IBP vows continued support for lawyers who wish to help poor litigants

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the suspension of the rule requiring new lawyers to render free legal services to poor litigants, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday assured continuous help for lawyers who wish to help “less fortunate countrymen.”

“With the recent suspension of CLAS (Community Legal Aid Service) by the Supreme Court, your IBP will continue supporting and guiding lawyers who may wish to help our less fortunate countrymen,” IBP National President Domingo Egon Cayosa said in a statement.

The Supreme Court earlier suspended the implementation of CLAS which requires incoming lawyers to provide 120 hours of pro bono legal work for poor litigants.

READ: SC suspends rule requiring new lawyers to provide free legal service

In a resolution dated September 3, the SC suspended the implementation of the CLAS Rule due to the implementation of the Revised Student Practice Rule, among other reasons.

The Court En Banc also ordered the IBP to “refer back the cases currently assigned to CLAS-covered lawyers to the supervising IBP lawyers.”

Cayosa thanked lawyers who provided service under the rule for their “selfless and invaluable services to the poor and the marginalised and the big boost that you have given the IBP free legal aid program.”

“As we understand the limitations and situation of newly admitted lawyers, we look forward to your continuing participation in the pro bono programs and activities of IBP,” he added.

“Let us be proud of and carry on our valued tradition of free legal aid. Let us help build a nation at peace through justice for all,” he added.