MANILA, Nov. 24, 2016— The death penalty has no place in a civilized society, said the lay arm of the Church in the Philippines.
The Council of the Laity of the Philippines (CLP) said that 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,” said Zenaida Capistrano, CLP national president.
The CLP made the statement as the House of Representatives recently started deliberations on a proposed measure that seeks to restore the death penalty in the country.
Such an attempt is supported by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said the lower House is keen on passing the proposed 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 hu
man rights such as the right to life,” explained Capistrano.
“We, at the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, appeal to our lawmakers to reject and oppose the restoration of Death Penalty.”
“We also call on our God-fearing countrymen to work for the respect and protection of human life,” she added.(CBCPNews)
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