The legal aid activity forms part of DOJAC’s continuing efforts to address jail congestion and promote access to justice for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Through this initiative, volunteer lawyers and law students from various institutions, including ACCRALAW, were mobilized to provide legal assistance to PDLs, particularly those who are elderly, ill, or have been incarcerated for prolonged periods.
During the activity, volunteer teams rendered legal assistance to more than 300 PDLs. The volunteers conducted reviews of individual prison records and assessed each PDL’s eligibility for available legal remedies and reliefs under existing laws, rules, and regulations. These included executive clemency, pardon, parole, good conduct time allowance, and remedies available under the appeals process.
The activity also provided an opportunity for PDLs to consult directly with legal practitioners regarding their cases. ACCRA lawyers who participated in the legal aid activity offered guidance to PDLs on procedural requirements, clarified legal options, and identified appropriate next steps for their release.
ACCRALAW’s participation in DOJAC’s Katarungan Caravan contributes to broader efforts to uphold the rule of law while addressing systemic challenges in the correctional system. Through its ALPAS program, the Firm remains steadfast in its commitment to public service and the promotion of access to justice.