Legal Assistance, Advice & Opinions

Article VIII, Sec. 1 of the Philippine Constitution limits the Supreme Court’s exercise of its judicial power to the settlement of actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and the determination of whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the Government. Thus, the Court is enjoined from dispensing legal advice, rendering any legal opinion, or taking action on matters which it may potentially be called upon to adjudicate at some future time. It is strongly suggested that parties consult a lawyer who can apprise them of all the legal remedies available to address their concerns.

Parties may inquire from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the official organization of all Philippine lawyers. They may contact the IBP through ibplegal@ibp.ph, or dial +63 2 8633-3081, +63 2 8633-3017, and +63 2 8633-3018.

Parties may also seek assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) which provides free legal advice. The PAO may be reached through: pao_execoffice@yahoo.com, or call +63 2 8929-4359, +63 2 8426-2075, +63 2 8426-2360, +63 2 8426-2450, +63 2 8426-2367, and +63 2 8426-2383.

You can also visit the link below for a list of participating schools of the Continuing Legal Aid Program: Practitioner Directory – CLEP (ibp.org.ph).