Describing the planned daily executions of convicts in death row as “barbaric”, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the move will also make the country the “Capital of Death Penalty in the World.”
“The Philippines will be viewed as very barbaric,” according to Father Jerome Secillano, CBCP public affairs executive secretary. “It’s going to make the Philippines the capital of death penalty in the world.”
President Rodrigo Duterte said he sought the restoration of death penalty “because I want to use it against you (criminals).” “Restore it and I will execute criminals every day – five or six. That’s for real.”
Duterte said Capital Punishment would serve as retribution for those who committed serious crimes such as rape, kidnapping, etc.
The CBCP has described as “barbaric” the plan of Duterte to execute five or six criminals daily if the death penalty is restored.
“I feel sad when this was said by the President, especially at this time when we are celebrating the birth of Christ,” retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said.
Cruz has criticized Duterte’s brutal war against illegal drugs which has so far killed more than 6,000 individuals.