New Bill Proposes Death by Firing Squad for Corrupt Government Officials

In a bold move to combat corruption, Zamboanga del Norte Representative Khymer Adan Olaso has introduced House Bill 11211, dubbed the Death Penalty for Corruption Act, to the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to impose the death penalty by firing squad on public officials found guilty of corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and plunder. Olaso argues that existing laws have failed to effectively deter corrupt practices, which he considers a severe threat to national development. The bill targets a range of officials, from the president down to local barangay officers, including members of the military and police. It specifically addresses crimes outlined in the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Revised Penal Code, and the Plunder Law. Olaso emphasizes that the bill includes measures to ensure due process, with convictions requiring Supreme Court affirmation and automatic review, alongside the right for the accused to pursue all legal avenues before execution. The representative believes this legislation will not only punish offenders but also restore public trust and demonstrate a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, reinforcing the principle that public office is a sacred trust.