MARCH 9, 2001: PHILIPPINES

31 convicts drew death sentences in January, bringing to 1,663 the total number of inmates on death row, according to Sen. Loren Legarda, an official of the anti-crime Citizens' Drug Watch Foundation.

There are now 876 condemned rapists on death row, according to Legarda.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said President Macapagal- Arroyo has no plan to recall or reverse the mass commutation of death sentences ordered by ousted President Joseph estrada in December. Estrada's order commuted to life imprisonment the affirmed death sentences of 160 convicts. (source: Filipino Guardian)