Roman leads hearing on Proposed amendments to Revised Penal Code

Bataan 1^st District Representative Tony Roman III recently presided over a hearing of the Subcommittee on Penal Laws under the House Committee on Revision of Laws, where lawmakers discussed proposed amendments to the Philippines’ Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Rep. Roman said the hearing focused on provisions that lawmakers seek to clarify, expand, or repeal in order to make the country’s criminal justice system more responsive to present-day realities. He noted that discussions also examined the balance between the rights of the accused and the responsibilities of prosecutors and the government.

The Revised Penal Code, enacted in 1930 through Act No. 3815, remains the country’s principal criminal law that defines offenses such as crimes against persons, property, public order, and morality, along with their corresponding penalties. Over the years, several of its provisions have been amended, but legal experts have long pushed for broader reforms to address modern crimes and outdated penalties.

Cong. Roman described the deliberations as lengthy and substantive, saying lawmakers and stakeholders exchanged views on how best to improve the law. As presiding officer, he said he helped guide the flow of the hearing, raised key questions, and shared his own perspectives on the proposed measures.

He added that committee hearings such as these are essential in strengthening the justice system by ensuring that laws remain fair, relevant, and effective in protecting both public welfare and individual rights.