Strengthening Legal Aid and Public Service: PDEA and Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Quezon City Chapter Seal Memorandum of Agreement for Expanded Legal Collaboration
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Quezon City Chapter formally sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during a ceremonial signing held at the PDEA Main Conference Room, Quezon City on June 1, 2026, to further strengthen cooperation and commitment to public service.
The event was graced by PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez; Attorney Rowell D. Ilagan, President of the IBP Quezon City Chapter; Attorney Jeffrey B. Constantino, Vice President of the IBP Quezon City Chapter; Police Brigadier General Rolando F. Miranda (Ret.), Head Executive Assistant; Attorney Francis S. Del Valle, Director of the Legal and Prosecution Service; PDEA Service Directors; and other distinguished officers and personnel from both institutions.
The MOA underscores a shared commitment to strengthen access to justice through the Supreme Court’s Administrative Matter No. 22-11-01-SC, also known as the Rules on Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS), which mandates lawyers to render pro bono legal services for the marginalized sector.
Through this partnership, PDEA lawyers, in coordination with the IBP Quezon City Chapter, will extend pro bono legal assistance, consultation, and representation to individuals in need of legal guidance, including those who voluntarily seek drug rehabilitation. The collaboration also includes participation in legal aid missions, rehabilitation center visits, barangay caravans, and information drives on the dangers of illegal drugs and the provisions of Republic Act No. 9165.
This initiative reinforces PDEA’s commitment to a rights-based, humane, and people-centered approach in its anti-illegal drug campaign. It also strengthens the Agency’s demand reduction efforts by enhancing community relations programs, that would improve public trust, and promote greater collaboration with the legal sector in advancing preventive education and rehabilitation efforts.
PDEA expressed its sincere appreciation to the IBP Quezon City Chapter for its invaluable support and partnership in this noble endeavor.
Together, PDEA and IBP Quezon City Chapter reaffirm their shared mission to serve the Filipino people with vigilance, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to justice and public welfare towards a Bagong Pilipinas. Photo: Luis R Villacarlos
