The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday expressed confidence that the newly signed Republic Act 12177, which grants free legal assistance to military and uniformed personnel, will significantly boost the morale of frontline forces by shielding them from harassment through baseless or unwarranted lawsuits.

In a statement, the DILG said the enactment of the "Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act" will allow police officers, firefighters, and jail officers to perform their duties "with greater focus, security, and confidence," free from the constant fear of being tied up in expensive and time-consuming legal battles arising from the lawful performance of their work.

"With the passage of RA 12177, we are ensuring that those who put their lives on the line every day for peace and security are not left defenseless in the legal arena," said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. "This is a crucial support mechanism so they can concentrate on their sworn duties without being burdened by the threat of harassment cases."

The law covers members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and other uniformed services under the DILG's supervision. Under RA 12177, these personnel will be entitled to free legal representation and assistance in civil, criminal, and administrative cases related to their official functions.

The DILG explained that many uniformed personnel had previously faced frivolous lawsuits filed by individuals or groups seeking to harass or intimidate them. Often, the financial burden of defending themselves fell squarely on the shoulders of these public servants, many of whom had limited resources.

"This law not only protects our personnel, it also upholds the integrity of our institutions by ensuring that officers are not deterred from performing their duties out of fear of personal legal repercussions," said Remulla.

He added that the DILG, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DoJ), will soon issue implementing rules and regulations to ensure that the process of availing legal aid is smooth, timely, and accessible across all regions.

Some legal experts cautioned that while the intent of the law is laudable, safeguards must be in place to ensure it does not inadvertently shield abusive officers from accountability.

The DILG assured the public that the free legal assistance will not extend to acts committed outside the scope of an officer's official duties or cases involving personal misconduct.