By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – A measure seeking to impose the death penalty by firing squad for public officials convicted of corruption, malversation of public funds, and plunder has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso authored House Bill (SB) 11211 or the proposed Death Penalty for Corruption Act, which aims to combat what he described as “one of the gravest threats” to the country’s development.
“Despite the existence of numerous laws aimed at combating graft, malversation, and plunder, the persistence of these crimes suggests that current measures are insufficient to deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices,” Olaso said in the explanatory note of the bill released on Wednesday.
Olaso said the misuse of public funds undermines public trust and deprives citizens of essential services.
“The bill emphasizes accountability and deterrence, making it clear that public office is a public trust, and any violation of that trust must be met with the severest consequences,” Olaso said.
The proposed legislation applies to all government officials, from the president to the lowest barangay officer, as well as members of the military and police.
It targets specific crimes, particularly graft and corruption defined under the Republic Act (RA) 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation of public funds as defined under the Revised Penal Code, and plunder under the Plunder Law (RA 7080).
The bill, according to Olaso, incorporates safeguards to ensure due process.
Convictions must be affirmed by the Supreme Court, undergo automatic review, and allow the accused to exhaust all legal remedies before the death penalty is carried out.
Olaso said the measure aims to restore public trust in government institutions, deter potential offenders, and ensure that justice is served for the Filipino people “who bear the brunt of corruption’s devastating impact”.
“This bill is not merely punitive but also symbolic of the Philippines’ zero-tolerance policy for corruption. By passing this legislation, Congress sends a strong message that integrity and accountability are paramount in public service and that the misuse of public resources will not be tolerated,” Olaso said. (PNA)
