‘Basura’ of cash from kickbacks delivered to Co, Romualdez – former aide

Suitcases containing billions of pesos in kickbacks from flood control projects have tied former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co directly to alleged deliveries made by Co’s former security aide, as stated in a sworn testimony.

Orly Regala Guteza, who served as Co’s security consultant, testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he personally transported “basura”—their code word for cash-filled suitcases—to Romualdez’s home in Taguig.

“Higit kumulang tatlong beses ako mismo ang nag-deliver ng basura sa bahay ni Congressman Zaldy Co sa Horizon Residences at sa bahay ni Speaker Romualdez sa 42 McKinley Street, Taguig,” Guteza said during the panel’s sixth hearing, September 25.

He detailed one incident where 46 suitcases were received at Co’s condominium unit, but only 35 were delivered to Romualdez’s residence. The remaining 11 were kept at Co’s unit.

 “Each suitcase contained P48 million. That meant P1.68 billion was brought to Speaker Romualdez’s house,” Guteza added.

The deliveries were conducted on a rotating basis by Co’s security aides, with cash sometimes being transported several times a week.

“Mas maraming pagkakataon na nagdedeliver kami ng basura sa bahay ni Speaker Romualdez at sa bahay ni Congressman Zaldy Co dahil iba-iba kaming mga detailed na close-in, back up, at advanced party,” he said.

Guteza also named Benguet Rep. Eric Yap from the ACT-CIS party-list, claiming that he personally witnessed Yap participating in the transportation of 46 pieces of luggage filled with money to Co’s residence in Valle Verde, Pasig. 

“I have never accepted, nor authorized, the delivery of money in connection with flood control projects. These claims are untrue,” Yap said in a statement, denying the accusations. 

He added that he is open to facing Guteza in a proper forum and under proceedings where his constitutional rights are respected.

The revelations come as the House leadership faces upheaval over corruption allegations tied to public works projects. 

Romualdez resigned earlier this month as Speaker amid intensifying scrutiny.

He was replaced by Isabela Rep. Bojie Dy, who has since ordered Co to return from abroad to answer the charges.

Guteza’s testimony also dabbed on Romualdez’s properties.

He claimed that one of the houses where money was delivered previously belonged to businessman Michael Yang, a former presidential economic adviser who was linked to the controversial Pharmally pandemic supply deals.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is investigating reports of systemic corruption in flood control allocations, long considered one of the most lucrative sources of kickbacks in government.