By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In her bid to put a halt to the practice of public officers or employees coercing witnesses to lie, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has filed a bill seeking to penalize those found guilty of six years jail time, a P1 million fine and perpetual absolute disqualification from holding any appointive or elective position in the government.
Under Hontiveros’ Senate Bill 2512, subornation of perjury is committed if a person procures, coerces, or otherwise induces another to commit any perjury.
“Subornation of perjury, particularly when committed by public officers and those in power, strikes at the core of justice by undermining the truth-seeking function of the legal system,” Hontiveros said.
Subornation refers to underhandedly or improperly inducing someone to do something improper or unlawful.
She added that increasing penalties against government workers involved in subornation of perjury will reflect “a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of honesty and accountability in the public service.”
“This bill seeks to preserve the integrity of court proceedings and maintain public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the legal process by sending a strong message that dishonesty and corruption within the legal system will not be tolerated,” Hontiveros stressed.
Touted as the new opposition leader, Hontiveros is anticipated to run for president in 2028, with fellow Akbayan partymate Ronald Llamas as running mate.
(IAmigo/MNM)