Silent protest, Faeldon skips hearings

Former Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, snubbed the Senate hearing on the smuggling of P6.4 billion-worth shabu from China on Thursday, as a protest against some Senators’ ‘impartiality.’

In a letter sent to Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the blue ribbon committee, Faeldon has stated that while he respects the Senate as an institution, he no longer has faith on those who ‘have lied to malign him and other innocent resources persons.’

“I will attend all investigations to be conducted by a competent court anytime, anywhere when cases are filed against me,” a part of his letter said.

Faeldon submitted a waiver allowing the Senate to check his bank accounts in the country and abroad.

The former Customs Commissioner expressed frustration on being deprived of enough time and not being able to give his full explanation during the past hearings he has attended, as he expected to be heard rather than to just be condemned.

“It is really frustrating to answer by only yes or no without a chance to explain my answers. Also, some questions cannot be answered by a mere yes or no,” Faeldon stated.

He however stressed that he is not defying the Senate, but he is ‘protesting’ for he wants him and his team to be the ‘last victims of baseless accusations, persecution, and condemnation.’

“I categorically deny his accusations. Sen. Lacson lied when he claimed this,” the letter added.

In his privilege speech “Kita Kita”, Senator Panfilo Lacson accused him with other BOC officials as recipients of the tara system.

Faeldon countered this in a press conference, turning the tables to the Senator’s son, Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr.’s alleged smuggling of cement. He has also denied Lacson’s claims.

Senator Lacson answered Faeldon in a press conference and in the hearing, and said that if his son is really involved, he will be the first to sue him. The Senator has also stressed that Faeldon should also face the claims thrown at him directly and head-on.

Another part of the letter was, “Sen. Antonio Trillanes has publicly accused me when I received bribe money. Sen. Trillanes also lied when he claimed this.” Faeldon furthered that these senators have destroyed his and his team’s reputations which caused a daily trauma for them and their families.

Senator Gordon said that Faeldon may be cited in contempt. “He has been properly invited and subpoenaed. Although he has grievances, I’d like the Senate to address this particular matter,” he said.

Faeldon also said that his immediate family members are willing to sign waivers and are willing to have their bank accounts investigated.