The Philippine Navy on Tuesday dismissed repeated claims that retired Sergeant Orly Guteza, former aide to ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, is in the custody of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said these claims are “mere speculation and have no basis.”

“These allegations are unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and have no basis in fact," Martinez said.

The controversy arose after Senator Rodante Marcoleta, citing a “whistleblower,” alleged that suitcases of cash were delivered to Co and Leyte 1st District and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as kickbacks in flood-control projects.

Marcoleta presented Guteza before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, saying the witness had been referred to him by former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor.

Martinez added that the Navy immediately conducted a thorough verification after the allegations resurfaced. She said that inspections and validations by intelligence units confirmed that Guteza, who retired in 2020, is no longer affiliated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and is not under military custody or protection.

“All findings consistently confirmed that Mr. Guteza, who has long been retired from the service, is not under the custody, protection, or safekeeping of the Philippine Navy or the Philippine Marine Corps,” she said.

“As a professional and disciplined institution, the Navy deeply respects the Constitution and ongoing judicial and legislative inquiries,” Martinez added.

“We fully understand the importance of accountability and the duty of every individual to appear and testify when summoned. The Navy does not and will never harbor, conceal, or shield any individual from the law,” she noted.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to locate the former Marine personnel, despite earlier claims that he was under military protection, claimed by Defensor.