DOJ provides legal aid to 11,833 persons in 2017

Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said the DOJAC has served a total of 11,883 clients last year. (PNA photo)

MANILA— Close to 12, 000 people were given legal assistance through the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) in 2017.

Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said the DOJAC has served a total of 11,883 clients last year.

Out of the number, 5,147 walk-in clients were accommodated, 771 requests through phone-calls were acted upon, 1,312 requests were referred to other offices and agencies for appropriate action, 758 legal documents were prepared while, 1,912 regular mails and 1,983 electronic mails were replied to.

Apart from this, the DOJAC also extended assistance to 956 senior citizens, 207 clients with gender-sensitivity issues and 66 persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Balmes explained the DOJAC was created to extend various legal assistance to the people, especially those belonging to the marginalized sector, who send their requests or complaints personally or through phone-calls, letters or e-mails.

“The DOJ remains committed to bring the Department closer to the people, as it continues to provide legal assistance to the public through the DOJ Action Center,” Balmes said in a statement.

It was earlier established on February 28, 1985 as a Public Assistance Center.

Then, it was renamed the Public Assistance and Complaints Unit on May 3, 1989.

It became DOJAC pursuant to Department Order No. 204 issued on June, 22 1995.