The religious group Council of the Laity of the Philippines has urged Congress not to pass the death penalty being proposed recently by some lawmakers, saying it has no place in a civilized society.
CLP national president Zenaida Capistrano said capital punishment was abolished in 1987 because it does not work and “there is a wealth of mounting evidence that proves this fact.”
“Its abolition clearly reveals a strong message that it has no place in our society, where preservation and respect for human life is of utmost importance,” Capistrano said in a statement.
The group made the appeal as the House of Representatives recently started deliberations on a proposed measure that seeks to restore the death penalty, a move supported by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said the House is keen on passing the bill before it adjourns for the Christmas break.
The CLP said the death penalty is “discriminatory” because poor people have no access to legal resources to defend themselves.
“Further, it breaks essential human rights such as the right to life,” Capistrano explained.
“We, at the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, appeal to our lawmakers to reject and oppose the restoration of the death penalty. We also call on our God-fearing countrymen to work for the respect and protection of human life,” she added.