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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Free legal assistance to military proof that Marcos admin 'doesn't leave defenders behind'—Romualdez

Free legal assistance to military proof that Marcos admin 'doesn't leave defenders behind'—Romualdez

Published Apr 24, 2025 05:40 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has described President Marcos' signing of a law that gives free legal assistance to military personnel as proof that the current administration "does not leave its defenders behind".

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has described President Marcos' signing of a law that gives free legal assistance to military personnel as proof that the current administration "does not leave its defenders behind".

Romualdez on Thusday, April 24, hailed the President's signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12177 or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, which mandated government to shoulder legal fees and provide comprehensive free legal services to military and uniformed personnel (MUPs) who face civil, criminal or administrative charges concerning the lawful performance of their official duties.

Key provisions of the new law include covering all active, retired, honorably separated or discharged personnel, providing them with free legal representation, legal advice, and the preparation of documents such as pleadings, motions, memoranda, and notarized documents, mandating the head of their agency to act within 24 hours to assign legal officers to provide the necessary assistance, and ensuring that the government has budget allocation for the implementation of this law.

According to Romualdez, it is not just about legal defense.

"It’s about giving peace of mind to ordinary soldiers and cops on the ground. It tells them: 'Just do your job, serve with honor, and we will stand with you all the way,'" he added.

Romualdez made a commitment that the measure would only one of the many laws and programs championed by the House of Rbeepresentatives to uplift the lives of those in the uniformed services and their families.

“Napakarami na pong ginawa ng Kongreso para sa ating mga sundalo at unipormadong hanay (Congress has done a lot for our military and service personnel),” he added.

“This is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas—by strengthening those who serve and making sure government is not just present in ceremonies, but present in their everyday struggles,” he said.

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Martin Romualdez President Marcos
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