President Marcos signs law for free legal aid for military personnel

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12177, or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, providing free legal aid to military personnel.

The law mandates the government to cover legal fees and provide comprehensive services including representation in proceedings, consultations, document preparation, court fees, and notarization for active, retired, or honorably separated uniformed personnel facing civil, criminal, or administrative charges related to their duties.

Tingog Party-list representatives Jude Acidre and Yedda Romualdez commended the president for signing the act, emphasizing its importance in ensuring support for service members throughout their careers.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomed the law's enactment on Saturday, April 26, highlighting that it will enhance focus and confidence among police, fire, and jail personnel performing official duties without fear of harassment through baseless or unwarranted cases.

Government agencies involved are required to revise their organizational structures within 90 days to ensure adequate legal assistance, with payment of actual travel expenses and special counsel allowances for government lawyers providing aid.