Manila judge seeks DOJ probe on Guteza’s forged notarization

MANILA, Philippines — A Manila court has recommended the filing of falsification charges against Senate witness Orly Guteza after determining that he submitted a falsified affidavit, referring the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further investigation.

In an 11-page order dated Oct. 24, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison said the signature of lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, which appeared on Guteza’s sworn statement, was forged.

She upheld Espera’s claim that she did not notarize the document that was submitted to the Senate.

Judge Sison cited the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which revealed that the signature on Guteza’s affidavit and that of Espera “were not written by one and the same person.”

“There was no indication of any lapse in Espera’s notarial practice that could have led to the purported notarization of the sworn affidavit,” the order read. “Hence, Atty. Espera is hereby cleared of any liability arising from the notarization of the subject sworn affidavit.”

Guteza, a former security consultant of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, earlier testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

His sworn statement was purportedly notarized by Espera, who later denied any involvement.

After Espera reported the incident to the Manila court, an inquiry was initiated. She reiterated that she never notarized or signed the document and that her notarial seal and signature were falsified.

Guteza, however, did not appear during the court proceedings.

The court concluded that Guteza and others who used the document “not only introduced the forged and notarized sworn affidavit, but also actively participated in its falsification.” — Neil Jayson Servallos