Pacquiao wants death penalty for drug traffickers, manufacturers

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao is seeking the reimposition of the death penalty for illegal drug traffickers and manufacturers.

Pacquiao has filed Senate Bill 189 that seeks to impose the death penalty with a fine ranging from P1 million to P10 million to persons who will import, sell, distribute, manufacture, possess illegal drugs, cultivate or culture plants classified as dangerous drugs, and maintain a drug den, dive or resort.

“The future of our nation is in peril due to the extent of drug use instigating crimes. This is despite the country’s efforts on drug supply and demand reduction programs,” Pacquiao said in the explanatory note on the bill, a copy of which was released to the media on Wednesday.

“Stringent government response is needed through an aggressive policy. Countermeasures should be upgraded against this social menace. The war against illegal drugs is not yet won,” he added.

Under the bill, life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million will also be imposed upon any person who acts as a “protector or coddler” of violators of the provisions.

For possession of illegal drugs, a death penalty will be qualified for the following quantities of dangerous drugs: 500 grams or more of marijuana; 10 grams or more of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, shabu, marijuana resin, and other dangerous drugs.

Pacquiao is one of the two senators who have filed a measure seeking to reimpose the death penalty.

Newbie senator Christopher “Bong” Go has also filed a bill that seeks to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes, particularly those involving illegal drugs and plunder.

READ: Go files bill restoring death penalty for heinous crimes

Another neophyte lawmaker, Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa, is also set to file his version of the measure on Thursday. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

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