MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) clarified that controversial Senate witness Orly Guteza is not under the custody or protection of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), contrary to circulating reports.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Arlene Martinez said Guteza had retired from the Marines on June 30, 2020, and is no longer under the Navy’s administrative authority.

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

Aside from the PMC, the other type command of the Navy is the Philippine Fleet.

“It must be also made clear that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza is not under the protection of the PMC, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,” Martinez added.

Reports earlier surfaced that Guteza, who claimed in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that he delivered suitcases of money to former House lawmaker Zaldy Co and former speaker Martin Romualdez, was under Marine custody for security reasons.

Martinez emphasized that the PN “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.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson also denied claims that Guteza was in Marine custody, citing confirmation from Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Vincent Blanco III.

“As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMA Cl ’91), through fellow cavaliers, Guteza is not and has never been under their custody. How much more fakery can we take?” Lacson said in a post on X.

Lacson was reacting to statements made by former Rep. Michael Defensor in a television interview alleging Guteza was under Marine protection.

The senator earlier revealed that a Manila court had found inconsistencies in Guteza’s notarized affidavit and recommended a preliminary investigation for possible falsification. He added that Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza visiting the office of Senator Rodante Marcoleta before attending the hearing. (PNA)