Soldier Alleges Delivery of Millions in Cash to Leyte Rep. Romualdez and Ako Bicol Rep. Co

During a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, Orly Guteza, a soldier who reportedly served as a security aide to Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, testified about delivering suitcases filled with large amounts of cash to prominent political figures. Guteza stated that each suitcase contained approximately P48 million and referred to the cash-laden luggage as "basura."

According to Guteza, the deliveries were made to Co's condominium unit on the 56th floor of Horizon Residences in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, as well as Co's residence at Valle Verde 6 in Pasig City. Additionally, suitcases were delivered to Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's mansion located in Forbes Park, Taguig.

"I was merely the steward of these 'basura' suitcases," Guteza said, reading from a prepared affidavit. "By 'basura,' we mean suitcases containing money, each valued at roughly P48 million."

He further explained that the cash deliveries to Romualdez's and Co's residences occurred frequently, facilitated by various security team members rotating through close-in, backup, and advance party roles.

Guteza also revealed that another representative, ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap, was involved, bringing 46 suitcases to Co's Valle Verde home, with 35 later moved to Romualdez's Forbes Park mansion.

"I personally delivered 'basura' around three times to Congressman Zaldy Co’s units and to Speaker Romualdez’s residences," Guteza added, emphasizing the repeated nature of the transactions.

This testimony adds to ongoing inquiries into the alleged movement of large amounts of cash involving political figures.