Sotto on death penalty debate: ‘Leave Jesus Christ out of it’
Credit to Author: BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO| Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2019 03:27:30 +0000
SENATE President Vicente Sotto 3rd on Wednesday appealed to concerned sectors, including fellow lawmakers, to exclude Jesus Christ in the debate for or against the reimposition of the death penalty.
The senator made the appeal a day after Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao delivered a privilege speech seeking the immediate passage of the death penalty bill.
Over 1 billion people worldwide believe in Jesus Christ as their God and Redeemer, Pacquiao said.
“I wonder what would’ve happened to the Christian world and Redemption if Pilate crucified Barabas instead?” Sotto said in a text message.
The Senate chief said that he and former senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad debated on that in 1993.
“Let’s avoid invoking the name of Jesus in the death penalty debates,” Sotto said.
Asked whether Pacquiao must avoid invoking God and the Bible in his arguments in support of the death penalty, Sotto said, “Not at all.”
Pacquiao in previous interviews said that death penalty was allowed in the Bible and even Jesus Christ meted the capital punishment.
“The Bible is a good source of insights. But trying to change the story of Redemption is not fairish,” Sotto said.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who rejects the revival of the death penalty, stood up to interpellate Pacquiao.
Drilon expressed fear that innocent people may get the capital punishment because judges “are infallible” and could commit mistakes.
“In fact, in the history of man, only one can claim infallibility. Would the gentleman know that man?” Drilon asked Pacquiao.
Pacquiao answered, “God, Mr. President.”
“Jesus Christ. And yet Jesus Christ was a victim of wrongful execution. Is that correct?” Drilon further asked.
Before Pacquiao could answer, Sotto butted in and said, “Perhaps, what the gentleman means is that the redemption would not have been possible if Jesus did not die on the cross.”