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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Death penalty for animal cruelty? Yes, says 'Congressmeow' Barzaga

Death penalty for animal cruelty? Yes, says 'Congressmeow' Barzaga

Published Aug 2, 2025 09:10 pm

At A Glance

  • Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis "Kiko" Barzaga loathes abusers of defenseless animals--so much that he believes they deserve to be executed by firing squad.
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis "Kiko" Barzaga (Facebook)
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis "Kiko" Barzaga (Facebook)


Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis "Kiko" Barzaga loathes abusers of defensless animals--so much that he believes they deserve to be executed by firing squad.
This should come as no surprise though, given that Barzaga refers to himself as "congressmeow" and is known for his fondness for animals especially cats and dogs.
"Animal Cruelty is an injustice that has no place in our society, I propose a legislation that provides death penalty by firing squad to animal abusers," the proudly eccentric solon wrote on his Facebook Saturday night, Aug. 2.
Barzaga, a neophyte lawmaker in the 20th Congress, earlier said he would "create laws for stray asodogs at posacats".
It was only last month when he said in a similar post that extreme recidivist litterers should also be meted with the death penalty, although he didn't mention by which method. The firing squad is a manner of execution that ensures swift--but not painless--death.
It remains ro be seen if Barzaga will follow through with these proposals by filing actual bills in the House of Representatives.
The Philippines currently doesnt have capital punishment. The death penalty was abolished in 2006 during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Lethal injection was the method used the last time that death penalty was carried out in the Philippines.
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