In the spirit of Christmas and to avoid a Constitutional crisis during the holiday revelries, the Senate has decided to follow the Supreme Court (SC) order to release Aegis Juris fraternity leader Arvin Balag Thursday evening. Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee, confirmed that he was informed by the Senate Office of Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) of Balag’s release. Despite this, the senator noted that the Senate would not give up the rights of the legislature, and will tackle the issue at the proper time. Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose Balajadia confirmed Balag’s release after he received a copy of the SC’s order. Balajadia said that around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, he allowed Balag to leave the Senate with his three lawyers after undergoing a medical check-up as part of their protocol.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 22, 2017 02:26 UTC