Who decides who lives? Lawmakers explain death penalty votes

MANILA, Philippines – It took the House of Representatives 8 months to pass on 3rd and final reading the bill reimposing the death penalty.

House Bill 4727 – which seeks to give judges the option to punish with life imprisonment or death 7 drug offenses – got 217 congressmen voting yes, 54 voting no, and only 1 absention on Tuesday, March 7. 

The House leadership gave lawmakers 3 minutes each to explain their vote, if they wished.

Below are links to the full text of some speeches:

YES to HB 4727

• Biazon, Ruffy (Muntinlupa City)
• Salo, Ron (Kabayan)
• Tugna, Sherwin (CIBAC)

NO to HB 4727

• Alejano, Gary (Magdalo)
• Atienza, Lito (Buhay)
• Bag-ao, Kaka (Dinagat Islands)
• Baguilat, Teddy Jr (Ifugao)
• Belmonte, Jose Christopher (Quezon City 6th District)
• Brosas, Arlene (Gabriela Women’s Party)
• Casilao, Ariel (Anakpawis)
• Castro, France (ACT Teachers)
• Lagman, Edcel (Albay 1st District)
• Rocamora, Ramon (Siquijor)
• Roque, Harry (Kabayan)
• Turabin-Hataman, Sitti (Anak Mindanao)
• Villarin, Tom (Akbayan)
• Zarate, Carlos (Bayan Muna)

The measure will be transmitted to the Senate for another 3 readings. It is expected to be challenged in the upper chamber, with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III saying the vote could go either way. (READ: Pimentel on death penalty: ‘Close fight’ in the Senate) – Mara Cepeda/Rappler.com