Lawyers’ groups set up legal aid hotline

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer and paralegal groups has set up a quick response hotline to provide legal advice, consultation and information aid to the public.

The Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (Ideals) said it had already catered to over 200 clients, mostly employees affected by illegal dismissal or suspension of employees, salary and hazard pay issues, closure of the employer’s business and slow or lack support from local government units.

“Without work and pay … they must rely on government dole-outs that may or may not be given to them. This proves that the right to quality life is greatly compromised,” said lawyer Ansheline Bacudio, Ideals’ legal coordinator.

—MARIEJO S. RAMOS