Gordon: Faeldon denied furlough for his own safety

MANILA, Philippines — In reaction to former Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon's claims that he was being punished inhumanely, Sen. Richard Gordon explained why the former's requests were denied.

READ: Faeldon accuses Gordon of 'inhumane treatment'

Justifying his denial of Faeldon's recent request to leave detention to hear mass and have a checkup with his doctor prior to attending the Black Nazarene event, Gordon said that the former Customs chief could attend mass at the Senate and that the Office of the Sergeant at Arms could guarantee his safety if he would attend the traslacion.

Gordon said Faeldon had also requested that he be allowed to leave detention without OSAA personnel. Allowing him to do so would mean that he was being released from custody without clearing himself.

Faeldon has been under Senate custody for contempt since last September for refusing to attend the Senate blue ribbon committee's inquiry into the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China.

Gordon added that he did not approve Faeldon's request to leave detention to take his oath before Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana due to previous threats made against him.

"The Chair further suggested that he take his oath in the premises of the Senate where we could be assured of his safety," Gordon said in a statement.

The senator noted that Faeldon's previous requests of celebrating family events had been granted for humanitarian considerations and due to the fact that the events were held within Senate premises.

Gordon stressed that the request of Faeldon for a furlough could not be granted because he is being held for contempt.

"The citation for contempt was, and still is, a collegial act with the Chair, on his own, cannot reverse," Gordon said.

Being appointed to a position in the executive department also does not allow Faeldon to get out of detention, the senator added.

Gordon also denied Faeldon's claim that he would be deprived of his visitation rights, along with water and electricity in his detention cell, if he would release a statement against the senator.

"This is beneath the dignity of the Committee and the Chair," Gordon said.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III earlier said that Faeldon will remain in detention until he cooperates with the senators by answering questions in the shabu smuggling issue. — Patricia Lourdes Viray