Permanent grassroots legal assistance offices mulled

The Department of Justice is seeking to establish permanent Katarungan Offices nationwide to provide citizens with easier access to legal assistance, mediation and government services.

Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida said the department was finalizing structural and funding proposals for submission to the Department of Budget and Management to institutionalize services currently offered through the DoJ Caravan and DoJ Action Center.

The proposed offices would be integrated into the DoJ’s existing network of 18 regional, 82 provincial and 149 city offices.

They would offer free legal consultations, mediation, coordination with state prosecutors and referrals to other government agencies.

The department also plans to expand online portals and digital access points to make legal assistance available to people who cannot easily visit its offices.

Vida said the initiative was intended to give Filipinos a dedicated place to seek help with legal concerns.