Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Malacanang is confident that the reimposition of the death penalty will hurdle Congress despite the declining support from Filipinos.
“We are confident the bill will be passed in Congress as a key to a crime and drug-free Philippines,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Friday.
In a Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 15 to 20, 67 percent of the 1, 200 respondents supports the revival of the death penalty.
READ: Pulse Asia: Most Filipinos still support death penalty
Although the poll revealed that most Filipinos still support the death penalty, it was 14 percent lower from the 81 percent in July 2016.
Abella said the survey was “a timely reminder that a progressive nation is premised on law and order.”
“The reimposition of capital punishment is an important component in building a trustworthy government that protects its citizens and youth from crime, especially the kind perpetuated by illegal drug traffickers and violators,” he said.
The reimposition of the death penalty was a campaign promise of President Rodrigo Duterte, which he said was for retribution.
While the bill has already hurdled the lower house, Senate has yet to deliberate on the controversial legislation. IDL/rga
READ: Death penalty is dead — Drilon