Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday, August 21 pushed for heavier penalties against those who induce or force another person to commit perjury.

Lacson said he will file such a measure following the recent recantations of “coached witness” Orly Guteza and three of the so-called “Maleta Boys” regarding their statements claiming to have delivered cash in suitcases to certain personalities.

The former top cop also sought stricter enforcement of the current Anti-Perjury Law to curb the “lucrative business” of testimonies and recantations, especially those targeting political personalities.

“Orly Guteza’s recantation should not end there. Republic Act No. 11594 which we passed in October 2021 has increased the penalty for perjury to ‘prision mayor.’ Further, a person who induces another to commit perjury is also liable for being a principal by inducement," Lacson said in a post on X.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2090626320556577187

“I will file a bill imposing heavier penalty and fine for 'subornation of perjury' or, if a person induces or forces another to commit perjury,” he added.

Earlier, Guteza, a retired Marine and alleged bagman of former Rep. Zaldy Co, recanted his previous testimonies before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, saying that he was pressured by detained lawmaker Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former lawmaker Mike Defensor.

Guteza claimed that Marcoleta and Defensor had him “testify” in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Lacson said he Guteza’s recanting his earlier testimony “was not suprising” saying he had observed then Marcoleta “coaching” Guteza when he testified during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing last Sept. 23, 2025.

According to Lacson, the person directly offended or prejudiced by the perjury may file such a complaint against those who induced someone else to commit perjury.

"(T)he person directly offended or prejudiced by the perjury may file. In Guteza’s case - ex Speaker Romualdez. If not him for some reason, any public officer charged with enforcing the law," he said.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2090630942763405662

In the meantime, Lacson said it is imperative to strictly implement Republic Act 11594, which imposes heavier prison terms and fines on those who commit perjury.

He noted the backtracking by Guteza and some of the “Maleta boys” had become “a dime a dozen,” indicating such a practice has become a profitable venture.

“While figuratively, testimonies and recantations are 'one dime a dozen' these days, ironically, they have become a lucrative business especially when targeting politicians,” Lacson pointed out.

The senator lamened that though lawmakers have already increased the penalty for the crime of perjury with the enactment of RA 11594 as a result of the Senate’s hearings on extra-judicial killing (EJK), “it’s implementation is wanting.”

Under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code as amended by RA 11594, false testimony is punishable with prision mayor in its minimum period (six years and one day to eight years), and a fine of P1-million.