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Review Senate Rules, Penal laws: Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino suggests amending the Rules of the Senate and several provisions of the Revised Penal Code with regards to witnesses giving false testimony during Senate investigations, in aid of legislation. During Monday’s plenary session May 29, 2023, Tolentino said the rules should be stricter insofar as the treatment of witnesses “acting with malice and malicious intent and lying” in violation of several articles of the Revised Penal Code. The senator, who has three Master of Laws degrees, cited Articles 181, 182, 183, and 184 of the Revised Penal Code which speak of false testimony in cases and perjury in solemn affirmation. He said that during Senate investigations, he noticed that affirmation of oath is just becoming ceremonial. “Affirmation of oath should be made solemnly and should not contain falsehoods,” Tolentino stressed, adding that the penalty for perjury should be increased. “I totally agree that there is a need to revise the Rules (of the Senate), as well as several articles contained in the crimes against public interest under the Revised Penal Code,” Tolentino said. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)