Background check needed on witness who claimed ‘kickback’ deliveries–Lacson
A “full record check” and background investigation on “surprise witness” Orly Regala Guteza are still needed to better evaluate the testimony he gave Thursday before the blue ribbon committee, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.
Lacson, who also chairs the powerful panel, on Friday said Guteza, who claimed to be a former Marine and security consultant of Rep. Elizaldy Co, was introduced during the hearing “without even the courtesy of notice.”
Serious allegation
Guteza was presented by the former committee chair, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who said the witness was referred to him by former lawmaker Michael Defensor.
“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,” Lacson said in a statement.
Guteza made one of the hearing’s most explosive testimonies about multimillion-peso kickbacks from government projects allegedly being delivered to lawmakers’ homes.
‘Falsified’ notarization
Reading an affidavit, Guteza said he delivered suitcases full of cash—which he said was code named “basura” (trash)— to the homes of Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez in Taguig City.
On Friday night, however, lawyer Petchie Rose Espera—whose name appeared on the document—denied notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of Guteza’s affidavit, saying her signature and other details were “falsified and unauthorized.”
Romualdez also denied the allegations made by Guteza, calling them “a complete fabrication” and “a product of coaching.”
Marcoleta has yet to comment on Espera disowning the document read by the witness that he presented. Co, who from abroad previously issued statements on the public works inquiry, has also yet to issue one regarding Guteza’s testimony.
