CHR partners with SC to expand free legal aid

The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR) has formalized a partnership with the Supreme Court of the Philippines in the implementation of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS), a landmark initiative designed to ensure that indigent, disadvantaged, and vulnerable Filipinos receive adequate and timely legal assistance.

The collaboration was formalized during the Supreme Court’s launch of Phase 1 of the ULAS Portal on March 3, 2026, which also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the CHR, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

ULAS serves as a centralized digital platform enabling covered lawyers to comply with mandatory pro bono legal aid obligations while expanding nationwide access to free legal services.

CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc emphasized the importance of the partnership, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors: “Access to justice is a cornerstone of human dignity, and institutions must work together to dismantle barriers that prevent individuals from asserting their rights. May our shared work continue to bring the promise of justice closer to every Filipino.”

Grounded in its constitutional mandate to provide legal aid and preventive measures to individuals whose rights have been violated or require protection, the CHR recognizes ULAS as a vital mechanism that strengthens collective efforts to guarantee access to justice. Across its central and regional offices, the Commission stands ready to support the Supreme Court in reaching rights-holders who cannot afford legal services.

Under its Protection mandate, the CHR provides free and accessible legal aid through its Legal Clinic Caravan; walk-in, phone-in, and e-lawyering services; the Management Information System Monitoring Outlet or the CHR MISMO online complaints platform; Free Legal Assistance Access Channels; Strategic Litigation Program; and Quick Response Operations.

Under its Promotion mandate, the Commission advances legal literacy through Human Rights Education and Training Programs, public information campaigns, and related awareness initiatives.

Through its Prevention mandate, the CHR implements proactive measures such as the Jail Visitation Program and Project Puting Papel to help safeguard the rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty.

The Policy mandate reinforces these efforts by recommending human rights–aligned legislation, monitoring government compliance with international human rights obligations, and conducting community-based dialogues alongside related policy-oriented programs.

Together, these services under the CHR’s main mandates ensure that qualified beneficiaries, especially those most in need, receive essential legal assistance while also providing avenues where lawyers can meaningfully volunteer and contribute. These free and accessible services benefit tens of thousands of Filipinos annually, particularly those in geographically isolated, conflict-affected, and detention settings.

As the ULAS Portal expands its features and reach, the Commission said it is ready to coordinate with partner agencies, assist in the referral of qualified beneficiaries, and integrate its community-based human rights programs into the ULAS system.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, under Article XIII, Section 17, established the CHR as an independent office tasked with investigating all forms of human rights violations, providing legal measures for the protection of human rights, and exercising visitorial powers over jails, prisons, and detention facilities. The ULAS initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s mandate under the Constitution to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights and legal assistance to the underprivileged.