Lacson pushes for heavier penalties vs 'subornation' of perjury
Senator Panfilo Lacson is proposing legislation to increase penalties for subornation of perjury following recent high-profile recantations in the Philippines. The move aims to deter the practice of coaching witnesses to provide false testimony for political or financial gain.
Why it matters
This legislative push addresses concerns regarding the integrity of the judicial and legislative investigative processes in the Philippines.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday, August 21 pushed for heavier penalties against those who induce or force another person to commit perjury.
Lacson said he will file such a measure following the recent recantations of “coached witness” Orly Guteza and three of the so-called “Maleta Boys” regarding their statements claiming to have delivered cash in suitcases to certain personalities.
The former top cop also sought stricter enforcement of the current Anti-Perjury Law to curb the “lucrative business” of testimonies and recantations, especially those targeting political personalities.
“Orly Guteza’s recantation should not end there. Republic Act No. 11594 which we passed in October 2021 has increased the penalty for perjury to ‘prision mayor.’ Further, a person who induces another to commit perjury is also liable for being a principal by inducement," Lacson said in a post on X.
https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2090626320556577187
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