No more new appointment for Faeldon – Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is no longer inclined to appoint dismissed corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon to another post but remains convinced that he is an honest man.

“No… I don’t think so. He has had enough of controversies in the last few years. But I don’t believe he is dishonest,” the President told GMA News in an interview aired last night.

Duterte drew flak last Friday for saying that he still believes in Faeldon despite the latter’s disobeying his orders not to release convicts who displayed good conduct. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President is convinced the former corrections chief is not involved in corruption.

Despite the controversy hounding Faeldon, Duterte justified his preference for former military officials, saying they quickly obey his orders.

He said the corrections officials involved in the discharge of heinous crime convicts should be ready to face investigation.

“They have to face the music, those who participated in the proceedings, those who prepared the document, made the study and made the recommendation,” the President said.

Duterte also reiterated his call for convicts released early due to the good conduct time allowance law (GCTA) to turn themselves in.

“I won’t put you to jail. I’m just asking you to come back, have your sentence recomputed and if you fall within the category of those who will be released, you can go,” the President said.

“For the heinous crimes, well, let me think about it. Either I set you free or I’ll drop you there in the Pasig River,” he added.

For those who refuse to surrender, Duterte said his order is for government forces to get them “dead or alive.”

He said there are unclear provisions in the GCTA law, which came to light following the near release of convicted murderer-rapist Antonio Sanchez.

“This law is not equivocal. It can be the subject of many interpretations. If it is the subject of many interpretations and even (Justice) Secretary (Menardo) Guevarra said, we will ask for a clarification from the Supreme Court, (that) means to say that law is not very clear,” he said.

Duterte also revealed that he did not grant the request for absolute pardon of former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste, who was sentenced to a 12-year jail term for killing his aide Rafael delas Alas in Makati in 2007.

“The problem there is he said, ‘give me a pardon because I want to run.’ He will use my pardon as an excuse for him to run. If he asked me to pardon him because of old age, I might consider. You really grant pardon to those who are sick,” Duterte said.

Earlier yesterday, Malacañang said the corrupt practices at BuCor may have slipped past Faeldon.

Panelo said Duterte is convinced that Faeldon had nothing to do with the alleged anomalies in the implementation of the GCTA law.

“I think it’s something personal. That means he is not involved. Just like in customs, we may have been outfoxed,” Panelo said in a press briefing.

“People are having a hard time there. Ever since, even during previous administrations, they have been doing that. Regardless of who you place there, if they are good in doing that, they will really outfox you,” he added.

Last Wednesday, Duterte fired Faeldon for disobeying his order not to release high-profile crime convicts who displayed good conduct until further notice.

He has also expressed suspicion that there was corruption in the implementation of GCTA law and that some convicts may have resorted to bribes to secure their early release.