Senator Manny Pacquiao, chairman of the Senate subcommittee on death penalty, emphasized that his proposal on death penalty only targets drug lords, and not drug users.
He explained that there are no poor drug lords so drug users are excluded in the proposed bill; hence, he’s hopeful to get the support of his colleagues to approve death penalty.
“Mahihirapan talaga kami to get the majority but we’re going to explain to my colleagues na pipiliin lang natin, kumbaga ang gusto namin dito is yung drug lords. Of course, wala naman sigurong drug lords na mahirap so hindi ‘yung mga users,” Pacquiao said in an interview on ANC.
Pacquiao backed up his proposal by citing Article III, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which states: “Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.”
He stressed that death penalty will not be imposed unless it involves heinous crimes; therefore, it is not abolished in the Constitution. The Republic Act 9346 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2006 was just a moratorium on death penalty.
Pacquiao has filed three bills on death penalty for kidnapping, aggravated rape, and other heinous crimes.
Meanwhile, in the same interview, the senator expressed his opinion on the abolition of Congress and possible term extension of President Rodrigo Duterte once the government switches to federal system.
“Gusto ko siyang leader sa ating bansa. Whether ma-extend o hindi wala akong problema. Gusto kong ma-extend because of his leadership, strong leadership pero hindi naman ako ang magde-decide. Mayroon tayong Constitution na dapat sundin at dapat nating tanungin ang taongbayan.”
The senator said he sees no problem in abolishing the Senate and the Congress as long as it will benefit the country.
