Manila, April 6 -- Officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) which will provide legal services to qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and IBP National President Allan Panolong led the signing of the agreement at the BuCor in Muntinlupa City.

Catapang said the MOA seeks to promote access to justice and legal protection of PDL, facilitate lawful remedies that may contribute to sentence mitigation and penal decongestion, and institutionalize legal aid services within BuCor facilities.

Under the deal, the IBP will offer a wide range of legal services, including representation and a...