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Lacson Calls Out Fakery Over False Marines Custody Claim
Photo credit: Senate PH
“How much more fakery can we take?”
That was the question raised by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as he debunked claims that former T/Sgt. Orly Guteza is under the custody of the Philippine Marines.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson flatly denied the claim and said he verified the information himself with Philippine Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Vincent Blanco III.
“FAKERY. Wala sa kustodiya o proteksyon ng Philippine Marine Corps si Orly Guteza,” Lacson wrote. “Ayon kay Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMS Cl ‘91), base sa beripikasyon ng mga kapwa cavaliers, ang pahayag na nasa custody ng Philippine Marines si Orly Guteza ay hindi totoo. How much more fakery can we take?”
The statement came after former Rep. Michael Defensor claimed in a television interview that Guteza was being protected by the Marines. Guteza was earlier presented by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta as a “witness” during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 25, with Marcoleta saying Defensor was the one who referred Guteza to him.
Lacson said the claim had no basis and that Maj. Gen. Blanco himself confirmed Guteza was never under Marine custody.
The senator also revealed that the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court found inconsistencies in Guteza’s notarized affidavit, particularly in the signature of lawyer Petchie Espera. The court recommended a preliminary investigation for possible falsification against Guteza and those responsible for submitting the affidavit.
Lacson added that Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza arriving at the Senate at 8:27 a.m. on September 25 and staying at Marcoleta’s office for about 30 minutes before proceeding to the gallery of the session hall—further disproving claims that he was in Marine custody.
Guteza earlier alleged that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of former Representative Elizaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, both of whom have denied the accusations.
While Lacson acknowledged that Guteza’s testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee remains on record, he said these developments may seriously affect the witness’s credibility.
“Hanggang saan pa aabot ang panloloko?” Lacson said, expressing frustration over what he described as repeated misinformation surrounding the case.
Lacson urged public officials and media sources to verify claims before making statements that could mislead the public and distort the truth.
That was the question raised by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as he debunked claims that former T/Sgt. Orly Guteza is under the custody of the Philippine Marines.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson flatly denied the claim and said he verified the information himself with Philippine Marines Commandant Maj. Gen. Vincent Blanco III.
“FAKERY. Wala sa kustodiya o proteksyon ng Philippine Marine Corps si Orly Guteza,” Lacson wrote. “Ayon kay Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMS Cl ‘91), base sa beripikasyon ng mga kapwa cavaliers, ang pahayag na nasa custody ng Philippine Marines si Orly Guteza ay hindi totoo. How much more fakery can we take?”
The statement came after former Rep. Michael Defensor claimed in a television interview that Guteza was being protected by the Marines. Guteza was earlier presented by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta as a “witness” during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 25, with Marcoleta saying Defensor was the one who referred Guteza to him.
Lacson said the claim had no basis and that Maj. Gen. Blanco himself confirmed Guteza was never under Marine custody.
The senator also revealed that the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court found inconsistencies in Guteza’s notarized affidavit, particularly in the signature of lawyer Petchie Espera. The court recommended a preliminary investigation for possible falsification against Guteza and those responsible for submitting the affidavit.
Lacson added that Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza arriving at the Senate at 8:27 a.m. on September 25 and staying at Marcoleta’s office for about 30 minutes before proceeding to the gallery of the session hall—further disproving claims that he was in Marine custody.
Guteza earlier alleged that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of former Representative Elizaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, both of whom have denied the accusations.
While Lacson acknowledged that Guteza’s testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee remains on record, he said these developments may seriously affect the witness’s credibility.
“Hanggang saan pa aabot ang panloloko?” Lacson said, expressing frustration over what he described as repeated misinformation surrounding the case.
Lacson urged public officials and media sources to verify claims before making statements that could mislead the public and distort the truth.
Oct 30, 2025
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