 Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has announced the Government would stop executing prisoners as part of her Easter message in the largely Roman Catholic nation. "Regarding those who face the death penalty, I announce that we are changing that punishment and will make (the maximum penalty) life imprisonment," Ms Arroyo said in a statement.
| If your neck's been stretched, your buds can't bust you out... |
Ms Arroyo, a devout Catholic, had once before imposed a moratorium on the death penalty after coming to power in 2001. But she lifted it in 2003 after a series of violent crimes.
| So there are no more violent crimes in the Philippines? |
Despite this, no death sentences have subsequently been carried out. Completely abolishing the death penalty, however, requires an act of Congress. |