A legislator wants government officials ‘shoot to death’ by firing squad if proven guilty for graft and corruption and other related cases.
Zamboanga City First District Representative Khymer Adan Olaso introduced House Bill No 11211 otherwise known as the ‘Death Penalty for Corruption Act that imposes the ultimate punishment of death for corrupt government officials.
Representative Olaso wants death penalty for all public officials-from president to the lowest barangay officials who will be convicted by the Sandiganbayan for graft and corruption, malversation of public funds and plunder.
In his explanatory note Olaso said the re-imposition of death penalty is justified due to the gravity of corruption as a crime against society.
“ While the death penalty was previously abolished under Republic Act No. 9346, the gravity of corruption as 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,” the bill states.
The proposed legislation also includes the safeguards to ensure that due process and constitutional protections are upheld.
Convictions are to be affirmed by the Supreme Court, undergo automatic review process and allow the accused to exhaust all available legal remedies.
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.