Zaldy Co's staff dispute security aide's claim of cash drop

MANILA, Philippines — Two personal assistants of Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol Party-list) have denied former aide Orly Guteza's claim they were involved in delivering suitcases of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's property. 

In sworn statements filed on Friday, September 26, personal assistants Allan Colesio and Mark Bunagan rejected the allegations Guteza had against Co at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's Thursday hearing. 

Guteza was a surprise witness introduced by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, and according to Sen. Ping Lacson, he was not properly informed of Guteza's appearance. 

Upon being named during the hearing, Colesio and Bunagan released statements denying involvement in any cash deliveries. While acknowledging they had worked together, both maintained they had no knowledge or recollection of alleged suitcase drops at various locations.

"Wala rin ni isang pagkakaton na kami ay nagdala o pinagdala ng maleta ng pera sa anumang lugar lalo na sa 56th Floor ng Horizon Residences, Taguig City at 42 McKinley St., Taguig City, tulad ng sinabi ni Orly Regala Guteza," Colesio and Bunagan said.

Both sworn statements did not mention Romualdez, nor did they confirm whether the addresses pertained to Co's or Romualdez's properties.  

Both lawmakers have been implicated in the alleged kickback scheme tied to flood control projects as a result of purported budget insertions. 

Bunagan also specifically refuted the claim that Guteza was hired by Ako Bicol Party-list to be Co's security consultant, saying they worked together as personal assistants of Co's other relatives starting Feb. 1, 2025. He no longer worked with Guteza since he left in August. 

Colesio, similarly, said he only recalled working with Guteza from February 5 until the latter resigned on August 6.  

Both personal assistants swore they were not forced, threatened or paid to produce their affidavits. Bunagan said he is ready to face the Senate or appear before any hearing to prove his statements.

Tainted witness?

The authenticity of Guteza's affidavit has also been questioned after the named lawyer, Petchie Rose Espera, disowned notarizing it or participating in its preparation.  

Even if Guteza's affidavit was not properly notarized, however, he made the claims under oath before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. 

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Guteza missed his 9:30 a.m. meeting with Secretary Boying Remulla on Friday. The agency is also validating the affidavit's veracity and Espera's notarization. 

Co is currently abroad, reportedly seeking medical treatment. However, the House revoked his travel clearance, ordering him to return to the Philippines by September 29.

The DOJ said it will ask the Interpol to issue a blue notice to monitor Co's movements overseas.

Co has already been placed under an immigration lookout bulletin order. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has frozen his assets, and the National Bureau of Investigation has recommended filing charges against him.