The Department of Justice concluded today the first public presentation of the complete draft of the new Criminal Code before a full audience of more than 120 participants from various organizations in the criminal justice sector including agencies of the executive, legislature and judiciary.

"We happily announced that after almost four years of intense work and close collaboration with stakeholders, the Criminal Code Committee headed by our Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy finally completed a simple and relevant output that will address a systemic criminal justice issue - a clear and consistent criminal law for the country," said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima.

The forum held in the National Capital Region is the start of a series of nationwide consultations to present the innovations and to gather more inputs. It is an avenue for the participants to make specific contributions.

Assistant Secretary Sy said that policy papers and research studies will continue to be published. Exchanges with leading regional and international centers of law will also be pursued.

The draft Criminal Code is available and can be downloaded at www.doj.gov.ph.