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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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F irst R egular Session 
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S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
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*19 JUL 15 A10 59
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR VICENTE C.
h i ) p, IIT -
AN ACT
IMPOSING DEATH PENALTY IN THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One of the pervading social ills at present is rampant drug addiction. 
Various laws have been passed to prevent and control this drug menace. 
Despite the various measures currently in place to curtail this social ill, the 
wai' against it has not yet been won. Hence, the government is in a 
continuous search for an effective and efficient means to somehow get us 
closer to our victory.
While a lot of high-level drug offenders have been put behind bars, 
their illicit activities continue even inside the premises of the national 
penitentiary. Imposing death penalty to high-level drug traffickers could be a 
possible solution to the country’s drug problem, as they are the persons at 
the top of the matrix. These high-level drug traffickers are the main actors 
and movers of the illegal drug trade. Thus, removing them from the picture 
would more likely cause the collapse of the established illegal drug business 
in the country.
Section 19, Article III of the Philippine Constitution provides that:
"Excessive fines shall not be imposed nor cruel, 
degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall 
death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons 
involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for 
it."


Illegal trafficking being considered as heinous crime under Republic 
Act 7659, it is but appropriate that death penalty be imposed for its 
commission.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly 
recommended.
VICENTE C. SOTTO III


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
} 
F irst R egular Session 
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•19 
JU L 15 
RIO 5 9
S E N A T E  
S.B. No.
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
IMPOSING DEATH PENALTY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacled by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Death 
Penalty Act
SECTION 2. D eclaration of Policy. - Section 19, Article III of the 
Philippine Constitution provides that:
"Excessive fines shall not be imposed nor cruel, degrading or 
inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be 
imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, 
the Congress hereafter provides for it."
Section 5, Article II of the Philippine Constitution provides:
"The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, 
liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are 
essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of 
democracy."
SECTION 3. Im position of the Death Penalty. - The death penalty is 
hereby imposed for illegal trafficking, as defined under Republic Act No. 
9165, othei'wise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 
2002, that has a concomitant penalty of death under the same law.


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SECTION 4. D eath by Lethal Injection. - The imposed penalty of 
death shall be carried out through lethal injection. Republic Act No. 8177 
othemise known as the Act Designating Death by Lethal Injection is thus 
hereby revived and activated.
SECTION 5. Im plem enting Rules an d  Regulations. - The Secretary 
of the Department of Justice shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
implement this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause - Republic Act No. 9346 otherwise 
known as An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of Death Penalty in the 
Philippines is hereby repealed and any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended 
or modified accordingly.
SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,