Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House Quad Committee (QuadComm), announced on Thursday that they are considering filing a bill that would penalize lawyers who assist witnesses who later recant their testimonies.
Barbers explained that recantations have become frequent, creating a problematic culture. He noted that witnesses, when providing sworn affidavits, are required to swear before a lawyer that their statements are truthful. Given this, Barbers suggested that the lawyers who assist in the creation of these affidavits should also face potential criminal liability if the witness later retracts their statements.
“We are looking at a possible law that would hold lawyers accountable since witnesses swear to them that their testimonies are true, only to later recant,” Barbers said. He added that this could be addressed by amending the law on perjury.
Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, co-chair of QuadComm, supported Barbers’ proposal, emphasizing the need for a stricter law with heavier penalties to deter recantations. Fernandez stated, “If there were a strong law, recantations would not happen as often, and the stricter penalties would make it harder for witnesses to change their statements.”