Galman v Pamaran; G.R. Nos. L-71208-09 and L-71212-13; 30 Aug 1985; 138 SCRA 274

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FACTS:
Private respondents were charged as accessories for the killing of Sen. Benigno Aquino and Rolando Galman. In the course of the joint trial, the prosecution offered in evidence their individual testimonies before the Agrava Board, the ad hoc Fact Finding Board created under Presidential Decree 1886 to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the killing.

ISSUE(S):
Whether or not their testimony before the Board made private respondents immune from prosecution by virtue of their right against self-incrimination.

HELD:
NO. PD 1886 grants merely immunity from use of any statement give before the Board, but not immunity from prosecution by reason or on the basis thereof. Merely testifying and/or producing evidence do not render the witness immune from prosecution notwithstanding his invocation of the right against self-incrimination. He is merely saved from the use against him of such statement and nothing more.

Petition is DISMISSED for lack of merit.

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