Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and principal author of Republic Act (RA) 12177, has expressed strong support for the newly signed law providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel (MUP) facing service-related charges.

RA 12177 ensures that MUPs involved in administrative, civil, or criminal cases connected to their official duties will have access to legal aid. This includes personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Hydrography Branch of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

“We’ve fought for this for a long time. Soldiers, police, firefighters and other uniformed personnel shouldn’t be left to face legal issues alone while fulfilling their duties,” Senator Go stated. “They should receive legal support from the state, especially when the case stems from their service.”

The law mandates that MUP agencies provide free legal representation and related services within 24 hours of notification. These services include legal consultations, document preparation, court representation, and assistance with court fees and notarization. Eligibility will be determined by whether the case is service-related.

Go emphasized that the law addresses a crucial need for MUPs who, while performing their duties, may get entangled in legal issues they are unprepared to handle on their own.

“Our MUPs risk their lives every day for national security. They shouldn’t face legal challenges alone,” Go said. “Through RA 12177, the government fulfills its duty to protect those who protect us.”

Go also reflected on his long-standing support for uniformed personnel. He helped author RA 11549, which lowered the minimum height requirement for PNP, BFP, BJMP and BuCor applicants, making law enforcement careers more accessible. He also supported RA 11200, restructuring the PNP’s rank classification system.

Senator Go has been a strong advocate for military and uniformed personnel’s welfare, consistently opposing proposals requiring them to contribute to their pensions. He has championed bills to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard and improve their equipment and capabilities.

“I will continue pushing for laws that genuinely help those who serve our nation,” Senator Go affirmed.