Navy denies having custody of witness Guteza

MANILA, Philippines —   The Philippine Navy yesterday belied claims that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has custody of and is protecting Senate witness Orly Guteza.

No sanctuary is being provided by the military to Guteza, Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said.

“Guteza is not under the protection of the PMC, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,” she maintained.

Guteza, a retired Marine sergeant, testified to anomalous flood control projects before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee last month.

He had worked as former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s security officer.

Co is accused of abusing budget insertions and receiving kickbacks.

At a Senate hearing, Guteza claimed he witnessed the delivery of suitcases containing millions of pesos in cash to Co and former speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez.

On Wednesday, former lawmaker Mike Defensor told “Storycon” on One News that Guteza is under the Marines’ protection.

Defensor had introduced Guteza to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who presented him as a “surprise witness” to the Senate.

“Guteza has been retired from the PMC since June 30, 2020,” Martinez said. “He no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Navy. Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity.”

Lacson: More fakery

Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson called out Defensor’s false information.

“As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, M.Gen. Vince Blanco (PMA Class ‘91), through fellow cavaliers, Guteza is not and has never been under their custody,” Lacson posted yesterday on X.

A Manila court earlier found that Guteza’s sworn statement before the Senate was falsified.

While Guteza’s testimony remains valid, his credibility as a witness is now put into question, Lacson said. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, EJ Macababbad