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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BuCor taps IBP for free legal assistance to PDLs

BuCor taps IBP for free legal assistance to PDLs

Published Feb 15, 2026 12:54 pm
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has tapped the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to provide free legal assistance to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. on Sunday, Feb. 15, said the bureau will soon sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with IBP to be a direct recipient of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS).
Under ULAS, the Supreme Court (SC) has directed all lawyers in the country to render at least 60 hours of free legal service every three years to qualified indigent persons.
Catapang said that ULAS “will ensure equal access to justice for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) particularly to expedite their release.”
In a statement, the BuCor said there has been preliminary talks between Catapang and IBP President Allan Panolong who was at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City last Friday, Feb. 13, and graced a culminating activity for freed PDLs.
During the event Panolong said: “Ang IBP ay may konkretong paninindigan na ang batas ay dapat naaabot ng lahat lalo na ang mga walang kakayahang kumuha ng pribadong abogado (The IBP firmly believes that the law reaches to everyone, especially those who can’t get a private lawyer).”
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