FORMER Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales and former National Police Commission staff Eric Santiago, both cited in contempt for lying during the Senate investigation have released from Senate detention.
Senate-at-Arms Roberto Ancan said both were released from custody after cited for contempt over the the alleged leaked PDEA documents.
Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed Ancan’s statement on Friday, saying Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada informed him of the matter.
Dela Rosa headed the inquiry on a 2012 PDEA pre-operation report with statements alleging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and actor Maricel Soriano’s involvement in illegal drugs.
Dela Rosa cited Santiago in contempt after he admitted to bluffing Morales to appearing before the Senate probe on the matter.
Estrada, meanwhile, cited Morales in contempt for “continuously lying” about his data sheet submitted to the PDEA when he was applying as an agent.
On Wednesday, Estrada said he had a one-on-one conversation with Morales inside the Senate detention facility. Escudero said he also had a talk with Morales and Santiago.
A resource person who was detained after being cited in contempt during a Senate hearing can be released from detention if the investigating committee is satisfied with his testimony or if Congress adjourns. All Congressional sessions adjourned on Wednesday.
metrosundaily
