Law on free legal aid for MUPs over 'service-related' cases signed

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has signed into law a proposed measure providing free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel facing any charge arising from incidents related to the performance of official duty.

Republic Act No.12177 shall be known as Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act. Under the law, the State shall provide free legal aid to military and uniformed personnel in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings arising from service-related incidents.

These service-related cases refer to civil, criminal, and administrative cases filed against the military and uniformed personnel for incidents related to or in connection with the discharge of their official functions or the performance of their duties.

The MUP facing any service-related case before a prosecutor's office, court, quasi-judicial or administrative body, or any competent body or tribunal shall be entitled to free legal aid.

Retired and honorably discharged and separated MUP shall be eligible for free legal assistance on service-related cases committed while still active on duty.

Free legal assistance shall be 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 fee and other related fees; and 
• Notarization of documents.

The said Act shall apply to all MUP who have pending service-related cases. —VAL, GMA Integrated News