Philippines' Duterte calls for reinstatement of death penalty for drug crimes and plunder

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is urging lawmakers to bring back the death penalty for drug crimes and plunder. Despite his relentless campaign against drugs, the President admits illegal drugs and corruption remains prevalent in his country.

"I am aware that we still have a long way to go in our fight against this social menace. The drugs will not be crushed unless we continue to eliminate corruption that allows this social monster to survive," President Rodrigo Duterte said in his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday.

"I respectfully request Congress to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to drugs, as well as plunder," he added.

The President also raised the issue on the massive fraud against the public health insurance system wherein huge amounts of medical funds were released to cover padded medical claims and imaginary treatment of ghost patients.

"The recent uncovering of the massive fraud perpetrated against the public health insurance system proves that corruption is pervasive. "

"I have fired or caused the resignation of more than a hundred officials and appointees of government without regard to relationship, friendship, and alliance. There is no sacred cow in my Administration."