Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson on Thursday denounced as false the claim that former Technical Sergeant Orly Guteza is under the custody of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).
Lacson said Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Vincent Blanco III verified that Guteza has never been in Marine custody, directly contradicting statements made by former congressman Michael Defensor.
“Guteza is not and has never been under their custody. How much more fakery can we take?” Lacson said.
Defensor earlier said in a television interview that Guteza was in Marine custody following his appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 25.
The Philippine Navy, which supervises the PMC, also denied the organization has provided protection for the questionable witness.
“Mr. Orly Regala Guteza is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,” Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said.
Defensor introduced Guteza to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who then presented him as witness during the September 25 hearing.
Guteza claimed he delivered bags of cash to the residences of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who strongly denied the allegations.
Lacson said while Guteza’s testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee remains officially on record, the recent developments cast doubt on his credibility as a witness.
Earlier, a Manila regional trial court (RTC) ruled as forged the notarial signature of lawyer Petchie Rose Espera attached to Guteza’s sworn affidavit. Espera complained about it, prompting the Manila RTC to rule on the matter in a court of law.
