Cardinal David Opposes Death Penalty Revival for Corruption Cases

On Monday, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David voiced his strong opposition to reintroducing the death penalty as a punishment for corruption-related offenses. In a statement posted on Facebook, the CBCP president highlighted that capital punishment tends to unfairly target impoverished individuals, while those with wealth often evade justice.

"I understand the public's demand for stringent accountability," Cardinal David acknowledged. "However, the Church's stance against the death penalty is grounded in the reality that, in practice, it is predominantly the poor who face execution while the affluent avoid it."

He further elaborated that wealthy individuals have the means to secure top legal representation, prolong trials, and otherwise manipulate judicial outcomes, leaving the vulnerable without similar protections.

"Those without power or resources are left defenseless," the cardinal lamented.

David also cautioned against the politicization of the law, recalling how historical figures such as St. John the Baptist and Jesus were quickly condemned while the truly culpable escaped punishment.

Instead of resorting to capital punishment, Cardinal David advocated for comprehensive reforms focused on safeguarding the rights of the marginalized and ensuring accountability among those in power.

"The solution to corruption is not capital punishment but meaningful justice reform that protects the poor and holds the influential responsible," he said.

His remarks were made in response to recent calls by comedian and TV personality Vice Ganda, who urged the reinstatement of the death penalty for corrupt politicians and their families during a protest at the EDSA People’s Power Monument on Sunday.

Vice Ganda declared, "Dapat patayin ang mga korap na magnanakaw. Ibalik ang death penalty para sa mga korap! Para patayin ang mga magnanakaw. Ikulong pati pamilya nila."