The Office of the Vice Mayor (OVM) in Manila, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Manila, on Thursday morning launched a free legal aid office to assist locals.
“We can now provide free legal services to Manileños… Should you have cases that need to be represented or consulted, this office is free. There are many Manileños who have legal cases but no one to run to,” Vice Mayor Chi Atienza told reporters in Filipino.
The said office is strategically located beside the OVM as an extension of the services offered by the office to indigent residents.
A team of five volunteer lawyers from IBP-Manila will provide legal assistance on a rotating schedule.
Atienza recognized that legal services are one of the basic needs of the residents, noting high demand amid limited resources.
While free medical assistance is already available in health centers, she noted that legal assistance should also be accessible to the public, in addition to financial assistance and burial assistance.
