A proposed law filed in the House of Representatives imposes the death penalty by firing squad on corrupt public officials.
House Bill No. 11211, authored by Zamboanga City District Representative Khymer Adan Olaso, proposes this penalty for officials who have been detained and convicted by the Sandiganbayan for graft and corruption, malversation of funds, and plunder.
However, the conviction must first be affirmed by the Supreme Court, go through the mandatory review process, and allow all legal remedies available to the accused before execution.
This measure applies to all public officials, including elected and appointed officials, workers in all branches of government, Constitutional Commissions, government-owned and controlled corporations, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.
“While the death penalty was previously abolished under Republic Act No. 9346, the gravity of corruption as a crime against society justifies its reintroduction for specific heinous offenses. This measure is aimed at restoring public trust in government institutions, deterring potential offenders and ensuring that justice is served for the Filipino people, who bear the brunt of corruption’s devastating impact,” Olaso said.
“The imposition of the death penalty for these crimes is grounded in the principle of retributive justice, recognizing the magnitude of harm inflicted by corrupt practices,” he added.
However, La Union 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V opposes the proposition, calling it “medieval” and asserting that people have the right to life.
“For me, personally, my stand is definitely a no to death penalty… It will instill fear, pero it will not ensure na wala pa ring corruption… As a member of the Quad, alam naman po natin na sobrang importante na ma-uphold ang human rights,” Ortega said.
“It’s cultural… There’s also a need na magkaroon ng kultura na anti-corruption, so that you can beat corruption… Siguro maganda you tap it from the grass roots, kaya nga tayo may courses ng values education. Malalim. Hindi siya one-trick pony, hindi siya one-shot policy,” he added, referring to corruption.