Zamboanga Representative Defends Death Penalty for Corruption Bill
KHYMER OLASO – The Zamboanga Representative has supported the proposed bill that would impose the death penalty by firing squad on government officials found guilty of corruption, misusing public funds, and other corruption-related crimes.
In an interview on DWAR Abante Radyo’s “Saktong Tapatan,” Olaso explained his position, saying, “Sa totoo lang i’m a Roman Catholic at hindi naman ako mamamatay tao. In that process may due process naman tayong dapat sundin.” He also clarified why a firing squad was chosen, stating, “Why firing squad? Kasi alam natin walang gustong mamatay walang gustong babarilin sila. Kung ‘di ka gagawa ng korapsyon ‘di ka naman babarilin at papatayin”
The proposed law, House Bill 11211 or the “Death Penalty for Corruption Act,” targets all public officials, including those elected or appointed. This includes members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, officials in constitutional commissions, government-owned corporations, and other government agencies, as well as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Olaso’s bill has sparked debates about its morality, fairness, and effectiveness. While it aims to address corruption in the Philippines, some critics question whether capital punishment is the right solution.
Despite the opposition, Olaso remains firm in his belief that tough measures are needed to fight corruption and ensure public servants are held accountable, emphasizing that it is a step towards rebuilding trust in the government.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, death by firing squad was used for executions until it was stopped in 1976. The death penalty was brought back in 1993 under a law called Republic Act No. 7659, which allowed executions by lethal injection instead. However, it was stopped again in 2006 with Republic Act No. 9346. Since then, the Philippines has not carried out any executions, including by firing squad. The country is considered to have a ban on the death penalty, although some people have called for it to be brought back.