Mike Defensor Facilitated Introduction of Ex-Marine Claiming Cash Deliveries to Lawmakers

Former representative Mike Defensor revealed that he connected Orly Guteza, an ex-Marine officer who alleged transporting cash-filled suitcases to lawmakers Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, with Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Speaking in an interview on a news outlet, Defensor explained that Guteza approached him through a mutual acquaintance who is also a soldier. "Initially, this guy, through a common friend who’s also a soldier, wanted to see me, and he gave me some snippets of what was happening in relation to his work with Cong. Zaldy Co," Defensor stated. He added, "I told him it’s best to discuss it with Sen. [Rodante] Marcoleta because that really was his intent."

Defensor then reached out to Senator Marcoleta and arranged a meeting with Guteza at a nearby restaurant last Wednesday. During their conversation, Guteza shared his account and presented a draft statement describing his allegations. Defensor expressed his surprise: "I was shocked about hearing some of the details, some of which I said might be immaterial to the scam we are discussing."

Following the meeting, Guteza proceeded to have his affidavit notarized before presenting it at the Senate with Senator Marcoleta's introduction the next morning.

When asked about other attendees during the meeting, Defensor confirmed the presence of additional individuals but declined to name them, citing their preference to remain uninvolved. He emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, "I’m also a private person and do not want to be involved in political issues, but I felt this is something that should be revealed if there’s truth to it. This is for the country, amid a corruption crisis affecting us all."

Defensor further remarked on the pervasive nature of corruption in Congress, noting, "It’s an open secret. A lot of people know it; even the bugs know about it."