Aquino doesn't favor death penalty

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MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III says he used to favor the death penalty but changed his mind because of the current state of the judicial system.

Aquino said he fears reinstating the death penalty in the Philippines might result in the execution of innocent people, the Philippines' ABS-CBN News reported Wednesday.

"There is a possibility that people can be wrongly convicted, especially if they do not have the ability to secure competent counsel," Aquino said. "I will have to study that."

Some politicians and the group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption have suggested bringing back the death penalty following the slayings of two car dealers whose bodies were burned beyond recognition.

Aquino said police are tracking the killers.

He made the comments as his Liberal Party celebrated its 65th anniversary.