IBP ready to give free legal aid to teachers doing poll duties

LUCENA CITY — The 85 chapter offices of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) nationwide will remain open until midnight Monday to give free legal assistance to teacher-election inspectors who may be harassed or sued by losing candidates.

Lawyer Vicente Joyas, acting IBP national president, said they have a ready team of members in all their chapters including the national office in Manila which all poll officials in trouble can run to.

“We will be open until midnight,” Joyas, who is from this city, told the Inquirer in an interview.

He said the Department of Education (DepEd) also has a list of contact numbers of IBP local officials in different provinces in case of emergency.

“Our battery of lawyers will be at the beck and call of all precinct poll officials in legal distress,” Joyas said.

The IBP entered into an agreement with the DepEd to provide free legal assistance to teachers in their poll duties.

Every election, about 100 teachers find themselves charged before the Commission on Election by losing candidates accusing the teachers of having
violated election rules.