Masterminds behind lies should be punished as well, says Diokno

August 20, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno said it is not only people who lie in official documents or court proceedings who should be punished; those who mastermind these lies should be held liable as well.

Diokno pushed for the passage of his bill that seeks to make subornation of perjury a crime.

It seeks to punish those who coerce, order, or pay a person to lie before a court or in a legal document such as an affidavit.

“Sa ilalim ng panukalang ito, ang mga mastermind ng kasinungalingan ay papatawan ng kaparehong parusa sa mismong nagsinungaling,” he said.

The bill also states that if a government employee or official induces another person to lie, he or she may be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

It seeks to penalize subornation of perjury in order to strengthen the ability to prevent witness manipulation, protect the integrity of judicial proceedings, and go after those who seek to corrupt the search for truth.

Diokno called for the approval of the bill amid recantations from former security aides who said they were promised financial rewards for saying that they delivered kickbacks to several officials, including Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.