Ombudsman Boying Remulla announced on Friday, November 21, that they will not use the affidavit of “surprise witness” Orly Guteza unless he personally appears at their office and takes an oath.
“Hindi namin puwedeng gamitin `yun kung hindi niya haharapin, at sasabihin na ito ang affidavit na ito, akin talaga ito, at ako mismo nag-prepare niyan. Personal knowledge ko nangyari diyan,” Remulla said in an interview with reporters at the Senate.
“An authorized statement has no value unless humarap ‘yung tao para manumpa ulit… Sa initial affirmation it’s a sworn statement, pero para i-conduct namin sa PI (preliminary investigation) ‘yan at gamitin namin, kinakailangan manumpa rin siya sa harap namin,” he added.
Remulla also noted that they are continuing to look for other individuals besides Guteza to gather evidence against former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
“We will look at other evidence [kung hindi mahanap si Guteza]. Hindi lang naman isang tao tapos kaso na, tapos tapos na. Hindi po ganun. Ikakalap natin yan, mga kontrata, mga bidding documents. Lahat po yan kailangan kumpleto presentation sa korte. Ilalatag mo lahat sa korte yan para alam ng huwes na kumpleto yung iyong pag-aaral sa kaso pina-file,” Remulla said.