PUBLIC officials who induce others to commit perjury could be prosecuted as principal offenders and face permanent banishment from government service, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned on Sunday.
Lacson cited Article 8 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), which establishes that a criminal conspiracy exists when two or more individuals agree to commit a felony and decide to execute it. Under Article 17, principals include those who directly force or induce others to commit a crime.
“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 X (formerly Twitter).
Perjury is a public offense classified as a felony under Article 183 of the RPC, as amended by Republic Act 11594, which imposes the penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period. Article 25 categorizes perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification as an afflictive penalty that attaches to principal offenders.
The senator highlighted the issue in light of potential subornation of perjury charges against detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Representative Michael Defensor. The charges stem from the allegedly “coached” testimony of former Marine Orly Guteza before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in September 2025.
Committee records show Marcoleta prompting Guteza regarding statements in his affidavit. Guteza later recanted his testimony, alleging that Marcoleta and Defensor induced him to testify in exchange for financial compensation and educational scholarships for his children.
Lacson indicated that formal complaints may be filed by prejudiced entities, including the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman, given the public nature of perjury offenses.
The feisty lawmaker added that he intends to introduce legislation seeking heavier penalties and fines specifically targeting the subornation of perjury.
