MESSAGE ON WORLD DAY AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY

I am one with the international community in observing this meaningful occasion to further strengthen our fight against death penalty, to raise awareness on the misconceptions about this unjust measure, and to achieve our collective goal of abolishing capital punishment worldwide.

Time and again, I have always stood firm in my opposition to the death penalty. And I will never tire in advocating against the capital punishment as it is anti-poor, anti-Christian and has not been proven to prevent crimes.

Of course, leaders like Duterte and his henchmen will always go for such a draconian solution. In his 5th SONA last July, Duterte renewed his call to reimpose the death penalty even if our country is in the middle of a raging pandemic, which has already killed thousands. Aptly put, this regime's main policy is to Kill, Kill, Kill.

We do not need the death penalty, especially with a justice system that is full of loopholes. It will be an additional license to kill for a murderous regime that has been weaponizing the law against the poor and government critics. We can never atone for wrongful deaths. Hindi na kailanman maitatama at maibabalik ang kinitil na buhay, lalo na ng isang inosente.

Instead of death penalty, what we need are measures that will ensure the swift delivery of justice, certainty of arrest, and assurance of punishment. This is why I continue to push for measures to fulfill these goals, such as qualified reclusion perpetua for heinous crimes, and to streamline and strengthen the process of criminal investigation.

As I have said, my situation ought to serve as the best argument against capital punishment. Under a tyrannical regime controlled by a vindictive man, the possibility of persecuting and convicting an innocent is high.

But this is not just about me. This is not my fight alone. I have always been adamant, unbowed and uncowed, in fighting injustices and standing up for human rights no matter the cost. ###

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame

10 October 2020