Senator-elect Pacquiao favors return of death penalty

Shortly after his proclamation as senator on Thursday, Manny Pacquiao expressed support for the revival of the death penalty.

"Suportado ko yung pagsulong ng death penalty basta maayos yung batas natin," Pacquiao told dzBB after being proclaimed Senator by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

A devout evangelical Christian, Pacquiao said he supports the death penalty because it is in accordance to the Bible.

"Biblical ang death penalty, basahin nila sa Romans 13 nandun yan, pabor ako diyan," he said.

But aside from its biblical significance, the boxing icon also believes that the death penalty is a good measure to instill discipline among Filipinos.

He said that only criminals will receive the punishment.

"Hindi naman siguro magdesisyon ng kamatayan ang authority ng government kung wala kang kasalanan. So yan yung, kung baga, pangdisiplina ng mga tao para yung tao di sumobra," Pacquiao said.

"Ang Diyos din ang nagsasabi diyan sa Bible na pag gumawa ka ng masama na alam mong masama patungo sa kamatayan, eh talagang pinili mo na mahatulan ka," he added.

Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, a friend of Pacquiao, earlier said he wants to impose death penalty by hanging.

Duterte's choice for House Speaker, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon "Bebot" Alvarez, said that the return of death penalty will be one of the priority measures of the 17th Congress once it starts this July. —Jessica Bartolome/JST/APG, GMA News