Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez has been transferred again to Senate custody.

RH Jecelle Ricafort reported on Monday, September 15, that Hernandez’ legal counsel, Atty. Ernest Levanza confirmed to DZRH that his client would again be under the Senate’s custody. This comes after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 conducted its summary hearing.

Ricafort said that Hernandez left the Pasay City Jail at 9:53 AM and would be transferred to Senate custody once his documents are sorted out.

Meanwhile, RH Raymund Dadpaas said in an update that Hernandez had been officially transferred to Senate custody following Levanza’s request for re-admission to the Senate Detention Facility.

“Our client was transferred to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Facility not as a matter of convenience, but out of grave concern for his safety, given that his testimony during the said hearing had implicated members of the Senate,” Hernandez’ legal counsel wrote in a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

According to Ricafort’s report, Hernandez filed for a writ of amparo last week, asking that the Pasay City RTC Branch 112 issue a protective order to the former. This also includes his plea to transfer him from the Pasay City Jail to the PNP custodial facility.

During its filing, Levanza cited the serious threats to Hernandez’ life and security. Moreover, he also mentioned that removing Hernandez from the PNP custodial facility and committing him to the Pasay City Jail “casts a troubling shadow.”

“We appeal for this because today there is renewed faith. Under your leadership, Senate President Sotto, and with Chairman Lacson’s stewardship of the Blue Ribbon Committee, there is assurance that the Senate will stand not only as a body of discipline but an example of fairness,” Lavanza pleaded.

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the dismissal of three of the agency’s officials, including Hernandez, over the anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.