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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila Court affirms lawyer's signature in Guteza affidavit falsified

Manila Court affirms lawyer's signature in Guteza affidavit falsified

Published Oct 28, 2025 01:27 pm
Manila City Hall
Manila City Hall

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 affirmed that the signature of Atty. Petty Rose Espera affixed to the sworn statement of former Philippine Marine Orly Guteza, who also served as a security consultant of former Rep. Zaldy Co, is fake, confirming the lawyer's claims that she did not notarize the said document that was submitted by Guterez to the Senate during its probe into the anomalous flood control projects being found across the country.

In the 11-page document stating the results of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) forensics report, Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison said the investigators confirmed that Espera's alleged signature in Guteza's affidavit last Sept. 24 and her actual signature were not the same.

"Laboratory comparative examination conducted on the specimens submitted using the stereoscopic microscope, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC4000), forensic image analyzer, magnifying hand lens, and photographic enlargements (comparison chart) reveals the existence of significant fundamental differences in handwriting characteristics and habits between the questioned and the standard specimen signatures PETCHIE ROSE G. ESPERA," the report dated Oct. 24 read.

"Conclusion: The questioned and the standard specimen signatures PETCHIE ROSE G. ESPERA were not written by one and the same person," it added.

Sison also recommended the filing of falsification charges against Guteza and all those who used or presented the document for falsifying Espera's signature and other notarial details.

"In this instance, considering that Mr. Guteza presented the Sinumpaang Salaysay during the public hearing and is deemed to be the author (of falsification) thereof, appropriate falsification charges shall be filed against him. Similarly, all other persons who made use of or uttered the Sinumpaang Salaysay signed by Mr. Guteza shall be liable for falsification, noting that "in the absence of a satisfactory explanation, one who is found in possession of a forged document and who used or uttered it is presumed to be the forger," the document read.

"The Court further notes that Mr. Guteza failed to provide a satisfactory explanation to this Office regarding his possession of the Sinumpaang Salaysay containing falsified notarial details and the forged signature of Atty. Espera," it noted.

The court cleared Espera of any liability from the purported notarization of Guteza's sworn affidavit.

On Sept. 25, Guteza appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, where he claimed he had been ordered by Co to make a number of cash deliveries to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Romualdez had denied Guteza’s allegations.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson had ordered a record check and background investigation (RCBI) of Guteza, who was a surprise witness of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta during the hearing.

Related Tags

ORLY GUTEZA ZALDY CO MANILA RTC MANILA CITY FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT METRO NEWS NBI
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