PRESIDENT STANDS PAT ON DEATH PENALTY

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday stood firm on her decision to
allow the execution of convicted kidnappers and drug traffickers as a means
to enforce justice and to boost the economy in the country.

"We are striking down these two crimes with effectiveness and consistency
and these executions will bolster the overall campaign so I will let them
run their course as mandated by courts," Ms Macapagal said in a statement.

"The average Filipino must feel safe in the streets and in their homes
because this is important for justice and the economy," Ms Macapagal added.

The President said the continued fight against crime would help encourage
investments, create jobs, and improve wages.

"Law and order gives us the edge in the fight for change," Ms Macapagal said.

Distancing herself from the anti-death penalty stance of the Roman Catholic
Church, the President lifted the moratorium on capital punishment late last
year, following a wave of high-profile kidnappings and bank robberies.

It has been reported that the Bureau of Corrections has begun its dry run
for the execution of two convicts on January 30.