Senate passes bill seeking free legal assistance for MUP personnel

The Senate of the Philippines approved, on third and final reading, a bill seeking to provide free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel (MUP) facing charges arising from incidents related to the performance of their duties.

Senate Bill (SB) 2814, or the proposed "Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act," garnered 21 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and no abstentions during a plenary session on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, who sponsored SB 2814, said the passage of the measure serves as a "recognition" of the contribution of MUP personnel in maintaining peace and order in the country.

"We recognize the unique position of our men and women in uniform who swore to protect national security and public order, run after criminals, and apprehend lawless elements. Unfortunately, the nature of their work exposes them to harassment suits and counter-charges — causing them financial stress, anxiety, and demoralization," Estrada said in his manifestation.

Officers and enlisted uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Hydrography Branch of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) facing criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings arising from service-related incidents will be entitled to free legal assistance under the bill.

Retired, honorably discharged, and separated MUP personnel are also eligible for free legal assistance.

Eligible MUP personnel can acquire free legal assistance, including legal representation in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings; legal advice or consultations; preparation of pleadings, motions, memoranda, and other legal forms and documents; court fees and other related fees; and notarization of documents.

The bill also states that within 24 hours from the official receipt of charges against an MUP, the head of the MUP agencies, through their legal office, must direct their respective legal officers to provide free legal assistance to qualified MUP personnel.

Meanwhile, service-related cases will be determined by the respective legal offices of the AFP, BFP, BJMP, PCG, BuCor, PNP, and NAMRIA.

Estrada emphasized that the passage of the proposed measure is a significant step toward uplifting the morale of MUP personnel in the country.

“As was the case during the period of interpellation, perhaps now they are applauded again with joy. Today, the Senate reaffirmed its full support for their faithful fulfillment of their sworn duties, and we stand by them in every mission and operation,” he said.

The bill was introduced by Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Estrada, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Imee Marcos, Mark Villar, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, and Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri.