Zamboanga First District Representative Khymer Adan T. Olaso has shared his motivation for filing a bill that proposes the death penalty for public officials found guilty of corruption.
In an interview during Balansyado on Wednesday, Olaso said he had been contemplating the idea since childhood as a way to eradicate corruption in the country.
Olaso, a former seafarer for 18 years, began his political career in 2018 when he ran for barangay kagawad, later as a city councilor in 2019, and finally, as a congressional candidate in 2022.
"Sabi ko, matindi na yung korapsyon sa ating bansa. Panahon na para isulong ito sa Kongreso, and I am not happy with the present situation," he said.
He cited instances of corruption he had witnessed, such as the misuse of financial aid.
"May mga umuusbong na balita tulad ng AKAP, binibigay sa tao 5,000 pero ang natatanggap ng tao 1,000 na lang. Ang sabi, 'kailangan naming kunin yung 4,000 dahil may naaksidente sa kasama namin na driver.' Sabi ko, bakit may nangyayaring ganon?," said the Congressman.
Olaso expressed his deep concern for the public, which urged him to file House Bill No. 11211, or the "Death Penalty for Corruption Act." He emphasized that the bill could provide a permanent solution to the country’s corruption issues.
"Nakatanggap din ako ng AKAP, but I see that it is a temporary solution. Hindi po ako masaya dyan. We have to give a permanent solution sa mga Pilipino, and we have to select yung poorest of the poor para umangat yung buhay nila," he said.
The Congressman also shared that he came from humble beginnings, working his way up as a seaman before becoming a ship captain and eventually deciding to enter politics to pursue his vision for his countrymen.
Under the proposed bill, all government officials—from the three branches of government, covering the lowest to the highest positions—would be subject to the death penalty if convicted by the Supreme Court of graft, corruption, malversation of public funds, or plunder.
"May mga nangyayari rin sa mga barangay, so sabi ko, i-include ang barangay," Olaso added.
"Let’s do this for everybody, especially when you work in government offices, para matanggal talaga yung corruption because that will somehow provoke you to do more kung hindi mo gagawing pangkalahatan."
The Solon said he filed the bill in 2024 and was surprised when it was brought up in Congress. He acknowledged that his fellow lawmakers' support would determine the bill's fate.
"Sana suportahan nila because we are the Philippine Congress. Sa mata ng tao, being a member of the 19th Congress, magandang makita ng tao that we’re here for the people. We’re not here to enrich our pockets," Olaso stated.
"Pero pag kakalabanin mo ‘yan, they are not in favor of developing the country," he emphasized.
