PTFoMS Director Gutierrez Refutes Allegations of Interference in 2018 Drug Case

MANILA — Paul Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), has denied allegations of acting as an emissary to suppress testimony related to a 2018 drug importation scandal involving high-profile figures.

According to Philippines News Agency, claims made by former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban that he attempted to influence testimony regarding Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, and businessman Michael Yang are unfounded. These accusations surfaced during a recent Quadcomm hearing of Congress, where Guban, who has been convicted in relation to the drug trafficking case, implicated Gutierrez.

Gutierrez stated he had no personal or professional connections with Duterte, Carpio, or Yang, countering Guban’s assertion that he had been sent to deliver threats. He clarified his role at the time as a reporter and columnist for the People’s Tonight, focusing on the Customs and Senate beats, which required his presence at related Senate hearings. He emphasized his lack of personal interaction with Guban during his coverage of these events.

Further detailing his interactions during the period, Gutierrez explained that he visited Guban once following his detention by the Senate, solely to inquire about his health condition—a visit he claims was in line with Senate procedural rules, requiring approval from and reporting to the committee chairperson.

In addition, Gutierrez responded to claims about Michael Yang’s alleged involvement with the National Press Club (NPC), asserting that Yang was never a member nor present at any NPC activities, dismissing any connections between Yang and the NPC.