MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has announced that it partnered with the Supreme Court through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which would see the implementation of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) aimed at ensuring adequate and timely legal assistance for indigent, disadvantaged, and vulnerable Filipinos. CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc told The Manila Times that the collaboration was formalized during the high court’s launching of Phase 1 of the ULAS Portal on March 3, 2026 wherein the National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor were also MOU signatories. ULAS, according to CHR, serves as a centralized digital platform enabling covered lawyers to comply with mandatory pro bono (free or without charge) legal aid obligations while expanding nationwide access to free legal services. Palpal-latoc cited the importance of the partnership, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors. “Access to justice is a cornerstone of human dignity, and institutions must work together to dismantle barriers that prevent individuals from asserting their rights. May our shared work continue to bring the promise of justice closer to every Filipino,” the top CHR official said. The CHR, grounded in its constitutional mandate to provide legal aid and preventive measures to individuals whose rights have been violated or require protection, recognizes ULAS as a vital mechanism that strengthens collective efforts to guarantee access to justice, Palpal-latoc said.