Republic of the Philippines Sic
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CEIVED “
Quezon City one, EB a
Tie:
a ie

First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No. 5112

Introduced by Representative H. Harry L. Roque Jr.

AN ACT IMPOSING ‘OR FALSE TESTIMONY IN ANY
CONGRESSIONAL HEARING UNDER A! “LE 183 OF THE REVISED
PENAL CODE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Perjuries committed in legislative proceedings undermine the serious task of the
legislature in crafting laws that address some national need

When false testimonies are given under oath in a congressional proceeding for some
malicious or questionable political end, such contemptible acts make of the second
branch of government no more than a malleable, utilitarian tool

It is true that legislative proceedings are not court procedures, but they are no less
important in our Republic system of government: the legislature is an indispensable
part of the three-pronged system of checks and balances. Where legislative acts are
based on untrustworthy statements of perjured testimonies, they undermine the very
heart of good and accountable government.

In view thereof, the expedient approval of this bill is strongly recommended

WK y, Va

HERMINIO HARRY L. ROQUE JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 5112

Introduced by Representative H. Harry L. Roque Jr.

AN ACT IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR FALSE TESTIMONY IN ANY

1

2 CONGRESSIONAL HEARING UNDER ARTICLE 183 OF THE REVISED

3 PENAL CODE

4

5 Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines

6 in Congress assembled:

7

8

9 SECTION 1. Art. 183 of the Revised Penal Code is hereby amended to
10 tead as follows:
1
12 “Art. 183.False testimony in other cases and perjury in solemn
13 affirmation. — The penalty of prision mayor in its minimumperiod'shall be
4 imposed upon any person, who knowingly makes untruthful statements,
Is shall testify under oath, or make and testify upon an affidavit, upon any
16 material matter, in any congressional proceeding. The accessory penalty of
7 perpetual disqualification from holding any public office shall likewise be
18 imposed if the person who provided the false testimony in any
19 congressional hearing did so while holding any public office at the time of
20 his testimony.
2 The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision
2 correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any person, who
23 knowingly makes untruthful statements and not being included in the
24 provisions of the next preceding articles, shall testify under oath, or make an
25 affidavit, upon any material matter before a competent person authorized to
26 administer an oath in cases in which the law so requires.
27 Any person who, in case of a solemn affirmation made in lieu of an
28 oath, shall commit any of the falsehoods mentioned in this and the three
29 preceding articles of this section, shall suffer the respective penalties provided
30 therein.
31
32

'Prision mayor in its minimum period is 6 years and I day to 8 years.
1


CewdsUVawne

SECTION 2, Separability Clause ~ If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not effected shall continue
in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,