NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 896
of ihf
72 JUL26 P6 38
Rl-CEIVLD BY:__
Introduced by SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO OFFICERS AND ENLISTED 
PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 11, Article III of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "Free access to 
the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be 
denied to any person by reason of poverty."
As instruments of law enforcement, the officers and enlisted personnel of 
both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police 
(PNP) are constantly exposed to cases filed against them in relation to the 
performance of their duties. Some in fact, are mere unwarranted cases which are 
filed to harass and prevent them from strictly Implementing the law.
This bill will serve as a means for officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP 
and PNP to defend themselves before the courts or quasi-judicial bodies by providing 
them free legal assistance which will help especially those who cannot afford to pay 
for their own lawyers, for acts done in the performance of their official duties of 
preserving the peace and order of the country.


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
RONALDROSA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 896
ifl Senate
cl till' e>v(>\'Utvy
72 JUL26 P6 38
mXElVfiOBY:
Introduced by SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO OFFICERS AND ENLISTED 
PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the
2 
Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), who Is facing before the
3 
prosecutor's office, court, administrative or any competent body, any charge arising
4 
from an Incident or incidents related to the performance of official duty shall be
5 
entitled to free legal assistance.
6 
Sec. 2. Within twenty-four (24) hours from the official receipt of the
7 
information that an officer or enlisted personnel is charged, the Chief of Staff of the
8 
AFP, the Chairperson of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) or the Chief of
9 
the PNP shall authorize any lawyer or lawyers of their respective agencies, with the
10 
assistance of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO), to provide free legal assistance to
11 
any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and PNP.
12 
Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
13 
effect!vity of this Act, the PAO, in coordination with the AFP, NAPOLCOM and the


1 
PNP, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the for the effective
2 
implementation of this Act.
3 
Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
4 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby
5 
shall remain in force and effect.
6 
Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, regulations and policies
7 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed and/or amended
8 
accordingly.
9 
Sec. 6. Eifectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
10 complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,