He later apologized when Sen. Francis Pangilinan raised this point, saying the death penalty was not a laughing matter. He also cited the Constitution’s exception on the death penalty for heinous crimes. “The death penalty is lawful, moral and sanctioned governmental action. ADVERTISEMENT“We need to clarify that from then until now, the Constitution never barred the imposition of the death penalty, especially in the eyes of God,” said Pacquiao. Pacquiao quoted Bible passages in his 14-minute speech, citing how God exacts justice and even allows capital punishment to punish crime.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 08, 2016 18:00 UTC