Republic Act No. 7659, enacted on December 13, 1993, reimposed the death penalty for heinous crimes by amending the Revised Penal Code and various special laws. This legislation was introduced in response to growing public fear over rising criminality and the increasing brutality of certain crimes. Heinous crimes such as treason, piracy, murder, rape, and drug-related offenses were considered so morally repugnant that they warranted the most severe punishment. The goal of the law was to protect society by deterring potential criminals and reinforcing justice through the reintroduction of capital punishment.

The law stated that persons convicted of heinous crimes could face reclusion perpetua or death, depending on the severity of the case. Methods of execution included electrocution, gas poisoning, and later, lethal injection. However, those below 18 years of age or over 70 were exempted from the death penalty to align with humanitarian considerations. To ensure fairness, all death penalty convictions were subject to automatic review by the Supreme Court, and convicts could still apply for executive clemency.

Despite its aims, Republic Act No. 7659 was met with criticism due to concerns over wrongful convictions, the risk of punishing the innocent, and systemic flaws in the judicial process—especially for the poor and unrepresented. Studies failed to prove that the death penalty was a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment. In 2006, the government abolished capital punishment through Republic Act No. 9346, replacing death sentences with life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua. However, this move has sparked debate, especially in light of new laws that, while intended to protect, have unintentionally created loopholes.

One such law is Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which was originally crafted to protect the rights and welfare of minors. However, in recent years, it has been increasingly misused as a shield by young offenders involved in heinous crimes such as rape and murder. These minors, knowing they will not face serious consequences, sometimes act without fear or regard for the law. Recent incidents involving minors committing brutal crimes should serve as a wake-up call for the government to reexamine the law and strike a balance between protection and accountability. Advocates argue that the return of the death penalty—even with limitations—could help instill fear, discipline, and respect for the law, especially in dealing with severe offenses that threaten public safety and order.

LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD! LET US BE ONE IN STANDING OUR GROUND!