MISAMIS Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano expressed strong support for a proposed bill seeking to impose the death penalty by firing squad for corrupt officials during his third congressional report last Friday, January 24.

Emano backed House Bill No. 11211, also known as the Death Penalty for Corruption Act, authored by Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso.

PRO-DEATH PENALTY. Second District Representative Yevgeny Vincente Emano expresses his support for a House Bill advocating the death penalty by firing squad for convicted corrupt officials during his third congressional report in Tagoloan last Friday, January 24. Emano added that he will be consulting the religious sector on the proposal first. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

However, he pointed out the need for consultations with religious leaders before advancing the proposal.

“Uyon ko kaayo sa firing squad o sa bisan unsa klase sa silot sa kamatayon sa tanan official nga makapangawkaw sa sapi sa katawhan,” said Emano.

Emano expanded the scope of his endorsement, suggesting the death penalty should also apply to smugglers and individuals guilty of heinous crimes such as child rape.

“Ako gyud paningkamutan nga isingit gyud nako,” he added.

Emano and Olaso, both part of Mindanao’s legislative bloc, are optimistic about the bill’s future even if it does not pass during the current 19th Congress.

“Pwede na i-refile sa 20th congress,” Emano said, adding that Olaso’s brother is running for a congressional seat and may push the measure forward.

The congressman acknowledged that legal due process would still apply, with courts determining convictions and sentences.

“If there will be a voting (on death penalty), in the Second District of Misamis Oriental, they will get one vote,” Emano said.

However, not all representatives share Emano’s views.

Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, a devout Roman Catholic, voiced firm opposition, citing religious principles.

"Thou shall not kill," Suan stated, quoting the Ten Commandments.

While condemning corruption, Suan proposed strengthening anti-corruption laws instead of reinstating the death penalty.

He suggested lengthening prison sentences and imposing hefty financial penalties, ensuring convicted officials cannot return to public office.

“Ma pobre gyud sila. Ang importante ana dili na makakupot og public office gyud,” Suan said.

The death penalty remains a contentious issue in the Philippines, with strong opinions on both sides, especially in Mindanao, where corruption and criminality continue to be pressing concerns.