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Advocates Philippines
Sen. Lacson Threatens To Revoke Immunity For Ex-DPWH Engineer Over Missing Computer
Photo credit: Senate PH
Manila, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has issued a stern warning that he will revoke the legislative immunity granted to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan district engineer Brice Hernandez. The threat comes after the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Lacson, failed to secure a crucial computer from Hernandez, which allegedly contains vital evidence for the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Unexplained Presence and a "Breach" of Operations
The controversy arose when Hernandez was temporarily allowed to leave the Senate premises to retrieve the evidence, including his computer. The operation was intended to be exclusively handled by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA). However, Lacson was surprised to learn that members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) unexpectedly showed up, an action he considered a "breach" of the committee's operation.
"I questioned it. This is an entirely Senate operation," Lacson stated, adding that the CIDG had no business being there. He is now trying to determine who ordered their presence and for what motive.
From Hesitation to a 'Calculated Risk'
Lacson initially expressed reluctance to let Hernandez leave, fearing he might escape or hide the evidence. However, after consulting with the Senate President, he decided to take a "calculated risk" in the interest of the investigation. "I said, let's take a gamble. Maybe the evidence is really there," Lacson recalled.
But when he discovered the computer had not been brought back, the senator issued a deadline. "I told the Sergeant-at-Arms, you tell Hernandez and the lawyer that if they don't return by 12 noon today, I will cancel the legislative immunity given to him," Lacson said.
If the immunity is revoked, Hernandez will also lose the Senate's recommendation to be admitted into the Witness Protection Program. This development puts pressure on Hernandez to fully cooperate and hand over the promised evidence, which could be a major breakthrough in the high-stakes corruption probe.
Unexplained Presence and a "Breach" of Operations
The controversy arose when Hernandez was temporarily allowed to leave the Senate premises to retrieve the evidence, including his computer. The operation was intended to be exclusively handled by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA). However, Lacson was surprised to learn that members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) unexpectedly showed up, an action he considered a "breach" of the committee's operation.
"I questioned it. This is an entirely Senate operation," Lacson stated, adding that the CIDG had no business being there. He is now trying to determine who ordered their presence and for what motive.
From Hesitation to a 'Calculated Risk'
Lacson initially expressed reluctance to let Hernandez leave, fearing he might escape or hide the evidence. However, after consulting with the Senate President, he decided to take a "calculated risk" in the interest of the investigation. "I said, let's take a gamble. Maybe the evidence is really there," Lacson recalled.
But when he discovered the computer had not been brought back, the senator issued a deadline. "I told the Sergeant-at-Arms, you tell Hernandez and the lawyer that if they don't return by 12 noon today, I will cancel the legislative immunity given to him," Lacson said.
If the immunity is revoked, Hernandez will also lose the Senate's recommendation to be admitted into the Witness Protection Program. This development puts pressure on Hernandez to fully cooperate and hand over the promised evidence, which could be a major breakthrough in the high-stakes corruption probe.
Sep 22, 2025
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