IBP, Senior Citizens Party-list sign agreement on free legal assistance program for elderly

The Senior Citizens Party-list has partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for the Legal Assistance Program for Senior Citizens. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Senior Citizens Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes and IBP National President Allan Panalong. National Commission for Senior Citizens Chairperson Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez witnessed the signing of the agreement held at the IBP office in Pasig City last Monday, April 6, 2026. Ordanes said the program aims to help people aged 60 and above, particularly the poor, who need legal assistance. That is why he said, he pushed for an agreement with IBP. Under the agreement, IBP lawyers nationwide will provide free legal advice to senior citizens, while the party-list group will help handle case referrals. Ordanes said the Senior Citizens Party-list will also rollout free legal aid clinics to reach more senior citizens in remote communities. “This joining of forces between our party-list and IBP is for providing justice to our seniors,” the lawmaker said. “Many of our seniors face legal problems, from abuse to non-receipt of benefits and often they do not have the capacity to fight for their rights,” the solon stressed. During the event, Gutierrez lauded the initiative and acknowledged the solon’s efforts to ensure that all senior citizens have immediate response to legal issues. Ordanes also said that the MOA with IBP is a testament to the party-list’s commitment to promote and protect the dignity, rights and welfare of senior citizens. **media[44624]**