DOJ, law schools sign MOA for better access to legal services

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that seeks to boost the country’s access to legal services.

Under the MOA, the department said the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) will endorse clients who fail to be considered as indigents or those who are disqualified from the services of the DOJAC or the Public Attorney’s Office to law schools with legal aid clinics, subject to validation by the school concerned.

The DOJAC will also boost its internship/externship programs and conduct capacity building training for law students assigned to the DOJ.

Meanwhile, PALS would accept endorsements from DOJAC.

If unable to accommodate law students, PALS shall endorse them to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines or lawyers providing the needed legal service.

The DOJ said both parties will also advocate for jail decongestion activities centered on giving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) better access to legal services.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla represented the DOJ while San Sebastian College of Law President Teodoro Pastrana represented PALS as its president.

"This momentous occasion is testament to the unwavering efforts of PBBM's Bagong Pilipinas political slogan that no Filipino shall be left behind as the country moves forward to progress,” Remulla said in a statement.

“With this initiative, we unconditionally open the doors of justice for the welfare of more Filipinos, regardless of their social status," he added.

The DOJ said the MOA will be in effect upon its signing and shall be subject to review six months from its date of execution.—RF, GMA Integrated News