Concept Note: Module Development for Legal Awareness Program

Engagement: 1.5 months

Deadline of Submission: September 15, 2021

Brief Description

The World Justice Project, in its 2018 Survey, estimated that 35% of Filipinos experienced a legal
problem from two years prior. While 86% knew where to get advice and information, only 20%
were able to access legal help. Moreover, 72% of those who were able to access legal help sought
it from friends or family and only 15% sought help from a lawyer or professional advice service.
This shows that many Filipinos continue to have difficulties accessing legal assistance from
competent sources. At a disadvantage as well are those who are financially challenged and/or with
lack or limited presence of legal services in the community. This was the situation pre-pandemic.

It has been more than a year into the pandemic yet the situation has not deterred evildoers to
commit vile deeds. Even though the crime rate significantly declined , other violations such as
killings related to the “war on drugs” and domestic abuses continue to persist. With the majority
who suffer from these continued violations come from impoverished communities, there is
therefore a huge need for institutions to bring legal awareness to the public.

Unbeknownst to the public, the pursuit of justice and the protection of human rights are not solely
dependent on the promulgated laws and the legislative body that created them. The systems at
work in the judiciary and the people who are put in power to administer justice play a big role in
ensuring that every citizen is given equal protection in the eyes of the law. As such, raising legal
awareness amongst the public should not only focus on the laws but also in making them
understand the legal process and the legal system, and in providing avenues for citizen’s
participation in the judicial appointment process.

The creation of a Legal Awareness Program Module is big stride in bringing the legal world much
closer to the public. With many legal awareness programs being led and attended by those who, in
one way or another, already have more knowledge about the legal world, a simple guidebook for
lay people to understand and deliver would a huge help in propagating the knowledge to the public.
Thus, the purpose of the Legal Awareness Program Module is to serve as a guide for legal and
non-legal facilitators and advocates alike in conducting legal awareness activities with emphasis on
fundamental rights, the legal system, and the judiciary.

Expected Output

Modules for a basic legal awareness program and its key messages. The proposed content are as
follows:

I. Fundamental Rights – This module will cover the guaranteed and protected rights of
Filipinos under the 1987 Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
II. The Legal System and Rights’ Defenders – This module will cover the overview of the
judiciary, the court system, and judicial appointment processes. It will also introduce
the legal profession and other key individuals who are tasked in ensuring obedience to
laws, development of policies, and administration of justice.
 III. The Judiciary – This module will cover the inner works of the justice system and the
judicial appointment processes. It will also include a discussion on how judicial
interpretations of the law and decisions form part of the law of the land and how it
influences society in general.

Module Writers

Kenny Bayudan, Ed.D

Law Student, Arellano University School of Law
Education Program Coordinator, Children International, Inc.
National President, Association of Law Students of the Philippines, Inc.

Arvhie Santos
Law Student, University of Sto. Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
Director for Advocacy, Presidential Department, ALSP

Stephen Floyd Gopez

Law Student, University of Sto. Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
Director for Academic Affairs, International Affairs Department, ALSP

Timeline:

Outline September 18, 2021

First Draft: September 25, 2021
Second Draft: October 2, 2021
Final Draft: October 5, 2021

Standard Elements
.
1. Concepts
2. Frequently Asked Questions
3. Sample Workshop Activities

For References:
1. Use citations
2. APA 7th

Layout
1. Cover Page
2. Foreword
3. Acknowledgment
4. TOC
5. Chapter Titles
6. Chapter Content
7. Glossary of Terms
8. References