Duterte trust can’t save Faeldon

Dismissed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Nicanor Faeldon (left, seated) attends a Senate hearing on Monday. (Hana Bordey)

President Rodrigo Duterte’s continued trust on dismissed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Nicanor Faeldon does not mean he is absolved from accountability on the controversy surrounding the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) of inmates.

Faeldon was relieved by the President from his post last week over his supposed “disobedience” to orders regarding the early release of high-profile heinous crime convicts for their supposed good behavior while behind bars.

“The standard is that you will be removed for corruption, incompetence, disobeying,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing Monday.

“(But) The President knows Mr. Faeldon personally and they have had experiences in the past that allowed Duterte to trust him until now,” he added.

Panelo further said Mr. Duterte’s trust in the former BuCor chief is anchored on Faeldon being an “honest” man, a matter that is “personal” to the President, according to Panelo.

But having a personal relationship with the Chief Executive does not mean Faeldon will be easily let off the hook.

The President’s perception of Faeldon or any trusted appointee, however, is “subject to change” if “there are circumstances that alter his belief.”

“He’s been given the highest penalty of dismissal from his position,” stated Panelo.

“The guilt of Faeldon, whether criminal or administrative, will depend on the result of the investigation and recommendation of the inquiring body like the Senate and the Ombudsman,” he added.

Faeldon being appointed to another government post, according to the spokesman, remains “the call of the President” and that the public simply have to “trust him” should Mr. Duterte decide to do so.

“That’s speculating that he will be reappointed. That is in the realm of speculation. I would suggest trust the President first,” Panelo concluded.