A Position Paper on the Death Penalty in the Philippines
Introduction
The death penalty is a form of capital punishment that designates a person who has been
found guilty by the government of committing a heinous crime or offense with a death sentence.
The Republic Act No. 7659, which amends the revised penal laws, as modified, other special
penal laws, and other laws for various purposes, establishes the death sentence in the Philippines
for several grave offenses. The death penalty has a long history, dating back to the pre-Spanish
period, when it was previously used occasionally by Filipinos.
It was kept during the American era and was also imposed by the Spanish on people who
revolted against them. Although the martial law that was in place from 1965 to 1986 was lifted
under Cory Aquino's administration, it was reinstated when Ramos took office. During Estrada
and Arroyo's terms, it was also present. Death penalty is the punishment of execution,
administered to someone legally convicted of a capital crime.
This penalty must be executed to a person who are using prohibited drugs, against human
rights and many more. This is the common issue debated by the senators of the Philippines or
even around the world. Death penalty aims to execute person who are committed to as a suspect
of killing and rape which is against human rights, but this penalty as well is against human
rights. Families of rape victims and victims of unjustified homicides unanimously support this
type of punishment. But what about the family of the accused suspect? Perhaps he is being held
accountable for a crime that he did not commit.
Counter Argument
1. Death penalty is not a retribution it is a justice.
= Yes, it’s not about a revenge it is about justice! The most terrible crimes, like murder,
are those for which the death penalty is reserved. Why should a murderer be permitted to spend
the remainder of their days in affluence provided by the general populace? It is unfair to keep
providing them with housing, clothing, and food at the expense of the taxpayer for the rest of
their natural lives. When they killed someone else, they forfeited their claim to life, and the only
way justice can be done is through their legal execution.
2. Death penalty can serve as a warning or deterrence.
= Yes, it is possible, life is saved by the death sentence. If murderers are aware that their
lives are in danger, they are more likely to reconsider their actions. In the end, only the harshest
penalties are effective in deterring the most violent offenses. Then it will become obvious that
the good guys aren't playing around since taking an innocent life would mean giving up your
own.
3. Death penalty can be a closure for the family of the victims.
= Yes, it can be, the execution of a criminal can be the best way to provide closure to the
family of their victim. They can finally put the crime behind them and move on, knowing that
there is no possibility of the person who took away their loved one ever leaving prison and
walking free.
My Argument
According to Bedau H (1982), most individuals have an inherent fear of dying; it's a trait
that requires us to consider the future before acting; if we don't do it consciously, we will
consider the future subconsciously. Consider how low the homicide rate would be if
everyone who killed someone died quickly; after all, no one enjoys dying. We can't do
this, but if the court system could speed up and tighten it up, we could amend the rules to
speed up executions and shorten the appeals process. The possibility of saving the lives
of thousands of prospective victims makes the death penalty crucial.
In today’s happening to our country where innocent people are being kidnap, missing for
several days, and just hearing in the news that they recovered the lifeless victim, I can say
that I’m agree in the death penalty.
Death penalty can be applicable to those criminals who commit or being proven in the
investigation of in doing a heinous crime like murder, rape etc.
The family of the victims can receive the justice they deserved. The death penalty
demonstrates justice. By punishing the guilty, justice will be served. On television, I have
witnessed someone being interviewed after a family or several relatives passed away,
which demonstrates quality. They are pleading for assistance and demanding
compensation for the deaths of their loved ones. Justice is the only course that can bring
them relief, I am certain of it. The death sentence is a serious punishment fit for a serious
offense. Getting justice may elevate a person.
I’m agree in the death penalty because of our current situation now is really unfair,
innocent people suffered and died unfairly, it hurts a lot because some of the victims are
too young. It is supposed to be dreaming stage of their life for their future and their
family. And I’m sad to say but murderer, rapist, or people commit other heinous crime is
not human anymore, I hate those people who commit heinous crime and apologizing
afterwards.
Conclusion
I've concluded that the death sentence is largely morally justifiable. When a criminal
commits a capital offense, they should be punished in accordance with the severity of the
offense, and the death penalty is generally regarded as the worst sanction because it not
only robs the offender of their physical freedom through imprisonment but also of their
psychological freedom through the deprivation of the right to life.
The death sentence is currently carried out with a painless injection, which is the most
humane manner compared to past practices like beheading or the electric chair. Since
torture is avoided and the death penalty is currently carried out in a humane manner, the
claim that the system is cruel is unfounded.
Additionally, the use of the death penalty serves to deter potential offenders from
committing the most serious crimes, improving public safety. To sum up, I think the
death penalty is ethically appropriate since it has a significant positive impact on society,
is carried out in a compassionate manner, and is the only penalty that is proportionate to
the offense.
