Detained Senator Marcoleta stands by soldier’s flood control testimony despite recantation

Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta has stood by the original Senate Blue Ribbon Committee testimony of Master Sergeant Orly Guteza, dismissing the soldier's recent recantation as an "expected" result of coercion and threats to his family.

Appearing before the panel on Sept. 25, 2025, Guteza alleged personal knowledge of the involvement of then-Speaker Martin Romualdez, former congressman Zaldy Co, and their associates in the misuse of billions of pesos in flood control funds.

However, a video and statement attributed to Guteza surfaced on Aug. 19, 2026, in which he retracted his claims, accusing Marcoleta and former Rep. Mike Defensor of fabricating the testimony in exchange for money.

Marcoleta rejected the recantation, praising Guteza’s initial "valor" in risking his safety to testify.

“My respect for MSgt Guteza has not been diminished by the release of his completely different statement on August 19, 2026,” Marcoleta said, calling the retraction predictable given the soldier's ordeal.

To counter the retraction, Marcoleta cited a November 2025 phone recording between Guteza and his wife. In the call, Guteza reportedly told his wife he was held incommunicado under unknown custody and forced to read a prepared script on camera because he feared for his family’s safety. Marcoleta added that Guteza’s wife confirmed their family had faced threats from those restricting the soldier’s movement.

Legal and practical arguments raised by Marcoleta include:

Evidentiary Weight: Citing People v. Manlapaz (G.R. No. 254747, July 13, 2022), Marcoleta argued that Guteza’s sworn, detailed original testimony carries far more legal weight than a subsequent general denial made under duress.

Plausibility of Conspiracy: Marcoleta dismissed allegations that he and Defensor orchestrated the account, noting he and Guteza were strangers prior to their first meeting. He added that fabricating a complex narrative—such as detailing luggage filled with cash at a restaurant—within a brief timeframe was physically impossible.

Marcoleta maintained that the retraction would not deter his pursuit of accountability over the alleged misuse of public funds.

“Rather than feel dismay and defeat by the situation of Guteza... we must strengthen our resolve,” Marcoleta said, urging authorities to identify those responsible and recover the missing funds.