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, known as 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Olaso highlighted that despite existing laws targeting graft, malversation, and plunder, the persistence of these crimes indicates that current measures are insufficient to deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices. In an explanatory note accompanying the bill, Olaso stated that 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 remarked. 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.
The bill specifically targets crimes such as graft and corruption, as 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). Olaso assured that the bill incorporates safeguards to ensure due process, requiring convictions to 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 emphasized that 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.” He further stated that 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.
