Some members of the House of Representatives opposed the bill, which aimed to punish corrupt government officials by firing squad.
House Bill 11211, or the Death Penalty for Corruption Act, was filed by Zamboanga Representative Kymer Olaso last week to stop the country’s unending corruption.
According to him, officials from the three branches of the government, constitutional commissions, government-owned and controlled corporations, and uniformed personnel were included who were found guilty of graft, malversation of public funds, or plunder should receive the said punishment.
However, some members of Congress opposed the bill, including Manila City 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, calling the firing squad punishment ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘outdated.’
“Yung kanyang suggestion ay inhumane at cruel punishment. ‘Yan po ay paglabag sa ating Saligang Batas, nasa Konstitutsyon po natin ‘yan na bawal po tayong magpapasa ng mga batas na inhumane at cruel punishment,” said Chua.
Chua suggested it would be better to categorize corrupt practices as ‘heinous crimes’ before proposing such punishment.
The lawmakers also believed the bill was filed to capture the public’s attention as the campaign season approached.
“Gusto lamang makakuha ng mga boto, gustong mapansin ng tao, syempre panahon ngayon ng kampanya,” he stated.
As of writing, Olaso has yet to respond to Chua’s statement.