The pros and cons of implementing the death penalty in the Philippines

Taking a utilitarian approach, the implementation of the death penalty is actually a viable solution to a society’s woes — especially when taking into consideration that of the Philippines. It is, in the long run, for the greater good and beneficial for the many as maintaining a prison complex is costly, making it a heavy burden placed upon the taxpayers.

Doing a simple math: More execution of death row inmates = less population of prisoners, and less population of prisoners means that more of our tax money can be allocated to better use. No need for the nonsensical and pricey rehabilitation efforts for prisoners which are only additional expenses most of the time.

Basically, it is a lose-lose situation for a nation’s economy (more so for taxpayers) to keep alive prisoners, especially those who have committed heinous crimes: They don’t have a stable job and earn money nor do they pay taxes. They are simply mouths being fed with whatever our taxes can afford and are being provided free lodging (albeit somewhat inhumane), again paid by our taxes. And, as if to add insult to injury, we are metaphorically keeping a pen of pigs with which we spent a large sum of capital and with which we earn nothing.

Now, let’s look at the other end of the spectrum.

In reinstating the death penalty, you’ll have to consider these things:

1. The integrity of the existing justice system;

2. The track record of said justice system in terms of accuracy of verdict; and,

3. That there is no proof that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime.

1. Our justice system has always been notorious for coddling and trying and retrying high profile personalities. Case in point is the notorious Vizconde Massacre. This much-sensationalized case ended up having its prime suspect, Hubert Webb acquitted in 2010. The whole affair was covered in politics and had Webb not been a scion of an influential family, he would have still been rotting in jail. Worse, had the decision of the Court of Appeals was proven ultimately wrong and the death penalty was implemented, they would have killed an innocent man. This brings me to my second point.

2. According to a PhilStar report in 2013, Philippine courts are congested with over 1 million cases a year — equating to roughly 4,200 cases per working day. This massive influx of cases can be seen as a detriment to the courts’ processes especially during implementation of the death penalty. Such cases need a thorough review as capital punishment is no joke. Unless there is statistical data proving that the Philippine courts are swift and accurate in handing verdicts, the reinstatement of the death penalty leaves a persistent and searing question on the integrity of our courts and the justice system itself.

3. Arguably, the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. For this, let’s think like a criminal for one second. Take for example a rage-induced “killer.” A person under the influence of an animalistic passion (i.e. intense anger or rage) is in no way capable of thinking anymore of the consequences of his actions, let alone its repercussions. They are already “in the point of no return” where their brains have been taken over by biological chemicals that hijack their actions and higher cognitive functions. Same goes with rape. A rapist, once in pursuit of his victim, is no longer capable of thinking of the consequences of his act–just that he is under the influence of animalistic desire. In this instance, the fact that there is a death penalty in place is irrelevant.

The death penalty only serves as a form of retribution to those who were aggrieved. And whatever preachers may tell you–revenge feels good. Seeking vengeance on those who wronged us is of the basest human instinct. Primal even. Revenge, however, is not a proven way to curb out crime.

Hence, the death penalty is a solution only given after the act has been committed, not before. Therefore, it does not prevent crime–only that it kills off known criminals and cannot stop potential criminals. The human mind, after all, is unknowable and ultimately unpredictable.

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Ronn Zantua as posted on Facebook.