MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday denounced as fake the claim that whistleblower Orly Regala Guteza is currently under the custody of the Philippine Marine Corps.
In a statement, Lacson said he personally confirmed with Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Vincent Blanco III stated that Guteza “is not and has never been” in Marine custody.
“How much more fakery can we take?” Lacson said, calling out the spread of misinformation surrounding the controversial witness.
The senator was responding to former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor’s unsubstantiated claim that Guteza has been staying inside a Marines compound since appearing before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
The Philippine Navy also clarified Thursday that Guteza is not under the Marines’ protection, stressing that he retired from the Philippine Marine Corps on June 30, 2020, and “no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy.”
Guteza, who was introduced by House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta at a Senate hearing on September 25, had identified himself as a former staff member of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
He alleged that he delivered suitcases of money to Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, both of whom have strongly denied the accusations.
Romualdez earlier pointed out that Guteza’s claim was impossible, saying the alleged delivery site, his residence, has been under renovation since January 2024.
Two personal assistants of the Co family also contradicted Guteza’s version, stating he was hired as a personal assistant, not a security consultant.
Lacson also highlighted a Manila court finding that the signature in Guteza’s notarized affidavit was “inconsistent” with that of lawyer Petchie Espera, who has since denied signing the document.
According to Lacson, the court’s executive judge has recommended a preliminary investigation for possible falsification involving Guteza and others who submitted the affidavit.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 directed the agency to examine the disputed affidavit.
The NBI said it is awaiting a formal invitation from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to present its findings.
Lacson acknowledged that while Guteza’s testimony remains part of the Senate record, “the development may affect his credibility.”