Free legal assistance
Editorial, Visayan Daily Star, October 11, 2008

            The creation of an Office of the City Legal Assistance Service in Dumaguete that was unanimously approved by the City Council nine years ago is seeing daylight this year.

            We congratulate the sitting officials of the city for resurrecting the OCLAS with the support of the city government and the community.

            The launching of OCLAS will make it possible for indigent city residents and government workers charged with cases arising in the honest and sincere performance of their official duties to have free legal representation and assistance from volunteer lawyers and students from the law schools of Silliman University, Foundation University and Negros Oriental State University, and other law schools that might be established in the future.

            The ordinance was passed to promote the general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of the people.

            The essence of OCLAS today is to help overcome the fear of costly court litigation, and competent and dedicated law practitioners and members of the law academe willing to offer their services for free are welcome. As the saying goes, the best things in life are free.

            We are hoping and optimistic that these endeavors will not be used for political and personal ends, but to truly see that these people who have less in life will have more in law.