LP: No consensus yet on death penalty

Vice President Leni Robredo holds first press briefing on Thursday, Feb. 8, since her resignation from the Duterte Cabinet last year. Yuji Gonzales/INQUIRER.net

The Liberal Party (LP) has yet to reach a consensus on the death penalty, but its members in Congress are expected to vote according to their conscience, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Thursday.

Robredo described the threat of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to strip supermajority members opposed to the death penalty of deputy speakerships or committee chairmanships as a “defining moment” for members of Congress.

“When I say defining moment, I mean it’s their chance to show the things they value, what is more important to them—to hold on to their positions or to stand firm on their beliefs,” Robredo said.

“I think leaders are born this way, those who are ready to defy the orders from above if these are against their own beliefs,” she said.

LP members had a two-day “strategic planning” meeting two weeks ago to discuss key issues as well as the direction the party would take. Among those present were former President Benigno Aquino III and interim president Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

“There is no fixed party stand, no party discipline. In case it’s not followed, it’s going to be conscience voting on the death penalty,” she said.