Senate approves free legal aid bill for military, uniformed personnel

The Senate on Monday approved Senate Bill No. 2814, or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, on third reading.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Vice Chair of the Committee on National Defense and principal author of the bill, thanked his colleagues for their support. The bill aims to provide free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel facing legal challenges related to their duties.

“As Vice Chair of the Committee on National Defense and principal author of the measure at hand, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the third reading passage of Senate Bill 2814 or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act,” Go said.

Go, who has long supported military and uniformed personnel, cited the increase in their salaries during the Duterte administration as an example of his commitment.

“Our military and uniformed personnel face countless risks in the line of duty, often in hostile and life-threatening environments,” Go said. “They perform their responsibilities with courage and commitment, safeguarding our sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and providing assistance during times of calamity and crisis. However, there are instances when they encounter legal challenges arising from the faithful execution of their duties. In such cases, the government must ensure that they are not left to fend for themselves.”

The senator added that the bill reflects the government’s recognition of the unique challenges military and uniformed personnel face and its responsibility to protect their rights and welfare.

“Mr. President, ang panukalang batas na ito ay sumasalamin sa ating iisang layunin na tulungan ang ating mga kawani sa militar at uniformed personnel habang patuloy nilang ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Go said. “Isang patunay din ito na kinikilala ng gobyerno ang mga natatanging hamon na kanilang hinaharap at ang ating responsibilidad na tiyakin ang kanilang karapatan at kapakanan.”

Go also thanked Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, the principal sponsor of the measure, and his fellow senators for supporting the bill.

“The passage of this measure is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who serve and protect our nation,” Go added.

Senate Bill 2814 seeks to create a system providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel involved in legal proceedings related to their official duties. The bill is seen as an important step in ensuring that the rights of those serving in the military and other uniformed services are upheld.