MANILA — Malacañang wants investigators to uncover whether an organized scheme existed to recruit and pay witnesses to fabricate allegations in the flood control controversy, warning that anyone behind such an operation — including its alleged mastermind — should face charges.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities must thoroughly investigate the allegations following the recantation of Orly Guteza, a former aide of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co who had earlier implicated former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in alleged cash deliveries.
“Dapat itong maimbestigahan. Kung sino ang dapat na sampahan ng kaso, sampahan ng kaso. Kung sino ‘yung mastermind sa pagpapagawa ng ganitong klaseng scenario, sampahan ng kaso,” Castro said.
Guteza has submitted a new affidavit claiming that Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor recruited him to fabricate allegations against Romualdez in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.
But Castro stressed that Guteza’s latest version should not automatically be treated as fact simply because he has withdrawn his earlier allegations.
She said investigators must scrutinize both Guteza’s original testimony and his recantation and determine which statements are supported by evidence.
“Kailangan din po na maimbestigahan kung ano ‘yung sinabi ni Mr. Guteza, na ma-verify kung lahat ng sinabi niya ngayon after siya mag recant ay may katotohanan. So dapat ma check nang mabuti lahat,” she said.
Guteza had previously testified that he personally delivered cash to the residences of Co and Romualdez. His allegations subsequently became part of the broader investigation into alleged corruption involving flood control projects.
His recantation has now raised a separate issue over whether witnesses were deliberately recruited, financially induced or otherwise influenced to manufacture allegations against public officials.
Castro said the controversy goes beyond the personalities involved because fabricated testimony could undermine the credibility of investigations and erode public confidence in the justice system.
She also raised the possibility that efforts to manufacture accusations could be linked to attempts to destabilize the government.
“Maraming nag-a-attempt gumawa ng pekeng kwento para sirain kung sino man ‘yung gusto nilang sirain. At maaaring isa sa mga reasons na ito ay destabilization,” Castro said.
The Palace official said investigators should determine whether Guteza’s allegations point to a broader operation to manipulate witnesses, particularly given his claim that financial and educational benefits were offered in exchange for false testimony.
Castro stressed that establishing the truth behind both Guteza’s original accusations and his recantation is crucial, as fabricated testimony and false information could complicate ongoing efforts to determine accountability in the flood control controversy./PN
