MANILA — The Supreme Court has institutionalized a formal support system for public interest lawyers and organizations dedicated to assisting marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged communities.
The High Court approved the Rules on Institutionalizing Support for Development and Social Change (DSC) under Administrative. Matter No. 24-07-24-SC. This initiative stems from the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI), which aims to strengthen legal aid as a vital equalizing instrument in the justice system.
Designed to establish public interest lawyering as a recognized and sustainable career path, the newly approved rules seek to standardize assistance for full-time lawyers working at the grassroots level through non-governmental organizations.
Under the framework, qualified lawyers’ groups operating for at least five years can apply for a three-year provincial accreditation. An autonomous DSC Council attached to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-National Center for Legal Aid (IBP-NCLA) will evaluate these applications.
An Interim Council comprising representatives from the Alternative Law Groups (ALG), Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), a DSC organization, and the IBP-NCLA will draft the implementing manual. Once established, subsequent councils will feature seven members, including the IBP-NCLA director and six elected representatives from accredited organizations.
Accredited groups will enjoy multiple benefits, such as financial assistance, exemption from legal fees in litigated cases, simplified compliance under the United Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Rules, and protection against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).
Financial aid will be distributed via the DSC Fund, backed by national budget allocations and potential private donations or grants. Organizations seeking funding must submit detailed proposals outlining allowable expenses, timelines, and project objectives, subject to approval by the IBP Board of Governors and the SC En Banc.
At least 60 percent of these grants must be designated for personnel expenses like salaries and mandated benefits, while the remaining 40 percent covers project activities, logistics, and emergency security measures for personnel facing imminent threats.
To ensure accountability, accredited groups must submit regular accomplishment, liquidation, and financial reports. The Supreme Court retains visitorial powers to inspect records and premises, with non-compliance risking suspension or revocation of accreditation.
The Court emphasized that the DSC Rules complement—yet remain distinct from—the ULAS Rules issued in August 2024. While ULAS mandates individual lawyers to render 60 hours of pro bono litigation services over three years, DSC rules focus on supporting organizations engaged in full-time grassroots legal empowerment and systemic reform.
The new rules were formulated by a Technical Working Group under the Committee on Access to Justice/Underserved Areas, led by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., alongside legal experts and development partners.