Marcoleta, Defensor may face subornation of perjury charges over Guteza testimony

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 24, 2026

Photo courtesy: Mike Defensor Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor could face charges of subornation of perjury for allegedly coaching the Senate Blue Ribbon committee testimony of Orly Guteza, an alleged former Marine who later recanted his statements accusing the two of forcing him to testify falsely.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday that former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez could be the one to file the complaint against Marcoleta and Defensor, citing the sequence of events during last year’s Blue Ribbon committee hearing.

“If we look at the evidence and the sequence of events, this transpired during the BRC hearing where it is clear that Sen. Marcoleta was coaching [Guteza]. Therefore, he is one of those who could be charged with subornation of perjury,” Lacson said in an interview over radio station dwIZ.

Guteza had testified before the committee about alleged kickback deliveries connected to flood control projects, describing cash allegedly moved in suitcases, or “maleta.” He later resurfaced after an extended absence and recanted his account, claiming Marcoleta and Defensor pressured him into testifying in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Lacson said he was not surprised by the reversal, noting he had already observed Marcoleta’s involvement in shaping Guteza’s testimony during the original hearing.

The senator said the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman could open a preliminary investigation into perjury charges against those responsible for inducing the false testimony.

“They can initiate a preliminary investigation into the perjury case against the people behind it,” Lacson said.

He also renewed his call for stiffer penalties against individuals who induce or coerce others into committing perjury, describing the practice as a persistent and largely unpunished scheme.

“Those who engage in that really ought to be taught a lesson, because we have laws covering it. Yet, no one actually ends up being charged,” Lacson said.

Marcoleta and Defensor are currently detained and facing separate plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan over allegedly undeclared campaign funds. No subornation of perjury complaint has yet been filed against either official.