COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY

STATEMENT
On the Celebration of the
World Day Against the Death Penalty,
October 10, 2025

On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, we join the global community in affirming a simple but profound truth: The death penalty is an inhumane practice. It is torture. The death penalty protects no one because of a flawed and corrupt justice system. Anyone is vulnerable.

It neither heals the wounds of violence nor delivers true justice. Instead, it perpetuates cycles of violence and vengeance, deepens social inequality, and threatens the dignity of every human life.

Recent calls to revive capital punishment often arise in the name of justice. But history reminds us that justice must not be selective.

To condemn with the calls for death penalty those who rob the nation of its future, who steal not just money but lives through systemic corruption only expose the reality and inconsistency of a justice system that redounds to punishing the poor and the powerless with death while shielding the powerful with impunity.

The death penalty is inadmissible. It violates the sanctity of life and the possibility of redemption.

We call for the abolition of this cruel punishment and advocate for restorative justice that seeks accountability.

The death penalty does not deter crime. It does not address the root causes of violence and corruption. It does not make our communities safer.

As the Coalition Against Death Penalty (CADP), we re-affirm our commitment to a justice system that is humane, equitable, and life-affirming.

We call on lawmakers, faith leaders, civil society, and every Filipino to reject the false promise of executions and focus resources towards real sustainable solutions: good governance, effective check and balance mechanisms, and measures to address poverty alleviation, mental health support, education, and community-based rehabilitation.

This October we also observe Prison Awareness Week/Month with the theme "Our Merciful God Proclaims Hope for Us Sinners and Restores Dignity of Persons Deprived of Liberty!" We join the church sector in advocating for a form of justice that promotes healing and restoration not only to the offenders but also to victims of crime and the community in general, something which cannot be realized if the death penalty would be re-imposed as a means to attain justice.

Let us build a nation where justice is not retribution, but restoration.

Abolish the death penalty! Protect LIFE! Pursue true JUSTICE!

Manila, October 10, 2025.

(Signed)
KAREN LUCIA GOMEZ-DUMPIT
President

CADP Members:

Organizations: CBCP-EPISCOPAL COMMISSION ON PRISON PASTORAL CARE (CBCP-ECPPC) PHILIPPINE JESUIT PRISON SERVICE (PJPS); PRO-LIFE PHILIPPINES; PRISONERS ENHANCEMENT AND SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (PRESO, INC.) COUPLES FOR CHRIST GLOBAL MISSION FOUNDATION, INC (CFC GLOBAL). MISSIONARY FAMILIES IN CHRIST (MFC); SANGGUNIANG LAIKO NG PILIPINAS; COMMUNITY OF SANT’ EGIDIO; TASK FORCE DETAINEES OF THE PHILS (TFDP).; HUMANITARIAN LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (HLAF) ; BISIG NI KRISTO COMMUNITY; SAMAHAN NG MGA PAMILYA NG MGA NASA DEATH ROW (SPDR) INC.; CORRECTIONAL VOLUNTEERS EMPOWERED TO NURTURE, ADVOCATE AND NETWORK IN TOTAL SERVICE (COVENANTS, INC) COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR) SERVANTS OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST (SHE); VIPS - DIOCESE OF CUBAO; VIPS – DIOCESE OF IMUS; VIPS – DIOCESE OF KALOOKAN; TASK FORCE DETAINEES OF THE PHILIPPINES (TFDP); VIPS – DIOCESE OF NOVALICHES.

Individual Members: KAREN LUCIA GOMEZ-DUMPIT; FR. SILVINO L. BORRES, JR. SJ / RODOLFO D. DIAMANTE/ MA. VICTORIA S. DIAZ; MA. JULIETA WASAN; CORAZON AFUANG; GERARD IAN V. BERNABE; FR. ROBERT REYES; RAMON ARGUELLES; FRANCISCO URETA

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY (CADP) ON THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS

The Coalition Against the Death Penalty joins all peoples in celebrating the life and leadership Pope Francis whose transformative example reignited our common commitment to mercy and human dignity.

The 2018 revision of paragraph 2267 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church declared the death penalty inadmissible in a modern penal system, affirming the sanctity of human life and setting a moral compass for justice that resists retribution and emphasizes dignity in every human being and offering second chances through rehabilitation.

CADP together with our partners express deep gratitude for Pope Francis’ leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.

His moral teachings inspire us to continue our mission to fight for the right to life over state-sanctioned executions, push for legislative reforms, public education for greater understanding, and international cooperation to end capital punishment.

With the guidance of Pope Francis' the transformative spirit, we commit to build a world where every life is honored and justice is served with compassion.

Manila, April 23, 2025

KAREN LUCIA GOMEZ-DUMPIT
President

Ngayong , sama-sama tayong maninindigan upang tapusin ang paggamit ng Death Penalty. Walang indibidwal ang dapat humarap sa ganitong kalupitan, anuman ang kanilang kasalanan.

Ang buhay ay sagrado, at bawat isa ay may karapatang mabuhay. Hindi solusyon ang kamatayan upang makamit ang katarungan—sa halip, kinakailangan natin ng isang makataong sistema na naglalayong mag-rehabilitate at magbigay ng pagkakataong magbago.

CADP's Statement on the WORLD DAY AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY, October 10, 2024

The Coalitions Against Death Penalty (CADP), together with other movements and organizations, stand united against executions and continue to advocate for restorative justice, human dignity, and the abolition of the death penalty worldwide.

Make your voice heard in the fight to abolish the death penalty by submitting your visual art, designs, and opinion pieces to the Create for Justice Competition!

Stand a chance to win prizes, have your work exhibited, and get published—all while using your creativity to advocate for justice. Submit your entries by 10 October 2024.

Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/m/CreateforJustice for the submission form and competition guidelines. Let’s create for justice! ⚖️

Standing Firm for Justice

Senator Leila M. de Lima remains steadfast in her opposition against the reimposition of the death penalty in the Philippines. Despite the challenges, she continues to be a strong voice in advocating for the global abolition of capital punishment.

The Philippines' Complex History with the Death Penalty

From being the first Asian nation to abolish it under the 1987 Constitution, to its re-imposition in 1993, and eventual abolition in 2006— the death penalty has seen multiple turns in Philippine history. In 2007, the country took a definitive stand by signing the ICCPR-OP2, committing to the global movement to abolish capital punishment.

Let’s continue the fight for justice and human rights.

A Divisive Debate: The Death Penalty

The death penalty has sparked fierce controversy throughout history. Opponents argue that it’s inhumane, irreversible, and fails to deter crime. On the other hand, supporters see it as just retribution, a potential crime deterrent, and a way to uphold moral order.

Where do you stand on this issue? Let’s engage in a thoughtful discussion on justice, punishment, and human rights.

Opposing the Death Penalty for R**e: A CALL FOR JUSTICE, NOT REVENGE

The push to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes, like r**e, overlooks the deeper issues of our justice system. Instead of addressing root causes like education, prevention, and swift, fair trials, we risk fostering a culture of violence. True justice comes through reform, rehabilitation, and protection for all victims—not through taking another life. Let's focus on building a society that values dignity, healing, and respect for human rights.

Read more at: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/12/padilla-files-bill-to-allow-death-penalty-for-rapists-1125

In 2016, House Bill 4727, backed by President Duterte’s coalition, pushed for the reinstatement of the death penalty.
But as the nation faces over 8,000 deaths from extrajudicial killings, the push for capital punishment has raised concerns. Amnesty International opposes it under international law, reminding us that the death penalty should be reserved for the most serious crimes—and drug-related offenses don’t qualify.
There is no proof that the death penalty deters crime effectively.