DOJ extends legal aid to inmates eligible for release
Legal assistance is being extended by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC), aiming to bridge the gap between qualified inmates and the legal representation needed to facilitate their release and other legal remedies.
The legal aid initiative was conducted under the DOJ's Katarungan Caravan program through a Legal Aid Desk specifically organized for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who had already been assessed and verified as potentially eligible for release but lacked lawyers to pursue the necessary court proceedings.
The activity conducted by DOJAC provides legal assistance to PDLs as part of the government's continuing efforts to ease jail congestion and ensure access to legal representation for inmates seeking release.
The initiative was undertaken in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Pasig, Pateros, Mandaluyong and San Juan Chapter, the Legal Aid Society of the Philippines, volunteer lawyers from the University of Santo Tomas, and with the support of Justice Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez.
Volunteer law students from Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines conducted the initial case assessments and evaluations under the supervision of DOJAC personnel led by Atty. Linn Dantes.
The initiative focused on determining the legal remedies available to each inmate and identifying those who required immediate legal representation before the courts.
After screening and evaluation, DOJAC Program Director ASP Joan Carla Guevara matched qualified PDLs with volunteer lawyers who agreed to provide legal assistance and representation.
Participating inmates also signed Qualified Beneficiary Affidavits to ensure continued pro bono legal representation even after the conclusion of the activity.
DOJAC said the legal services rendered and the continuing representation of PDL clients would be credited under the Unified Legal Aid Service program.
More than 150 inmates were evaluated and assisted during the activity, while around 60 PDLs were subsequently referred to volunteer lawyers for further legal action and formal endorsement by DOJAC.
The DOJ credited the success of the initiative to the collaboration among government agencies, volunteer lawyers, law students and partner organizations, as well as the support of Bureau of Corrections personnel.
