Cruel punishments are rights offenses, CHR tells gov’t
MANILA, Philippines — With the current clamor from some quarters for the reinstatement of the death penalty, the Commission on Human Rights reminded the government that “cruel, inhuman, and degrading” punishments are considered as serious human rights offenses.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for the reimposition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes and plunder.
On Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo even said that the President might prefer death by hanging to limit expenses.
READ: Duterte renews push for death penalty on drug-related crimes
READ: Duterte might prefer use of rope for low-cost death penalty – Palace
“We urge government officials to be more circumspect in utterances that tend to devalue life and other rights by making them laughing matters,” Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR spokesperson, said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishments are serious human rights offenses barred by laws. Such acts have no place in a civilized society.”
De Guia added that the death penalty had been proven to be a failure in deterring crimes.
“The Commission on Human Rights reiterates its position that there must be a more thorough study and dialogue on the proposal to reinstate the death penalty after its suspension in 2007. Facts prove that it fails to be a deterrent for crimes; thus, alternatives, which equally respect and balance the rights of all, must be pursued instead,” De Guia said.
Citing the Philippines’ ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, De Guia said that capital punishment once suspended could not be reinstated.
De Guia said the CHR was ready to present studies to provide enlightenment on the issue.
“We look forward to a more open discussion on the said legislative proposal. CHR is willing to present these studies to lawmakers and the government in general in hopes for a more enlightened appreciation of the issue,” De Guia said.
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