The Bicameral Commission tasked with reviewing amendments to Law No. 74-25, which establishes the Dominican Republic’s Penal Code, formally began its work on Tuesday. The session was attended by Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco, highlighting the significance of the legislative review.
Commission chairman Wandy Batista, who also leads the Justice Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, said the group is not working under a strict deadline despite the current legislative session ending on the 26th of this month. While lawmakers are accepting recommendations until Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., Batista said discussions will continue as long as needed before the legislature adjourns.
Commission Advances Through Initial Review
Batista reported that lawmakers examined seven articles during the commission’s first working session, describing the group as already “halfway there” in its review process. He also emphasized that the implementation of the new Penal Code does not limit the commission’s work, noting that lawmakers may continue evaluating and refining provisions even after the law takes effect.
The commission is reviewing proposals submitted by the Executive Branch as well as recommendations from various institutions and other stakeholders. According to Batista, some of the revisions considered so far involve terminology rather than substantive legal changes. As an example, he said the English word “bullying” has been replaced with the Spanish term “hostigamiento” (harassment) to avoid the use of foreign terminology in the legislation.
Constitutional Challenges Not a Concern
Addressing the possibility of constitutional challenges against the revised Penal Code, Batista said lawmakers remain confident that the legislative process complies with the Dominican Constitution. He described potential legal actions as a legitimate exercise of citizens’ rights but maintained that legislators have acted in accordance with constitutional principles since the legislation was first approved last year.
“We are not concerned about constitutional actions that any Dominican citizen or institution may pursue,” Batista said, adding that the commission is carrying out its work with full respect for the country’s constitutional framework.
Next Session Scheduled
Following the meeting at the Hugo Tolentino Dipp Hall, Batista, accompanied by commission vice chair Senator María Mercedes Ortiz Diloné and other members, announced that the commission will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday to continue reviewing the proposed amendments.
The commission’s work is part of the Dominican Republic’s ongoing legislative effort to refine one of the country’s most significant criminal law reforms before the current congressional session concludes.