FORMER Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon may now assume the position of chief of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) following the signing of his appointment papers by President Duterte.
This was confirmed by Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, who was earlier “baffled” by Faeldon’s silence over the President’s offer for him to lead the BuCor.
Guevarra’s pronouncement prompted Faeldon to break his silence and disclose that the reason for his failure to report as BuCor chief was the lack of official appointment from the Palace.
Faeldon will be replacing retired Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa as BuCor chief after the latter resigned last month to pursue his senatorial bid in next year’s elections.
“Nicanor Faeldon’s appointment papers as director general of the BuCor have been signed by the President and ready for release by the executive secretary,” Guevarra told reporters.
He also said Faeldon has expressed his desire to take his oath before him on Wednesday prior to officially assuming his post which coincided with the 113th anniversary of the BuCor, an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The BuCor is tasked to oversee and manage operations of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City and other penal colonies in the provinces.
It can be recalled that Faeldon’s appointment was announced by the President last month but the former customs commissioner has kept silent over it until his appointment paper is released.
The DOJ secretary earlier asked the Civil Service Commission to evaluate and endorse Faeldon to the Office of the President as part of the requirements for his appointment.
Faeldon was forced to resign as customs chief after his name was dragged into the P6.4 billion worth of shabu that was purportedly smuggled into country last year.
Drug-related charges were filed against Faeldon and several other customs official in connection with the illegal shipment, but it was eventually dismissed by the DOJ.