The DOJ Criminal Code Committee (CCC) announced today that it will conduct a roadshow presentation on House Bill No. 2300 or the new Code of Crimes, to be held on 6-7 August 2014 in General Santos City and Davao City, respectively.

"This is the 4th set of roadshow presentation following Cebu, Tagaytay and Baguio City. The Committee is set to hold public consultations nationwide to gather comments and inputs from all stakeholders," said Secretary Leila M. De Lima. "We are also pleased to report that the draft Book 2 is complete and will be endorsed to Congress," she added.

The first public consultation was held in Cebu City on 20 September 2013, then in Tagaytay City on 6 March 2014 and in Baguio City on 3 April 2014, attended by representatives from the judiciary, executive agencies, academe, integrated bar, local government units, non-governmental organizations and civil societies.

"We intend to get support from stakeholders in these consultations regarding this major piece of justice reform legislation to ensure the passage of this bill," said Congressman Niel "Junjun" C. Tupas, Jr., Chair of the House Committee on Justice.

Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Chair of the CCC said "We continue to engage stakeholders nationwide and the level of interest and participation in the work of the Criminal Code Committed is encouraging."

Draft Book 2 will be integrated in Book 1, which was previously submitted to Congress and considered as priority legislation.