Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has called for a full record check and background investigation (RCBI) on Orly Regala Guteza, a surprise witness whose testimony at Thursday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing stirred controversy and raised serious questions about alleged corruption.

Guteza, who claims to be a former Marine and ex-security consultant of Rep. Elizaldy Co, was presented without prior notice to the committee, prompting Lacson to question the credibility and authenticity of the witness and his affidavit.

“Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony,” Lacson said in a post on X.

Guteza alleged that he delivered suitcases of cash—codenamed “basura” (trash)—to the residences of Rep. Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez has denied the accusations.

Adding to the controversy, lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name and notarial details appeared on Guteza’s affidavit, denied any involvement in its preparation or notarization, calling the signature and details “falsified and unauthorized.”

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who introduced Guteza during the hearing, said the witness was referred to him by former Representative Michael Defensor.

Meanwhile, Lacson clarified that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may invite Rep. Co to appear in its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects. He emphasized that inter-parliamentary courtesy applies to institutions, not individual members.

“The tradition is not accorded to individual members of either house, it is accorded to the institution,” Lacson said, adding that there is no issue in inviting Co once he returns to the country.

Lacson also confirmed that Sunwest and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson would be invited to the next hearing.