Senate allows Brice Hernandez to attend House probe on flood control

Newly installed Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has granted the request of the House of Representatives for former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez to attend its hearing into the anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday. 

Hernandez was cited in contempt by the Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday after he repeatedly denied alleged information regarding his casino ventures. 

Then Senate President Francis “Chiz Escudero approved his arrest and detention at the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms “until such time that he gives his true testimony, or otherwise purges himself of that contempt.”

Despite the contempt order, Sotto’s office said that Hernandez’ temporary appearance before the House was permitted, “recognizing the principle of inter-parliamentary courtesy.”

“Security arrangements for Hernandez have been coordinated between the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and its counterpart in the House of Representatives,” Sotto’s office said Tuesday. 

The Senate President, however, clarified that Hernandez is required to return to the Senate premises immediately after his attendance at the House hearing. —AOL, GMA Integrated News