MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called on members of the 18th Congress – both incoming and returning – to reconsider their stand on restoring the death penalty in the Philippines.
CHR Spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline de Guia said they are very willing to discuss the effectivity of capital punishment with lawmakers.
“(CHR) continues to extend its offer to the government, especially our lawmakers, to engage in a frank and factual discussion on the ineffectiveness of death penalty in addressing crimes,” De Guia said in a statement.
“We believe that crimes must be punished, but measures to exact accountability for the faults committed should not diminish the value of the right to life,” she added.
Recently, Marinduque 1st District Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, who is aiming for the House Speakership post, said that he would revisit the death penalty issue once the 18th Congress starts its session.
Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also said he would pursue the death penalty and divorce bills.
READ: Rep. Velasco to ‘pursue’ death penalty in new term
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1124010/rep-velasco-to-pursue-death-penalty-in-new-term
READ: Alvarez not giving up on death penalty, divorce bills
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1121315/alvarez-not-giving-up-on-death-penalty-divorce-bills
Both Velasco and Alvarez are known allies of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is a staunch supporter of the death penalty bill. It was part of his campaign promise in 2016 and included in his administration’s legislative agenda.
READ: Duterte calls for death penalty: ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’ https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/916936/duterte-calls-for-death-penalty-an-eye-for-an-eye-a-tooth-for-a-tooth
De Guia said that preventing crime is more important than acting after a crime has been prevented.
“It is important to address issues that push people into committing crimes, rather than chasing interventions when offenses have already happened,” she explained.
“Our call is for the government to further study this proposal, mindful of its international commitments and mandate to protect the rights of all Filipinos. The task before the government is to also work on institutionalizing restorative justice, which employs a more holistic approach to addressing crime, rather than merely imposing punishment,” she added.
She also reminded death penalty advocates that any move to restore capital punishment would go against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the country ratified in 2007 during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“By signing the said international statute, the Philippines vowed to take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty in the country and prevent any execution. The Philippines did not also express reservation when it ratified the Second Optional Protocol; hence, cannot claim exception,” De Guia noted. (Editor: Eden Estopace)