The Department of Justice (DOJ) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines (UP) to enhance the country’s existing Criminal Code, ensuring it is attuned to the needs of modern times.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between both parties, focusing on essential matters to improve existing penal laws.
This includes conducting technical studies and legal research on law reforms, capacity building, and information sharing.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed confidence in the partnership and extended his appreciation to the dedicated individuals supporting this noble cause.
The ceremonial signing of the MOU was conducted by representatives from both parties, including Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, Chair of the Criminal Code Committee (CCC); Justice Undersecretary Jose Cadiz Jr., CCC Co-chair; Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres; and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. They were witnessed by UP College of Law Dean Darlene Marie Berberabe.
“We wish to create a new penal code that not only reflects current values and conditions but also respects rights inherent to us all as human beings,” said Vasquez.
The DOJ is primarily responsible for providing the resources necessary for implementing the MOU, subject to fund availability and in accordance with the law.
Additionally, it is tasked with sharing data, attributing intellectual property, and recognizing UP as its official partner in research and capacity-building activities.
Meanwhile, UP is in charge of providing reference materials, resource persons, research studies, and full cooperation with DOJ-implemented activities.
“We are now committed specifically and formally to provide the services of the University of the Philippines that the Department of Justice needs. It’s about time that we put in our resources, rationalize our work, and eventually make our criminal laws understandable and accessible not only to lawyers,” said Vistan.
Either party may terminate the MOU by giving written notice to the other party of its decision, along with a termination date that is at least thirty (30) days from receipt of the written notice by the other party.
