DOJ’s ‘Katarungan Caravan’ returns for second wave of free legal aid for PDLs

15 August 2024

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla remains fully committed to providing every Filipino a better access to justice, especially persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are separated from society.

In line with this, the Department of Justice (DOJ) went full blast today in the conduct of the 2nd leg of its Katarungan Caravan at the Medium Security Compound, New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

This significant activity was spearheaded by the DOJ Action Center headed Program Director Joan Carla Guevarra, under the supervision of Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez.

This Katarungan Caravan also marks the first implementation of DOJ's Memorandum of Agreement with Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS), with San Sebastian College of Law Legal Aid Office and the Emilio Aguinaldo College of Law leading the way with their law students and supervising lawyers.

Lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Rizal Chapter, the Legal Aid Society of the Philippines and Calleja Law Office also heeded the call for legal aid.

The lawyers/staff from the said organizations led the rendering of legal services like drafting of legal documents for qualified PDLs eligible to benefit from the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), parole and executive clemency, along with the preparation of indorsements/referrals/requests to BuCor, Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), Public Attorney's Office (PAO) and other government agencies.

"This is just one among the many projects in store for our dear PDLs who we prepare to reintegrate to society in the near future, this time as reformed and more productive citizens vital for the country's progress," Secretary Remulla said.

The first wave of the Katarungan Caravan was launched at the NBP-Medium Security Compound last 12 July 2024 which mainly benefited senior PDLs and those who have fully served their jail terms in accordance with existing laws.

Undersecretary Gutierrez praised the contributions of DOJ partners and stakeholders, and emphasized the need for continued collaboration.

“Together, we can advance our vision of providing PDLs with free access to justice,” Usec Gutierrez asserted. “It is through our combined efforts that we can ensure a more inclusive and equitable justice system for all.”

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