LACSON: MANILA RTC MAY HELP CRACK MYSTERY OF GUTEZA’S AFFIDAVIT

THE Manila Regional Trial Court can help solve the mystery behind the controversial affidavit of Orly Guteza, the “surprise witness” at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday evening.

Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee, noted that part of the function of the RTC’s executive judge is to look into violations involving notarized documents within its jurisdiction.

“The Manila RTC can help unravel the mystery behind the now (in)famous Guteza affidavit since part of the executive judge’s function is to investigate violations relating to notarized documents within its jurisdiction. Was he just made to sign a prepared affidavit that he read during the committee hearing, and by whom?” Lacson posted on X.

Earlier, lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name appeared in Guteza’s affidavit, denied notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of Guteza’s affidavit. She was quoted in reports as saying the signature and notarial details attributed to her were “falsified and unauthorized.”

During Thursday’s hearing, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta introduced Guteza, who he claimed was referred to him by ex-Rep. Michael Defensor, to the proceeding without advanced courtesy notice, not even to the committee chairman who replaced him earlier this month.

In his initial interpellation of Guteza, Marcoleta asked him if he had his sworn statement – which contained Espera’s supposed signature and related details – notarized, and if the notarization was genuine. Guteza answered in the affirmative.

“The executive judge may have to dig deeper into this,” Lacson noted.

At times during Thursday’s hearing, Marcoleta – who mentioned having read the statement when it was still a draft – was observed to be coaching Guteza by prompting him on what to say from his affidavit.

In the committee hearing last Tuesday, Marcoleta also questioned Lacson’s impartiality by citing a television interview where Lacson was asked on the credibility of witnesses. The Blue Ribbon chairman countered that he was airing his personal opinion outside the Senate hall, which must not be questioned.

“Impartiality, my foot!” Lacson remarked, adding that credibility is not cast in stone as a witness can be credible in one thing and not credible in another.

On Friday, Guteza failed to attend a meeting with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla following Guteza’s request for witness protection. The DOJ is also looking into Espera’s denial that she helped prepare Guteza’s document.

News reports also said two former colleagues of Guteza – Mark Bunagan and Allan Colesio – belied in affidavits Guteza’s claims of alleged cash deliveries to the houses of Romualdez and Co. Both Bunagan and Colesio expressed willingness to testify before the Senate or any court.