Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is pushing for heavier penalties against those who induce or force another person to commit perjury, following the recent recantations of “coached witness” Orly Guteza and three of the “Maleta Boys” regarding their statements claiming to have delivered cash in suitcases to certain personalities.
Lacson 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,” he said in a post on X.
In Filipino: Lacson: Mas Mabigat na Parusa sa ‘Subornation’ of Perjury Kailangan para Mapigil ang ‘Negosyo’ ng Laban-Bawi na Testimonya