Lacson not surprised by Orly Guteza's recantation

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday said he was not surprised by Orly Guteza’s recantation of his allegations of cash delivery against Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, adding that Senator Rodante Marcoleta was observed to be coaching him.

"Since on record naman sa hearing ng Blue Ribbon Committee na coached witness ni Sen. Marcoleta si Guteza at naka-live pa nga, hindi na surprising na babaliktad siya balang araw,” he said in a statement.

(Since it is on record that Marcoleta coached Guteza, it is not surprising that Guteza would backtrack on his claims someday.)

After disappearing from the public eye, Guteza’s camp on Wednesday came out with a new affidavit, claiming that Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor had tapped him to make up accusations against the Leyte congressman in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Lacson earlier noted that Marcoleta was observed to be coaching Guteza by prompting him on what to say in Guteza’s affidavit.

The senator also cited CCTV records showing that Guteza went to Marcoleta’s office before appearing at the Blue Ribbon hearing.

Lascon also noted that four other former aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co have recanted their statements, saying it has become “one dime a dozen.”

He said their cases “smacks of attempts to personally gain from their alleged involvement in the flood control mess.”

"Sa lingguahe ng mga mandurugas, 'lagareng hapon' yata ang tawag nila diyan - doble-kita, or 40-40 vision," he said.

(In the words of swindlers, it could be called 'lagareng hapon' or 'double dealing,' or 40-40 vision) —RF, GMA News