Catholic bishops are hoping the bill reimposing the death penalty will not be passed in the Senate following its passage on third reading at the House of Representatives.

 

In an interview Wednesday, CBCP Public Affairs Committee chairman Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said they are hoping the death penalty bill will have a different fate in the Senate.

 

"We regret the passage of the resumption of death penalty on third reading in Congress. We hope this will not pass in the Senate," said Arguelles.

 

This was seconded by Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.

 

"The fight against the reimposition of the death penalty continues. There is still hope from the Senate. I know of senators ‎who are against death penalty," said Bastes.

 

"We continue to pray. Life is a sacred gift from God and only God has the right to take it back," said Ongtioco.

 

CBCP - Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People Chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said reviving the death penalty will practically be approving execution of Filipinos in death row in other countries.

 

"With their decision, they have given death sentences to our imprisoned OFWs. What is now our moral ascendancy to ask for clemency, wherein our government imposes death penalty?" asked Santos. DMS