Brice Hernandez's camp: Transfer to Pasay jail 'highly suspect'

The camp of Brice Hernandez on Thursday described as “retaliatory” the decision of the Senate to transfer his client to Pasay City Jail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

"It is unfortunate that the Senate had to pull out all the stops just to have my client transferred from the PNP Custodial Facility to the Pasay City Jail,” Atty. Ernest Levanza said in a statement.

“The motive behind this action is highly suspect and appears to be retaliatory,” he added.

Hernandez’ lawyer pointed out that, “If the Senate is truly sincere in its efforts to finally thresh out the truth, it should not discourage potential witnesses who are prepared to point to those truly responsible.”

The ex-district assistant engineer attended the Senate hearing on Monday where he was cited in contempt after he repeatedly denied alleged information regarding his casino activities.

The following day, at a House of Representatives probe, Hernandez claimed that some senators, specifically Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, were involved in anomalous flood control projects as he appealed not to be brought back to the Senate’s custody. Estrada and Villanueva have denied Hernandez's accusations.

Hernandez was then transferred to the PNP's detention facility.

On Wednesday, senators had a debate on where Hernandez should be detained.

Some senators were not in favor of Hernandez’s request, including former Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Rodante Marcoleta. 

"I move Mr. President that he be back immediately to the custody of the Senate, not only because this is the condition that you gave them, but more importantly in order to erase the perception that if he is here in the Senate he is not safe," Marcoleta said. 

As the debates continued, Estrada motioned to transfer Hernandez to the Pasay City Jail, which was agreed upon by Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri. 

Senate President Tito Sotto approved the motion after no senator objected.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera told GMA News Online that Hernandez was received in the Pasay jail Wednesday evening.

“BJMP Pasay City Jail received into custody Mr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez on 10 September 2025 at around 8:50PM by virtue of the Commitment Order issued by the Senate of the Philippines,” he said in a message.

“Presently, Mr. Hernandez is detained at the Quarantine Cell of the jail following BJMP protocol on newly committed PDL,” he added.

Sotto, meanwhile, clarified that Hernandez remains to be under the Senate’s legal custody, regardless of where he is detained. —VAL, GMA Integrated News