Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson says the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) can help get to the bottom of the controversial affidavit of Orly Guteza, Senator Rodante Marcoleta's "surprise witness" during the recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon panel, noted on Friday night, Sept. 26 that part of the function of the RTC’s executive judge is to look into violations involving notarized documents within its jurisdiction.

"The Manila RTC can help unravel the mystery behind the now (in)famous Guteza affidavit since part of the executive judge’s function is to investigate violations relating to notarized documents within its jurisdiction. Was he just made to sign a prepared affidavit that he read during the committee hearing, and by whom?" Lacson posted on X.

Earlier, lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name appeared in Guteza's affidavit, denied notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of Guteza's affidavit. She was quoted in reports as saying the signature and notarial details attributed to her were “falsified and unauthorized".

During Thursday's hearing, Marcoleta introduced Guteza, who he claimed was referred to him by ex-Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, to the proceedings without advanced courtesy notice, not even to the committee chairman who replaced him earlier this month.

In his initial interpellation of Guteza, Marcoleta asked him if he had his sworn statement - which contained Espera's supposed signature and related details - notarized, and if the notarization was genuine. Guteza answered in the affirmative.

"The executive judge may have to dig deeper into this," Lacson said.

At times during the Blue Ribbon hearing, Marcoleta - who mentioned having read the statement when it was still a draft - was observed to be coaching Guteza by prompting him on what to say from his affidavit.

In an earlier committee hearing last Tuesday, Marcoleta also questioned Lacson's impartiality by citing a television interview where Lacson was asked on the credibility of witnesses. The Blue Ribbon chairman and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief countered that he was airing his personal opinion outside the Senate hall, which must not be questioned.

"Impartiality, my foot!" Lacson remarked, as he added that credibility was not cast in stone as a witness can be credible in one thing and not credible in another.

On Friday, Guteza failed to attend a meeting with Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla following the former's request for witness protection. The DOJ is also looking into Espera's denial that she helped prepare Guteza's document.

News reports also said two former colleagues of Guteza--Ako Bicol Party-list aides Mark Bunagan and Allan Colesio--belied in affidavits Guteza's claims of alleged cash deliveries to the houses of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Both Bunagan and Colesio expressed willingness to testify before the Senate or any court.