Lacson files measure reinstituting death penalty for heinous crimes

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill which seeks to re-institute the death penalty in the country amid the “alarming surge of heinous crimes in recent years.”

Under the proposed measure, several crimes would be punishable by death such as treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and illegal detention, robbery with violence and intimidation of persons, destructive arson, and human trafficking, among others.

The death penalty will also apply to crimes such as plunder, drug-related activities, and terrorism.

Capital punishment, however, will only be imposed if the crime committed meets the conditions stated in the bill.

Data from January to May 2016 showed a “staggering” number of crime incidents — 3,615 cases of murder; 3,996 cases of rape; and 9,971 cases of robbery.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police, Lacson said 75 percent of the most heinous crimes in 2015 are drug-related, and 65 percent of inmates are either accused or convicted of drug-related crimes.

“The alarming surge of heinous crimes in recent years has shown that reclusion perpetual, in lieu of death penalty, is not a deterrent to grave offenders,” Lacson said in the bill’s explanatory note.

“Hence, to reinstate public order and the rule of law, there is an impending need to revisit and re-impose the death penalty on certain heinous crimes which, as ratiocinated by R.A. 7659 or the Death Penalty Law, ‘is appropriately necessary due to the alarming upsurge of such crimes, which has resulted not only in the loss of human lives and wanton destruction of property but also affected the nation’s efforts towards sustainable economic development and prosperity while at the same time has undermined the people’s faith in the Government and the latter’s ability to maintain peace and order in the country,'” the note added.

Senator Manny Pacquiao and neophyte senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also filed a bill seeking death for illegal drug traffickers and manufacturers.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, meanwhile, also filed a bill for heinous crimes such as drug-related crimes and plunder. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: Go files bill restoring death penalty for heinous crimes 

READ: Pacquiao wants death penalty for drug traffickers, manufacturers

READ: Dela Rosa files bill reviving death penalty for drug traffickers, manufacturers