A former soldier who served as a security aide to Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has sought inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP) after revealing his role in repeatedly delivering suitcases allegedly containing millions in cash to high-profile locations—including the residence of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Orly Guteza, a Philippine Marine turned security consultant, made the request during his testimony at a Senate hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
He said his duties since December 5, 2024 included transporting “basura”—a term he used for luggages filled with money, each reportedly amounting to around P48 million.
He said deliveries were routinely made to 28th Ladybug corner Dragonfly Street in Valle Verde 6, Pasig City, and to Romualdez’s residence at 42 McKinley Street, Taguig.
Guteza testified that Co’s executive assistants, John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay, received and counted the cash.
“Bago ibaba ang nasabing basura, ito ay bawas na. Halimbawa, nag-akyat kami ng 46 na maleta. Ibaba lang namin ay 35 na maleta para i-deliver sa mga bahay ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez sa 42 McKinley Street, Taguig. Ang 11 na maleta na naiwan sa taas sa 56th floor ng Horizon Residences,” Guteza said.
“Mas maraming pagkakataon na nagde-deliver kami ng basura sa bahay ni Speaker Romualdez at sa bahay ni Cong. Zaldy Co dahil iba-iba kaming mga detailed na close-in, back-up, at advanced party na nagkakaroon ng rotation ,” he said.
He apologized to fellow soldiers during his testimony, saying he came forward for the country’s future.
He also mentioned deliveries to the former residence of a certain “Michael Yang.”
When Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson asked Guteza to clarify who “Michael Yang” is, Guteza said all he can remember is that they knew him as a personality involved in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
Asked if Romualdez acquired Yang’s property, Guteza replied: “Allegedly, your honor.” (Hannah Torregoza)
