Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. ooze

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The members of our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police
(PNP), are seen as dispensers of justice who place their lives on the line on a daily basis so
that we may enjoy the peace and freedom envisioned under the Philippine Constitution.

However, often overseen how these people tasked to defend our safety, security, and
freedom, are also in need of defenders for the protection of their own rights. Thus, like any
other sector of the society, our military and police, should not be denied access to legal
assistance which they may need as a consequence of the faithful performance of their official
duties.

Where costs of litigation could, at times, prove to be too burdensome, for the meager
livelihood earned by our soldiers and police officers, the State must do its part to ensure that
those tasked with the duty to serve and protect, are adequately served and protected.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought.

RED Vs AS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

; 392
HOUSE BILL NO. __

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ANY OFFICERS OR
ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ON ANY CHARGE BEFORE
THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, COURT OR ANY COMPETENT BODY ARISING
FORM AN INCIDENT OR INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE PERFORMANCE
OF OFFICIAL DUTY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), who is facing before the prosecutor's office,
court, administrative or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident or
incidents related to the performance of official duty shall be entitled to free legal assistance.

Section 2. Within twenty four (24) hours from the official receipt of the information
that the officer or enlisted personnel is charged, the Chief of Staff of the AFP, the Chairperson
of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) or the Chief of the PNP shall authorize the
legal office of their respective agencies, with the assistance of the Public Attorneys Office
(PAO), to provide free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and the
PNP for the purpose of the immediately preceding section.

Sec. 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation of
this Act shall be sourced from the Legal Defense Fund funded through the General
Appropriations Act.



Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Public Attorney's office, in coordination with AFP, NAPOLCOM and
the PNP, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.

Sec. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,