Hernandez Returns to Senate custody After Court Order
Brice Hernandez, former assistant engineer for Bulacan’s first district, is once again in the custody of the Senate, arriving at 10:10 a.m. Monday after being transferred from the Pasay City Jail. A medical examination was conducted upon his arrival, according to the Office of the Senate President.
Hernandez’s return follows a petition for a writ of amparo filed by his legal counsel wiht the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112. The writ sought a temporary protection order and placement in the witness protection program, with Atty. Ernest Levanza stating, “The Writ of Amparo was filed to secure his protection and ensure his freedom from threat and harm.” Levanza welcomed the court’s decision to transfer Hernandez to the Senate,adding,”With the court’s order transferring him from Pasay City Jail to the Senate,the risk to his safety has been significantly reduced. We welcome this positive and favorable growth.”
Hernandez initially requested not to be returned to Senate custody after alleging, during a House infrastructure committee hearing, that “some senators” were involved in anomalies related to flood control projects. He was first moved to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, then subsequently transferred to Pasay City Jail following debate among senators regarding his detention location.
Hernandez’s camp then formally requested his readmission to the Senate detention facility, citing ”renewed faith” in the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. The letter emphasized, ”[T]here is assurance that the Senate will stand not only as a body of discipline but as an exemplar of fairness.To allow Brice Hernandez to remain within the Senate is to affirm that the institution does not turn away from difficult truths, nor cast aside those who risk their safety to speak them.”
Senate President Sotto granted the request, and the court acknowledged the order. Hernandez is scheduled to appear at the next hearing of the Blue Ribbon committee.
-with a report from Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News
