Senate to clarify Marcos’ stance on death penalty

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will clarify the stand of President Marcos on the possibility of imposing death penalty on high-level drug trafficking, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said.

During an interview Wednesday night with One News’ “The Chiefs” aired over Cignal/TV5, Dela Rosa said that through the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), the Senate would inquire about the stand of the President.

“Granting he really doesn’t want the death penalty, then it will have a huge impact on the Senate,” Dela Rosa said. “Chances are we might not be interested in pursuing the measure if that is his stand. What’s the use of trying to craft a bill and belaboring ourselves up to third reading and at the end, Malacañang will just veto it? We will clarify that.”

Dela Rosa said that in 2016 there was information that the President was reportedly supportive of the imposition of death penalty for high-level drug trafficking, but not for heinous crimes.

“We respect everyone’s stand, I have my own stand. As far as crafting the law is concerned, the legislature is crafting the law. But while the proposed measure can pass Congress, it needs to be submitted to the President to sign into law. He can veto or sign it into law,” he said.

Dela Rosa said there is a need for a clarification to avoid waste of money and efforts in crafting laws from debates and amendments, which will only be vetoed by the President.