The leader of the minority bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s wish to reimpose capital punishment for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs and plunder.
“I have always supported the reimposition of the death penalty that was repealed during my time in the 13th Congress, but only on certain heinous crimes like massacre, terrorism, killing with rape, plunder,” Bienvenido Abante said.
He made his statement after his election as minority leader of the House.
Malacañang earlier said Duterte would likely certify as urgent the bills reimposing the death penalty for heinous crimes.
The House sought to reimpose capital punishment in 2017 but the measure was rejected by the Senate.
But some disagree with the views of Abante, a senior pastor at the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Ekklesia.
Senior deputy minority leader Janette Garin of Iloilo City said she was opposed to the manner by which the death penalty will be carried out.
“I hope Secretary Panelo was just joking. That method has been in obsolescence even among animals,” said Garin who is still facing a slew of criminal cases for the Dengvaxia disaster during the Aquino II administration where she was the Health secretary.
Garin was referring to Panelo’s statement that “If you will ask him, death by hanging is cheaper. But I think lethal injection [is most likely].”
“[It is] better to discuss the parameters of the proposed law. Hindi makakatulong sa pagpasa ng batas ‘yung statement ni Secretary Panelo,” Garin said.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the Constitution prohibits cruel and degrading punishment.
Garbin cited Article III, Section 19 of the Constitution that says “excessive fines shall not be imposed nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted.”