Former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez was returned to Senate custody on Monday, September 15, 2025. He became controversial after accusing two senators of receiving kickbacks from flood-control projects.
After his testimony, Hernandez asked congressmen not to bring him back to the Senate for fear of his safety. He was first placed in the PNP custodial center before being transferred to the Pasay City Jail, but was brought back to the Senate after the hearing on his Writ of Amparo.
In a letter, Hernandez's lawyers said the sequential transfers are worrisome. They believe his continued presence in the Senate is proof that the institution is ready to face the truth and protect those who expose corruption.
In his statement, Hernandez pointed out that Sen. Jinggoy Estrada inserted nearly ₱355 million in budget insertions and received kickbacks. He added that Sen. Joel Villanueva endorsed projects worth ₱600 million.
The issue of his custody caused a clash between the Senate majority and minority bloc. As a compromise, he was initially placed in the Pasay City Jail, but was later returned to the Senate.
