De Lima pushes criminalization of subornation of perjury

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 23, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Leila de Lima/Facebook

MANILA – Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima called for accountability over alleged fabricated testimonies, following former Marine Orly Guteza’s recantation of his statements against then-House member Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with the flood control corruption scandal.

De Lima said the incident highlights the need to protect the integrity of the justice system, drawing from her own experience as a former justice secretary who was detained over drug cases that were later dismissed.

“Bilang dating justice secretary at ipinakulong noon dahil sa imbentong mga kaso na batay lang sa mga gawa-gawang paratang, malinaw na ang pagsisinungaling sa korte ay pagwasak sa integridad ng ating sistemang pangkatarungan,” De Lima said.

“This has to end. Those responsible for this travesty of justice should be held accountable,” she added.

De Lima also renewed her call to criminalize subornation of perjury, or the act of paying, coercing, or inducing another person to give false testimony.

She previously filed House Bill No. 1435, or the “Criminalizing Subornation of Perjury Act,” which seeks stiffer penalties for public officials and employees involved in the offense, including perpetual disqualification from government service.

The measure remains pending before the House Committee on Justice.