As a Roman Catholic by birth, and by personal belief and decision, I have to stand by the teaching of the Catholic Church — NO to the re-imposition or revival of Death as a capital punishment. I am making this stand as I value life that is given by the Almighty Lord, that nobody, not even me as a person nor anybody mortal creature on earth, can take away for whatever reason.
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I am copying here the Official Statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) regarding this divisive issue, especially in the light of what is happening in our country. With the infamous Philippine National Police (PNP) big ticket Operation Tokhang on the fight to eradicate the drug problem that almost engulfed every corner, street, road, patio, house, room, school, to name a few, being suspended by the celebrity Chief of the national police, a big sigh of relief was immediately felt. But the sheer number of citizens that perish in said operation, including members of the police is a nightmare.
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The CBCP’s “Statement on Death Penalty” signed on 30 January 2017 by its President, His Most Excellency, Reverend Bishop +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, Archbishop of Lingayen–Dagupan, reads: “The Gospel of the Lord Jesus is the Gospel of Life. It is this Gospel we must preach. It is this Gospel that we must uphold. We therefore unequivocally oppose proposals and moves to return the death penalty into the Philippine legal system.”
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“We took a considerable stride in the defense of life when we repealed the Heinous Crimes Act that provided for the death penalty in what were considered “heinous crimes.” We regret that there are strident efforts to restore the death penalty. Though the crime be heinous, no person is ever beyond redemption, and we have no right ever giving up on any person.” (Emphasis provided by M.O.M.)
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“When we condemn violence, we cannot ourselves be its perpetrators, and when we decry murder, we cannot ourselves participate in murder, no matter that it may be accompanied by the trappings of judicial and legal process.” (Emphasis provided by M.O.M.) Throughout the world, the trend against the death penalty is unmistakable, and international covenants, one of which the Philippines is party to, obligate us not to impose the death penalty. We urge the government to champion life for all!”
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Indeed, nobody, and nobody has the right to give up on you, on her, on him, on me, despite the so many and repeated mistakes committed toward one another. There is always the hope for the person to change for the better. Not even the Almighty Lord and his only son Jesus Christ have given up on us. So that we should also do the same. That is my belief and I have to stand firm on my belief.
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As we are preparing this column, the much awaited or anticipated news on those to be closed, suspended or allowed to continue its mining operations already broke lose. This is Death Penalty to the miners! The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday (February 2 as promised by Secretary “siga” Gina) ordered the closure of 21 (or is it 23) mining firms after they were allegedly found to have severely destroyed the environment of the local communities where they are operating. You can say that giving up on these unfortunate and beleaguered mining companies is really very sad. We pity the people who depend on theirs only source of income for their families. I am sure, the affected community will not stand ground but will defend their livelihood. That will be an interesting story next week!
