Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Accountability, Public Officers, and Investigations (Blue Ribbon Committee), is calling for a thorough background check on Orly Regala Guteza, the surprise witness presented by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta during Thursday’s hearing.
Guteza testified that he personally delivered millions in cash to Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
In a social media post, Lacson expressed his frustration over not being informed about Guteza’s appearance, describing it as a complete surprise to the committee.
“Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony yesterday,” Lacson wrote.
Lacson further noted that the situation became more complicated when a lawyer appeared to deny notarizing Guteza’s sworn affidavit, claiming the signature was allegedly falsified and the notary details unauthorized.
Under Senate rules for investigations, witnesses are required to submit a copy of their statements to the committee secretary at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing.
As of Friday, Marcoleta had not yet responded to the new developments regarding Guteza’s testimony.