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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR lauds DOJ's Katarungan Caravan for PDLs

CHR lauds DOJ's Katarungan Caravan for PDLs

Published May 7, 2025 01:28 pm
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) for making justice "accessible" through its Katarungan Caravan that provides free legal services to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), including the elderly and terminally ill.
The caravan is mobilized by a group of legal professional volunteers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and law students from various academic institutions.
The program widened its reach in 2024 by serving the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City and underserved communities in Marawi, Davao del Norte, and Camiguin. A total of 270 PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) also got legal assistance last April 11.
The caravan has already assisted 12,879 PDLs this year, which is a 500 percent or fivefold increase from the 2,815 beneficiaries recorded in 2023.
"These efforts reflect the value of free legal assistance in ensuring that justice remains accessible to all, including PDLs," the CHR said.
The CHR cited DOJAC's initiative for operationalizing the Principle 3 of the United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems which states that every human being deserves equal access to legal remedies and protections.
Article III, Section 12 (1) and (2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees that those who cannot afford legal counsel shall be provided with one by the State, it said.
Also, it cited that Rule 61 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) upholds that all prisoners, including those awaiting trial, must be granted immediate and unimpeded access to legal counsel as part of their fundamental rights.
"The Commission believes that initiatives such as the Katarungan Caravan affirm the State’s duty to uphold the dignity and legal rights of all persons-- even those behind bars," the CHR pointed out. 
"CHR extends its appreciation to the tireless volunteers, legal professionals, academic institutions, and partners who bring this initiative to life, upholding the right to legal assistance, particularly for the marginalized," it also said.
The CHR expressed hopes that other legal institutions and government agencies will take a cue from this initiative and lend their support to the expanding reach of the Katarungan Caravan.
"Let this effort serve as a spark for building a justice system where legal aid is not a privilege for the few, but a guaranteed right for all," it stressed.

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Commission on Human Rights Human Rights DOJ
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