PROMDI presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao has not changed his stand in backing the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes but not until the country’s justice system is fully reformed.
In a radio DZBB interview, Pacquiao also pledged to support the will of the majority if it will call for the prohibition of political dynasty and vowed to stop the importation of basic commodities such as food that can be sourced locally.
“Boto po ako sa (I favor the) death penalty. Pero hindi sa sitwasyon natin ngayon (but not under the prevailing situation) because it will take decades pa para maayos ang sistema ng hustisya sa sitwasyon natin ngayon (to correct the system of justice under the current situation),” he told the “Ikaw Na Nga Ba?” interview.
He warned that under the present justice system the likelihood of the innocent being condemned to death is high.
Pacquiao cited the provision of the 1987 Constitution that allows the imposition of the capital punishment but stressed that judicial reforms must first be put in place before Congress should reimpose it.
In the same interview, the world boxing legend said he will abide by the prohibition against political dynasty if an enabling law for its enforcement is passed by Congress.
The presidential hopeful said he will ask his two younger brothers, House Deputy Speaker Ruel Pacquiao and Rep. Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao, to stay out of politics once the ban is imposed.
Asked about the recent decision of the Department of Agriculture to import pelagic fishes, the senator said importation of basic commodities will be a thing in the past if he becomes president.
“Gusto ko tayo ang mag-export, ibig sabihin, sagana tayo, maraming ani. (I want us to export. This means we have bountiful harvest),” Pacquiao said.
He added: “Suportahan natin ang mga farmers, naghihingalo sila. Matagal na silang humhingi ng tulong sa gobyerno. (Let us help our farmers, they are suffering. They have long been appealing for help from government).”