Former Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Mike Defensor said that “surprise witness” Orly Guteza is currently under the protection of his fellow former Marines.
Guteza was introduced in the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing last week, with claims that the man reached out through the help of Defensor.
Guteza claimed that he is a former security consultant for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and that he personally visited the residences of Co and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. Both have denied the allegations.
“Since then, I only received messages from his friend. They mentioned that he is with his fellow Marines who are protecting him, they themselves are providing him protection,” Defensor said in an interview.
“As to his current whereabouts, I really cannot say. But we do have communication somehow,” he added.
Defensor also defended Guteza regarding his affidavit, saying that the latter had it notarized himself and the notarial details were “authentic.”
He also said that Guteza asked nothing in return for his testimony.
“I admire that sergeant, Sgt. Orly Guteza. He didn’t ask for any money, nor any favor. And I was surprised, he didn’t even ask for protection… this person is genuine. This person is patriotic, wants to fix the country,” the former congressman said.
The Senate blue ribbon committee chairman earlier said that further investigation on Guteza is necessary due to the gravity of his allegations.
It was also emphasized that Guteza was presented in the hearing “without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman.”
Anakalusugan Party-List
The Anakalusugan Party-List is a political organization in the Philippines that represents the health sector in the country’s House of Representatives. It was established to advocate for accessible and affordable healthcare, focusing on the needs of marginalized Filipinos. Its history is rooted in a platform of pushing for health-related legislation and reforms to improve the public health system.
Marines
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for amphibious and expeditionary warfare. It was established on November 10, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress to serve as an infantry force aboard naval ships and for rapid deployment. Renowned for their rigorous training and esprit de corps, the Marines have played a crucial role in every major U.S. conflict.
Senate blue ribbon committee
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is a special investigative body within the Philippine Senate. Its primary purpose is to investigate alleged wrongdoing by government officials and agencies, as well as any matter of public interest. Historically, it has been involved in high-profile inquiries into major scandals concerning corruption and misuse of public funds.
Ako Bicol party-list
Ako Bicol (AKB) is a party-list representative in the House of Representatives of the Philippines, not a physical place or cultural site. It was established to represent and promote the welfare of the people from the Bicol Region. Historically, it has been one of the most successful party-list groups in terms of votes garnered in Philippine elections.
Leyte
Leyte is a province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, most famously known as the site of the World War II Allied landings. On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return, leading to the pivotal Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is considered the largest naval battle of the war. This event was a crucial step in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
Congress
The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making federal laws, declaring war, and overseeing the budget.
Sergeant
It appears you may be referring to a place with “Sergeant” in its name, such as Sergeant York’s historic site or a location like Sargent, Georgia. However, without a specific context, it is difficult to provide a precise summary. If you meant the World War I hero Sergeant Alvin York, his legacy in Tennessee commemorates his bravery and leadership during the war, with a museum and park dedicated to his memory.
Senate
The Senate is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It provides equal representation with two senators for each state and holds unique powers, including confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.
