Manila, Aug. 21 -- Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday said he would seek harsher penalties for those who coerce or induce witnesses to perjure themselves following the recent recantations of Orly Guteza and several members of the so-called "Maleta Boys" against former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez and other officials.

Lacson also sought stricter enforcement of the current Anti-Perjury Law to curb the "lucrative business" of testimonies and recantations, especially those targeting political personalities.

"Orly Guteza's recantation should not end there. Republic Act (RA) No. 11594 which we passed in October 2021 has increased the penalty for perjury to prision mayor. Further, a person who induces another to commit perju...