The restoration of the death penalty for individuals convicted of plunder is being pushed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).

The anti-crime group aired this Thursday, saying large-scale corruption amounts to economic sabotage.

VACC president Arsenio “Boy” Evangelista said every peso stolen from public funds or pocketed by corrupt government officials deprives Filipinos of essential services and undermines the country’s economy.

Evangelista said reviving capital punishment would face strong opposition in Congress, particularly from lawmakers and politicians who may be affected by the proposal.

End plunder, corruption

Despite this, Evangelista said the measure is necessary to deter large-scale corruption and put an end to plunder in government.

The VACC president also questioned efforts by some government officials to manipulate developments surrounding the alleged flood control fund scandal.

He said such moves may be intended to prevent the controversy from reaching the courts and shield those responsible from criminal liability.

He added that key questions remain unanswered, including the identities of other individuals allegedly involved in the controversy and who may have been above former congressman Zaldy Co, whom he accused of pocketing funds intended for flood control projects.