Answer
Under Presidential Decree No. 1829, obstruction of justice is punishable by prisión correccional in its maximum period (four years, two months, and one day to six years), or a fine of one thousand to six thousand pesos, or both. If any of the acts is penalized by another law with a higher penalty, that higher penalty is imposed instead. Where the obstruction is committed by a public official, the offense also carries perpetual disqualification from public office.
A person may be charged with obstruction of justice independently of, and in addition to, the underlying offense being investigated. However, when the offender himself conceals or destroys the body or instruments of his own crime to prevent its discovery, that act may be dealt with under the Revised Penal Code rather than PD 1829.
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