House bill seeks to criminalize subornation of perjury

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MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has proposed criminalizing the inducement or coercion of another person to commit perjury or lie under oath.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Jaime Fresnedi filed House Bill No. 10353, which aims to include subornation of perjury as a crime defined in the Revised Penal Code, punishable with six to 10 years of imprisonment.

READ: Question No. 22 and perjury

The Revised Penal Code only punishes persons who commit perjury, slapping heavier penalties against public officials or employees who lie under oath, and does not penalize those who would cause others to perjure themselves.

Fresnedi explained that “[subornation of perjury], especially when committed by those in government, is an attack against the principles upon which our country’s justice system is based.” —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE