Ex-PDEA agent Morales released from Senate detention

Former PDEA intelligence agent Jonathan Morales has been released from Senate detention, according to Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan.

In a text message to GMA Integrated News on Friday, Ancan said Morales and former National Police Commission staff Eric "Pikoy" Santiago, who were both cited in contempt for lying during the Senate investigation into the supposed leaked PDEA documents, were released around 7 p.m. on Thursday.

"Both were signed released custody," Ancan said.

In a phone interview, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada called him to inform him that he allows the release of Morales.

It was Estrada who moved to cite Morales in contempt for "continuously lying" about his personal data sheet that was submitted to the PDEA when he was applying as an agent.

Estrada, on several instances, questioned Morales' background and credibility as witness as the latter testified about the existence of a supposed 2012 PDEA pre-operation report that implicated now-President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano to illegal drugs.

On Wednesday night, Estrada had a one-on-one conversation with Morales inside the Senate detention facility.

Meanwhile, Escudero said Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa also called him up to allow the release of Santiago.

Dela Rosa, who leads the Senate investigation on "PDEA leaks," was the one who cited Santiago in contempt for admitting that he bluffed Morales so he can appear before the Senate probe on the matter.

Before the two were released from the Senate detention facility, Escudero said he got a chance to talk to the two detained resource persons as he was inspecting all offices in the Senate building, including that of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Resource persons who were cited in contempt can be released from Senate detention if the investigating committee is already satisfied with their testimony or if Congress adjourns.

Sessions in Congress were adjourned sine die last Wednesday. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News