Marcos signs law on free legal aid for uniformed personnel

Soldiers march in formation during a parade. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law mandating free legal assistance for military and other uniformed personnel. — File photo by Joan B. Bondoc

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12177, otherwise known as the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act.

It was signed on April 15 and was posted on the Official Gazette on Friday.

The law requires the government to provide free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings arising from service-related incidents.

The law particularly states that service-related cases it was referring to include civil, criminal, and administrative cases filed against military and uniformed personnel for incidents related to or in connection with the discharge of their official functions.

“The military and uniformed personnel facing any service-related case before a prosecutor’s office, court, quasi-judicial or administrative body, or any component body or tribunal shall be entitled to free legal assistance,” the law reads.

“Retired and honorably discharged and separated military and uniformed personnel shall be eligible for free legal assistance on service-related cases committed while still in active duty,” it adds.

READ: Senate OKs bill granting free legal assistance for MUP personnel

RA 12177 likewise noted that free legal assistance shall include the following:

Legal representation in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings as far as practicable

Legal advice or consultations

Preparation of pleadings, motions, memoranda, and all other legal forms and documents

Court fees and other related fees

Notarization of documents