By Moira Encina
Eagle News Service
Former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has asked the Supreme Court to stop what he said was the Senate’s illegal detention of him over his refusal to attend hearings on corruption in the Bureau of Customs, and on the P6.4-billion shabu shipment mess.
In a 30-page petition, Faeldon asked the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order pending resolution of his petition.
Faeldon noted that the Senate’s detention was tantamount to a violation of due process.
He noted that there was no legislative purpose for his detention, other than the blue ribbon committee’s obsession over him, and the grandstanding and media mileage Senator Panfilo Lacson wanted to gain from the situation.
Faeldon remains detained at the Senate since September last year for his refusal to attend the hearings.
But only recently, the Senate allowed him to temporarily leave detention so he could administer his oath as deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, see the birth of his child, and undergo a checkup with a cardiologist.
Senate Richard Gordon, blue ribbon committee chair, said over the weekend that Faeldon could be transferred to the Pasay City Jail if he still refuses to attend.
