Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson signaled plans to introduce legislation imposing harsher penalties on individuals who compel or induce others to give false testimony under oath.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief announced his intention to file the proposal following the recantation of self-described “coached witness” Orly Guteza and three members of the “Maleta Boys,” who retracted previous statements alleging they had delivered cash-filled suitcases to various high-profile individuals.
Lacson also urged authorities to rigorously enforce current anti-perjury statutes, arguing that the frequent making and taking back of testimony—particularly when targeting political figures—has degraded into a profitable enterprise.
“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 social media.
“I will file a bill imposing heavier penalty and fine for ‘subornation of perjury’ or, if a person induces or forces another to commit perjury,” he added.
Guteza, a retired Marine identified as a former courier for ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, previously recanted testimony delivered before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
In his retraction, Guteza claimed that detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor pressured him into testifying in exchange for money and educational funding for his children.
Lacson noted that Guteza’s retraction was not surprising, recalling that he had observed Marcoleta seemingly guiding the witness during the September 23, 2025 Blue Ribbon panel hearing.
He further clarified that legal proceedings against those who induce false testimony can be brought forward by targeted individuals or public officials.
”(T)he person directly offended or prejudiced by the perjury may file. In Guteza’s case – ex Speaker Romualdez. If not him for some reason, any public officer charged with enforcing the law,” he said.
“While figuratively, testimonies and recantations are ‘one dime a dozen’ these days, ironically, they have become a lucrative business especially when targeting politicians,” Lacson pointed out.
Expressing frustration over lax enforcement, Lacson noted that despite the passage of Republic Act No. 11594—enacted following legislative inquiries into extra-judicial killings—the law has not been fully utilized.
Under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 11594, committing perjury carries a penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period (six years and one day to eight years) alongside a fine of ₱1 million.