The Senate leadership is standing by its authority to detain contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, despite a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus filed by Discaya challenging the legality of his detention.

The petition was heard on Thursday before Branch 298 of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, presided over by Judge Melvin Cydrick Bughao.

Discaya, who has been in Senate custody under a contempt order, claimed irregularities in the process that led to his detention.

His legal team questioned the basis and duration of his confinement.

However, the court ruled that Discaya will remain in the custody of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, pending further proceedings. The Senate, represented by its Legal Counsel, maintained that it acted within its constitutional powers in citing Discaya for contempt.

The hearing is set to continue on Monday at 9 a.m., after which the case will be turned over to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for the next round of hearings.

“The Senate remains firm in its decision, asserting that the contempt order against Discaya was issued within its constitutional authority,” the upper chamber, through the office of the Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, said in a statement.