Manila: A bill filed at the House of Representatives seeks to impose criminal penalties on individuals who pay, coerce, or induce another to commit perjury, in a bid to deter witness manipulation and safeguard the integrity of judicial and other proceedings. House Bill No. 9851, authored by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, defines and penalizes the crime of subornation of perjury as a distinct offense under the Revised Penal Code and holds accountable those who orchestrate false testimony or false affidavits in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.

According to Philippines News Agency, the bill aims to expressly define and penalize subornation of perjury as a separate crime, thereby strengthening the State's ability to deter witness manipulation, protect the integrity of judicial proceedings, and hold accountable those who seek to corrupt the truth-finding process. "By expressly defining and penalizing subornation of perjury as a separate crime, the State strengthens its ability to deter witness manipulation, protect the integrity of judicial proceedings, and hold accountable those who seek to corrupt the truth-finding process," Diokno said in a news release Tuesday.

The proposed legislation states that any person who 'procures, coerces, or otherwise induces another to commit any perjury' will be punished under the Revised Penal Code as though they themselves had given the false testimony. Diokno emphasized the threat posed to the administration of justice by those who orchestrate, procure, or pressure others to provide false testimony, labeling them as the principal architects of deception.

For public officers or employees who commit this offense, the penalty is imposed in its maximum period, along with perpetual absolute disqualification from holding any appointive or elective position in the government or any of its agencies, instrumentalities, or entities. Diokno highlighted the broader harm caused when public officers misuse their powers to induce false testimony, noting that it undermines public trust in government institutions.

"Our justice system can only work when people can testify freely and truthfully. By holding accountable those who pressure others to lie, we are able to restore public trust in our institutions and protect every Filipino's right to fair justice," Diokno stated.