Morales, Santiago released from detention

(UPDATE) SENATE Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan said that 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 into the alleged leaked PDEA documents, were released from detention on Thursday.

«Both were released from custody,» Ancan told reporters.

Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed Ancan's statement on Friday, saying Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada informed him of the matter.

Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales

Escudero added that Sen. Ronald dela Rosa called him to request the release of Santiago.

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.

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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.