A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was forged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) on Thursday, May 5.

The MOA seeks to educate the public about the common election offenses and monitor the general conduct of the elections.
As such, Comelec, IBP, and LENTE will provide legal assistance to the public and the electoral board members who encounter problems or irregularities during and after election day.
The IBP, under the MOA, has agreed to set up one election desk in all its chapters, which shall be manned by at least one lawyer. The lawyers shall provide free legal assistance to teachers, voters, and citizens before, during, and after election day.
Moreover, they can answer legal queries and give informed legal opinions regarding voters’ rights and remedies. The lawyers can also assist in drafting and notarization complaints, affidavits, and other election-related legal documents.
Meanwhile, LENTE committed to working closely with the IBP and the COMELEC by deploying volunteers to the IBP election desks.
The volunteer students shall be trained by LENTE and will monitor the conduct of the May 9 elections under the supervision of the IBP lawyers. It will also hold a nationwide campaign for voters’ education in coordination and cooperation with the COMELEC and the IBP.
Key personalities present during the signing were Comelec Chairperson Saidamen B. Pangarungan, IBP National President Atty. Burt M. Estrada, and LENTE Executive Director Rona Ann V. Caritos.