Title
Supreme Court
Death by lethal injection for capital punishment
Law
Republic Act No. 8177
Decision Date
Mar 20, 1996
The Lethal Injection Law designates lethal injection as the method of carrying out capital punishment in the Philippines, ensuring that the death sentence is executed with preference and aims to mitigate the suffering of the convict, while also providing guidelines for the proper administration of lethal injection and allowing for executive clemency.

Law Summary

Personnel and Procedural Safeguards

  • Personnel administering lethal injection must undergo prior training.
  • Authorized physician must conduct thorough examination and officially pronounce death.
  • Physician must certify death in Bureau of Corrections records.

Timing and Clemency

  • Death penalty must be executed not earlier than one (1) year nor later than eighteen (18) months after the sentence becomes final and executory.
  • The President retains power to grant executive clemency at any time.

Effect on Existing Sentences

  • Individuals sentenced to death by electrocution or gas poisoning at the time of the Act's effectivity are covered by its provisions.
  • Their sentences are automatically modified to be executed by lethal injection.

Rule-Making Authority

  • Secretary of Justice, in coordination with Secretary of Health and Bureau of Corrections, must promulgate implementing rules within thirty (30) days of the Act's effectivity.

Repealing Clause

  • All laws, decrees, issuances, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity and Publication Requirements

  • The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, whichever occurs earlier.
  • Publication must take place no later than ten (10) days after approval.

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