Geraldine Roman cites politics in backing death penalty Primary tabs

MANILA, Philippines — Hounded by social media users, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman on Wednesday defended her vote in favor of the revival of the death penalty at the House of Representatives.

Roman, who previously pronounced she is against death penalty, cited politics as the main reason for her "yes" vote for the third and final reading of House Bill 4727. She is among the 217 lawmakers who supported the controversial measure.

"I am part of the world of politics and politics is compromise," Roman said.

"As much as I would’ve wanted to follow my conscience and vote against death penalty, I have the interests of my constituents," she added.

Only 54 solons voted against the proposed measure and one abstained.

Roman, a transgender woman, insisted that her "ideals are intact" when she entered politics but was forced to leave her personal convictions behind to compromise in siding with the majority.

Compromises

Roman cited House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez's threat to remove solons from their committee posts should they vote against the measure, considered a central aspect of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against crime.

The Bataan lawmaker is a member of the so-called "supermajority"—or allies of Duterte—and is the vice chairperson for the House committees on veterans affairs, women and gender equality.

Three weeks before voting, Roman conducted a survey among her constituents in Bataan's first district and found that 85 percent voted in favor of the proposed measure.

The decision was also based on the experienced of her father, former Rep. Antonino Roman Jr., who voted against sending the articles of impeachment against then Chief Justice Renato Corona and found the district's funds cut from the budget.

Roman appealed for understanding in her decision saying it was hard for her.

"Talo ako. Times two strong, talo ako. What about my other advocacies? It’s sad to admit this but from the very start the (death penalty) was a sinking ship. Should I have held on to a sinking ship and drag along with me my constituents and my other advocacies?" Geraldine asked.

"Try and understand my situation," she said.

Geraldine said she only hoped that the death penalty "will indeed serve as a deterrent" to crimes. She said the lawmakers are just setting the rules and advised the public to follow these rules.

"If you do not want to be meted with death penalty, then don't commit any of the punishable crimes," she said.