PHILSTAR FILE PHOTOTHE Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to provide legal and financial assistance to crime victims and those in need of legal aid.
Under the agreement, individuals seeking legal support can visit the DoJ Action Center (DoJAC) for free legal advice.
Those requiring further assistance, including financial aid for legal proceedings, medical support, and therapy, will be referred to DSWD, Assistant State Prosecutor Joan Carla V. Guevarra, DoJAC program director, told reporters during the signing of the MoU.
Ms. Guevarra said the program allows eligible individuals to receive P10,000 every three months, subject to social worker assessment and approval.
The assistance covers transportation for court appearances, medical and psychological support, and funeral expenses for victims of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
The initiative primarily targets indigents, but non-indigent individuals facing financial hardship may also qualify.
“For example, a driver involved in a reckless imprudence case may not be indigent but could still be referred for support,” Ms. Guevarra said in Filipino.
The program aims to address financial barriers that often lead to legal cases being abandoned, Ms. Guevarra said.
“Even transportation costs to attend court hearings can be a burden,” she added, noting that some public attorneys and prosecutors personally assist victims.
The DoJAC offices, including those in regions 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 11, are open for referrals under the program. Region 12 is set to launch in March, she said.
She said the initiative will be implemented within existing DSWD programs to ensure sustainability.
Victims of crimes, including rape and illegal recruitment, are encouraged to seek assistance at DoJAC offices nationwide. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
