Several personalities linked to the alleged flood control scandal will spend Christmas at the Senate Detention Facility after the Senate denied requests for temporary release.

Businessman and contractor Curlee Discaya, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers Henry Alcantara, Bryce Hernandez, and JP Mendoza will remain under detention despite assurances that they would not flee or evade authorities.

The Senate rejected Discaya’s request for a Christmas furlough or temporary leave from detention. Senate Pro-Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III approved his recommendation to oppose the request.

The denial was based on security concerns and the possibility that warrants of arrest may be issued against the detainees.

The four have been detained since September after being cited in contempt by the Senate for allegedly lying or evading questions from lawmakers during hearings on the investigation into the flood control scandal.

Earlier, Discaya’s legal counsel, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III said in an interview with DZRH that Discaya and his child had written to the Senate seeking his temporary release for Christmas.

The letter reportedly included commitments that Discaya would not flee, was willing to surrender his passport, and would face any charges that may be filed in connection with the controversy.