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Advocates Philippines
Senator Alan Cayetano Warns Of Consequences In False Statements On Degamo Case
Sen. Alan Cayetano. Photo courtesy of Senate PH
In a recent Senate session, Senator Alan Peter "Compañero" Cayetano addressed the implications of allowing suspects in the high-profile Degamo slay case to withdraw their testimonies within the country's justice system.
Cayetano's manifestation shed light on the issue of perjury and the lack of consequences for those who provide false statements under oath.
During his speech, Cayetano shared an anecdote about the significance of truthfulness and its impact on honor and trust within families. He proceeded to discuss the specific case of Jhudiel Osmundo Rivero, who filed a counter affidavit and recanted his previous testimonies before the Department of Justice.
Three more suspects in the case followed suit, raising concerns about the validity and reliability of their statements. Cayetano also referred to similar instances in the ongoing De Lima case and recent Senate hearings, where witnesses were caught lying under oath.
The senator argued that the prevailing leniency towards perjury in the Philippines was untenable and unsustainable. He urged the Senate and the Committee on Justice to address the issue seriously and focus on the laws regarding lying under oath, including perjury and contempt. Cayetano highlighted that in certain jurisdictions like New York, California, Illinois, and Florida in the United States, the penalty for perjury is 10 years imprisonment. He emphasized that lying under oath should be treated as a serious offense, comparable to corruption, illegal drugs, and theft.
Cayetano underscored the importance of trust and integrity within the Senate and among its members, despite their differences on various issues. He expressed concern about the negative impact false testimonies can have on public perception, as the credibility of witnesses is undermined when they recant their statements.
The senator urged for penalties to be imposed on individuals found guilty of perjury, while also investigating claims of coercion or torture during the process. He emphasized that allowing witnesses to change their testimonies without consequences would erode public trust and compromise the integrity of the justice system.
Drawing upon the practices in the United States Congress, Cayetano suggested two options for dealing with false testimonies: directly holding witnesses in contempt under the powers of contempt of Congress or certifying the case to the Attorney General for criminal charges. He emphasized that the certainty of facing consequences was more crucial than the severity of the penalty itself.
Cayetano also called for a more proactive approach, advocating for government agencies to hold their employees accountable for providing false statements under oath. He suggested that administrative hearings be conducted within the respective agencies to address cases of perjury committed by government personnel.
Senator Cayetano concluded his manifestation by acknowledging the competence of Senator Bato and Senator Tolentino as chairpersons and expressed hope for a collaborative, whole-of-government effort in addressing the issue of witness recantations and perjury.
The concerns raised by Senator Cayetano highlight the importance of upholding truthfulness, accountability, and trust within the justice system. It remains to be seen how the Senate and the Committee on Justice will respond to these concerns and whether efforts will be made to enact stricter penalties for perjury and establish clearer mechanisms to hold witnesses accountable for their statements under oath.
Cayetano's manifestation shed light on the issue of perjury and the lack of consequences for those who provide false statements under oath.
During his speech, Cayetano shared an anecdote about the significance of truthfulness and its impact on honor and trust within families. He proceeded to discuss the specific case of Jhudiel Osmundo Rivero, who filed a counter affidavit and recanted his previous testimonies before the Department of Justice.
Three more suspects in the case followed suit, raising concerns about the validity and reliability of their statements. Cayetano also referred to similar instances in the ongoing De Lima case and recent Senate hearings, where witnesses were caught lying under oath.
The senator argued that the prevailing leniency towards perjury in the Philippines was untenable and unsustainable. He urged the Senate and the Committee on Justice to address the issue seriously and focus on the laws regarding lying under oath, including perjury and contempt. Cayetano highlighted that in certain jurisdictions like New York, California, Illinois, and Florida in the United States, the penalty for perjury is 10 years imprisonment. He emphasized that lying under oath should be treated as a serious offense, comparable to corruption, illegal drugs, and theft.
Cayetano underscored the importance of trust and integrity within the Senate and among its members, despite their differences on various issues. He expressed concern about the negative impact false testimonies can have on public perception, as the credibility of witnesses is undermined when they recant their statements.
The senator urged for penalties to be imposed on individuals found guilty of perjury, while also investigating claims of coercion or torture during the process. He emphasized that allowing witnesses to change their testimonies without consequences would erode public trust and compromise the integrity of the justice system.
Drawing upon the practices in the United States Congress, Cayetano suggested two options for dealing with false testimonies: directly holding witnesses in contempt under the powers of contempt of Congress or certifying the case to the Attorney General for criminal charges. He emphasized that the certainty of facing consequences was more crucial than the severity of the penalty itself.
Cayetano also called for a more proactive approach, advocating for government agencies to hold their employees accountable for providing false statements under oath. He suggested that administrative hearings be conducted within the respective agencies to address cases of perjury committed by government personnel.
Senator Cayetano concluded his manifestation by acknowledging the competence of Senator Bato and Senator Tolentino as chairpersons and expressed hope for a collaborative, whole-of-government effort in addressing the issue of witness recantations and perjury.
The concerns raised by Senator Cayetano highlight the importance of upholding truthfulness, accountability, and trust within the justice system. It remains to be seen how the Senate and the Committee on Justice will respond to these concerns and whether efforts will be made to enact stricter penalties for perjury and establish clearer mechanisms to hold witnesses accountable for their statements under oath.
May 30, 2023
