Guteza recants Maleta testimony

Former soldier Orly Guteza has executed a new affidavit recanting his earlier statement that he delivered suitcases filled with cash to the residence of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Guteza is a retired Philippine Marine sergeant and former security aide/security consultant to former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co.

He appeared as a surprise witness at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on 25 September 2025, where he made explosive allegations about alleged cash deliveries linked to the flood-control controversy.

Guteza told the Senate that, while working as Co’s security aide, he was involved in delivering suitcases allegedly containing large amounts of cash to the residences of Co and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

He described the cash as being connected to alleged kickbacks from flood-control projects. Romualdez and Co denied the allegations.

Money offered

Guteza now claimed that Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Representative Mike Defensor were behind his appearance before the Senate in September 2025.

According to Guteza, he was allegedly offered money and scholarships for his children in exchange for appearing before the Senate, where he said he was merely instructed to read a prepared affidavit during the hearing.