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VP Binay: Death penalty won't deter criminality


Despite the recent spate of heinous crimes, Vice President Jejomar Binay said reviving the death penalty will not deter criminality.   In a news release, Binay said it would be better to fight criminality by instituting reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and in the judicial system.   "The police must be able to deter crimes through stronger intelligence and crime-fighting capabilities. It must be trained and equipped to prevent crimes from occurring. Its focus should be dismantling the operations of criminal syndicates," he said. Binay said the National Police Commission in particular should take the proper steps to expedite the disposition of cases against erring members of the police.   He said the government should institute reforms in the judicial system to ensure that there are no wrongful arrests and convictions, and that trials are not delayed. He also stressed the need to "professionalize" the ranks of the police force.   The corrupt few, the criminally-inclined and those with links to major crime syndicates must be booted out and charged appropriately, he said.   "If we are able to accomplish these, then we might not need to reimpose the death penalty," he said.   Last week, PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said it might be time to revive the death penalty following a recent series of heinous crimes.   He was particularly outraged over a robbery at the Robinson's Galleria mall in Ortigas, Pasig City last week, where armed robbers sneaked in firearms and a grenade.   At least one person was killed while six were wounded in the incident.   However, President Benigno Aquino III thumbed down the suggestion to revive the death penalty and Bartolome on Sunday said he would abide by the stand of the administration. - VVP, GMA News  

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