The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the University of the Philippines (UP) have partnered to modernize the country’s penal code to ensure that it remains responsive to contemporary needs and societal values.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on December 3, formalizing a collaboration between the DOJ and UP to reform existing penal laws through research, capacity building, and technical studies, emphasizing both parties’ commitment to creating laws that are accessible, comprehensible, and respectful of fundamental human rights.
Under the MOU, the DOJ will primarily be responsible for providing the resources required for its implementation, subject to the availability of funds and compliance with the law.
Additionally, the DOJ is tasked with sharing data, attributing intellectual property, and recognizing UP as its official partner in research and capacity-building activities.
Meanwhile, UP is obligated to carry out the activities under the MOU in accordance with its high academic standards as mandated by its charter, as well as providing reference materials, resource persons, research studies, and full cooperation with initiatives implemented by the DOJ.
The MOU was signed by Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, co-chair Jose R. Cadiz, Jr., and Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres from the DOJ, alongside UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, and witnessed by UP College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe.
“This manifesto openly acknowledges that both parties are to cooperate within the framework of their respective mandates in matters essential to improve existing penal laws,” the DOJ stated.
Vasquez emphasized the goal of creating a penal code that “not only reflects current values and conditions but also respects rights inherent to us all as human beings.”
For his part, Chancellor Vistan reiterated UP’s dedication to the initiative, stating, “It’s about time that we put in our resources, rationalize and reconcile our work, and eventually make our criminal laws understandable and accessible not only to lawyers.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla commended the individuals behind the initiative, expressing his gratitude for their dedication to improving the country’s legal framework.
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