New Philippines Bill proposes firing squad for corrupt officials
A new bill in the Philippines is calling for the death penalty by firing squad for government officials found guilty of corruption, misuse of public funds, or plunder.
The proposal, known as the Death Penalty for Corruption Act, was filed by Congressman Khymer Adan Olaso from Zamboanga del Norte.
He described corruption as a major threat to the country’s progress and said existing laws are not strong enough to stop it.
“Corruption takes away public trust and denies citizens essential services,” Olaso said in the bill's explanation.
The proposed law targets all officials, from the president to barangay (village) leaders, as well as members of the police and military.
It focuses on crimes covered by the country’s anti-corruption laws, including graft, plunder, and the misuse of public funds.
The bill also includes strict safeguards to ensure due process, the state’s official news agency said.
Any conviction must be reviewed and approved by the Supreme Court before a sentence can be carried out and legal remedies will also be available to the accused.
Olaso said the measure is about both accountability and sending a clear message that “public service is a trust that cannot be violated” and that corruption will not be tolerated.
