FILE

Atty. Petchie Rose G. Espera has been officially cleared of any liability in connection with a fraudulent affidavit presented during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

In an order dated October 24, 2025, the Manila Regional Trial Court confirmed that the affidavit executed by Orly Regala Guteza on September 24, 2025, was falsified. Judge Carolina C. Icasiano-Sison noted that Guteza failed to rebut the presumption that he was the author of the forgery. The court stated, “Atty. Espera is hereby cleared from any liability, administrative or otherwise, arising from the purported notarization of the Sinumpaang Salaysay.”

The order further directed that the falsification incident be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges against Guteza and any other individuals who used or presented the falsified affidavit. Copies of the order will also be furnished to the Office of the Court Administrator for information and appropriate action.

Espera had previously denied notarizing the document, emphasizing that the signature and notarial details attributed to her were “falsified and unauthorized” and injurious to her reputation as a commissioned notary public.

This development underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of legal documents and holding accountable those who engage in fraudulent activities.