The Philippine Navy on Thursday said the Philippine Marine Corps has no custody over Orly Guteza, a former Marine sergeant who accused former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez of receiving kickbacks from government projects.
The denial counters an earlier claim by former lawmaker Mike Defensor that Guteza was under the Marines’ protection.
‘It must be made clear that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,’ said Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez.
Martinez noted that Guteza retired on June 30, 2020.
‘As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy,’ Martinez said. ‘Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity.’
After his retirement, Guteza said he was hired as a security aide of Co in December 2024.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has said that Defensor introduced Guteza, who expressed willingness to testify against lawmakers.
Guteza, then introduced by Marcoleta, appeared before the Senate blue ribbon committee in September, claiming that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of Co and Romualdez in his sworn testimony. Both lawmakers vehemently denied Guteza’s accusations.
Guteza’s sworn statement also claimed Petchie Rose Espera notarized the document, a claim Espera later denied.
A Manila court found Guteza’s sworn statement to be falsified or containing the forged signature of a notary public.
Guteza has yet to make a public appearance since the Sept. 25 Senate hearing. He also did not show up in court despite being summoned twice in connection with Espera’s incident report.