Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Monday defended the credibility of Orly Guteza, a former Philippine Marine and former security aide of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, dismissing as "impossible" the allegations that he falsified the notarization of his affidavit.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Marcoleta stressed that Guteza remains a credible witness despite efforts to undermine him.

“Sa nakita ko na at sa aking karanasan, bilang trial lawyer. Credible na credible itong tao na it," Marcoleta said.

He pointed out that detractors are trying to poke holes in Guteza’s testimony by accusing him of fabricating notarial documents.

"Kaya nga pinipilit na butasan eh…Parang siya pa ang nameke ng notaryo, saan ka nga nakakita ng ganitong klase ng pagpaparatang na imposible naman,” Marcoleta stressed.

Marcoleta explained that Guteza personally visited the notary’s office, which is officially listed in Ermita but appeared to have a branch along Villaruel Street in Pasay City.

“Pumunta siya. Ang nakita ko doon sa notarial detail ng nagnonotaryo na abogada sa Ermita ang opisina niya. Ngunit parang mayroon siyang branch nandoon sa may Villaruel St. sa Pasay City. Kinunan pa nga niya ng littrato ‘yung lugar," Marcoleta said.

"Ang nakalagay doon sa notaryo ay Notaryo Publiko 24/7. Nasa gilid lang ng kalsada eh, yung talagang opisina niya makikita mo sa notarial detail nasa Ermita pero ito bakit nasa Villaruel St. Samakatuwid ginagamit niya yung lugar na iyon nag-assign siya ng isang staff niya doon o sekretarya kaya,” he added.

The senator also revealed that Guteza initially expressed interest in being placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) but later changed his mind, saying he could secure his own safety.

“Noong una kasi nakasaad sa kanyang salaysay mismo na gusto niya ring magbakasakali na mapailalim sa Witness Protection Program… Bago matapos yung hearing ayaw na niya magpacover [WPP]. Basta sabi niya ayaw ko na po. Sabi niya huwag na po, abala pa sa tao sabi niya tutal kaya ko naman pong proteksyunan ang aking sarili, sabi niya,” Marcoleta recalled.

He further disclosed that Guteza had confided about threats to his life and is now being sheltered by trusted associates.

“Sa pagkakaalam ko kinupkop siya ng kanyang tropa sa dahil may nagtatangka na raw sa buhay niya. ‘Yun ang pagkakasabi niya sa akin noon,” Marcoleta said.

Despite political pressure, Marcoleta said he does not believe Guteza would retract his testimony.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na babaliktad iyon, nakausap ko eh” the senator affirmed.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Guteza testified that he personally handed over bags containing millions of pesos in alleged kickbacks from flood control projects to Rep. Zaldy Co and former House Speaker, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.