The group dubbed as the “BGC Boys” and contractor Curlee Discaya may remain detained at the Senate until 2028, according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
The “BGC Boys,” composed of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, along with contractor Curlee Discaya, were cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for allegedly lying during its investigation into the DPWH flood control scandal.
Sotto explained that the Senate’s contempt power remains valid until the sine die adjournment of the current Congress — which means the detention could last until June 2028, unless the Senate decides to lift the contempt order.
“Ang Supreme Court decision dito hangga’t buhay ‘yung investigation ng Kongreso, whether Senate or House, ang kaya naming hawakan ‘yung contempt namin hanggang sa adjourned sine die. In other words, kung walang nangyayari diyan eh talagang mapipilitan kami based on the Supreme Court ruling na pagdating ng June 2028 eh ire-release namin sila,” Sotto clarified.
He added that if the court issues an order transferring the four to a different detention facility, the Senate would comply immediately: “Oras na ipinapaaresto sila ng korte alangan namang hindi ko ibigay ‘yun,” he said.
Sotto also rejected the group’s request for house arrest, saying that while he sympathizes with their families, his concern is for the Filipino public who suffered from the alleged corruption.
“Naawa ba sila sa tinamaan nu’ng kanilang ginawa noong araw?” the Senate President asked.
It may be recalled that Discaya filed a habeas corpus petition, but it was dismissed by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.