McDonald’s Philippines has formalized a partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Quezon City Chapter (IBP-QC) to support the Supreme Court’s Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) program and bring legal services closer to underserved communities.
Through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), McDonald’s Philippines’ legal team and its legal partners will participate in legal aid and community outreach activities under the ULAS-accredited programs of IBP-QC, transforming their mandatory legal aid obligations into a meaningful volunteerism initiative through the Good Trip Platform, McDonald’s Philippines official volunteerism program.
“Today, we are not just signing a Memorandum of Agreement. We are affirming a shared commitment to expand access to justice and serve communities in ways that are meaningful and lasting,” said Atty. Benjamin Jeremias B. Cruz II, General Counsel and Legal Head of McDonald’s Philippines.
Guided by McDonald’s core values of Malasakit and Integrity, the Company’s lawyers and its legal partners will participate in legal aid caravans and outreach activities that provide legal guidance and assistance to individuals who may have limited access to legal services.
“At McDonald’s Philippines, communities are at the very heart of our purpose. We strive to uplift and serve the communities that we are part of—not just through our restaurants, but through meaningful programs that create positive impact,” Cruz added.
As the largest chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines with an award-winning legal aid program, IBP-QC has long championed legal aid initiatives that help make justice more accessible to vulnerable sectors. Through the partnership, both organizations aim to strengthen community outreach efforts while encouraging lawyers to use their expertise in service of the public.
“We welcome this partnership with McDonald’s Philippines as a meaningful step in expanding the reach of legal aid services to more communities,” said Atty. Rowell D. Ilagan, President of IBP-QC. “When members of the legal profession, private organizations, and community stakeholders come together in service, we help ensure that justice becomes more accessible to those who need it most.”
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Company and IBP-QC to use their expertise, resources, and networks to create positive impact and support communities through accessible legal services.