Senate panel endorses criminal raps vs. Faeldon, BuCor execs over GCTA controversy

The Senate blue ribbon committee has found former Bureau of Corrections Director General Nicanor Faeldon liable for graft over the Good Conduct Time Allowance controversy, including the near-release of ex-Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez. 

In a 41-page Committee Report No. 36, the Senate panel concluded that Faeldon committed nonfeasance when he approved the release of Sanchez on the account of GCTA without securing clearance from Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra—an action which violates Department Order 953.

The BuCor is under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department.

Aside from Faeldon, the Senate panel also recommended the filing of direct bribery criminal raps and grave offense administrative charges against three BuCor officials and three New Bilibid Prison officials for allegedly granting GCTA releases and hospital stay for inmates in exchange for cash.

These officials include: BuCor Chief of the Documents and Record Section Ramoncito Roque, BuCor Corrections Senior Inspector Mabel Bansil, BuCor Corrections Officer Veronica Buno, Director Ernesto Tamayo of New Bilibid Prison Hospital Directorate for Health Services, Dr. Ursicio Cenas who serves as Medical Officer of New Bilibid Prison Hospital and nursing attendant Meryl Benitez of New Bilibid Prison Hospital.

“The BuCor  is manned by rotten apples, and corrupt officials. It is rotten to the core—and, from top to bottom,” the committee report read.

The Senate Blue Ribbon panel argued that the BuCor officials should be replaced en masse.

“If we are to improve its functions, if we are to have the Bureau regain the trust of our people, no less than a massive change in personnel and in character is required,” the committee report read.

“The mere lancing of the boil will not be sufficient. Putrefaction in that agency is so far advanced, only a total replacement of the whole bureaucracy will allow us to see a new, honest, sincere, serious, and effective agency,” the report added.

The controversy led to the resignation of Faeldon from the BuCor.

The Senate probe on GCTA—of which the committee report was based—was prompted by the public outrage over the reported release of Sanchez who has been convicted of seven counts of rape and seven counts of homicide over the rape and killing of Eileen Sarmenta and death of Allan Gomez in 1993.

Sanchez’s 1993 conviction made by Pasig City Regional Trial Court was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 1999 decision. — RSJ, GMA News