Ex-DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez back in Senate detention

Metro Manila, Philippines - After much debate over his custody, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez was returned to the Senate detention facility from the Pasay City Jail on Monday, September 15.

Hernandez, the former assistant district engineer of Bulacan who has been dismissed over alleged anomalies in flood control projects, formally requested to be readmitted to Senate custody, in a letter sent at 7:24 a.m. to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Sotto’s office confirmed that Hernandez arrived at the Senate at 10:10 a.m.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, then chaired by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, cited Hernandez in contempt on September 8 for allegedly lying during its investigation into the flood control controversy.

The following day, the House of Representatives requested Hernandez’s presence in a separate inquiry. The request was approved by Sotto, who had just replaced Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate President following a controversial coup.

Following his appearance before the House, Hernandez was transferred to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame instead of returning to Senate detention. According to Sotto, House Speaker Martin Romualdez conveyed Hernandez’s appeal not to be returned to the Senate, citing fears for his life after implicating Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in the alleged anomalies — claims both lawmakers have strongly denied.

A compromise was reached to detain Hernandez at Camp Crame under the supervision of the Senate Office of the Sergeant at Arms. This move was heavily questioned by Marcoleta and other minority senators, ultimately prompting Hernandez’s transfer to the Pasay City Jail.

Hernandez’s legal counsel said the latest move “casts a troubling shadow” and formally petitioned for his return to the Senate.

“We appeal for this because today there is renewed faith. Under your leadership, Senate President Sotto, and with Chairman Lacson’s stewardship of the Blue Ribbon Committee, there is assurance that the Senate will stand not only as a body of discipline but as an exemplar of fairness,” the letter read.

The lawyers also urged the chamber to “exercise its authority with compassion” and uphold the dignity of resource persons, even those cited in contempt.

“He 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 speak the truth,” Hernandez’s lawyers said.