Heated Argument Between Claire Castro and Malou Tiquia Over Missing Flood Control Witness
CLAIRE CASTRO – The Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer got into a heated argument with political analyst Malou Tiquia during TV5’s special coverage of the nationwide anti-corruption rallies on Sunday, November 16. Both were invited as panelists alongside hosts Ed Lingao, Cheryl Cosim, and Angela Lagunzad-Castro.
The tension rose when Tiquia asked Castro if she knew the whereabouts of Orly Guteza, a key witness in the alleged irregular flood control project who has recently gone missing. Guteza, a retired Marine technical sergeant, had previously testified in the Senate that he delivered suitcases full of cash to the home of Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He was presented at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing by Senator Rodante Marcoleta in September.
Tiquia suggested that Castro might know where Guteza was, which surprised Castro. She questioned why the matter was being directed at her. Tiquia responded that Castro represented the government. Castro replied that it was actually Tiquia’s allies who presented Guteza in the Senate hearing. Tiquia denied this and said the claim was propaganda.
The exchange grew more intense as both continued to challenge each other. Castro insisted she was being unfairly accused, while Tiquia said she could have asked her question in a nicer way without insulting anyone. Tiquia also tried to calm the conversation by saying she respected the show, but Castro continued asserting that she was being put in a bad position.
Host Ed Lingao eventually stepped in and asked both panelists if they had any information about Guteza’s location. Tiquia said someone had told her that Guteza and his family were in the custody of government agencies and clarified that she was just an ordinary citizen, not a government official. Cheryl Cosim added that they had already asked the Marines, who had no information, so perhaps Congressman Mike Defensor should be asked instead.
The coverage continued, but the on-air clash between Castro and Tiquia quickly became a trending topic on social media, drawing strong reactions from viewers.