Marcoleta, Defensor may be charged with subornation of perjury

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor may have another legal problem on their plate for “coaching” the Blue Ribbon committee (BRC) testimony of alleged ex-Marine Orly Guteza last year.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said Marcoleta and Defensor may be charged by no less than the former speaker, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, of “subornation of perjury” for helping Guteza draft his claims of alleged flood control kickback deliveries by “maleta” or suitcases.

“If we look at the evidence and the sequence of events, this transpired during the BRC hearing where it is clear that Sen. Marcoleta was coaching (Guteza). Therefore, he is one of those who could be charged with subornation of perjury,” Lacson said over radio dwIZ.

The Department of Justice and Office of the Ombudsman may initiate a preliminary investigation on possible perjury charges against those behind Guteza’s false testimonies.

“They can initiate a preliminary investigation into the perjury case against the people behind it,” Lacson said.

The senator renewed his push for heavier penalties against those who induce or force another person to commit perjury, so as to teach them a lesson and to curb what he described as a lucrative business.

“Those who engage in that really ought to be taught a lesson, because we have laws covering it. Yet, no one actually ends up being charged,” Lacson added.

Guteza, after a long absence, resurfaced and recanted his statements, accusing Marcoleta and Defensor of forcing him to “testify” in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Lacson said he was no longer surprised after observing that Marcoleta even helped Guteza in his BRC testimony last year.

Marcoleta and Defensor are detained for plunder before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly undeclared campaign funds.

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