Bong Go hails free legal aid law for uniformed personnel

Senator Bong Go, vice chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, lauded the signing of Republic Act No. 12177, a law providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel (MUP) facing service-related cases.

As principal author and co-sponsor, Go said the law ensures MUPs are not left to face legal battles alone.

“Dapat may masasandalan silang legal support mula sa estado, lalo na kung ang kinakaharap nilang kaso ay bunga lang ng pagtupad sa kanilang responsibilidad,” he said.

("They should have legal support from the state, especially if the case they are facing is simply a result of fulfilling their duty," he said.)

RA 12177 covers personnel from the AFP, PNP, BFP, BJMP, PCG, BuCor, and NAMRIA’s Hydrography Branch. It mandates legal services — including representation, consultations, and document preparation — within 24 hours of notice.

“Our MUPs risk their lives daily for peace, order, and national security… Through RA 12177, the state fulfills its obligation to protect those who protect us,” Go added.

Go has long championed MUP welfare, backing laws lowering height requirements (RA 11549), restructuring PNP ranks (RA 11200), and opposing pension contribution proposals. He also filed Senate Bill No. 2112 to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard.

He recalled helping double the salaries of uniformed personnel during the Duterte administration. “Full support po tayo sa ating sandatahang lakas ng Pilipinas,” he said, honoring the sacrifices of service members.

("We give our full support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”)