Miriam backs call vs death penalty

Re-electionist Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago supported yesterday the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to abolish the death penalty, saying it has not effectively deterred crime since its imposition in 1994.

Santiago said the execution of convicted criminals served only as public spectacles and taught the people the misleading lesson that killing criminals will solve society’s problems.

She pointed out an anti-crime group headed by Teresita Ang See has reported a surge in kidnapping incidents in the first quarter of this year.

"A humane society does not kill human beings. The death penalty is barbaric. It has no place in a civilized society," she said.

Santiago further argued that the death penalty carries with it the risk of executing a person who is wrongfully accused of a crime.

"It would be a tragedy and great injustice if a person is executed for a crime that he did not commit," she said.

Santiago again waved the famous "Miriam magic" in Laoag, Ilocos Norte Sunday night when huge crowds of frantic supporters mobbed her at the grand rally of the Puwersa ng Masa.

High-spirited Ilocanos cheered excitedly and waved enthusiastically at Santiago during the motorcades and market tours in Laoag, Bacarra, San Nicolas, Batac, Pagudpod, Bangui, Burgos, Pasuaquin, Vintar, Piddig, Bangued, Tayum, Vigan and the city of San Fernando.