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

Signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) were 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.

In a statement, the group said that the manifesto openly acknowledges that both parties are to cooperate within the framework of their respective mandates in matters essential to improve existing penal laws, such as conducting technical studies and 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 rights inherent to us all as human beings,” Vasquez said.

Meantime, Vistan said that they are now committed specifically and formally to provide the services of the University of the Philippines that the DoJ’s 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,” said the UP Chancellor.

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 Remulla expressed his appreciation for the hardworking individuals behind the cause.

“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,” Remulla said.