MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate release of Arvin Balag, believed to be the leader of of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, after more than two months of detention inside the Senate.
The SC, in a two-page order dated December 12, but was released only on Friday, ordered the "immediate release of petitioner [Balag] on the basis of his prayer set forth in his Motion to Resolve Petition...pending the resolution of the instant petition by the Court."
Balag sought the high court to challenge his detention for contempt issued by the Senate, during its legislative inquiry on the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio "Atio" Castillo III.
In his petition before the high court, Balag asked for a temporary restraining order against his detention and for his release.
He argued that the contempt order issued by the Senate violated his constitutional rights of persons appearing in legislative inquiries. He claimed that the Senate's investigation was not in aid of legislation but "in aid of prosecution."
Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III confirmed in a text message to Philstar.com that Balag was released "yesterday early night."
During the October 18 Senate inquiry on the case of Castillo, Balag has repeatedly refused to answer Sen. Grace Poe's questions, drawing the ire of the lawmaker.
He was later cited in contempt by the committee and was ordered detained since then.
Balag has also apologized for his actions, adding that he never meant to "disrespect" the Senate committee.
SC yet to rule on petition
The SC also noted the comment filed by the Senate dated November 28, 2017 on Balag's petition.
Named as respondents in Balag's petition were the Senate committees on public order and dangerous drugs, justice and human rights, constitutional amendments and revision of codes and Senate sergeant-at-arms Jose Balajadia Jr.
READ: SC to Senate: Explain detention of Atio hazing fratman
Balag is also facing murder, anti-hazing, perjury, and obstruction of justice complaints before the Department of Justice.
The fratman has denied all allegations against him and claimed that he had no participation in Castillo's hazing rites.