Vice President Sara Duterte supported the testimony of former Marine Master Sergeant Orly Regala Guteza, who claimed he delivered suitcases containing millions of pesos to then House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Duterte said the allegations aligned with past reports of Romualdez receiving bribes and cited a Delaware court ruling that repeatedly mentioned him in relation to questionable financial dealings.
Guteza testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he delivered 46 luggage bags, each containing ₱48 million, referring to the cash as “basura” or contraband from flood control kickbacks.
Romualdez strongly denied the charges, dismissing the testimony as a fabrication and the product of coaching.
Meanwhile, tensions in the House continued as Rep. Duke Frasco accused resigned Rep. Co of violating ethics rules through construction firm interests, a claim denied by fellow Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 1, 2025
