DOJ legal caravan assists 500 inmates in Bilibid, boosts decongestion drive

More than 500 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) received on-site legal assistance after the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) brought its Katarungan Caravan to the New Bilibid Prison–Medium Security Compound on 12 February.

The outreach forms part of the jail decongestion initiative led by DOJ Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, who heads DOJAC. Launched in 2024, the caravan was designed to deliver legal services directly to underserved Filipinos, including inmates whose cases remain pending due to lack of counsel or incomplete documentation.

Inside the prison facility, DOJAC lawyers reviewed case records, evaluated Good Conduct Time Allowance applications, processed court referrals and assessed detainees for possible legal representation.

The activity drew support from the Public Attorney’s Office, volunteer lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, private law offices, the Taguig City government and several law schools.

“Access to justice cannot stop at the prison gate,” Gutierrez said, noting that many PDLs require legal guidance and follow-through to move their cases forward.

Since its launch, the Katarungan Caravan has provided free legal consultations and case assessments to more than 35,000 Filipinos nationwide. DOJAC Program Director Joan Guevarra said sustained collaboration is crucial in addressing congestion inside correctional facilities.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida emphasized that justice must remain humane and accessible, stressing the government’s resolve to enforce the rule of law with compassion.

The Bilibid activity was the second caravan conducted this year, following an earlier rollout in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, with more scheduled in the coming months.