Chiong wants death penalty back

CEBU, Philippines - The national vice president of the Crusade Against Violence is strongly suggesting the reimposition of death penalty in the Philippines because of the surging criminalities in the country.

Thelma Chiong said that in her office alone they receive at least five cases every month involving rape, homicide and murder.

Chiong described the justice system today as “Just-tiis” system which is slowly dying. “Karon, maghilak ang adlaw if wala’y mamatay,” she said.

Chiong said they also find a hard time convincing the victims to fight for their cases because of fear. On top of it the group is struggling to find the right witness to help them out because some witnesses are also afraid to tell the truth.

Despite of it, Chiong said they tried their best to help women who are abused physically and verbally. She added that they are willing to give some financial assistance to the victims so that they will be able to pursue their cases and to fight for their rights.

“Mostly ang mga women jud ang involved ani nga mga cases and ang mga babaye jud ang madaog-daog,” she said.

The imposition of the death penalty in the Philippines was abolished by then president Corazon Aquino. But, former president Fidel Ramos reimposed it during his term by virtue of the Republic Act 7659 following a series of high profile cases such as the murder of Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. 

Ousted president Joseph Estrada was the first to carry out the execution through lethal injection since its reinstatement. Leo Echegaray was the first to be executed in February 1999 followed by six other executions before Estrada issued a moratorium in the year 2000 amidst the church-led campaigns for the abolition of the death penalty.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lifted the moratorium but until now it has not been reinstated because of a Supreme Court decision.

Chiong said that the CAV have also provided seminars to 13 municipalities and 203 barangays in Cebu because not all barangay officials are aware of their responsibilities.

Chiong said they have intensified its monitoring of the rape cases in all parts of the Visayas because it has the most number of incidents compared to the other crimes in the provinces.

Chiong likewise urged the government to scrap the Juvenile Justice Law because of the number of youths involved in gangs and fraternity wars.

She said that because of this law, minors no longer afraid to commit crimes or even kill.

She also expressed disgust over the proposed renewal of marriage after 10 years. According to her, the proposal is very unfair because “what if loyal kaayo ang usa dayon after 10 years mukalit ra ingon imong pares nga dili na e-renew ang ilang marriage license so how would you feel.”

Chiong said that the vows made by the couple during their wedding that “til death do us part,” has already lost its meaning. — Sheila Marie E. Catacutan and Dorothy Mae E. Acabo, NORSU Interns/FPL     (FREEMAN NEWS)