Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his push for his measure that would provide free legal assistance to all uniformed personnel, giving them necessary support when they face charges from incidents related to their official duties.
Go pointed out that military personnel and policemen continue to be at the forefront of the government's fight against criminality, terrorism, illegal drugs, thus, they deserve to receive free legal assistance from the government.
Go said passage of the measure into law can significantly reassure them of legal support as long as they perform their duties in accordance with the law.
“Alam naman po natin gaano kabigat ang responsibilidad ng ating mga sundalo, pulis, at iba pang uniformed personnel, (we know how our soldiers, police and other uniformed personnel have serious responsibilities)," Go said.
"Paminsan, sa nais lamang nilang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin, sila pa ang iniipit at nakakasuhan kapag may nakakabanggang mga maimpluwensiyang tao, (Sometimes, however they get into legal trouble, when they are only doing their job),” he pointed out.
“Ito ang rason kung bakit nais nating bigyan sila ng sapat na suportang legal upang maproteksyunan nila ang kanilang sarili basta nasa tama sila at ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin na naaayon sa batas, (and that's the reason why we want to give them sufficient legal support so they can protect themselves as long as they are doing their duty in accordance to the law),” Go expressed.
If passed into law, any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), who is facing before the prosecutor's office, court or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty shall be entitled to free legal assistance.
Under the measure, the Chief of Staff of the AFP, the Chairperson of the National Police Commission or the Chief of the PNP shall authorize the legal office of their respective agencies, with the assistance of the Public Attorneys Office, to provide legal aid.
“Like any other sector of the society, our military and police, should not be denied access to legal assistance which they may need as a consequence of the faithful performance of their official duties,” he said.
Go, then, expressed hope that the new Marcos administration will continue the Duterte legacy of uplifting the lives of the country’s frontliners.
The lawmaker vowed he will remain focused on supporting the country’s uniformed personnel and other frontliners, stressing that their interests will always be part of his priorities.