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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brian Poe wants additional funding for this effective DOJ program

Brian Poe wants additional funding for this effective DOJ program

Published Sep 17, 2025 02:26 pm

At A Glance

  • FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Brian Poe has called for additional funding for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) "Katarungan Caravan" program, which he has lauded for its effectiveness.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Brian Poe (Rep. Poe's office)
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Brian Poe (Rep. Poe's office)


FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Brian Poe has called for additional funding for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) "Katarungan Caravan" program, which he has lauded for its effectiveness.
Officially known as the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) initiative, Poe said the program brings government services closer to the people.
“Year on year, the DOJAC in 2023 helped 10,928 people, in 2024 they helped 14,155 people, and as of April 2025, they already helped 13,056 people. And this is all through their Katarungan Caravan, which will be the lasting legacy of our Honorable Secretary,” Poe said during the DOJ budget briefing with the Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Despite a modest ₱11-million funding, Poe noted that the DOJ was able to deliver legal aid and assistance to thousands of Filipinos nationwide.
“They were able to help 13,000 people as of April. I believe that the number may even reach double of last year by the end of this year. I think this is one of the programs that should be supported… Kaya para sa akin, kailangan natin dagdagan ang pondo para sa Katarungan Caravan,” underscored the Pangasinan-based legislator.
(That’s why for me, we need to augment the funding of the Katarungan Caravan.)
Responding to Poe’s queries, DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez explained that the Katarungan Caravan thrives through collaboration and volunteerism across the justice sector.
“For the katarungan caravan alone, we don’t spend so much for that because we have attached agencies helping us. We only spend for the travels, for food, small logistics expenses, but a lot of the expenses were also placed with the LGUs who are helping us,” Gutierrez said.
She added that support comes largely from prosecutors, PAO lawyers, and other DOJ-attached agencies.
Poe urged Congress to augment DOJ’s funding to sustain and expand the program, as he noted its high impact and the bayanihan spirit behind it.
“This is proof of bayanihan, interagency coordination without asking for additional funding. In fact, many of them are volunteering their services for free, and this is something that we should continue to promote,” stressed the appropriations committee vice chairman.
“This shows that the DOJ stands as an example, isang magandang ehemplo para sa mga public servants natin," he further said.
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