'Surprise witness' Orly Guteza not under Marines protection — PH Navy

The Philippine Navy on Thursday said Orly Guteza, who emerged as a "surprise witness" in the Senate's flood control projects corruption probe, is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

In a statement, Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said Guteza has been retired from the PMC since June 30, 2020. 

"As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy. Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity," she said.

"It must be also made clear that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs," she added.

Martinez said the Philippine Navy remains committed to its mandate as a professional and non-partisan organization, dedicated to upholding national sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with honor and integrity.

Guteza was introduced in a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on September 25 by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who said the man reached out to him through the help of former Anakalusagan party-list Representative Mike 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 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez. He also claimed that Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, a former representative of the ACT-CIS party-list, delivered 46 suitcases of money to Co’s residence. 

These allegations were all denied by Co, Romualdez and Yap, saying Guteza's accusations are baseless.

'Fakery'

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who is expected to return as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, raised concerns about the claim that Guteza is under the custody of the Philippine Marines.

"As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMA Cl ‘91), through fellow cavaliers, Guteza is not and has never been under their custody. How much more fakery can we take?” Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Based on reports, it was Defensor who said that Guteza has been under Marines custody since he appeared in a hearing of the blue ribbon committee on September 25. 

On September 30, Defensor said Guteza was under the protection of the latter's fellow ex-Marines.

"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 had said.

(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)," Defensor also said earlier.

Lacson previously said a full record check and background investigation on Guteza was necessary due to the gravity of his allegations. 

The senator said the Senate blue ribbon panel will issue an invitation or subpoena on Guteza, which will be coursed through the office of Marcoleta or Defensor.

Earlier this week, Lacson said the executive judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court has issued a resolution stating that the signature on Guteza's affidavit was not that of lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name appeared on the document.

House infrastructure panel chairperson Terry Ridon on Wednesday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) should prosecute Guteza and others over the latter's affidavit. — with a report from Giselle Ombay/ VDV, GMA Integrated News