The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (hereinafter "the Commission") issues this Advisory examining the role of public opinion on the death penalty. Public opinion is the complex and ever-changing collection of the beliefs of a society. As governments rely on popular support to justify their policies and practices, one of the hallmarks of a democratic society is the imperative to make decisions for the benefit of the majority. The question of how much a government should rely on strong and discernible popular opinion as well as the complexities of public opinion on a salient topic such as death penalty is as relevant as ever. During the 17th and 18th Congress alone, over eighteen (18) bills were tabled in support of reintroducing the death penalty.

This Advisory is issued in response to the claims of allies of the current administration that there is 'overwhelming' public support for the reintroduction of the death penalty in the Philippines.

Read the full advisory here