IP legal aid inked

LEGAL services for Indigenous Peoples has now been established.

The Integrated Bar of Philippines and the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (CBCP - ECIP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement Monday morning to ensure legal aid.

IBP president Ande Fajardo said feedback from chapters showed mounting concerns of IPs pushing the body to act on the issue paving the way for the partnership with the CBCPECIP.

“They can approach the IBP members or the church from now on for legal concerns," said Fajardo.

Farajdo said the project started in

Northern Luzon adding with the MOA, a committee will be formed composed of members who are familiar with legal hardships in IP communities to conduct information and dissemination campaign.

The IPB president said the move aims to bridge the gap between customary law and the judiciary to be able to give communities an option if and when they are confronted with problems needing legal aid.

IBP – Baguio chapter president Allan Mazo said in the IPRA law will be followed and respected as well as traditional and customary laws.

The MOA aims for the partners to craft and pursue a developmental legal aid module focusing on IP's.

The IBP now will extend free legal aid for IP's who are referred by the CBCP or by social action centers in different dioceses with both partners sharing data, facilities, equipment and manpower resources to have legal aid successfully rendered.