The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that the statements of Orly Guteza before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee can still be used in the investigation, despite the alleged forgery of a lawyer’s signature on his testimony.
According to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon of the National Prosecution Service, Guteza’s testimony remains valid since it was sworn before the Senate, even if it was not notarized.
He explained that the falsified signature does not automatically invalidate the content of Guteza’s sworn statement.
Meanwhile, Justice Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said that if forgery is proven, only Guteza would be held liable for the act.
He clarified that Senator Marcoleta has nothing to do with the alleged forgery, as his role was limited to the Senate hearings.
As of now, the DOJ has yet to launch a formal probe into the person behind the falsified signature, as it is still awaiting a copy of the official decision.