Rep. Herrera is open to modernizing the country's justice system in order to better serve justice.
Rep. Bernadette Herrera is offering to co-author the Criminal Investigation Act of Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and to author the Department of Justice's proposed Philippine Code of Crimes.
Herrera said the case of broadcast commentator Percy "Lapid Fire" Mabasa and other criminal cases, including hazing and murder take time to investigate because the current criminal code is antiquated dating back to the Spanish era Revised Penal Code.
“I am aware that years ago the Department of Justice drafted the Criminal Code of the Philippines. I am also aware that our legal luminary here in the House Cagayan de Oro City Congressman Rufus Rodriguez proposed a Criminal Investigation Act (HB 5227) in the 18th Congress.” Herrera said
Herrera said that it is time to modernize our outmoded Spanish-era criminal justice legal perspective along with the proposals for improving forensic pathology in the country.
Hence she is open to sponsoring the proposed Philippine Code of Crimes by DoJ if DoJ Secretary Crispin Remulla is amenable to it.
“I am also willing to co-author Congressman Rufus Rodriguez's proposed Criminal Investigation Act.” Herrera added.
Percy Lapid’s case
Herrera commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its investigation into the killing of radio journalist Percy Lapid with the recent surrender of the alleged gunman to the police and the identification of his cohorts.
With the gunman in custody, the procedure must still be followed by providing the suspect with legal counsel. If unable to afford one, the Public Attorney’s Office has sent legal counsel.
These measures are important to make sure that criminal cases filed are solid and have higher chances of resulting in the conviction of all those responsible.
“We do not want cases dismissed just because the procedures were not followed or because of technicalities.
“They better get their facts right and have the gunman who actually shot the victim,” Herrera stressed.
Claims should be founded on substantial evidence, including testimony and forensic evidence, and genuine investigative efforts.
This must be done in the proper and just process to ensure that justice is served for Lapid.
Tags: #Justice, #DoJ, #Modernizing, #JusticeSystem, #Lapid