Senate defends detention as Curlee Discaya seeks court relief

Senate President Tito Sotto (Niño Jesus Orbeta/Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has received a petition for a writ of habeas corpus from detained contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, who cited alleged irregularities in his detention under contempt.

In a hearing before the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City, Branch 298, presided over by Judge Melvin Cydrick Bughao, the court ordered that Discaya remain under the safekeeping of the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

Earlier, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the anomalous flood control projects will continue amid the change in leadership in the powerful panel.

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Lawyers representing Discaya argued the legality of his continued detention, while the respondents were represented by the Senate legal counsel.

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The case is scheduled to resume Monday at 9 a.m., after which it will be turned over to the Office of the Solicitor General for succeeding hearings.

The Senate remains firm in its decision, asserting that the contempt order against Discaya was issued within its constitutional authority.