MANILA, Philippines- Karapat-dapat lahat ng mga Filipino partikular ang ‘marginalized, disadvantaged, at vulnerable’ sa equal access sa legal assistance.
Ito ang binigyang-diin ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) kasabay ng pagsuporta nito sa pagpapasa ng Senate Bill (SB) No. 2955, o mas kilala bilang “Hustisya Para sa Lahat Act (Justice For All Act).”
Si Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada ang may akda ng SB 2955, naglalayong tiyakin ang equal access sa hustisya para sa lahat ng mga Filipino.
Sa ilalim ng panukalang batas, ang ‘marginalized, disadvantaged, at vulnerable sectors’ ay alinsunod sa legal aid sa pamamagitan ng pagre-refine sa statutory definition ng indigent sa ilalim ng Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
Sa isang kalatas, sinabi ng CHR na dapat palakasin ng estado ang mekanismo nito upang sa gayon ay makapagbigay ng patas na legal representation at proteksyon para sa lahat ng constituents nito, at tinitiyak iyon ng panukalang batas.
“Expanding legal assistance not only promotes fairness and inclusivity but also enhances public trust in the Philippine justice system — reinforcing the rule of law and the fundamental principles of democracy,” ang sinabi ng CHR.
Habang ang bansa ay nakiisa sa paggunita ng World Day of Social Justice, ipinaalala naman ng CHR sa bawat Filipino ang ‘shared responsibility’ na pangalagaan ang isang inclusive community.
“Through the said bill, the Filipinos from every socio-economic status or financial capacity would be accorded legal assistance, thus ensuring that financial constraints will not be an impediment to justice and that the fundamental right of every Filipino would be upheld,” ayon sa Komisyon.
Tinuran pa ng CHR na: “After all, the foundation of justice is rooted in how we recognize and uphold the rights and dignity of all. Akin to the saying, ‘those who have less in life should have more in law,’ we take this opportunity to emphasize the need for Senate Bill No. 2955 to receive the attention it rightfully deserves.”
Giit nito: “access to justice and equal representation are essential pillars of democracy, and this bill represents a significant advancement in making these guarantees a reality for more individuals in need.” Kris Jose
