FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Innocence Project Philippines?
The Project is a non-profit legal clinic based in the Philippines, and handles cases from all over the country.
What does the Project do?
The Project handles cases where DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive
proof of innocence. We do not handle cases that require a challenge to
conclusive DNA testing. Law students handle the cases while being supervised by
a team of attorneys and clinical staff. We are also active in the national
effort to pass new laws, implement new policies, and gather research in order to
reverse and prevent wrongful convictions.
How long has the Project been around?
The Innocence Project Philippines is currently being developed by a dedicated
group from both the Philippines and the US.
What do I do if I have a case that applies to the Project
mandate?
Although we are still currently building our organization, please contact us.
Here is a preliminary list of the guidelines we will use for case submission:
The Innocence Project Philippines provides legal assistance to inmates in cases
where DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive proof of innocence. Cases
must involve biological evidence, e.g. spermatozoa, blood, saliva, skin, hair.
All cases for consideration should be mailed with the following information: a
brief factual summary of the case, and a list of the evidence used against the
defendant. Do not send any documents until you receive a written request to do
so. We do not accept cases where DNA testing has already been performed with
conclusive results, nor can we provide general legal advice or research.
What if the defendant is already represented?
If the defendant is represented, you
should have the attorney(s) contact us directly. That way, we can lend
assistance to the case without having to go through the evaluation process.
Does the Project charge for services?
The legal services of the Innocence Project Philippines are provided pro bono.
While defendants are not charged for our legal services, they and their
advocates are responsible for funding the costs of DNA testing. We do not have the resources to provide pro bono DNA testing, although we are
currently developing funding channels.
How do I learn more?
Please see the links and information sections of this site to learn more about
how we work, the causes and remedies of wrongful convictions, how to donate if
you are so inclined, and other sources of information.