Public officials who induce individuals to commit perjury can be prosecuted as principal offenders under the principle of conspiracy, potentially triggering lifetime disqualification from government service.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson highlighted this legal stance on Sunday, August 23, explaining that the Revised Penal Code (RPC) treats those who coax false testimony with severe accessory penalties.
”SUBORNATION OF PERJURY: a public official who induces another person to commit perjury may be treated as a principal under the conspiracy theory (Art 8 RPC) in the commission of the crime and shall also suffer an accessory penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification,” Lacson posted on social media.
Under Article 8 of the RPC, conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit a felony and actively proceed to carry it out, whereas a proposal happens when someone suggests executing a felony to others.
Lacson further pointed to Article 17, which defines principals as those who directly force or persuade others to execute a crime.
Perjury is categorized as a felony and a public crime punishable by prision mayor in its minimum period under Article 183 of the RPC, as amended by Republic Act No. 11594. Because Article 25 classifies perpetual absolute disqualification as an afflictive penalty, these consequences apply directly to principals.
The senator’s statements follow recent allegations surrounding Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor. Both could face complaints for subornation of perjury after former Marine Orly Guteza retracted his prior statements, alleging that Marcoleta and Defensor bribed him with money and educational scholarships to deliver “coached” testimony during a September 2025 Blue Ribbon Committee session.
Lacson noted that official panel recordings reveal Marcoleta directing Guteza’s affidavit contents. Since perjury affects the public interest, formal complaints may be brought by aggrieved private parties, the Department of Justice, or the Office of the Ombudsman.
Lacson confirmed he intends to introduce legislation pushing for heavier fines and harsher penalties against subornation of perjury.