Perceptions of the Registered Voters on the Re-Imposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines

Abstract

The study was conducted to find out the perceptions of the registered voters in Maramag, Bukidnon relative to the proposal to reimpose death penalty in the Philippines. The study employed an interview schedule and a structured survey questionnaire in gathering data. Data were analysed through qualitative and quantitative approach using weighted mean, chi-square and fisher exact test. Results of the study showed that respondents were consistently aware of the proposed re-imposition of death penalty in the Philippines. There were 81.3% who favored the proposal primarily because it was viewed as the most legitimate act by the state to incapacitate criminals from committing heinous crimes. Further, it was found that respondents affirmed the proposed re-imposition to give parity to other countries with respect to penalties of death among criminals both local and foreign who are caught violating laws, especially illegal substance abuse. By incapacitating these criminals, death penalty was presumed to function as a safeguard leading to a more sustained and stable economic operations through the promotion of peace and order in the country. Lethal injection was the preferred method of execution premised on a more humane principle of death without the experience of severe pain. Finally, a significant difference was established in the perception of the respondents in terms of gender wherein women perceived death penalty in the Philippines will bring significant economic, political, social and moral development.