Responding to one killing with does not honour the victim. another The sanctity of life is supreme over other rights and is essential to the dignity of every human person. No derogation should be permitted at any time, on whatever ground. » The argument over death penalty must rest on reason and universal respect for human incorporation, the country is bound generally accepted principles by of international to law, which are considered be automatically part of our own law. A state which has contracted valid international obligations is bound to make in its legislations such modifications as may be necessary to ensure the fulfilment of the obligations undertaken. » The death penalty perpetuates a system of marginalization against the poor and vulnerable, the uneducated who are unable representation. to hire and legal « It will create a perturbing effect on overseas Filipino migrant workers who are on death row and sends a clear message to host countries practicing the death penalty. Abroad, poor foreign workers are at a disadvantage and are discriminated against in the imposition of the death penalty. * Perpetrators must be punished. Crime can deterred by a functional, 5. Our existing criminal justice system should also be balanced with restorative justice, where we do not treat punitive punishment as the only effective means in changing the behavior of the offenders, but involving all stakeholders of justice the offenders, victims and communities — in seeking and reconciliation. the affected truth, healing 6. The attainment of the government’'s goals in resolving the ills of society, must be built upon respect and promotion of human rights. powerless competent + Courts will always be falliable and reversible, but death penalty will always be final and irreversible. be rights, and not on emotions unbiased, efficient justice system that guarantees certainty of punishment for perpetrators thru due process and rule of law, together with broad public confidence. Justice can be attained through effective law enforcement, impartial access to redress mechanisms and courts, and a responsive penal system. * The feelings of relatives of murder victims who appeal for the lives of perpetrators to be spared out of compassion, deserve respect. The death penalty does not help them come to terms with their personal tragedies and it creates more victims. 7. We encourage the public to keep themselves abreast of matters affecting human rights so they can make informed and intelligent choices.