Pacquiao cited Article 3, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, emphasizing the word

"unless":

 "Excessive fines shall not be imposed, not cruel, degrading, or inhuman

punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for
compelling reasons involving heinous crimes."

With this, Pacquiao then urged his colleagues to swiftly pass the measure.

Bible quotes

For the world-renowned boxer, the death penalty is "lawful, moral, and sanctioned
governmental action."

"Having read the Bible on a regular basis – I am convinced that God is not just a God of
mercy, but he is also a God of justice," he added.

Pacquiao, also a pastor, cited Bible quotes which supposedly back the death penalty.

"In Genesis Chapter 9 verse 6, 'Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their
blood be shed; for in the image of God, has God made mankind.'"

"Sa Exodus 21:12, sinasabi ng banal na Bibliya na: Ang nanakit sa isang tao, na
anopa't mamatay, ay papataying walang pagsala (the Holy Bible says: Whoever hurts a
person who died would also be killed)."

The senator also mentioned Romans Chapter 13, verse 4, which says: "For the one in
authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not
bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring
punishment on to the wrongdoer."

After incessant questions from colleagues, Pacquiao maintained that God supports
death penalty to "punish" and "discipline wrongdoers."

"Are we greater than God because God is allowing death penalty in every nation and
country?" he said.