Orly Regala Guteza, a former security consultant of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, failed to appear at his scheduled appointment this morning with the Department of Justice.
During his attendance at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing yesterday, Guteza appealed for protection as a witness.
The DOJ revealed that it is investigating a complaint from a lawyer who claims her signature was forged on the affidavit read in the Senate, and that she did not notarize the document.
Meanwhile, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated that Guteza must undergo a full record check and background investigation (RCBI) due to the gravity of his testimony before the committee.
Lacson pointed out that Guteza was presented at Thursday’s hearing without prior notice or coordination.
“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 posted on X.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced Guteza at Thursday’s hearing, saying he was referred by former Anak Kalusugan Partylist Rep. Michael Defensor.
In his testimony, Guteza claimed he delivered suitcases of money—allegedly referred to as “trash”—to the homes of Rep. Zaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Both Romualdez and Co have denied the allegations. (ZIA LUNA)
