Faeldon graft case trial reset to March 7 —Sandiganbayan

The hearing in the graft case of former Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner Nicanor Faeldon was reset to March 7, the Sandiganbayan said Tuesday.

According to the Fifth Division, the hearing was rescheduled due to the non-appearance of former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, a prosecution witness. 

Lacson was expected to give his testimony during the hearing.

Sought for comment, Lacson said he was unwell.

“I had a bad sore throat and clogged nose when I woke up this morning… my doctor advised bed rest for three to four days then COVID test tomorrow or Thursday,” he told GMA News Online.

In 2017, Lacson filed two counts of graft and economic sabotage against Faeldon for allegedly ordering the release of rice shipments consigned to Cebu Lite Trading Inc. (CLTI) worth P34 million in Cagayan de Oro City.

The case was in connection with the 40,000 bags of Vietnamese white rice which arrived at the port of Cagayan de Oro, all of which did not have the required documents to allow the importation and the needed import permits.

In February, the Sandiganbayan issued the minute resolution finding probable cause, which resulted in the issuance of the warrant of arrest. — with Llanesca T. Panti/BM, GMA Integrated News