Religious groups thankful over PGMA's pro-life decision
Roxas City -- Various religious organizations in the province are grateful in view of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's decision to outlaw capital punishment and strengthen the culture of life in the country.
The President signed Republic Act No. 9346 last June 24 to abolish the death penalty that was restored by Congress in 1993 for heinous crimes like murder, child rape and kidnapping.
"We joined the pro-life stand of the church," said Roy Donato, a Couples for Christ Provincial Area Director for Capiz and Capiz State University Professor.
A week before Pres. Arroyo repealed the death penalty law, Capiz Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo said he is glad to know about the effort of the government to promote human rights and dignity during a radio interview.
The Immaculate Conception Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) also favored the abolition of death penalty through lethal injection.
"Only God has the power to get our lives," said PPC President Vicente Jore when asked about the new pro-life measure.
"I allay the concerns of those who think that the abolition of the Death Penalty opens the floodgates of heinous acts. We shall continue to devote the increasing weight of our resources to the prevention and control of serious crimes rather than take the lives of those who commit them," the President said in her speech during the signing ceremony.
PGMA has also called on the entire criminal justice system--law enforcers, prosecutors, judges, jailers and the whole community--to take stock of the collective responsibility of sharpening all law and order programs.
A copy of RA 9346 has been presented to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican during the President's audience with the Pope as part of her week-long official trip to European nations.
(PIA)