Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Friday called for a full record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza, who volunteered as a witness in a recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
Lacson, who also chairs the panel, said Guteza’s sudden appearance carried weight because of the gravity of his testimony on alleged corruption in government projects.
The lawmaker noted that Guteza, who identified himself as a former Marine and security consultant of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, was presented to the committee without prior notice.
“Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony yesterday,” said Lacson.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced Guteza at Thursday’s hearing, saying he was referred to him by former Anakalusgan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor.
In his testimony, Guteza claimed he delivered suitcases filled with cash, described as “garbage,” to the homes of Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Both lawmakers denied the accusations and dismissed the claims as baseless and fabricated.
Lawyer Petchie Rose Espera also rejected any link to the affidavit, asserting that her signature and notarial seal were falsified and unauthorized.
“I categorically deny notarizing, signing, or participating in the preparation of the said document. The signature and notarial details attributed to me are falsified and unauthorized,” Espera said.
Meanwhile, Lacson clarified that Co could voluntarily attend the Blue Ribbon investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
“The inter-parliamentary courtesy tradition is not accorded not to individual members of either house, it is accorded to the institution,” he reminded.
Lacson also confirmed that the committee would summon representatives from Sunwest Construction and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson to the next hearing.
