‘Truth will prevail at all times’ with new law on perjury, says Sotto

MANILA, Philippines — Expect truth to prevail at all times following the signing of a new law imposing stiffer penalties for perjury, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Friday.

Sotto is one of the principal authors of the measure recently into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I would like to thank President Duterte for acknowledging the efforts of lawmakers who have worked hard to give more teeth to the perjury provision in the Revised Penal Code,” the Senate leader and vice presidential aspirant said in a statement.

“With this new law, the public is assured that truth will prevail at all times and will always be the guiding principle of all public officials.”

“Makaaasa po ang taumbayan na tanging katotohanan lamang ang mananaig at mangingibabaw sa lahat ng transkasyon ng ating pamahalaan, lalo pa ngayon na mas mabigat na ang parusa kontra sa sinuman, higit na ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno, na mahuhuling nagsisinungaling under oath,” Sotto added.

(The people can expect that only truth will prevail in all government’s transactions specially now that there are heavier penalties against anyone, specially government officials, who would be found lying under oath)

Republic Act No. 11594 states that a person found lying under oath may be jailed from six years to 10 years.

Public officers or employees liable for perjury, however, could face up to 12 years imprisonment and fined up to P1 million, plus perpetual disqualification from holding any appointive or elective position in government.

The detention period under the old law ranged from four months to two years, Sotto explained.

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