DSWD, IBP to help abused women

MANILA, Philippines - The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has started giving free legal aid to abused women, children in conflict with the law and those applying to be adoptive parents endorsed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and IBP president Vicente Joyas signed a memorandum of agreement last December for the partnership of the two agencies.

The DSWD evaluates cases of women and children who are qualified to avail of free legal aid and then endorses them to the IBP.

For its part, the IBP through the National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA) provides free legal counseling and advice to the victims, gathers facts and evidence, and prepares and files pleadings and other documents required by the courts.