The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday expressed strong objection to a bill pushing for the death penalty by firing squad of public officials found guilty of graft and corruption.
While it recognizes corruption is a grave offense that has far-reaching and systemic consequences, including perpetuation of inequality and weakening of institutions, the CHR said capital punishment is not a guaranteed or effective solution to eradicate it.
“It is important to reiterate that the death penalty is prohibited under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and its reimposition was officially abolished in 2006,” the Commission said in a statement.
“Moreover, the Philippines is one of the signatories to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which completely and perpetually banned the imposition of the death penalty in the country,” it stressed.
The CHR believes corruption could be most effectively addressed through institutional reforms, consistent law enforcement, and robust transparency and accountability mechanisms, instead of imposing extreme punitive measures, such as the death penalty.
“Such cruel punishment does not address the problem, instead, it obscures the need for systemic reforms and misdirects focus from preventative measures, such as strengthening accountability mechanisms and governance systems,” it noted.
The strict implementation of anti-corruption laws, scrutiny of public officials’ financial assets and transactions, full disclosure policies, vigilant monitoring and public participation can build a culture of integrity and accountability in governance.
“Moreover, grassroots campaigns and digital efforts should promote voter education, empowering Filipinos to make informed decisions. Electing leaders of integrity fosters governance that prioritizes public welfare over personal gain,” the CHR added.
To combat corruption, a holistic approach rooted in human rights, good governance, and public empowerment remains the most effective path forward, the agency underscored.
Zamboanga City Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso sought the imposition of the death penalty by firing squad for government officials convicted of “corruption and other grave cases” through House Bill 11211 or the proposed Death Penalty for Corruption Act, which he filed last Wednesday.