Philippines President Abolishes Death Penalty
Megan Shannon - All Headline News Staff Writer Philippines President Gloria Arroyo said her decision to abolish the death penalty should not be interpreted as a softening stance on crime or terrorism. Arroyo signed the law Saturday that will convert 1,200 prisoners' sentences to death by lethal injection to life in prison, according to reports. The Catholic Church has been pressuring Mrs Arroyo to rid the country of capitol punishment, reports say. She has not authorized an execution since her term began in 2001. Arroyo is slated to travel to the Vatican on Sunday to attend an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. "When I meet the Holy Father soon in the Vatican, I shall tell him that we have acted in the name of life for a world of peace and harmony," she said. Supporters of capitol punishment say the new law will increase crime. The death penalty was abolished in 1987 but was instated when the country saw an increase in crime, according to reports.
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