Santiago. – The bishop of the Stella Maris Diocese, Monsignor Manuel Ruiz, demanded this Wednesday the immediate approval of the Penal Code, warning that the country cannot continue to postpone legislation that, in his view, is essential to combat criminality and strengthen the justice system.
The religious leader maintained that, after years of debate, Congress must put an end to the discussion and enact the piece of legislation, even if the necessary reforms can be introduced later.
“We are not going to achieve a perfect Penal Code, but rather a perfectible one. We cannot keep going in circles. If there is something to correct, it will be corrected later, but justice cannot continue without claws to face crimes,” he stated.
After presiding over mass tonight as part of the celebration of the patron saint festivities, Santiago Apóstol El Mayor at the cathedral in this city, Ruiz asserted that the absence of a new Penal Code limits the authorities’ ability to prosecute and punish criminal acts, which is why he insisted that the legislation must come into effect as soon as possible.
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Regarding the debate on the three grounds for abortion, the bishop was categorical in rejecting their inclusion and stated that this discussion was settled by the Constitution of the Republic.
“Those who continue to insist on the grounds maintain the same discourse since 2009. The Constitution has already spoken on that subject and no law can contradict it, because it would be null and void,” he expressed.
The prelate expressed his confidence that the Penal Code will be approved in the coming days and reiterated that any aspect susceptible to improvement can be modified later, without further delaying a regulation he considers vital for the Dominican justice system to have greater legal tools to confront crime.
