MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson dared missing witness Orly Guteza to surface and present physical evidence to back up his allegation that he delivered millions of cash stuffed in Rimowa suitcases to the homes of former speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
Lacson held a press briefing yesterday as he confirmed retaking the Blue Ribbon committee chairmanship after a brief resignation and that he would soon wrap up the investigation on ghost flood control projects to look into more anomalous infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads.
It was Guteza’s sudden disappearance from the public eye since implicating Romualdez and Co in flood control kickbacks the previous Blue Ribbon hearing that bothered Lacson.
“We need him to give additional evidence to back up his claim. If he does not add to his earlier testimony, it would not stand on its own,” the senator said.
Lacson said Guteza should have physical evidence like a ledger of kickbacks, or the post-it notes on the Rimowa luggage, which the latter previously claimed had the figure “48” written on it to indicate the amount in millions of cash stashed there.
Guteza should also have pictures of the alleged deliveries of kickbacks, or even an “investigator’s notebook,” which Lacson said is an admissible piece of evidence in court if proven that a witness has taken the notes while at the crime scene.
Lacson also questioned Guteza’s detailed claim of using Rimowa suitcases, which are too expensive to be merely used to deliver billions worth of commissions.
Meanwhile, a surprise “very important witness” is ready to testify and give more names implicated in the flood control mess.
Lacson said he has advised the witness to only name names and make allegations if these are supported with damning evidence and “supporting documents.”
“If it is just personal knowledge and there are no supporting documents, then the witness should not drop names. That was our deal,” Lacson said.
Lacson refused to give more details about the witness, asking media to just wait for the next hearing tentatively scheduled on Nov. 14.
Marcoleta vs Lacson
Amid Guteza’s forged notarial signature in his affidavit, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has come to the defense of his witness.
“Guteza has no motivation to falsify a public document,” Marcoleta told Bilyonaryo News Channel yesterday.
The former Blue Ribbon chair also slammed Lacson for allegedly spying on him and Guteza.
“I took offense because I don’t think this is the job of a senator, much less on what his rapport is with a fellow senator. Can’t he be contented that the person came to testify? Why would he look into the CCTV?” Marcoleta complained.
In response, Lacson said his actions were within legal bounds. — Neil Jayson Servallos