Naic residents receive DoJ legal counseling

Seventy-one homeowners and residents of Naic, Cavite received free legal counseling and guidance from the Department of Justice (DoJ) during a community outreach program held on 27 October 2026, at Silver Grace Resort.

Spearheaded by the DoJ Action Center (DoJAC) Region IV-A and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Cavite, the initiative sought to make legal services accessible to residents regardless of their financial circumstances.

Through the program, residents were briefed on legal processes, available remedies and the appropriate government agencies to approach for their specific concerns.

Among those assisted was a local homeowner involved in a dispute with a homeowners’ association.

Unsure of her legal standing and the steps she could take, she sought advice from DOJAC personnel, who clarified her rights and outlined the appropriate channels for redress.

Since HoA disputes fall under housing regulations, officials noted that the matter could be formally referred to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

The outreach forms part of the DoJ’s broader effort to bring legal assistance and referral services directly to local communities.

Another resident sought guidance over additional fees allegedly collected for garbage collection and maintenance expenses involving a privately owned truck within a subdivision.

The concern raised questions about the collection of fees and which authorities should be approached for clarification and possible action.

DoJAC provided guidance on the available avenues for raising the matter, including referral to the Naic local government unit and, when appropriate, the Anti-Red Tape Authority for further assessment and action.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring government services closer to the people and ensure that the justice system remains accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.

It also reinforces the principle that access to justice is not exclusively for the marginalized but a right that must be within everyone’s reach, regardless of financial circumstances.

“If we are serious about bringing justice closer to the Filipino people, then we must go where the people are. We will continue to bring services closer to the Filipino, one community at a time. Justice must not remain beyond anyone’s reach simply because they do not know where to seek help or cannot afford. This is our commitment, and we will continue working to make it a reality,” Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said.