Sotto: Senate may hold detainees until 2028

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate could continue detaining four individuals cited in contempt for refusing to cooperate in its flood control corruption investigation until the 20th Congress adjourns in 2028— unless the courts order their prosecution or release.

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Sotto said the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that Congress may keep individuals in custody “while investigations remain alive,” or for as long as the inquiry is active.

“Mapipilitan kami, based on the SC ruling, na pagdating ng June 2028, irerelease namin sila,” Sotto told dzBB, referring to top contractor Curlee Discaya and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.