Leni: Death penalty debate ‘defining moment’ for solons

Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday said the issue of reviving the death penalty in the country being debated at the House of Representatives was a chance for lawmakers to show their constituents what matters more to them: Congress leadership positions or principles?

In a press briefing, Robredo said the death penalty debates in the lower chamber can be a “defining moment” for congressmen, when asked about the threat of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to remove House leaders who oppose the death penalty bill.

“While hindi ako agree sa ganitong strategy, I think defining moment din ito sa mga members ng House of Representatives. Lalo na doon sa mga humahawak ng leadership positions ngayon. When I say defining moment, ito yung chance nila para ipakita kung ano iyong mas mahalaga. Ano ang mas mahalaga sa kanila, to hold on to their positions, o panindigan ang kanilang mga paniniwala,” Robredo told members of the media in her Quezon City office.

(While I don’t agree with this strategy, this would be a defining moment for the House of Representatives, especially for those in leadership positions. It’s their chance to show what they value more–to hold on to their positions or to stand by their principles?)

“Tingin ko parang leaders are born this way, na handang mag-defy ng utos galing sa mas nakakataas kung ito ay kontra sa kaniyang paniniwala,” she added.

(I think leaders are born this way: They are ready to defy the order of those in a higher position if it goes against their beliefs.)

Alvarez, author of the administration-sponsored bill that seeks to reimpose capital punishment for heinous crimes, said he would replace deputy speakers who would not back the measure “because it’s awkward if you don’t agree with the leadership.”

READ: Alvarez warns House allies: Back death penalty, or else…

Some members of the Duterte-allied supermajority in Congress oppose the bill, including former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Arroyo. It was during Arroyo’s term as president that the death penalty was abolished.

Robredo, who served as representative of Camarines Sur before being elected Vice President, said to be involved with the issue at hand was a “privilege” for lawmakers to stand for what they believe was right and just.

“Ang tingin ko, mahalaga para sa bawat isa sa kanila iyong panahon na ito. Alam kong hindi ito madali, lalo na sa mga may hinahawakan na mga leadership positions. Pero, tingin ko, parang isang privilege for them na dumating iyong moment na ito para sa kanila. Para ipakita kung ano iyong mas mahalaga,” she said.

(I think that this very important time for this. This is their chance to show what they believe in. I know that this isn’t easy especially for those who hold positions, but this moment is a privilege for them.)

“Hindi ito madali pero (It’s not easy but) again, as I say, it doesn’t come often in the life of every legislator, na dumadating yung time na pinapapili ka kung ano iyong mas mahalaga para sa iyo (a time comes where you are being made to choose what’s more important). Kaya tayong mga spectators, mahalaga din para sa atin iyong moment na ito, tingin ko dito natin makikilala iyong bawat isa sa kanila (For us spectators, this moment is also important, I think we’ll get to know them more at this time),” Robredo added. CDG/rga

READ: Solons torn between death penalty and international treaty