Context Dispatch

Orly Guteza, former bodyguard of ex-Congressman Rizaldy Co., has recanted his September 2025 testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where he claimed he helped deliver suitcases of money in connection with the flood control controversy. Guteza said his affidavit was prepared by former Congressman Mike Defensor and his son-in-law, Mark, and was later revised by Senator Rodante Marcoleta. He said the meeting took place on Sept. 24, 2025, at a Japanese restaurant near the Senate. Guteza also claimed Defensor offered him cash and educational scholarships for his children in exchange for his testimony. Also, in his new 4-page affidavit notarized on August 13 in Pasig City, Guteza claimed he was tapped to testify because Co’s executive assistants might be expelled from the Iglesia ni Cristo if they admitted their role in moving the money.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called on Congress to amend, if not repeal, the  “Robin Padilla law” because the actor-turned-senator  benefited from its passage, and to restore illegal possession of firearms as a non-bailable offense following the fatal Zamboanga school shooting on Aug. 18. Remulla said the law, which made illegal gun possession bailable, should have stricter penalties, including for those negligent gun owners. The shooting was the Philippines’ second fatal school attack in less than two months and was livestreamed. With about 2.7 million registered firearms nationwide, including roughly 2 million privately owned, Remulla said tighter controls are needed to keep illegal guns from fueling violence.

In a prominent demonstration of deepening maritime ties, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya was honored during a farewell ceremony hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday. The event highlighted Japan’s crucial role in strengthening regional maritime security and celebrated the expanding strategic partnership between Tokyo and Manila.

Defense lawyers in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial called for greater decorum Wednesday, objecting to a social media post by private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan that noted even law students know that misleading questions cannot be asked.

The Marcos administration is seeking P10.773 billion for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in 2027, preserving billions for sensitive government operations even as the proposed allocation falls 8.8 percent below this year’s level.