The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) ng Bataan presided by Vice Gov. Cris Garcia unanimously approved last Monday, on third and final reading of the ordinance establishing the Provincial Legal Awareness Group (PLAG).
Said group will provide free legal instruction on the Constitution and raise awareness regarding key national and local legislative measures and executive orders. Seminars and forums will be staged to address common legal problems. It will explore collaboration and partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, other lawyer groups, and institutions in discharging its duties. PLAG will also go online.
It is noted that some Bataeños are not qualified to avail any of the services offered by PAO due to the indigency test implemented by the agency and that pro bono service by lawyers is merely encouraged and not required by the Supreme Court. PLAG will operate under the Office of the Governor and will be headed by the Provincial Legal Office. Board Member Tony Boy Roman, chairman of the Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Matters authored and sponsored the ordinance.
