MANILA, June 2 -- Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday said the arrest of his brother, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, should not be viewed as an attack on Senate independence, saying the legal process must proceed while the chamber continues its work.

In a radio interview, Ejercito said he was saddened by Estrada's arrest but said he also has a duty as an elected public servant to uphold accountability and allow the courts to determine the truth.

"Siyempre, nakakalungkot bilang kapatid. Kahit papano eh, kadugo ko 'yan, 'di lang kasamahan sa Senado (Of course, it is saddening as a brother. After all, he is my blood relative, not just a colleague in the Senate)," Ejercito said.

He said the situation is difficult because it involves both a family me...