Sans stricter penalties, death penalty “incentives” for criminals – officials

November 28, 2019

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Catalino Cuy on Thursday said the lack of stricter penalties and the absence of the death penalty are considered as “incentives” for criminals to do illegal activities in the country.

In a press briefing, Cuy said he is in favor of the re-imposition of death penalty.

“Personally, I am in favor of reimposition of death penalty for drug trafficking… I am for it,” Cuy said.

“It’s not only drug traffickers who are saying that, even terrorists. According to them that the lack or absence of death penalty and stricter penalties are actually incentives for criminal elements to do business here in the Philippines,” he added.

Cuy called it “ease of doing business” that’s why criminals are going in the country.

“That’s why they continue to have financial gains,” he said. “I understand the capital is small but look at the market price.”

For the part of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Deputy Director General for Operations Gregorio Pimentel said he is also in favor of death penalty as criminals end up in New Bilibid Prison where they were able to enhance their organized network to traffic illegal drugs.

“So this gives them a chance to reunite and reconnect with other drug personalities and when they get out it will be a bigger problem. So I am in favor of the death penalty,” Pimentel said.

Authorities had conducted series of raids inside the national penitentiary as drug lords were able to continue with their illegal drug trade even if they were inside the jail.

Even the officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police reiterated his support for the revival of death penalty.

“Coming from the accused and the suspects themselves based on interrogation, (they were asked) why are you doing this here in the Philippines, (and they will answer) because there is no death penalty. Simple as that,” Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

Having a chance to widen their network inside the prison is the main reason why there is a need for such a law, he said.

“And we are very thankful we found an ally in the Senate through of course Senator (Ronald) Bato (Dela Rosa) and I think he has the same stand,” said Gamboa.

President Rodrigo Duterte, together with Senator Christopher "Bong" Go and Dela Rosa, is pushing for capital punishment for those who are involved in illegal drugs. However, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said this will only lead to cycle of violence in the country. Ella Dionisio/DMS