DOJ, law schools tie-up to provide free legal services to more Filipinos

29 July 2024

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" C. Remulla spearheaded the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the 
Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) aimed to widen and boost the country's access to legal services.

San Sebastian College of Law President Teodoro A. Pastrana represented PALS as its president, along with other PALS officials.

Under the MOA, the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) undertakes to endorse to law schools with legal aid clinics clients who fail to be considered as "indigents" or are disqualified from availing the services of DOJAC or PAO due to exsting rules and regulations, subject to validation by the law school concerned. 

Moreover, DOJAC shall foster and boost its internship/externship programs and conduct capacity building trainings to provide practical skills and knowledge to law students assigned to the DOJ.

On the other end, PALS would agree to accept endorsements from DOJAC and if
unable to accommodate the same, shall endorse them to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) or lawyers providing the needed legal service.

Moreover, PALS shall promote the DOJ internship program among its member schools and actively participate in the trainings formulated by the DOJ.

Meanwhile, both parties assume the responsibility of advocating jail decongestion activities centered on providing PDLs a better access to legal services.

"This momentous occasion is testament to the unwavering efforts of PBBM's Bagong Pilipinas political slogan that no Filipino shall be left behind as the country moves forward to progress. With this initiative, we unconditionally open the doors of justice for the welfare of more Filipinos, regardless of their social status," Sec. Remulla emphasized.

The MOA shall be in effect upon its signing until revoked through a mutual agreement between the parties and shall be subjected to review six months from its date of execution.##

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