By ILOILO City – Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay denounces today Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe’s approval to the return of death penalty in the country.
“Death penalty is not the solution for our crime problems. The problem is the unjust and corrupt justice system itself,” Bayan Panay deputy secretary general Reylan Vergara said.
Presidentiables Mayor Duterte and Senator Poe raised their hands when asked during the 2nd PiliPinas Debate 2016 which was held in UP Cebu last Sunday.
“Our law enforcement still depends on the padrino system. It is double standard that it favors only the rich and powerful but easily arrests and convicts the poor and powerless,” Vergara added.
Vergara cited the cases of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as examples.
“The former president can have a vacation furlough during her birthdays and holidays while Senator Enrile was bailed out based on medical reason. These cases are opposite as to the treatment of our political prisoners,” Vergara explained.
According to Vergara, Andrea Rosal was not given proper medical attention while being pregnant that led to the death of her 2-day old daughter.
“Eduardo Serrano also died last January while staying for 11 years inside prison cell despite being acquitted on charges of murder and multiple murder,” he added.
“That is why we have to change our system and the justice system. So long as culture of impunity, padrino system and double standards exist, only the poor and powerless Filipino will suffer from the death penalty while bigtime criminals and corrupt officials are having free walks in the park,” Vergara ended./PT
