Ex-Marines witness alleges P1.68B suitcase delivery to Romualdez residence

On September 25, 2025, retired Philippine Marines master sergeant Orly Guteza testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee as part of the motu proprio inquiry "Philippines Under Water." Guteza, introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" Marcoleta, described participation in a series of cash deliveries to a residential property at 42 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati, which he identified as associated with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. According to Guteza's sworn account, the deliveries were made in 35 high-end Rimowa suitcases over multiple runs and totaled approximately P1.68 billion in cash. He described logistics consistent with later whistleblower accounts: tracking by Post-it note tallies, rotating security details to prevent familiarity, and individual runs ranging from P100 million to P1.2 billion. In the weeks following the testimony, questions emerged about the notarization of a related affidavit. Guteza reaffirmed the core narrative under further questioning, and the testimony was subsequently cited as a foundational element of the Ombudsman's plunder complaint filed in April 2026.