The Senate stood firm on Thursday, October 9, in its decision to cite contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II in contempt, asserting that the order was issued in accordance with the constitutional powers vested in the upper chamber.
This development came after Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Discaya—nearly a month after the Senate first cited him in contempt.
“In a hearing held before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasay City, Branch 298, presided over by Hon. Melvin Cydrick Bughao, the court ordered that Discaya remain under the safekeeping of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms,” the Office of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said in a statement.
According to Sotto’s office, Discaya’s lawyers questioned the legality of his continued detention within the Senate premises, while the respondents were represented by the Senate’s legal counsel.
“The Senate remains firm in its decision, asserting that the contempt order against Discaya was issued within its constitutional authority,” the statement continued.
The same office also confirmed that the hearing will resume on Monday, after which the case will be referred to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for subsequent proceedings.
Discaya was earlier cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for allegedly lying about his wife Sarah’s absence during a September 18 hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.