Capital punishment in the Philippines

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Capital punishment in the Philippines refers to the legal process where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. The Philippines has had a complex history with capital punishment, having abolished and reinstated it multiple times.

History

Spanish Colonial Period

During the Spanish colonial period, capital punishment was used extensively. The most notable execution was that of José Rizal, a national hero, who was executed by firing squad in 1896.

American Colonial Period

Under American colonial rule, the death penalty was retained. The Philippine Commission enacted laws that included capital punishment for certain crimes.

Post-Independence

After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines continued to use the death penalty. The Revised Penal Code of 1930, which remained in effect, included provisions for capital punishment.

Abolition and Reinstatement

In 1987, under the administration of President Corazon Aquino, the death penalty was abolished through the 1987 Constitution. However, it was reinstated in 1993 under President Fidel V. Ramos due to rising crime rates. The method of execution was changed from electrocution to lethal injection.

In 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9346, which abolished the death penalty once again. Since then, the Philippines has been a staunch advocate against capital punishment on the international stage.

Current Status

As of now, capital punishment remains abolished in the Philippines. There have been various legislative attempts to reinstate it, particularly for heinous crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism, but none have been successful.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on capital punishment in the Philippines is divided. Some sectors of society advocate for its reinstatement as a deterrent to crime, while others argue that it is inhumane and prone to judicial errors.

Related Pages

• José Rizal
• Spanish colonial period in the Philippines
• American colonial period in the Philippines
• Revised Penal Code of the Philippines
• Corazon Aquino
• Fidel V. Ramos
• Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
• Republic Act No. 9346

See Also

• Death penalty
• Lethal injection
• Electrocution
• Criminal justice in the Philippines

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