International Mechanism Submissions

This report addresses the Philippines' compliance with its international human rights obligations with respect to the death penalty. For years, the Philippines imposed the death penalty, particularly for so-called heinous crimes. In 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo abolished the death penalty. Since then, however, lawmakers have introduced numerous bills to reinstate the death penalty, with the House adopting Bill No. 7814 as recently as March 2, 2021.

The report examines the current state of the death penalty in the Philippines, including (1) acceptance of international norms; (2) proposed legislation reintroducing the death penalty; (3) torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment in enforcing drug control; (4) conditions of detention; and (5) administration of justice and fair trial. 

This report recommends that the Philippines continue the abolition of the death penalty, refrain from reintroducing the death penalty, honor its international commitments, and implement a human rights-based approach to anti-drug policy.