Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed on Tuesday, October 28, that the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has discovered that the signature appearing on the affidavit of self-proclaimed “surprise witness” Orly Guteza did not belong to the lawyer identified in the document.
According to Lacson, while Guteza’s sworn statement delivered before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee remains “valid,” the issue raises doubts about his credibility, especially after claiming that Atty. Petchie Rose Espera notarized his affidavit.
“May findings na, may resolution na ‘yung executive judge ng Manila RTC. Napatunayan na hindi talaga signature o pirma nung notaryo, si Atty. Espera, ‘yung kanyang sinumpaang sanaysay,” Lacson said in an interview.
Guteza was introduced during the Senate hearing on the flood control project anomaly on September 25 by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, who said the witness was referred to him through former Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor.
In his testimony, Guteza claimed to have worked as a security consultant for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and alleged that he personally delivered suitcases of cash to the residences of both Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez—an accusation both lawmakers have vehemently denied.
Earlier, Atty. Espera denied notarizing Guteza’s affidavit, asserting that the signature and notarial details associated with her name were “falsified and unauthorized.”
Despite the Manila RTC’s ruling, Lacson clarified that Guteza’s statement before the Senate remains recognized by the committee.
“It doesn’t take away ‘yung validity ng kanyang sinumpaang salaysay sa harap naman ng Senado. Magkaiba ‘yun eh… ‘yung kanyang sinumpaang salaysay ay sinumpaan niya namang bukod sa harap ng blue ribbon committee,” Lacson said.
He added that the Blue Ribbon Committee will still consider Guteza’s sworn testimony in its upcoming committee report, emphasizing that the statement carries the presumption of truth since it was made under oath before the Senate.