Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday dismissed claims that the Philippine Marines were providing protection to retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza, who recently alleged that he personally delivered cash-filled suitcases to former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
“As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMA Cl ‘91), through fellow cavaliers, Guteza is not and has never been under their custody,” Lacson said in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“How much more fakery can we take?” he added, questioning the credibility of the claim.
Lacson’s statement came after former Anakalusugan Representative Mike Defensor said in a television interview that Guteza was supposedly being housed and secured by his old military unit inside Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
However, according to Lacson, this assertion was refuted by Marine Commandant MGen Vince Blanco, confirming that Guteza has no current affiliation or security arrangement with the Marine Corps.
The senator, who is expected to resume his post as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, also recalled that a Manila Regional Trial Court had earlier ruled that Guteza falsified his affidavit—the same document he publicly read during a Senate hearing on September 25, where Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta presented him as a surprise witness in the ongoing flood control corruption probe.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Navy clarified that Guteza is no longer under military authority since his retirement in 2020, stressing that he now acts solely in a personal capacity.
“Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity,” said Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez.
“It must be also made clear that… Guteza is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,” she emphasized.
Both Lacson and the Navy underscored that the armed forces have no role in Guteza’s current situation, dismissing reports that attempt to link the military to his controversial statements.