In a move aimed at strengthening accountability among public servants, Zamboanga City Representative Khymer Adan T. Olaso has filed House Bill 11211, which seeks to reinstate the death penalty by firing squad for government officials convicted of graft and corruption, malversation of public funds, and plunder by the Sandiganbayan.
The proposed legislation targets all public officials, regardless of rank or position.
It covers elected and appointed officials in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as individuals serving in constitutional commissions, government-owned and controlled corporations, and other government entities.
Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police would also fall under the scope of the bill.
“The bill emphasizes accountability and deterrence, making it clear that public office is a public trust, and any violation of that trust must be met with the severest consequences,” the explanatory note states.
According to Rep. Olaso, the measure is designed to send a strong message that corruption and misuse of public funds will no longer be tolerated.
By reinstating the death penalty, he aims to establish a culture of integrity and restore public confidence in government institutions.
If passed into law, House Bill 11211 would represent one of the most stringent anti-corruption measures in the country, reviving debates on the ethics and efficacy of capital punishment. Proponents argue that it would deter corrupt practices, while critics may raise concerns about human rights and the potential for judicial errors.
As the bill progresses through Congress, it is expected to spark vigorous discussions among lawmakers, advocates, and the public, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing corruption in the Philippines.
