Certainty of conviction, not severe penalties will deter crime - solon
Philippine Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez argues that the certainty of conviction is more effective at deterring crime than increasing the severity of penalties. This statement follows a violent incident involving a motorcycle taxi rider in Caloocan City.
Why it matters
The debate over criminal justice reform and public safety is a critical issue in the Philippines, balancing calls for 'iron fist' policies against systemic legal improvements.
MANILA, Philippines - It is not the severity of the penalty but the certainty of punishment and conviction that will deter crimes, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said amid calls to revive an iron fist-style of rule after the killing of a motorcycle taxi rider in Caloocan City.
In an ambush interview on Friday at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Gutierrez was asked about suggestions from netizens that the country needs a leader who has a strong stance against criminality after attacks on some motorcycle taxi riders.
Gutierrez said that as a lawyer, he believes that fixing the systems that ensure conviction of offenders will deter people from committing crimes.
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