Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the University of the Philippines (UP) have formalized an agreement to undertake the significant task of revising the country’s criminal code, a comprehensive update last conducted in 1932. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was officially signed, marking the beginning of efforts to modernize the legal framework governing criminal law in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, representing the DOJ, announced that the revision is planned for completion by June. The revised draft will subsequently be submitted to Congress for approval. This initiative aims to consolidate the Revised Penal Code (RPC or Act No. 3815), originally enacted in 1930, along with numerous other penal laws that have been introduced over the past 92 years. Vasquez highlighted that approximately 10,000 criminal laws have been enacted since the RPC, necessitating a streamlined and updated legal code. He also noted that some provisions of the
RPC have become outdated or contentious, citing the law on adultery as an example due to its unequal application.

UP College of Law Dean Darlene Berberabe emphasized the collaborative commitment of UP and DOJ to enhance the administration of justice in the Philippines. She stated, “Through this partnership, we hope to achieve our shared goals of promoting law reform, capacity building, and information sharing.” Berberabe further elaborated that the MOU signifies more than just a partnership, representing a convergence of strengths between the DOJ’s practical experience and policy-making authority and the UP Law Center’s expertise in legal research and technical studies.