The Supreme Court En Banc has approved the Rules on Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS Rules), which mandate that covered lawyers provide at least 60 hours of pro bono legal aid to indigent Filipinos.
Pro bono services may include court representation, legal counseling, document drafting, and participation in outreach programs.
Lawyers can opt to contribute financially to the ULAS Fund in lieu of performing the required hours, but financial contributions can only cover up to 50% of the 60-hour minimum, with rates set by the ULAS Board.
Law firms can aggregate their lawyers’ pro bono hours, but only 75% of each lawyer’s hours may be counted. The remaining 25%, or 15 hours, must be completed individually.
To incentive complaince, lawyers who meet the 60-hour requirement will earn 15 credit units toward Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and may be eligible for tax breaks and other benefits.
Penalties for failing to meet the required hours include fines and listing as delinquent by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Lawyers will have a 60-day grace period to comply or explain non-compliance before penalties are imposed.
Exemptions apply to certain lawyers, including judges, government prosecutors, PAO lawyers, those over 60 years old, or with 35+ years of practice, and lawyers with specific disabilities. Other government lawyers are covered unless their agency denies permission.IMT
