A Manila court has recommended falsification charges against Senate witness Orly Guteza after determining his affidavit was falsified. The ruling ties into probes on infrastructure corruption, where Guteza accused lawmakers of receiving cash bribes. Guteza failed to appear at court hearings, leading to findings that he and others participated in the forgery.
In an 11-page order dated October 24, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison ruled that the signature of lawyer Petchie Rose Espera on Orly Guteza's sworn statement was forged. National Bureau of Investigation findings showed the signatures were not written by the same person, with no lapses in Espera's notarial practice, clearing her of liability.
Guteza, a former security consultant for resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he delivered cash-filled suitcases to the homes of Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. Espera denied notarizing the document, stating her seal and signature were falsified, prompting a court inquiry after her report.
Guteza did not appear at the court proceedings, leading to the conclusion that he and others "not only introduced the forged and notarized sworn affidavit, but also actively participated in its falsification." The matter was referred to the Department of Justice for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ping Lacson stated Guteza could not be found at his registered address, and the Manila RTC executive judge confirmed the signature inconsistency. If reelected as committee chair, Lacson plans to subpoena Guteza and seek help from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who introduced him as a witness. Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza at Marcoleta's office for 30 minutes on September 25 before the hearing. Lacson aims to resume hearings by November 14 and will consider Guteza's affidavit at face value if he remains unfound.
The incident forms part of the broader infrastructure corruption scandal involving flood control projects, with accusations against officials and lawmakers.