Dismissed Engineer Brice Hernandez Returns to Senate Detention Amid Renewed Trust in Leadership

Dismissed Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Hernandez was transferred back to the Senate Detention Facility on Monday after his lawyers conveyed their renewed confidence in the current Senate leadership. Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed Hernandez’s readmission occurred following a hearing on his writ of amparo petition, which sought protection after Hernandez was initially moved to the Pasay City Jail.

In a letter addressed to Sotto, Hernandez’s counsel Ernest Levanza and Raymond Pasco emphasized their client’s restored trust in the Senate leadership, particularly in President Sotto and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Panfilo Lacson. They stated, "There is assurance that the Senate will stand not only as a body of discipline but as exemplar of fairness."

The lawyers added that Hernandez "places his hope for safety within the Senate and entrusts his security to its custody—an act that, in turn, will stand as a testament to the Senate’s enduring commitment to fairness, justice, and the protection of those who dare to speak truth."

Hernandez was originally detained at the Senate after being cited for contempt by the Blue Ribbon Committee during an inquiry into irregularities in flood control projects, then chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta. Following his initial detention, Hernandez appeared before the House of Representatives but requested not to return to the Senate facility after alleging that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva had received kickbacks related to flood control contracts.

Subsequently, he was transferred to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, where he remained under the supervision of the Senate Sergeant at Arms. The Senate leadership then transitioned, with Vicente Sotto appointed as Senate President and Panfilo Lacson succeeding as Blue Ribbon Committee Chair.

Senator Marcoleta and the Senate minority raised concerns regarding Hernandez’s detention at the PNP facility, leading to a compromise that resulted in Hernandez’s relocation to the Pasay City Jail prior to his return to Senate custody.

The developments highlight the evolving dynamics within the Senate as new leadership seeks to uphold procedural fairness while managing high-profile cases involving government officials.