Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental — Misamis Oriental 2nd District Congressman Yegency “Bambi” Emano on Friday expressed full support for the imposition of the death penalty on corrupt elected and appointed officials, including smugglers, once the said measure is tackled in the House of Representatives.

“I fully support the death penalty if it will be introduced in the 19th Congress,” Emano said after delivering his annual congressional report at the Dome Complex in this town.

He said if the proposed measure is not approved in the 19th Congress, which will adjourn on 8 February, he will support it again if reintroduced in the 20th Congress, provided he is re-elected in the May elections.

Emano added that the reimposition of the death penalty on corrupt officials, including smugglers, was informally discussed by some members of the so-called “Mindanao bloc,” with several members already committed to voting in favor of the measure.

A House lawmaker filed a bill proposing the death penalty for public officials convicted of corruption, with execution by firing squad.

Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso (Zamboanga, 1st District) explained in the bill’s explanatory note that the death penalty would apply to government officials at all levels — from barangay officials to the president.

The measure, filed on 16  Dec. 2024, would apply to those convicted of graft and corruption under Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), malversation of public funds under the Revised Penal Code, and plunder under Republic Act 7080.

“Despite the existence of numerous laws aimed at combating graft, malversation, and plunder, the persistence of these crimes suggests that current measures are insufficient to deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices,” Olaso explained.

Emano emphasized that the reimposition of the death penalty must adhere to the rule of law, allowing convicted individuals to appeal their cases up to the Supreme Court.

The congressman also announced plans to propose the construction of overpasses in key areas in the towns of his district due to accidents involving pedestrians crossing near schools, churches, and other areas where people converge.

The rising number of accidents was reported by the Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office, particularly along the national highway leading to Laguindingan Airport.

“We can prevent future accidents by building overpasses for the safe crossing of pedestrians,” he said.