ON THE ISSUE OF REVIVING DEATH PENALTY

With some legislators pushing for the revival of death penalty in the light of the Alabang Boys case, Independent senator and judicial reform advocate Kiko Pangilinan stressed that reimposing the death penalty will not solve the problem of illegal drug trafficking.

"It isn't the harshness or severity of punishment but the certainty of punishment that will make would be criminals think twice before committing illegal acts. Besides if we impose the death penalty in a system that is vulnerable to bribery and corruption then we increase chances of putting to death the innocent while the guilty go scot-free, thanks to bribery and corruption," Kiko said.

Yesterday, Senator Kiko called for the urgent implementation of the Salary Standardization of Government workers that will increase government prosecutors's pay, thus preventing further acts of bribery and corruption in government.

"At the root of the crime and lawlessness that we now face is the inability of our system of justice, because of severe constraints, to punish swiftly and in failing to do so, the state is unable to send the strong message that in this country crime does not pay. Kung mailis ang sistema ng katarungan at tiyak na makukulong ang mga nagkasala sa mga kasong isinasampa kahit one year imprisonment lang basta siguradong kulong, matatakot ang sinuman na gumawa ng kalokhan," Kiko stressed.

"Without a strong institutional response from our justice system, this case may take all but forever to be resolved and decided. We need sweeping reforms in the justice system and we need them now. We should begin by increasing the budget of the judiciary and the justice department particularly the national prosecution service." Kiko ended.