The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday, July 29, to widen access to free legal services.
“This momentous occasion is testament to the unwavering efforts of PBBM’s Bagong Pilipinas political slogan that no Filipino shall be left behind as the country moves forward to progress,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a statement.
He added that the initiative will “unconditionally open the doors of justice for the welfare of more Filipinos, regardless of their social status.”
Remulla represented DOJ while San Sebastian College of Law President Teodoro Pastrana represented PALS in the said MOA.
The agreement says “the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) undertakes to endorse to law schools with legal aid clinics clients who fail to be considered as ‘indigents’ or are disqualified from availing the services of DOJAC or PAO (Public Attorneys Office) due to existing rules and regulations, subject to validation by the law school concerned.”
Additionally, the DOJAC shall foster and boost its internship/externship programs and conduct capacity building trainings to provide practical skills and knowledge to law students assigned to the DOJ.
On the other end, PALS agree to accept endorsements from DOJAC, and if unable to accommodate the same, shall endorse them to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) or lawyers providing the needed legal service.
Likewise, it is also provided that “PALS shall promote the DOJ internship program among its member schools and actively participate in the trainings formulated by the DOJ.”
Both parties assume the responsibility of advocating jail decongestion activities centered on providing PDLs a better access to legal services.
The DOJ underscored the MOA shall be in effect upon its signing until revoked through a mutual agreement between the parties and shall be subjected to review six months from its date of execution.
