Surprise Senate witness Orly Guteza has never been under the custody of the Philippine Marines at least according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.
Lacson revealed the findings in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, saying he verified the matter with Marine Commandant Major General Vince Blanco and with his fellow cavaliers.
‘Guteza is not and has never been under their custody. How much more fakery can we take?’ Lacson said.
The denial counters an earlier claim by former lawmaker Mike Defensor that Guteza was under the Marines’ protection. Defensor introduced Guteza to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Lacson noted.
Guteza, introduced by Marcoleta, appeared before the Senate blue ribbon committee in September, claiming that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of former lawmaker Zaldy Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
His sworn statement claimed Petchie Rose Espera notarized the document, a claim Espera later denied.
The Inquirer asked Lacson if he had information about Guteza’s whereabouts, but the senator has yet to reply.