yesterday ordered the release of former Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon from detention.
Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, signed the order releasing Faeldon from the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms (OSAA) and the Pasay City Jail.
Prior to being release, Faeldon promised he would stop “talking back” to senators when he is asked questions regarding the corruption in the BoC.
“We will call you on cognizance that when we ask you a question there will be no more back-talking and you will answer the questions directly,” Gordon told Faeldon at the resumption of the Senate’s investigation into the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China.
To which Faeldon replied: “Yes your honor.”
“Alright, so the committee chair hereby orders your release from incarceration,” Gordon said.
However, Gordon rebuked the audience who applauded his move right after he announced the decision.
“There is no applause here. There is only respect for the Senate, that doesn’t include people trying to applaud the release of somebody whose actions might not have been in accordance with the proper respect due the Senate,” Gordon said.
“You did not disrespect me. You disrespect the Senate and I’m duty-bound to protect the Senate,” he stressed.