Talisay informs archdiocese of its stand on death penalty

CEBU, Philippines – The Talisay City council and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) yesterday handed to the Archdiocese of Cebu a resolution "strongly supporting the international day of cities for life" or "cities against the death penalty.

Talisay City is the sixth city in the whole country that has formalized its position against death penalty, said the resolution proponent Vice Mayor Alan Bucao.

The said resolution was approved during the council's regular session last Nov. 15, and was received yesterday by Msgr. Ruben Labajo in behalf of Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, in a short ceremony at the city hall grounds.

"Capital punishment is the relic of the past as it has been for slavery and torture that were eventually rejected by the conscience of the World.

Supporting the above (Cities for Life) will lead to a new and higher threshold in the respect for Human Rights," read the resolution.

Bucao said the city joined this call after the Parole and Probation Administration 7 visited city hall recently and informed officials about its project.

"And besides, it is in line with our faith, being Catholics. And, we all know nga dili tanan mga naa sa prisuhan makasasa," said Bucao.

The 9th International Day of Cities for Life will be celebrated on November but due to some restrictions, the country celebrated it yesterday.

Bucao said that soon a marker signifying its pro-life advocacy will rise within the city.

This will be illuminated on the day of the celebration.

The International Day of Cities for Life is held every November 30 commemorating the anniversary of the first abolition of the death penalty by one European State.

"Whereas, supporting the above, will lead to a new and higher threshold in the respect for human rights," further read the resolution. (FREEMAN)