Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 12177, or the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act, describing the new law as “proof that the Marcos administration does not leave its defenders behind.”
“To the soldiers, police, firefighters, jail officers, Coast Guard, and others who wear uniform to protect the country, this law is for you. When you risk your lives to keep our communities safe, the least we can do is make sure you don’t carry the burden alone when legal challenges arise,” Romualdez said.
RA 12177 mandates the government to shoulder legal fees and provide comprehensive free legal services to military and uniformed personnel (MUPs) who face civil, criminal or administrative charges arising from the lawful performance of their official duties. The measure was approved by the House as House Bill 6509 on Dec. 12, 2022 and was part of the Common Legislative Agenda.
“This isn’t just about legal defense. It’s about giving peace of mind to ordinary soldiers and cops on the ground. It tells them: ‘Just do your job, serve with honor, and we will stand with you all the way,’” Romualdez emphasized.
Salient provisions of RA 12177 included eligibility which covers all active, retired, honorably separated or discharged personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Corrections. and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority Hydrography Branch.
The new law also provides free legal representation, legal advice, and the preparation of documents such as pleadings, motions, memoranda, and notarized documents, as well as the coverage of court filing fees and related legal expenses.
However, legal assistance is extended only if the charges are related to the lawful discharge of duties. Each agency’s legal office shall determine whether a case qualifies for this support.
Upon notification of the charges, the head of the concerned agency must act within 24 hours to assign legal officers to provide the necessary assistance to the respondent.
RA 12177 also ensures government budget allocation for the implementation of this law, removing financial obstacles that may prevent the MUPs from accessing legal support.
The Speaker said this is only one of the many laws and programs championed by the House of Representatives to uplift the lives of those in the uniformed services and their families.
Among these initiatives is the increased pension and retirement benefits through targeted budget
measures and legislation, and strong support for the AFP and the PNP housing projects in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, ensuring decent homes for military families;
The House also allocated budgets for the continued modernization of the AFP and police force, covering equipment upgrades and advanced training, educational aid and scholarships for dependents of MUPs who are killed or permanently injured in action, and appropriations for hazard pay, combat duty allowances and other financial incentives that reflect the daily dangers faced by uniformed personnel.
The Speaker thanked President Marcos for prioritizing the measure, saying its passage reflects the solid and active partnership between Malacañang and Congress.
“This is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas—by strengthening those who serve and making sure government is not just present in ceremonies, but present in their everyday struggles,” Romualdez said.
