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Should The Philippines Reimpose The Death Penalty For Heinous Crimes?

The debate over reimposing the death penalty in the Philippines is highly contentious, with proponents arguing it serves justice for victims, while opponents cite human rights violations and the risk of wrongful convictions. Public opinion is divided, with concerns about the fairness of the justice system and the potential for capital punishment to disproportionately affect the poor. Ultimately, alternatives such as improving the justice system and focusing on rehabilitation are suggested as more effective and humane solutions to crime.

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39 views2 pages

Should The Philippines Reimpose The Death Penalty For Heinous Crimes?

The debate over reimposing the death penalty in the Philippines is highly contentious, with proponents arguing it serves justice for victims, while opponents cite human rights violations and the risk of wrongful convictions. Public opinion is divided, with concerns about the fairness of the justice system and the potential for capital punishment to disproportionately affect the poor. Ultimately, alternatives such as improving the justice system and focusing on rehabilitation are suggested as more effective and humane solutions to crime.

Uploaded by

annrab080
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Should the Philippines reimpose the Death Penalty for heinous crimes?

In the Philippines, the death penalty remains one of the most controversial and debated issues.
As defined by Gale (2023), it refers to the government-sanctioned execution of an individual as
punishment for a crime. For centuries, this topic has sparked intense debates influencing politics,
education, and public opinion, leaving the nation sharply divided on the question of whether to
reimpose it. Proponents of the death penalty argue for its reinstatement, believing it serves as a strong
form of justice for victims and their families. They contend that, rather than being inhumane, it
promotes accountability for heinous crimes. Conversely, others argue that reintroducing the death
penalty could lead to biases and violations of the fundamental human right to live free from cruel
punishment. Considering the importance of justice and human rights, the death penalty should not be
reimposed in the Philippines.

In recent years, opinions on the death penalty have become increasingly divided, despite some
public support. Many organizations, including Amnesty International (2023), consistently condemn the
death penalty as a violation of the fundamental right to life, arguing that it reflects a culture of violence
rather than providing a solution. A survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) in 2019 revealed
that, while some individuals support the death penalty as a response to certain crimes, a significant
portion of the population is deeply concerned about its fairness and implementation. Notably, Tom
Villarin, an Akbayan Representative, stated that the capital punishment bill is detrimental to both the
Philippines and the region. All available evidence indicates that reintroducing capital punishment is
unlikely to have a clear effect on crime rates. Instead, it would disproportionately victimize poor
Filipinos, who often cannot navigate the legal system due to its inequities. Moreover, the Philippine
justice system has faced criticism for corruption, inefficiency, and wrongful convictions. A notable case
occurred in 2011 when the Philippine Supreme Court acquitted 16 individuals on death row after it was
determined they had been wrongfully convicted. This case underscores the risk of executing innocent
people within a flawed legal framework. Given the pervasive corruption in the justice system, it is
essential to question whether the death penalty truly serves justice or merely exacerbates existing
inequalities.

In conclusion, the arguments against reimposing the death penalty in the Philippines are
grounded in human rights concerns, the ineffectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent, the risk of
wrongful convictions, and broader social implications. These factors suggest that alternatives—such as
improving the justice system and focusing on rehabilitation—are more effective and humane ways to
address crime in the Philippines. Regardless of how satisfying it may seem to punish someone with the
death penalty, it is crucial to consider the fundamental rights of every person to live free from cruel and
unfair punishment, especially for those innocent individuals who have been wrongfully accused. Even in
cases involving individuals who have committed great evil, the dignity of human life must never be taken
away.

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