Judicial murder no different from EJK

Further to Daniel Aloc’s letter (“Meant to protect ruling class, not masses,” Opinion, 12/17/16), on the antipoor death penalty, against which I “filibustered” in 1987-1992 in the Senate, I remain against the eye-for-an-eye-tooth-for-a-tooth-rape-the-rapist capital penalty.

Not even if there is a so-called “sunset provision” limiting its effectivity only during President Duterte’s six years. I doubt if any such judgment would become final, unappealable and executory by June 30, 2022 (when Leni Robredo, Bongbong Marcos, Manny Pacquiao or whoever takes over).

Recall the Feb. 11, 1991, frat hazing tragedy of Lenny Villa. Up to this year, we are still receiving papers from the Supreme Court, with its clogged dockets and too many non-working days. Like during this holiday break.

I can remember when courts worked Saturdays (motion days) and between Christmas and New Year (even the Supreme Court—no wellness leaves and no press conferences, justices were read, not seen nor heard).

But if in the remaining years of the present administration, we see a high public official or a wealthy person hanged by the neck till dead, in public at that, it may have the desired effect sought by the bloodthirsty.

I (from the human rights community, ain’t I?) may not necessarily see judicial murder from the standpoint of the poor victim, who, supported by the People of the Philippines, deserves sympathy. Rather I see myself—or someone I care for—being hanged, in public.

Judicial murder of the poor, with no money to pay for a lawyer, or to bribe anybody, is no different from extrajudicial.

The atavistic death penalty represents the best thinking of centuries ago. If we look at the list of those executed here, we see names of the marginalized, with an exception or two who proved the rule.

Macario Sakay and Julio Guillen were sent to the Promised Land for political offenses, a no-no. Non sibi, sed patriae. Not for oneself, but for country.

R.A.V. SAGUISAG SR., Palanan, Makati City