The irony of the unconscionable railroading on second reading of the death penalty bill is that the very congressional leaders who insist that the death penalty is essential for people to stop breaking the law are the very ones who violate with impunity established rules and honored traditions of the House of Representatives.

The precipitate termination of the period of individual amendments, like the premature closure of the debates, has led to the mutation of the House into a parliament of bullies and puppets.

The arrogance of the House leaders in depriving the oppositors of the death penalty bill of their freedom of expression and right to debate is unprecedented in the history of the House.

The etymology of the word “parliament” is traced to the Old French word parler which means “to speak”. This is why a parliament or legislature is considered a deliberative assembly whose lifeblood is informative, instructive and critical debate.

The lack of will and courage of most members of the supermajority to defy the pressure and threats of the House leadership is reminiscent of the rubberstamp Batasan Pambansa during the martial law regime.

Members of the supermajority were hesitant to stand up and be counted on the issue of nominal voting.

The proceedings lacked transparency and accountability as most members of the supermajority voted on the cue of the majority leader and sought anonymity in the viva voce voting, even as the presiding officer was a mere pathetic adjunct of the House leadership.

At the instance of the House leadership in previous Congresses, nominal voting on second reading was held on major bills the most recent of which is the reproductive health measure.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN