Orly Guteza being ‘protected’ by ex-Marines —Defensor

Former Anakalusagan party-List Rep. Mike Defensor on Tuesday said that “surprise witness” Orly Guteza is currently under the protection of his fellow ex-Marines. 

To recall, Guteza was introduced in the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing last week by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, saying that the man reached out to him, through the help of Defensor.

Guteza claimed that he is a former security consultant for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and that he personally delivered suitcases of money to the residences of Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez . Both have denied the allegations with Romualdez calling it as falsehoods . 

“Magmula noon, nakakuha na lang ako ng mga mensahe doon sa kaibigan niya. Ang binabanggit, nandoon nga siya sa mga kasama niya na mga Marino at pinoproteksyunan siya, sila mismo nagbibigay ng proteksyon sa kanya,” Defensor said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. 

(Since then, I only got messages from Guteza’s friend. I was told he is with his fellow Marines who are giving him protection.) 

“As to the whereabouts now, hindi ko talaga masabi (I can't say). Pero meron namang komunikasyon kahit papaano (But we have communication somehow),” he added. 

Defensor also defended Guteza regarding his affidavit, saying that the latter had it notarized himself and the notarial details were “authentic.” 

He also said that Guteza asked nothing in return for his testimony. 

“Diyan ako bumilib sa sarhentong ‘yan eh, kay Sgt. Orly Guteza. Ni singko walang hiningi, ni pabor walang hiningi. At nagulat ako, ni proteksyon, hindi na siya humingi…itong taong to, totoo ito. Itong taong ‘to makabayan, gusto ayusin ang bansa,” the former congressman said. 

(I admire Guteza because he didn’t ask for any money nor favor. I was also surprised that he didn’t ask for protection from the Senate. This person is genuine, nationalistic, and wants to fix the country.) 

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, earlier said that a full record check and background investigation on Guteza is necessary due to the gravity of his allegation. 

Lacson also emphasized that Guteza was presented by Marcoleta in the hearing “without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman.” —AOL, GMA Integrated News