Without arrest orders, Discaya, Bulacan engineers stay in Senate

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate could continue holding four persons cited in contempt for refusing to cooperate with its flood control corruption probe, until the 20th Congress adjourns in 2028, unless the courts order them arrested for prosecution or their release.

- Neil Jayson Servallos

The Supreme Court (SC), Sotto said, has ruled that Congress can maintain custody of individuals it cites in contempt "while investigations remain alive" or for as long as the inquiry remains active.

"Based on the SC ruling, we will be forced to release them in June 2028," he told dzBB in Filipino, referring to the detention of contractor Curlee Discaya, and of former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.