MANILA, Philippines — Actor turned senator  Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla has filed a bill seeking to penalize individuals who provide false addresses in subpoenas, citing the potential harassment and undue burden such actions could cause.

Under Senate Bill 2890, individuals who deliberately use fake addresses in subpoenas may face imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and fines between P100,000 and P300,000.

Padilla said Thursday that preliminary investigations, while not trials, can still expose individuals to public accusations, resulting in financial strain, emotional distress, and potential reputational harm.

“In order to reinforce the protection of the right of an accused against malicious and oppressive prosecution, and to protect the state from the possibility of initiating a misguided prosecution that may result in a waste of valuable time, effort, and resources, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought,” Padilla stated in the bill’s explanatory note.

Prior to this proposed bill, Padilla likewise filed Senate Bill 2889 that aims to shield endorsers from legal troubles linked to investment scams.

Senate Bill 2899 was introduced following the detention of actress Neri Naig-Miranda and an arrest warrant for comedian Rufa Mae Quinto, both linked to Dermacare, a company accused of illegally soliciting investments and selling securities.

According to the senator, these recent events highlight concerns for endorsers often blamed for investment scams due to their prominent association with the companies involved.

This measure seeks to offer protection to endorsers by providing mandatory provisions into their engagement agreements that will clearly define not only their obligations but more importantly, their relationship with the company and their noninvolvement in any sale of investment contracts and securities if the latter is engaged in such business.

The bill mandates that endorsers cannot promote or sell investment contracts or securities expecting profits or commissions unless they are licensed brokers. Additionally, businesses must reject investments acquired through unregistered endorsers.

Endorsers acting as agents for businesses unauthorized to sell investment contracts or securities will be held liable for related claims. Penalties include fines of P100,000 for the first offense, P300,000 for the second, and P500,000 to P1 million, along with registration revocation, for the third offense.