DoJ probes alleged affidavit forgery
The Department of Justice (DoJ) is set to launch an investigation into the alleged forgery of an affidavit presented during a Senate hearing after a Manila court ordered the department to study filing criminal charges against those who used the fake document.
Manila Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison recommended filing falsification charges against Senate witness Orly Guteza and referred the case to the DoJ for further investigation on 24 October.
The judge specifically stated that all individuals who used or presented Guteza’s affidavit are also liable for falsification.
The court order followed Icasiano-Sison’s investigation into a report from lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, who denied notarizing the affidavit Guteza presented during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on flood control project anomalies.
Although the document, a Sinumpaang Salaysay (Sworn Statement) dated 24 September 2025, bore Espera’s name and notarial details, the lawyer testified that her notarial register had no corresponding entry.
Icasiano-Sison set hearings on the incident, but only Espera attended; Guteza failed to appear despite being notified.
“In this instance, considering that Mr. Guteza presented the Sinumpaang Salaysay during the public hearing and is deemed to be the author (of falsification) thereof, appropriate falsification charges shall be filed against him,” the judge ruled. “Similarly, all other persons who made use or uttered the Sinumpaang Salaysay signed by Mr. Guteza shall be liable for falsification.”
The court’s decision officially recognized the forgery, invalidating the affidavit that Guteza had introduced as a genuine instrument. The ruling also cleared Espera of any administrative, civil, or criminal liability for the misuse of her signature and notarial details.
Icasiano-Sison ruled that Guteza failed to rebut the presumption that he was the author of the forged notarization.
The DoJ said it would heed the court order, conduct a preliminary investigation, and “file the case in court against those responsible if there is requisite quantum of evidence, and reasonable certainty of conviction.”