The Diocese of Kalookan has launched an initiative to provide legal aid to the poor, who, the diocese said, “face the greatest burden in the justice system.”
In a social media post, the Kalookan diocese said that many of the poor cannot afford bail, are unaware of their rights, and lack immediate access to legal assistance.
“The Access to Justice Ministry of the Diocese of Kalookan seeks to change this reality by providing timely and compassionate legal aid for the poor,” the diocese said.
It is looking for volunteer lawyers and paralegals to join the ministry.
The initiative was launched after the father of an altar server filed an administrative complaint against police officers who allegedly engaged in “pangsakto,” or wanton arrests, to meet their quota by arresting him.
Jayson Dela Rosa’s son, Dion, died from leptospirosis after wading through flooded waters searching for him.
Dela Rosa was accompanied by Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, who earlier decried the death of the 20-year-old altar server, in filing the complaint before the National Police Commission.
The Caloocan police denied the “pangsakto” allegations, adding that they immediately informed other stations when Jennelyn, Dion’s mother, sought help. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News
