Senate Chair Demands Thorough Vetting of Surprise Flood Control Witness Amid Corruption Probe

Senator Panfilo Lacson, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, emphasized the necessity of conducting an exhaustive background investigation on the unexpected witness introduced by Senator Rodante Marcoleta during the committee’s inquiry into corruption linked to flood control projects.

Lacson expressed concern that Marcoleta failed to provide prior notice before presenting the witness, former Philippine Marine Orly Guteza, to the panel. According to Lacson, given the seriousness and implications of Guteza’s statements, a comprehensive verification of his records is imperative.

The senator said, "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."

Adding further complexity to the situation, the lawyer whose signature appears on Guteza’s affidavit repudiated having notarized the document, labeling the signature and notarial details as “falsified and unauthorized.”

Guteza identified himself as a former security aide to Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co. He alleged that then ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Yap delivered suitcases filled with cash to Co’s residence. Furthermore, Guteza claimed the money was subsequently transported to the home of then Speaker Martin Romualdez.

These serious allegations have prompted Chairman Lacson to call for a rigorous investigation into the credibility and background of the witness, underscoring the significance of ensuring the integrity of the ongoing probe.