Sara backs 'suitcases of money' accusations vs Romualdez

Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday backed the claim of a former member of the Philippine Marines who testified that he personally delivered "basura" or suitcases containing millions of pesos to the residence of then House speaker Martin Romualdez.

- By BELLA CARIASO

"When I was asked this morning on whether I believe the reports of enormous suitcases of money being delivered to the house of Martin Romualdez, my answer was yes. Yes, because this fits the previous reports of him accepting bribes," Duterte said in a statement.

During his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, Master Sergeant Orly Regala Guteza, a former member of the Philippine Marines, claimed to have worked as security consultant to resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

It was Sen. Rodante Marcoleta who introduced Guteza as a witness, and even appeared to coach him into sticking to his prepared sworn affidavit.

Guteza claimed he personally delivered 46 Rimowa luggage bags, each containing P48 million, to the posh residences of Co and Romualdez.

Guteza called the cash "basura" or trash, a common law enforcement term for contraband, which in this case was the congressmen's alleged illegal proceeds from flood control projects.