MANILA, Philippines—An international human rights group composed of members across Southeast Asia called on Philippine legislators to strongly oppose efforts aimed at reintroducing the death penalty in the country. ADVERTISEMENTCharles Santiago, a member of the Malaysian parliament and chair of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, said reinstating the death penalty in the Philippines is in direct violation of the country’s human rights obligations. “When considering bringing back the death penalty, Philippine lawmakers must remember that it is an inhumane and ineffective punishment, and reinstating it will be in total violation of the Philippines’ human rights obligations,” said Santiago in a statement. This starts with ending impunity for police violence, strengthening the criminal justice system, and developing health-focused based policies.”Many of the legislators are pushing for the death penalty for crimes including drug-related offenses, murder, rape, kidnapping, and treason. There’s also the issue of the Philippines’ status as a member of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that has Second Optional Protocol aimed at the abolition of the death penalty.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 05, 2020 07:20 UTC