On Death Penalty

THE raging debate in the House of Representatives is on the issue of the re-imposition of the death penalty, as suggested by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his SONA last Monday, July 22. As expected, the religious sector, more particularly the Roman Catholic Church and the Iglesia ni Cristo, are openly opposed to the re-imposition. Those who are espousing the death penalty believe that its reposition will serve as deterrent to the commission of crimes involving the use and trafficking of drugs. Collateral issues on how it will be imposed, such as whether by electrocution or by lethal injection or by firing squad, are also to be taken into consideration. Be that as it may, whether or not the re-imposition of death penalty will serve in greater interest of our society is not only a factual issue but also a legal issue. It may be recalled that the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos executed a well-known drug lord during his incumbency by firing squad. But that was martial law. In the light of these considerations, it may perhaps be well-taken if both the Upper and Lower Houses of Congress will have a conscientious debate on the issue in order for it to arrive at well considered perspective. Personally, as a member of the Knight of Columbus and incumbent Commander of the Knights of Rizal I stand opposed to capital punishment as an attack against the inviolability of human dignity and of life.

TRIVIA: Thru this column may I express my most sincere condolence and sympathy and that of my spouse Minda to the bereaved family of the late Epifanio Terbio, Sr. who recently passed away. His remains lie in state at the Imperial Funeral Parlor along Iqualdad St. The internment is scheduled on Saturday. The deceased is the father of my godson Atty. Epifanio Terbio, Jr.

Likewise, our condolence and sympathy goes to Vice-Mayor Nene de Asis whose husband “Boy” de Asis recently crossed the Great Beyond. His remains lie in state at the Imperial Funeral Parlor in Penafrancia Avenue.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THE GREATEST MAN IS HE WHO CHOOSES THE RIGHT WITH INVINCIBLE RESOLUTION.” CHANNING

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “TURN TO THE LORD IN YOUR NEED AND YOU WILL LIVE.” PSALM 69