Pubdate: Mon, 01 Dec 2003
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2003 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Raquel C. Bagnol

RODY BACKS EXECUTION OF DEATH ROW CONVICTS

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has expressed support for the resumption of
the execution of death row convicts indefinitely suspended by President
Arroyo last year while awaiting for Congress decision on capital punishment.

He said suspension had emboldened criminals, particularly those involved in
the illegal drugs trade.

"President Arroyo and I have conflicting ideas regarding this issue because
even these drug traffickers know there lives are in danger, they won't stop
because of money," Duterte said. He added that the money drug traffickers
get from the business "is no joke", which prods them to continue trafficking
illegal drugs.

Duterte said that the resumption of death penalty has become necessary amid
rising criminality.

"What these people need is retribution. They have ruined the lives of many
and they should pay," he said.

Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which spearheaded
the campaign against illegal drugs, proposed the execution of convicted
big-time drug traffickers to serve as a warning to offenders.

But Arroyo deferred the executions a day after 100 congressmen passed a
resolution urging her to suspend planned executions while they deliberate a
proposal to abolish capital punishment.

The law can only be repealed if both the House and the Senate arrive at a
consensus.

Arroyo, however, said she may allow executions to resume as part of a
high-profile campaign against illegal drugs.

"I shall make a decision on the possible re-imposition of the death penalty
on the basis of moral principles and due process," she said in a statement
published at a national newspaper dated July 6.

Prior to the suspension of the death penalty, Arroyo suspended the August 30
execution of Rolando Pagdayawon of Davao City who was convicted of raping
his own daughter because she felt awkward putting him to death on the eve of
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin's 74th birthday.

Arroyo also gave two other death row convicts a 90-day reprieve. This
suspension would have lasted until November 28.

More than 20 convicted criminals were scheduled to die last year, according
to a list released by the Bureau of Corrections, and more than 1,690 people
have been sentenced to death, but, under the law, an execution of a convict
can only be carried out after the Supreme Court upholds the conviction with
finality.

Arroyo suspended the death penalty after she took over the presidency from
Estrada, who was ousted in a military-backed people power in January 2001.

No executions have occurred since the moratorium was lifted.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh