Lawyer Petchie Rose Espera from the Espera Law Office demanded the takedown of an affidavit signed by ex-Marines Orly Guteza, bearing her notarial name and signature, as these 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 in a letter addressed to ABS-CBN Corporation that made the rounds on social media late Thursday evening.
“The use of my name and notarial commission in connection with said document is spurious, fraudulent, and injurious to my reputation as a member of the Bar and as a commissioned Notary Public,” she added.
Guteza surfaced at the sixth hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the anomalous flood control projects, claiming to have participated in the delivery of “suitcases of cash” to the residences of politicians accused of corruption.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta brought him to testify before the committee after he was introduced to him by former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor on Wednesday. Guteza claimed he worked as security consultant of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
In his disputed affidavit, Guteza tagged other politicians besides Co such as Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez among recipients of alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure projects.
Both Yap and Romualdez have issued statements strongly denying Guteza’s accusations.
“I categorically deny any involvement in the acts being alleged. I have never accepted, nor authorized, the delivery of money in connection with flood control projects. These claims are untrue,” Yap said.
“This is clearly political and the product of coaching. I will not allow these perjurious statements to pass unchallenged. Hindi ko ito palalampasin (I will not let this pass),” Romualdez said for his part.
“I repeat: I have never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project. I have never authorized, instructed, or allowed anyone to engage in any conduct that would betray the people or taint my name,” the former House Speaker added.
