Revilla wants penalties for falsely accusing a public officer

Senator Ramon Bong Revillar Jr. has filed a bill that would punish those who falsely accuse any public officer, elected or not. Senate Bill No. 2637 seeks to penalize any person who knowingly files a false complaint against a public officer of a government agency or any of its subsidiaries, including local government units. Under it, guilty parties shall be punished with prision mayor in its minimum (imprisonment from six to eight years) to its medim period (imprisonment from eight to 10 years) or a fine of P50,000, or both depending on the court. Revilla said it is "great" that public officials in the country are no longer deemed as "untouchables" because the public has the right and the power to criticize public servants who abuse their powers or get entangled in illegal acts. He explained, however, that there is no law that can protect public officials from individuals who just intend to bring malicious accusations against them. "There should be a counter-balance... otherwise anyone can just falsely accuse a public official of a crime without fear of prosecution except for a counter-suit. (The) public officer will have to suffer loss of integrity (or) may be hindered from doing his duties competently," he said in the measure. Revilla likewise said that just as public servants must be responsible in exercising their powers, the public must also be "careful" in using their own. — TJD, GMANews.TV