The Department of Justice (DoJ) and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed an agreement formalizing a partnership to enhance the country’s existing Criminal Code and ensure it is attuned to the needs of modern times.

The ceremonial signing of the MOU was conducted by Undersecretaries Raul T. Vasquez, chair of the Criminal Code Committee (CCC); Jose R. Cadiz Jr., CCC co-chair; and Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres as representatives for the DoJ, and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, witnessed by UP College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe.

This manifesto acknowledges that both parties will cooperate within the framework of their respective mandates in matters essential to improving existing penal laws, such as conducting technical studies, legal research on law reforms, capacity building, and information sharing.

Under the agreement, the DoJ is primarily responsible for providing the resources needed for the implementation of the MOU, subject to the availability of funds and in accordance with the law.

It is also tasked with sharing data, attributing intellectual property, and recognizing UP as its official partner in research and capacity-building activities.

"We wish to create a new penal code that not only reflects current values and conditions but also respects the rights inherent to us all as human beings," Usec Vasquez said.

"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 and reconcile our work, and eventually make our criminal laws understandable and accessible not only to lawyers," Vistan said.

On the other hand, UP is obligated to undertake the activities under the MOU according to its high academic standards as mandated by its charter, as well as providing reference materials, resource persons, research studies, and full cooperation with the activities implemented by the DOJ.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" C. Remulla, for his part, extended his appreciation to the hardworking men and women behind this noble cause, saying, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone whose dedication and efforts have contributed to the finalization of this MOU. In closing, I would like to say that I am confident that through our efforts and commitment, we will be able to attain the objectives and vision under this MOU. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas."

Either party may terminate the MOU by giving written notice to the other party of its decision, along with the termination date of at least thirty days from receipt of the written notice by the other party.