DOJ鈥檚 Katarungan Caravan inspires volunteerism, aids nearly 300 inmates
The DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) led by Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, DOJAC Director Joan Carla Guevarra, and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang, hold the Katarungan Caravan on April 11, 2025.
MANILA, Philippines – The Katarungan Caravan, under the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC) led by Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, DOJAC Director Joan Carla Guevarra, and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang, mobilized a growing network of volunteer legal professionals and academic institutions to provide free legal aid to over 270 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison last April 11, 2025.
Volunteer lawyers and law students from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Quezon City and Manila 3 Chapters, San Sebastian College of Law, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Law School (PLS), along with representatives from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Muntinlupa and the Legal Aid Society Philippines, offered their time and expertise to assist elderly and terminally ill PDLs with their legal concerns.
The Katarungan Caravan
“This Katarungan Caravan is not only about providing legal service—it’s about nurturing a culture of compassion, civic duty, and collective responsibility within the legal community,” said Undersecretary Gutierrez. “We’re proud to see professionals and students stepping up to make justice more accessible for those who need it most.”
PDLs were given the opportunity to explore possible legal remedies, apply for humanitarian release, and receive personalized guidance. Confidential consultations allowed them to discuss their legal challenges and better understand their options, with volunteers offering insights and support tailored to each case.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla commended the initiative, saying, “The active participation of volunteer lawyers and law students showcases our collective drive for social justice and reinforces the importance of community involvement in legal advocacy.”
Through initiatives like the Katarungan Caravan, the DOJ continues to champion a vision of justice that is not only institutional and accessible, but deeply human.
The Caravan has extended its legal aid services beyond Bilibid—to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong and underserved communities in Marawi, Davao del Norte, and Camiguin. These efforts have already led to the release of wrongfully detained individuals, underscoring the life-changing impact of accessible legal support. In 2024 alone, Katarungan Caravan has assisted 12,879 individuals—marking a more than 500% increase from the 2,815 served in 2023.
Driven by this growing momentum, the DOJ remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the legal rights and welfare of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. The Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and partners whose commitment and compassion continue to bring justice closer to those who need it most.
