Bishops challenge Philippine president over death penalty

'It is an offence to the inviolability of life and to the dignity of the human person.'

During a speech on Monday, soon-to-be Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced his support for capital punishment as a means of revenge, not a deterrent. He then called human rights activists "stupid" for letting rapists and murderers live.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "I believe in retribution," Duterte proclaimed. "Why? You should pay. When you kill someone, rape, you should die. ... These human rights (groups), congressmen, how stupid you are."

AFP reported the president-elect stated: "...They say 'It will not deter.' It did not prevent, obstruct or deter persons from committing crimes. Correct. Why? Because it was not implemented."

Duterte continued, stating the reintroduction of the death penalty would make a difference in crimes such as rape or murder.

"When they describe or characterize a human rights violator, these fools make it appear that the people you kill are saints, as if they are pitiful or innocent," Duterte stated, pointing toward human rights activists and United Nations officials who have publicly reprimanded him for his promise "that tens of thousands of people would die, with security forces being given shoot to kill orders."

On Saturday, Duterte delivered a similar speech, in which he stated: "If I couldn't convince you to stop, I'll have you killed...if you're into drugs, I'm very sorry. I'll have to apologize to your family because you'll surely get killed."

According to the Business Standard, police reported a 200 percent increase in the number of smugglers killed since May 9, when Duterte was elected President.

Though law-abiding citizens are celebrating Duterte's controversial but promising statements, the Philippine Catholic Church is deeply saddened and has decided to fight the reinstatement of the death penalty.

According to Agenzia Fides, the Catholic Church in the Philippines is planning to petition the new president's call to reintroduce capital punishment.

The President of the Episcopal Conference in the Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingaen-Daupan, said he would attempt a meeting with Duterte and ask him to reconsider.

Oscar Cruz, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, questioned Duterte's intentions and announced "there the Church will oppose his plans."

Even Pope Francis has called the death penalty "unacceptable."

According to Christian Today, the pontiff stated capital punishment "is an offense to the inviolability of life and to the dignity of the human person. It likewise contradicts God's plan for individuals and society, and his merciful justice."

The Pope continued, stating: "Nor is it consonant with any just purpose of punishment. It does not render justice to victims, but instead fosters vengeance. The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value and applies both to the innocent and to the guilty."

Meanwhile, Ruperto Santos, the Bishop of Balanga, agreed: "God alone has power over life. God gives life and God takes it away. No one should play God."

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