MANILA (UPDATE) — A proposed law seeking penalty of death by firing squad for corrupt public officials has been filed at the House of Representatives.

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Under House Bill 11211 authored by Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Khymer Adan Olaso, the penalty will be imposed on officials convicted by the Sandiganbayan for graft and corruption, malversation of public funds, and plunder. 

But the conviction should first be affirmed by the Supreme Court, has undergone mandatory automatic review process, and all legal remedies available exhausted by the accused, before the execution is carried out.

The proposed measure covers all public officials, whether elected or appointed, including officials in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as those serving in Constitutional Commissions, government-owned and controlled corporations, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

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“While the death penalty was previously abolished under Republic Act No. 9346, the gravity of corruption as a 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,” Olaso said in his explanatory note.

“The imposition of the death penalty for these crimes is grounded in the principle of retributive justice, recognizing the magnitude of harm inflicted by corrupt practices,” he added.

'NECESSARY'

In an interview with the media Wednesday, Olaso explained why he decided to file such bill despite being a "Roman Catholic by birth."

"I respect the Church. Every Sunday I go to church. But sabi ko, kailangan eh, para tumino ‘yung bansa natin. Kung hindi, kawawa po tayo," he explained.

“They will be obliged to do good things. Imbis na magnakaw nang magnakaw, diba? Gagawa ng korupsyon o kalokohan, they will stop doing this. Kasi mayroon nang batas na ngapapahinto dito. Kasi ‘pag hindi, ipa-firing squad ka. Kung ako lang ang masusunod dun, ipa-firing squad ka sa Luneta para makita ng taong bayan kung sino yung gumagawa ng kalokohan,” Olaso also said.

House Quad Committee lead co-chairperson and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers agrees with the proposal to impose death penalty for the crime of plunder, but not for graft and malversation of public funds.

“Plunder is the most logical crime to be included in the reimposition of the penalty of death, kasi may clear benefit doon sa actor, and of course it is a one serious step to really send a signal that corruption should not be taken light. Corruption should not be tolerated,” he explained.

'MEDIEVAL'

But House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V called the proposed “death by firing squad” as “medieval”, asserting that right to life should also be respected. 

Ortega said he is personally against death penalty, saying it is not an assurance that corruption will be solved. The lawmaker noted that the root causes of the crime should be addressed instead. 

“For me, personally, my stand is definitely a no to death penalty... It will instill fear, pero it will not ensure na wala pa ring corruption… As a member of the Quad, alam naman po natin na sobrang importante na ma-uphold ang human rights,” Ortega told reporters in a chance interview.

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“(Corruption) It’s cultural... There’s also a need na magkaroon ng kultura na anti-corruption, so that you can beat corruption…. Siguro maganda you tap it from the grass roots, kaya nga tayo may courses ng values education. Malalim. Hindi siya one-trick pony, hindi siya one-shot policy,” he added. 

Asked about the chances of the bill getting tackled by the lower chamber with just around two weeks left before Congress adjourns session, Ortega said the House is “short on time."

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