Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
 1st District, Sultan Kudarat 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session
House Bill No.11184 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, in Article XIV, Section 5 (5), recognizes the 
importance of teachers by mandating that “The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to 
education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents 
through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.” Public school 
teachers are indispensable in shaping the youth and providing quality education. However, non-teaching 
personnel are equally critical in maintaining the safe, organized, and effective functioning of schools. 
Both teachers and non-teaching personnel face potential legal challenges arising from the 
performance of their duties. Teachers may face cases of alleged child abuse, misconduct, or other 
administrative or criminal charges. Non-teaching personnel, who are in constant contact with students, 
may similarly face allegations in situations such as student injuries, school-related disputes, or incidents 
involving discipline or safety. These legal battles can be emotionally and financially burdensome for 
individuals who dedicate their lives to serving the education sector. 
This bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of free legal assistance to public school teachers 
and non-teaching personnel who face service-related legal cases. By designating the Public Attorney’s 
Office (PAO) as the primary agency responsible for delivering these services, the bill ensures 
comprehensive and timely legal support for affected personnel. 
By passing this measure, the government affirms its commitment to protecting all employees 
in the education sector and enabling them to focus on their roles without fear of undue litigation. 
December 9, 2024
5:17 pm


PROVIDING FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC SCHOOL 
TEACHERS AND NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL FACING CHARGES 
ARISING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL 
DUTIES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SEC. 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Free Legal Assistance for Public 
School Teachers Act and Non-Teaching Personnel Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the vital role of teachers and 
non-teaching personnel in shaping the minds of the youth and ensuring access to quality 
education for all. It is therefore the policy of the State to protect and promote the welfare of 
public school teachers and non-teaching personnel by providing them with adequate legal 
support when they face charges related to the performance of their official duties. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Public School Teachers – Refers to licensed educators employed in public elementary
and secondary schools under the Department of Education (DepEd).
(b) Non-Teaching Personnel – Refers to security guards, janitors, administrative clerks,
librarians, school nurses, and other personnel employed by public schools under DepEd
who perform functions that directly support the school’s operations and student welfare.
(c) Service-related Cases – Refers to civil, criminal, or administrative cases filed against
government health workers involving incidents directly arising from their official
functions.
(d) Service-related Incident – Refers to any act or omission by a government health worker
in good faith as a consequence of their official functions or duties.
SEC. 3. Free Legal Assistance. – All public school teachers and non-teaching 
personnel facing charges in connection with service-related incidents before any court, 
prosecutor’s office, or administrative body shall be entitled to free legal assistance under this 
Act. 
SEC. 4. Coverage of Legal Assistance. – Legal assistance provided under this Act 
shall include: 
(a) Representation in all stages of legal proceedings;
(b) Legal consultations and advice related to the case;
(c) Drafting and preparation of pleadings, motions, and other legal documents;
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session
House Bill No. 11184 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 


(d) Notarization of documents; and
(e) Other legal services as necessary.
SEC. 5.  Designation of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). – The Public
Attorney’s Office (PAO), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), shall be 
the primary agency responsible for providing legal assistance to public school teachers under 
this Act. The PAO shall prioritize cases involving service-related incidents of public school 
teachers and ensure timely and effective delivery of legal support. 
SEC. 6. Appropriations. – The amounts necessary for the effective implementation 
of this Act shall be included under the appropriations of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) 
under the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the PAO, in coordination with the DepEd and the Department of Justice 
(DOJ), shall issue the implementing rules and regulations for this Act.  
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. – Should any provision of this Act be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and 
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,