The Department of Justice (DOJ) has bolstered its partnership with a Germany-based non-government organization that has been helping in the review of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) of the Philippines.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres and Resident Representative Alexander Birle of Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) signed last June 3 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that strengthens the collaboration between the department and HSF.
“By merging our capabilities, vision and wisdom, we will definitely be able to solidify the standards of our justice system and build a significant impact for future generations to benefit from,” Andres said, in a statement.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, for his part, said “It is an honor to team up with such a notably recognized international body known for its unwavering pursuit of excellence in fortifying international criminal justice systems.”
Andres explained that the MOU aims to “strengthen the collaboration of the State’s prosecution arm with law enforcement agencies and modernize the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.”
The HSF has been assisting the DOJ’s Criminal Code Committee (CCC) that was created by then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima pursuant to the 2010 directive of the late President Benigno Aquino III. The objective is to bring together criminal justice stakeholders to review all existing penal laws of the country and to draft a simple, modern, and organic Criminal Code of the Philippines.
“It is about time to review our Penal Code, one that should be truly responsive and attuned to the present times for a more effective administration of justice,” Remulla stressed.