Solons file first house bill seeking to restore death penalty

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives will deliberate on the re-imposition of the death penalty on its second day of regular session for the 17th Congress on Tuesday.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro co-authored House Bill 1 which seeks to impose the death penalty on heinous crimes.

The proposed measure repeals the purpose of Republic Act 9346 which prohibits the imposition of death penalty in the Philippines.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas, Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit, Tarlac Rep. Carlos Cojuangco, Masbate Rep. Elisa Kho, Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu, Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe also co-authored the death penalty bill.

Lawmakers will also deliberate on House Bill 2 which reverts the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to nine years old.

These are among the top priority measures that Alvarez mentioned in his inaugural speech upon winning his speakership bid.

READ: Death penalty, charter change among House priorities

Alvarez noted that among ASEAN nations, only the Philippines and Cambodia have no capital punishment.

"As the president has said, it is a simple universal law of karma: if you borrow from me a thousand pesos, then you must pay back the same amount plus interest. If you take a human life especially if you do it deliberately and with premeditation, you must pay with your life," Alvarez said in his speech.