MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers covered by Supreme Court (SC) rules must render at least 60 hours of free legal assistance to indigent Filipinos every three years, the high court said as it seeks to close the gap between access to legal remedies and the people who need them most.
Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, chairman of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Interim Board, highlighted the requirement during a free legal consultation initiative organized by the SC, Globe and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Rizal-RSM Chapter in Taguig City.
Under ULAS Rules, registered organizations, including corporations, partnerships, associations and law firms may pool the pro bono hours of their lawyers to meet the minimum requirement.
Caguioa said the initiative seeks to connect Filipinos who need legal assistance with lawyers capable of helping them, particularly those who cannot afford legal services or are unfamiliar with available legal remedies.
“There are many people who need help. There are also many who are capable of helping,” Caguioa said.
