PNoy: Improving justice system more important than death penalty

MANILA, Philippines - The proposal to revive the death penalty law needs further study but it's more important to fix  the country's justice system first, Pres. Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday.

Speaking to media at the sidelines of The Outstanding Filipino 2013 awarding ceremonies, Aquino expressed concern that due to imperfections in the country's justice system, persons sentenced to death may  be unable to avail of all opportunities to prove their innocence.

"Ang tanong, nabigay ba ang lahat ng kanyang karapatan na maipagtanggol ang sarili sa korte? Iyong bang talagang nakakasigurado ba tayo na iyong inosente ay hindi mako-convict? Sad to say ... iyan ay work in progress pa rin," Aquino said.

The President said the government should be absolutely sure a person is guilty because an execution cannot be undone

But in the case of the Philippines, Aquino said the Public Attorney's Office may not even have the time or resources to review a convicted person's case since it is loaded with work.

Aquino said the death penalty is not the only deterrent to crime and the government is more focused on ensuring that unlawful elements will be put behind bars.

"Mas deterent siguro 'yung katiyakan na makukulong ka at mahuhuli ka kapag may ginawa kang krimen at 'yun ang puspusan nating ginagawa," Aquino said at a televised interview with reporters.

According to media reports, Sen. Tito Sotto has filed a bill that seeks to revive the death penalty to deter crimes in the country.