Mga nagsisinungaling na testigo, bigyan ng karampatang parusa, panukala ni Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno

PARUSAHAN din ang mga nagi-impluwensya na magsinungaling ang mga testigo.

Ito ay ayon sa inihaing panukala ni Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno na naglalayong bigyan ng karampatang parusa ang mga taong nagi-impluwensya o nananakot sa isang testigo na magsinungaling sa korte o sa anumang opisyal na pagsisiyasat o pagdinig.

Ayon kay Diokno, ito ay bukod sa perjury, o boluntaryong pagpapahayag ng testigo na magsinungaling o magbigay ng maling pahayag sa korte.

“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,” sinabi ni Diokno.

Sa inihaing House Bill No. 9851, nais ni Diokno na parusahan ang sinuman pwersahin o takutin ang testigo na magsinungaling o magbigay ng maling testimonya.

“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,” paliwanag ni Diokno. 

“The individual who orchestrates, procures, or pressures another to provide false testimony is the principal architect of the deception and poses a direct threat to the administration of justice,” dagdag ng kongresista.

Kung ang offender ay isang public official o employee, ang penalty ay ipapataw sa maximum period na perpetual absolute disqualification sa anumang posisyon sa gobyerno o mga sangay nito.

“When a public officer uses the powers or prestige of public office to induce another to testify falsely, the resulting harm extends beyond a particular case and undermines public trust in government institutions,” paliwanag ni Diokno. 

“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,” dagdag ng kongresista. (Vina de Guzman)