A former Marine who later served as security aide to Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co has tagged Cong. Martin Romualdez in the ongoing flood control fund controversy, alleging that the former Speaker also received large deliveries of cash amounting to millions of pesos several times a week.
In a sworn affidavit executed in Manila on September 24, 2025, Orly Regala Guteza claimed he was detailed to handle the transport of what was referred to as “basura,” a code name for suitcases allegedly filled with cash. Guteza said each suitcase contained around ₱48 million, with the amounts marked on notes attached to the luggage.
According to his testimony, the deliveries were made not only to Co’s residence in Valle Verde 6 but also to Romualdez’s residence in Taguig. Guteza said the trips occurred three times a week and involved dozens of suitcases at a time. He recounted personally carrying the luggage to Romualdez’s property and witnessing some of the suitcases being opened to reveal bundles of cash.
Guteza also alleged that in one instance, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Yap delivered 46 suitcases to Co’s residence, with a portion later redirected to Romualdez. He added that Co’s staff members, identified as John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay, would regularly receive and count the money.
The former Marine explained that he decided to disclose the details after realizing that public funds were being misused, claiming that money intended for education and health programs ended up in private hands. He said he chose to speak out for the sake of his children and grandchildren, though he admitted that doing so put him and his family at risk.
Guteza has asked to be placed under the Witness Protection Program, citing possible threats to his life following his disclosure. “Alam ko po na manganganib ang buhay ko at ang aking pamilya sa ginawa kong paglalalahad,” he wrote in his affidavit.
Guteza was referred to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee by Rep. Marcoleta after former congressman Mike Defensor reached out to him on September 24. Guteza had earlier volunteered what he knew to Defensor, who then relayed the information to Marcoleta.
