Duterte wants to restore death penalty by hanging

Davao City (CNN Philippines) - Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte wants to restore death penalty in the country.

In his first press conference since election day, Duterte said on Sunday (May 15) in Davao City, he will ask lawmakers to approve the death penalty for certain crimes.

“What I would do is to urge Congress to restore the death penalty by hanging,” he said.

Duterte wants capital punishment for criminals involved in illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and those who commit “heinous crimes” like rapists, robbers or car thieves who kill their victims.

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Asked why hanging and not lethal injection, which is regarded as more humane, Duterte said hanging will instill fear among criminals. He also said it’s virtually painless.

“If there is no fear in the law, wala yan." he added. “Yung hanging, once the spine is ripped off inside, wala na. Just like putting off a light.”

The 1987 Constitution allows the death penalty for heinous crimes and was restored under President Fidel V. Ramos, and it was carried out seven times under President Joseph Estrada, according to the Commission on Human Rights.

Estrada's successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, however, was against capital punishment and repealed the Ramos-era law in 2006 via Republic Act No. 9346.

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Shoot-to-kill policy

The incoming president is also asking the police to submit their “Order of Battle,” or list of drug pushers and other criminals who are wanted by law enforcers. He said those on the list will be hunted down.

“I said if you resist arrest tapos you offer a violent resistance, my order to the police or the military is to shoot-to-kill," he said.

Duterte also advised police officers involved with drug syndicates to leave the service before he assumes his post.

“Dito sa mga pulis, whether generals or just patrol men, if you are tainted with drugs or you’re facing charges sa drugs, sinabi ko na sa ... sa mga generals, na bulungan nalang na go quietly,” he said. “I would be happy if they retire nang may makuha pa sila. Rather than be named publicly for treason.”

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CNN Philippines' JC Ansis contributed to this report.