MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang said it is "sad" former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante might spend Christmas away from his family following his arrest and detention by the Senate for allegedly not telling the truth in the inquiry into the so-called P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

Nonetheless, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the Palace "respects" the decision of the Senate and hopes something "good" comes of it.

"It's sad dahil magpapasko at hiwalay si Bolante sa kanyang pamailya [because Christmas is near and Bolante is away from his family]," Fajardo told a news conference at the Palace.

"Just the same, we have to face it, we respect the decision of the Senate. They have good reason for doing this... Kung anuman kalalabasan nito, sana maging katanggap-tanggap sa publiko. Magkaroon sana ng magandang outcome to benefit our people [Whatever this leads to, we hope it will be acceptable to the public. We hope for a good outcome to benefit our people]," she added.

Bolante is accused of funneling P728 million in fertilizer funds to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's campaign chest in 2004.

He was deported back to the country in late October, after he was deported from the United States when his bid for asylum failed.