CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo David is calling on all lawyers to consider providing free legal assistance to the poor and indigent families in need.
In a video statement, David said: “We put up an Access to Justice Ministry. This is an initiative of the Church to mobilize the lawyers, and have them volunteer their legal services for several hours for free.”
“The Church is hoping to mobilize them so that the poor can have access to justice and battle abusive forces,” he also said.
The Kalookan prelate issued the appeal in the wake of the filing of charges against three policemen by Jayson dela Rosa, who was arrested for theft but was instead charged with illegal gambling three days after he was apprehended.
The Diocese of Kalookan also issued a similar appeal through its Access to Justice Ministry. “The poor often face the greatest burdens in the justice system. Many cannot afford bail, are unaware of their rights, and lack immediate access to legal assistance,” it said in a social media post.
“The Access to Justice Ministry of the Diocese of Kalookan seeks to change this reality by providing timely and compassionate legal aid for the poor,” it also said.
