But only for heinous crimes; Negros Occidental solon backs death penalty restoration

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Representative Alfredo Benitez (3rd district) expressed his support to the proposed restoration of death penalty, but clarified that it should only be imposed against heinous crimes.

Benitez said the present proposal in Congress mentions 21 crimes to warrant death penalty, and these are too many. "Let's just make sure that only heinous crimes, which are not being done by a normal person, to be punished with death penalty," he explained.

The proposed measure seeking to re-impose the death penalty in the country was already approved in the House committee level on December 7, with a vote of 12-6-1 (yes-no-abstention).

House Bill Number 1 provides three methods to carry out the death penalty either by firing squad, hanging, or lethal injection, said Benitez.

Benitez said "the death penalty itself does not kill," clarifying that it is up to the person to commit the crime if he wants to enter into the death chamber.

While it is inconclusive that the re-imposition of the death penalty will reduce crimes, it will however cause would-be criminals to think many times first before committing heinous crimes, Benitez added.

Meanwhile, the three dioceses of Bacolod, Kabankalan and San Carlos earlier expressed their vehement opposition to the restoration of the death penalty. (FREEMAN)