To strengthen the protection of individuals in police custody, Councilor Jose Molintas has proposed an ordinance appropriating P300,000.00 annually for the implementation of Republic Act No. 7348 which safeguards the rights of persons arrested, detained, or under custodial investigation.
The proposed funding covers legal assistance, training programs for law enforcers, public awareness campaigns, and monitoring mechanisms. Priority will be given to providing legal aid to indigent individuals whose rights under RA 7438 have been violated. Under the ordinance, involvement of non-governmental legal groups such as the Free Legal Assistance Group, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and academic institutions is greatly encouraged.
Training programs for police and other law enforcement officers will be conducted to ensure proper implementation of 7438 with emphasis on the immediate provision of legal counsel and the consequences of non compliance.
The ordinance also includes a component for public education campaigns to inform both citizens and law enforcers of the rights protected under the law.
The City Mayor’s Office will coordinate with the City Legal Office, Commission on Human Rights, Cordillera (CHR-CAR), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Baguio Justice Zone for the implementation of the ordinance.
The City Legal Office will also partner with human rights organizations, legal groups, and academic institutions to facilitate training and awareness efforts and establish referral mechanisms for timely legal aid.
The ordnance reiterates the legal duty of arresting officers to ensure that suspects are immediately provided with counsel and that failure to do so may lead to criminal and administrative sanctions.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on August 4, 2025 and was referred to the Committee on Appropriations and Finance Cluster A for review
