Faeldon detained for not testifying in Senate hearing

Former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has been detained “indefinitely” at the Senate until he cooperates with the blue ribbon committee probe into the P6.4-billion shabu shipment, Senator Richard Gordon said Monday.

The decision was made after Gordon and Faeldon met at the office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms for about 30 minutes.

Faeldon feels that he will be treated unfairly by Senators Panfilo Lacson and Antonio Trillanes IV, both of whom have accused him of being involved in the corruption at the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Gordon said.

Asked until when Faeldon will in the custody of the Senate, Gordon said it would depend on two things. “Until he decides to come over, until the Senate says ‘you may go’.”

“Hindi naman siya nagmamatigas kaya lang sabi niya, 'yun ang desisyon niya na hindi siya haharap dito,” Gordon.

“He just wasn’t willing to go to the Senate kasi andoon 'yung dalawa,” Gordon added, referring to Lacson and Trillanes.

Faeldon arrived at the Senate just before noon wearing a white shirt printed with the message “truth is justice.”

Earlier Monday, Faeldon said he wanted a clarification on the privilege of immunity from suit accorded to Senators who deliver speeches.

He said if the Supreme Court or any other body would make an official clarification that lawmakers "can violate" the Bill of Rights, he will be willingly attend the hearings of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the shabu shipment.

"Ang gusto kong linwain dito ay ang batas ba natin ay may group ng mga mamayan—ang mga mambabatas—above the law? Puwede nilang i-violate ang Bill of Rights natin. 'Pag sinabi ng Supreme Court, eh 'di sige I'll go back to the hearings," Faeldon said.

In a privilege speech last month, Lacson accused Faeldon of receiving “tara” or bribe money during his stint at Customs commissioner. — VDS, GMA News