With 21 affirmative votes, the Senate approved the bill seeking to provide free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel (MUP) facing charges arising from incidents related to the performance of their duty.
Senate Bill No. 2814 or the proposed Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, was approved on third and final reading on Monday, January 27.
“We recognize the unique position of our men and women in uniform who swore to protect national security and public order, run after criminals and apprehend lawless elements; unfortunately, the nature of their work exposed them to harassment suits and counter charges – causing them financial stress, anxiety, and demoralization,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, sponsor of the measure.
According to Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, said the bill will also include retired and honorably discharged and separated MUPs.
Under the bill, those covered by the free legal assistance for MUP include officers and enlisted uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Hydrography Branch of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
The free legal assistance would include legal representation in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings, legal advice or consultations, preparation of pleadings, motions, memoranda, and all other legal forms and documents, court fees and other related fees, and notarization of documents.
Under the bill, the head of the MUP agencies, through the head of the legal office, shall direct their respective legal officers to provide free legal assistance to qualified MUP within 24 hours from the official receipt of the charge against the MUP,
Also under the measure, service-related cases shall be determined by the respective legal offices of the AFP, BFP, BJMP, PCG, BuCor, PNP, and NAMRIA.
With the approval of the bill, Estrada said the Senate reaffirmed its full support for their faithful fulfillment of their sworn duties, and will stand by them in every mission and operation.
“With this, we expect them to be even more relentless in arresting criminals and dismantling syndicates, and demonstrate an even higher level of dedication and commitment to duty without being fearful or intimidated with possible charges that might come their way,” the lawmaker stressed.