The Philippine Navy on Thursday clarified that Orly Regala Guteza, who recently surfaced as a “surprise witness” in the Senate investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects, is no longer under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

In a Viber message to reporters, Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said Guteza retired from the PMC on 30 June 2020.

“As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy. Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity,” Martinez said.

She also clarified that Guteza “is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs.”

Martinez emphasized that the Philippine Navy remains “committed to its mandate as a professional and non-partisan organization, dedicated to upholding national sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with honor and integrity.”

Guteza was introduced as a surprise witness during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on 25 September by Senator Rodante Marcoleta. According to Marcoleta, Guteza contacted him through former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor.

Guteza claimed he had served as a security consultant for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and personally delivered suitcases of cash, allegedly from flood control funds, to the residences of Co and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez. He also alleged that former ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap delivered 46 suitcases of cash to Co’s residence.

All three lawmakers have denied the allegations, calling them baseless.

Defensor previously claimed that Guteza was under the protection of former Marines, though he admitted he could not confirm Guteza’s current whereabouts.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who is expected to return as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, called for a full background check on Guteza due to the seriousness of his claims.

Meanwhile, the Manila Regional Trial Court issued a resolution stating that the signature on Guteza’s affidavit did not belong to lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name appeared on the document.

Defensor maintained that the essence of Guteza’s allegations has remained consistent and stressed that the witness’s sworn statements before the Senate are legally significant.

“It’s immaterial for me, since he made a sworn statement in the Senate. He made a statement under oath, which carries the weight of evidence in a legal proceeding. Whether the notary erred, he signed it,” Defensor said.

“He presented to the Senate, and then he verbalized what he said. That’s enough. That’s evidence,” he added.

House infrastructure panel chairperson Terry Ridon said the Department of Justice should consider prosecuting Guteza and others over the affidavit.