Leo Echegaray
Leo Pilo Echegaray (11 July 1960 – 5 February 1999) was the first Filipino to receive the death penalty after its reinstatement in the Philippines in 1993, some 23 years after the last judicial execution was carried out. His death sparked national debate over the legality and morality of the death penalty, which was later suspended on 15 April 2006.
Leo Echegaray | |
|---|---|
| Born | Leo Pilo Echegaray July 11, 1960 Manila, Philippines |
| Died | February 5, 1999 (aged 38) |
| Cause of death | Lethal injection |
| Nationality |  Philippines |
Trial and execution
A house painter by trade, Echegaray was accused of the April 1994 rape of the 10-year-old daughter of his live in partner[1] Rodessa (nicknamed "Baby" by the press). He was convicted by Branch 104 of the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City on 7 September 1994, with the death sentence automatically reviewed by the Supreme Court and confirmed on 25 June 1996. Echegaray filed a motion to appeal the sentence, which was denied on 19 January 1999.
Less than a month later, Echegaray was executed via lethal injection on 5 February 1999. Witnesses reported his last words to have been:
"Sámbayanáng Pilipino, patawarin ako sa kasalanang ipinaratang ninyo sa akin. Pilipino, pinatáy ng kapwa Pilipino."[2]
("People of the Philippines, forgive me of the sin which you have accused me. A Filipino, killed by fellow Filipinos.")
References
- "Philippines executes first prisoner in 23 years". CNN. Reuters and Mike Cohen. 5 February 1999. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- de Castro, Leo (Jan–Mar 1999). ""BITAY": Death by Lethal Injection". KASAMA. Solidarity Philippines Australia Network. 13 (1). Retrieved 14 August 2015.
External links
- Enbanc Decision (1996-06-25) People of the Philippines vs. Leo Echegaray (GR 117472) Supreme Court of the Philippines. Retrieved on 22 December 2006.
- Enbanc Decision 1998-10-12) Leo Echegaray vs. Secretary of Justice, et al. (G.R. No. 132601. January 19, 1999) Supreme Court of the Philippines. Retrieved on 22 December 2006.
- Enbanc Resolution (1999-01-19) Leo Echegaray vs. Secretary of Justice, et al.(G.R. No. 132601. January 19, 1999) Supreme Court of the Philippines. Retrieved on 22 December 2006.
- People of the Philippines vs. Leo Echegaray y Pilo (G.R. No. 117472) - text of the Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirming the death penalty
- Leo Echegaray vs. Secretary of Justice, et al. - text of the motion for reconsideration (i.e. the decision on Echegaray's appeal)
- First Philippine execution in 22 years set for January (CNN)
- Death Penalty in the Philippines