Title
Right to Counsel Access Anytime
Law
Act No. 2571.
Decision Date
Feb 4, 1916
Act No. 2571 grants detained individuals in the Philippines the right to consult with their chosen lawyer, ensuring their access to legal representation at any time.
A

Obligations and Limitations on Public Officers

  • All public officers holding custody over a detainee must comply with the law.
  • Permission to see the lawyer cannot be arbitrarily withheld.
  • The only permissible exception is an imminent danger of escape.

Penalties for Noncompliance

  • Officers or persons violating these provisions face suspension from their office.
  • They may also be removed permanently from office.
  • This serves as a deterrent to the unlawful denial of legal consultation to detainees.

Scope and Enforcement

  • The act covers any detainee deprived of liberty for any reason alleged.
  • Applies across all detention facilities and points of custody.
  • Ensures continuous access to legal representation as a fundamental right throughout detention.
  • Emphasizes the protection of detainees' rights even during non-business hours (night consultations in urgent cases).

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