Surprise witness may be liable for perjury – Ping

Surprise witness Orly Guteza may be liable for perjury if proven that his sworn affidavit before the Senate Blue Ribbon flood control corruption hearing was notarized with a false signature.

- By MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

But Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the alleged false notarization is just a “side issue,” as he vowed not to get distracted from the aim of the panel to expose the kickbacks scheme in ghost and substandard flood control projects.

“If it is proven that he lied and that he did not face the notary public in the document, then he can be charged with perjury, which the committee can recommend in its report,” Lacson said over radio dwIZ yesterday.

“But the issue here should be the substance of the affidavit, which he also swore as true before the committee. Whether or not it was notarized properly is a side issue,” Lacson added.

The former Marine’s credibility was put to question after lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, whose name and signature appeared as notary in the sworn affidavit, said her signature and notarial details were “falsified and unauthorized.”