Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has called for a record and background check for the sudden witness Orly Regala Guteza. Guteza was presented to the Blue Ribbon Committee without notice, thus raising doubts about the credibility of his statements.
Guteza, who identified himself as a former Marine and former security consultant to Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, said he was ordered several times to bring suitcases containing money to the homes of Co and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He called them “trash.” However, Romualdez insisted that the accusation was “all lies” because at the time, his house was reportedly under renovation since January 2024.
In addition, the lawyer who signed Guteza's affidavit denied that he prepared the document. Lacson said that a thorough investigation into Guteza's true identity and background is necessary given the weight of his testimony.
Co also denied receiving payola from flood control projects. According to Lacson, there is no problem if the committee invites Co to explain the issue. He also explained that inter-parliamentary courtesy is given to the institution of Congress, not to its individual members.
In the next hearing, Co's company Sunwest and former governor Luis Singson are expected to be invited to provide clarification on the alleged anomalies in flood control projects worth an estimated ₱36 billion.
