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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT, IBP launch free legal aid for tourism enterprises, privilege card for lawyers

DOT, IBP launch free legal aid for tourism enterprises, privilege card for lawyers

Published Oct 22, 2025 10:02 am

At A Glance

  • DOT and IBP launch programs supporting tourism enterprises and lawyers nationwide.
  • Legal aid program provides consultations, training, and representation for tourism businesses and workers.
  • Privilege card gives over 40,000 lawyers discounts and special rates at DOT-accredited establishments.
  • Programs aim to protect livelihoods, support tourism stakeholders, and promote domestic travel.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (center) leads participants at the DOT Central Office in Makati City during the launch of the free legal aid program for tourism enterprises and the DOT-IBP Privilege Card for lawyers on Oct. 21, highlighting efforts to support tourism stakeholders and boost domestic travel. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (center) leads participants at the DOT Central Office in Makati City during the launch of the free legal aid program for tourism enterprises and the DOT-IBP Privilege Card for lawyers on Oct. 21, highlighting efforts to support tourism stakeholders and boost domestic travel. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have launched programs providing free legal aid to tourism enterprises and a privilege card granting lawyers exclusive perks at DOT-accredited establishments.
Unveiled on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, the legal aid program offers consultations, training, and representation to qualified tourism businesses and workers, helping protect them during disputes and crises.
The DOT-IBP Privilege Card gives over 40,000 IBP members nationwide access to discounts and special rates at hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, and other leisure and wellness establishments, promoting domestic travel and tourism spending.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, a lawyer and former three-term mayor of Liloan, Cebu, said the programs safeguard tourism frontliners and stakeholders whose work supports millions of Filipino jobs.
For DOT-accredited enterprises, participation enhances market visibility and provides access to legal consultations and IBP Free Legal Aid Program sessions.
The partnership was first announced at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers, attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., emphasizing a whole-of-nation approach to tourism development.
“The success of the tourism industry is by no means solely a Department of Tourism effort; it requires everyone’s support, and we deeply appreciate IBP’s collaboration and partnership, which we are confident will be positively received by our stakeholders nationwide,” Frasco said.
The initiative complements DOT’s ongoing programs, including its partnership with the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution under the Department of Justice, which sets up mediation centers to promptly address tourist concerns.
Through the joint efforts of DOT and IBP, the programs aim to strengthen tourism, protect workers’ rights, safeguard livelihoods, and encourage responsible domestic travel across the country.

Related Tags

DOT IBP tourism enterprises lawyer privilege card legal aid domestic travel
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