Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
MANILA, Philippines – Death penalty is not the solution against criminality, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Tuesday following calls to reinstate the death sentence after the gruesome killing of a 20 year old cum laude from the University of Sto. Tomas.
“As a human rights advocate, I’ve always been against the reimposition of the death penalty. My current role as Secretary of Justice does not at all change my position on the issue,” De Lima said at a text message to reporters.
“Death penalty is not the solution to criminality. What deters criminality is faithful and diligent enforcement of laws and due administration of the criminal justice system without fear or favour,” she said.
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption said the death penalty should be restored after Cyrish Magalang, a tourism student from UST was stabbed to death by two sspects, brothers, who have been arrested.
Republic Act 7659 or the Death Penalty Law was repealed by Republic Act 9346 or the Law Prohibiting the Imposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines. Under the law, those convicted of heinous crimes shall be meted with the penalty of reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years and will not be eligible for parole.