MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa believes that bringing back the death penalty would be a strong deterrent against corruption in government, especially as the Senate continues to probe the controversial flood control projects.
During Thursday’s hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee, Dela Rosa pointed to the testimony of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who admitted to his role in questionable transactions.
“He admitted his wrongdoings. But if we had the death penalty, he would not have done it because he would be afraid,” Dela Rosa said.
Fear as a Deterrent
Dela Rosa pressed Bernardo, asking if corruption would still thrive had the death penalty been in place. Bernardo responded carefully but agreed that the measure would likely instill fear.
“I think many would be afraid. I cannot say it will disappear completely, but definitely, it would decrease,” Bernardo admitted.
A Tense but Light Moment
The discussion briefly turned lighthearted when Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson jokingly asked Dela Rosa whether he would rather serve time in New Bilibid Prison or face the death penalty himself.
With a smile, Dela Rosa answered:
“I’d choose Muntinlupa. In Muntinlupa, you can still do business. Some are even running drug operations there. They’re still drug lords.”
The remark drew laughter inside the room, but Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III quickly asked that the statement be stricken from the record, noting the sensitivity of the issue.
A Dark Past, A Bold Proposal
In 2014, reports surfaced of drug lords continuing their operations from inside Bilibid, highlighting the prison system’s vulnerabilities.
For Dela Rosa, this is exactly why tougher penalties—such as capital punishment for plunder—should be seriously considered. His filed bill seeks to restore the death penalty for those convicted of large-scale corruption, arguing that only fear of the ultimate punishment could stop high-ranking officials from abusing power.
As investigations into flood control anomalies deepen, the senator’s call adds weight to the growing debate: Should corruption in the Philippines be punishable by death?
