Hernandez returns to Senate custody after accusing senators of corruption

Detained former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was returned to Senate custody yesterday at his request, following about four days of detention at the Pasay City Jail.

Senators of the minority bloc took issue with how the Senate leadership had "overridden" the chamber's rules and supposedly acceded to Hernandez's "whims" regarding his detention.

Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano echoed Senator Joel Villanueva, stating it appears Hernandez was dictating his detention instead of the Senate.

Hernandez had previously expressed discomfort with Senate detention and requested not to be returned after attending a House of Representatives hearing, where he implicated Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in corruption.

Hernandez's legal team requested his transfer back to Senate custody due to his "renewed faith" in the Senate leadership and confidence in Senate President Vicente "Tito" C. Sotto III and Blue Ribbon committee chairman Panfilo Lacson.

Sotto stated that allowing Hernandez to remain in the Senate affirms the institution does not turn away from difficult truths.

Hernandez was initially cited in contempt and detained at the Senate last week after allegedly lying about his casino winnings.