Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday backed President Duterte's call for the reimposition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes during his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“Mas palalakasin pa po natin ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga at iba pang salot sa lipunan. As the President said, freedom from illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption and criminality is, in itself, a human right,” Go said. (We shall strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs and other illegal activities in our society.)
The President reiterated his desire for the swift passage of a law reviving the death penalty by lethal injection for crimes specified under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Buo ang aking suporta sa muling pagbanggit ni Pangulong Duterte na talakayin ang pagbalik ng death penalty para sa mga heinous crimes involving illegal drugs,” Go said. (I strongly support President Duterte’s reiteration of the reimposition of the death penalty for all heinous crimes involving illegal drugs.)
But Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee that has jurisdiction over bills seeking the remposition of the death penalty, is not disposed to conducting a hearing as he said that a long jail term will inflict a greater pain on criminals than executing them.
‘’I’m the chairman of the Committee on Justice. If they think I am biased, then sasabihin ko kay Manny siya na mag-sponsor,’’ Gordon told Senate reporters during a ZOOM interview yesterday. He was referring to boxing icon Senator Emmanuel ‘’Manny’’ D. Pacquaio.
Pacquaio has been pushing for the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes. He said that even the Bible supports the death penalty.
“This law will not only help us deter criminality but also save our children from the dangers posed by illegal and dangerous drugs,” the President said, emphasizing that dealers and purveyors have continued their activities amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the country,’’ Go said.
‘’The President also explained that the amount of illegal drugs seized in police operations has been valued in millions of pesos and “speaks volumes of the enormity and weight of the problem that we bear,’’ he added.
Go filed Senate Bill No. 207 last year seeking to amend Republic Act 9346 which abolished the death penalty as punishment in the Philippines, by reimposing the capital punishment for heinous crimes involving illegal drugs and plunder.
In the explanatory note of the bill, Go explained that “the proliferation of heinous crimes ignited the call for a tough and definitive stance against crimes that have plagued the security and development of the nation.”
The bill also emphasized that illegal and dangerous drugs have been a recurring cause of suffering for families and individuals in the country, and that there is no question that this societal problem can destroy the basic institution of society which is the family.
Go also commended President Duterte for assuring the public that his administration will continue to fight corruption and hold accountable those who have taken advantage of the fear and confusion brought about by the health crisis.
“Tulad ng sabi ng Pangulo, panahon po ito para magmalasakit at magkaisa. Hindi po tayo papayag na may mga taong nanlalamang at nang-aabuso sa kapwa lalo na sa panahon na naghihirap ang ating mga kababayan,” Go said. (Like what the President said, this is the time for caring and unity. We will not allow persons to abuse our countrymen during these times of hardship.)
“Those who steal funds intended for the people in these trying times, those who make money from donations, those who sell overpriced medicines and medical supplies while the health sector is in crisis, makonsensya naman kayo. Darating ang panahon na mananagot kayo at mabubulok kayo sa kulungan o sa impiyerno,” Go added. (Let your conscience prevail. Your time will come for you to pay back and for you to rot in jail or in hell.)
Go also commended the government’s efforts in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
He reiterated the President’s stand that by pursuing an independent foreign policy, the Philippines is able to claim its rightful place in the community of sovereign states.
Go echoed the President’s appeal to the people during SONA for cooperation amidst these trying times.
The senator from Davao emphasized the need to have faith in the government in order to achieve what is best for the country and the Filipino people.