Senator Robin Padilla has again pushed for the restoration of capital punishment in the Philippines, arguing that deteriorating peace and order conditions make the measure necessary.
In an April 1 Facebook post, Padilla made his position clear: “Marami na naman ang magagalit sa akin. Ibalik na natin ang death penalty!”
He added that a broader discussion on its scope should follow: “Tsaka pag usapan kung ano ang mga sakop nito!”
The senator pointed to what he described as a disregard for human life and dignity as grounds for reimposing the punishment. “Sobra na ang krimen, ang pagsasawalang bahala sa buhay, kahihiyan at karapatan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Padilla’s latest statement is not his first push on the issue. During a Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing in April 2023, he had similarly recommended reinstating capital punishment — a position he took in the wake of the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others.
Capital punishment has been constitutionally prohibited in the Philippines since the 1987 Constitution took effect, making any restoration effort dependent on legislative action and, potentially, constitutional reform.
