448 embattled cops get free legal assistance from PNP

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 448 police personnel in job-related legal troubles are benefiting from the free legal assistance being given by the Philippine National Police (PNP) under its “Project Legis.” PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said 78 of these policemen are facing criminal cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman while the 370 others are facing various administrative cases before the different PNP disciplinary authorities. "’Project Legis’ is a sustainable process of providing free legal assistance to PNP units and personnel in the form of legal education and training, direct legal assistance, and court representation,” Bartolome said in a statement. For his part, PNP chief, Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr, said the project aims to “enhance the legal working knowledge of every PNP member in the performance of their official functions, in order for them to avoid criminal, civil or administrative liabilities that may arise in their performance of duty.” "Based on our experience, some criminal syndicates and suspects have actually misused the legal system to get back at their arresting officers or to gain leverage in criminal cases that are filed against them by harassing the very same police officers who will testify against them in court," Razon said. According to Deputy Director General Jesus A Verzosa, deputy chief for administration and concurrent executive director of the PNP program management office, the PNP has 102 legal officers presently detailed with the different police regional and provincial offices, and national support units. "While we condemn and punish undesirable members of the force, we too, vow to rush to the aid of honest police officers who are burdened by cases arising from their lawful performance of duty," Verzosa said. - GMANews.TV