Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA -- Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Wednesday blasted the falsification charge against his witness Orly Guteza, whose sworn statement was found to have a falsified notarization and forged notarial signature.
Guteza claimed to be a former staff of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and testified in a Senate hearing that he delivered suitcases of money to the homes of Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
During the Senate's deliberation on the judiciary's 2026 budget, Marcoleta said Guteza has "nothing to gain" and "everything to lose."
"Siguro po sa kanyang puso, inisip niya, inasahan niya na tutulungan siya ng estado. Ma-proteksyonan man lang siya dahil sa kanyang ginawa para matulungan ang estado i-prosecute kung sino talaga ang may kasalanan sa malaganap at kasuklam-suklam na scandal na ginawa ng mga taong kasangkot dito," he said.
"Pero wala po eh. Wala siyang nahita. Despite his courageous testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee, he did not get even the courtesy that he deserves," Marcoleta added, stressing that Guteza is a "victim."
"Siya siya ngayon ang kakasuhan ng falsification, ng perjury. Ang tanging kasalanan niya ay lumabas lamang at nagpasya para tulungan ng Estado hanapin kung sino ang utak ng mga kawalang hiyaaang nangyari sa ating bansa."
Lawyer Petchie Rose Espera had denied notarizing or signing Guteza's affidavit following his Senate appearance.
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