Drug killings alarm France envoy

France’s top diplomat in the Philippines has expressed concern over the unexplained killings of suspected drug pushers and other crime suspects, saying his country trusts President Duterte’s commitment to do everything within the “framework of the law.”

Ambassador Thierry Mathou said France, on the forefront of issues like human rights, is opposed to the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes, noting that it is not an effective deterrent.

He said France was very pleased with Duterte’s statement during his inauguration on his commitment to upholding the law.

“He was very clear saying that everything in his presidency will be done within the framework of the law. So let us say that we want to stick to his declaration,” Mathou told reporters on the sidelines of the Bastille Day reception, the French Independence Day, held at his residence Thursday night.

“On the other side, we are listening and we are concerned, so we hope that the government will do and will take the problem, issues to control this situation,” he said.

During the meeting with Duterte before the latter’s June 30 inauguration, the ambassador said he discussed the possible revival of the death penalty as a “concern” for France.

“I had this conversation with President Duterte and I am grateful to him to give me the opportunity to express our position. So obviously we do not have the same view,” Mathou said.

He explained his country’s opposition to the death penalty has nothing to do with moral issues as each one has his own idea and opinion about morality.

“I just insisted with President Duterte on one thing – death penalty is not efficient to fight against crime,” Mathou said.

“But it is not a surprise to you that he does not agree with our position. I know that the objective of President Duterte is to be efficient. So I think there are many other ways to curb crime and drugs. Then we will see what will happen,” he added.

Mathou cited the United States and China where the death penalty has not significantly deterred criminals. He also said the death penalty is “not an issue of giving lessons to anybody.”

“It is not even an issue of human rights. As I said it is not efficient and also I think it would not be a good sign to give to the outside world because now the tendency of history is to abolish. It is not to reinstate,” Mathou said.

“So we will keep on discussing, explaining our position. Obviously in the end it is up to the Filipino people and Congress to decide,” he said.

Duterte stressed the need to revive the death penalty, which he said would serve as instrument for “retribution.”

“Death penalty to me is the retribution. It makes you pay for what you did,” he said.

The death penalty was abolished in 1987 during the time of president Corazon Aquino but was revived in 1993 under president Fidel Ramos.

Crimes that were punishable by death include murder, rape, kidnapping and drug trafficking.

Former president Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo signed a law abolishing capital punishment in 2006.