Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has raised alarm over allegations that the affidavit of Senate witness Orly Guteza, who accused lawmakers of involvement in anomalous flood-control projects, may have been backed by a falsified notarization.
In an interview with broadcaster Ted Failon, Pangilinan stressed that if proven fake, the notarization would strip the document of validity and gravely affect Guteza’s credibility as a witness.
“Alam mo, Ted, kung mapapatunayan nating peke ang notaryo, mawawalan ito ng bisa at bababa ang kredibilidad ng testigo,” Pangilinan said.
Failon, however, countered that what matters most is the content of the testimony itself, pointing out that Guteza had already sworn under oath before the Senate. “Para sa bayan, hindi po ata importante ang notaryo kundi ‘yung laman ng salaysay—dahil siya lang ang kaisa-isang nagli-link kay Romualdez,” Failon argued.
Pangilinan acknowledged the point but insisted that the alleged forgery cannot be taken lightly. “Kailangan pa rin natin imbestigahan ito dahil bakit kailangang pekein ang notaryo? Isa itong public document at nagpapakita ito ng pagtataksil sa bayan at sa Saligang Batas,” he explained.
The interview further tackled concerns that forgery might have been deliberate. Failon pressed whether Guteza could be a “planted” witness, given the risks he faced by testifying. Pangilinan declined to jump to conclusions but said the issue underscores the need for a thorough investigation.
“Dapat muna nating imbestigahan mabuti kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari at ano ang totoo,” Pangilinan said, noting that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is handling the inquiry, is reportedly verifying the notarial process.
Failon also questioned why a witness would resort to using a fake notary when many legitimate notaries public are available. Pangilinan agreed but emphasized waiting for the committee’s findings. “We need to wait for the result of the investigation,” he said.
For Failon, however, public perception may already lean toward believing the testimony regardless of technical issues. “Ke peke o hindi ang notaryo, it doesn’t matter. Ang importante ay ‘yung laman ng salaysay dahil siya lang ang unang witness na nagdawit kay Romualdez,” Failon said. “Hindi naman bobo ang taong bayan. Alam nila kung sino ang may kinalaman dito.”
Pangilinan maintained a cautious stance, urging the public to allow the investigation to take its course. “Let’s wait for the result of the investigation,” he reiterated.
The controversy adds yet another layer of intrigue to the flood-control scam hearings, where allegations of kickbacks have already implicated several lawmakers, including House leaders. The credibility of witnesses like Guteza, and the integrity of their supporting documents, may prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the probe.