Lacson pushes for heavier penalties vs 'subornation' of perjury

Lacson seeks stricter laws on subornation of perjury

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has called for heavier penalties against individuals who induce or force another person to commit perjury, a move he announced on Friday, August 21, following the recent recantations of Orly Guteza and three of the so-called "Maleta Boys" before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Lacson said he will file a measure to impose a heavier penalty and fine for "subornation of perjury," which he described as the act of inducing or forcing another person to commit perjury. He also urged stricter enforcement of the current Anti-Perjury Law, lamenting that implementation of Republic Act No. 11594, which increased the penalty for perjury to "prision mayor," has been wanting.

"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.

Allegations of coached testimony

The senator's statements come amid allegations that Guteza, a retired Marine, was coached during his testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee. Lacson said the sequence of events during the hearing showed that detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta had prompted Guteza on what to include in his affidavit, which included claims of delivering cash in suitcases to several officials, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

"If you look at the evidence and the sequence of events, it was clear that during the Blue Ribbon hearing, Marcoleta was 'coaching' Guteza. So Marcoleta could be one of those facing a complaint for subornation of perjury," Lacson said in a radio interview on Saturday.

Guteza had recanted his earlier testimonies, claiming he was pressured by Marcoleta and former lawmaker Mike Defensor, who allegedly had him testify in exchange for money and scholarships for his children. Lacson said Guteza's recantation was not surprising, noting he had observed Marcoleta "coaching" Guteza during a hearing on September 23, 2025.

Legal avenues and penalties

Lacson said Romualdez, who was implicated in Guteza's original allegations, could initiate a complaint against Marcoleta and Defensor. He also noted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman could conduct a preliminary investigation into possible perjury charges, as perjury is considered a public offense.

"The Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ can initiate a preliminary investigation for perjury against those involved, including those behind them," he said.

Under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 11594, false testimony is punishable with prision mayor in its minimum period, which ranges from six years and one day to eight years, and a fine of P1 million.