Insider spotlight:
The program, formalized through a newly signed memorandum of agreement on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, aims to offer both traditional and developmental legal assistance to investors, particularly in cases involving fraud and other violations of securities laws.
Under the agreement, IBP will provide legal services such as consultations, case preparation, and court representation for qualified investors. These services will be subject to standard needs and merit tests, as well as the availability of volunteer lawyers. The partnership will also facilitate legal education and awareness initiatives.
PSE president Ramon Monzon said the partnership with IBP is a significant step toward ensuring investor rights are protected through the legal system.
“In extreme cases, when retail investors need the law to uphold their rights, we can now rely on IBP to provide legal advice and guidance,” he said. “I would like to compare this agreement with IBP to health insurance: it’s there, but I hope there won’t be any need to use it.”
Monzon added that the PSE is proposing to refer several types of cases to the IBP, including estafa, securities fraud, and civil actions under the Financial Consumer Protection Act (FCPA), especially those involving claims of less than P10 million.
IBP national president Antonio Pido expressed optimism that the initiative would support both investor protection and market integrity.
“We want to help the marginalized individuals who want to invest their hard-earned money in the stock exchange. Hopefully, through our assistance, they will no longer be scammed,” he said.
Pido noted that the implementation of the Supreme Court’s universal legal aid service program this year will help expand IBP’s capacity to assist more investors. The program mandates that all lawyers, except those in the judiciary and senior citizens, render at least 60 hours of free legal aid every three years.
“This will be a big boost to the manpower of the IBP,” Pido added. “Hopefully, with this partnership, we can contribute to strengthening our stock market and, in the long run, our economy.”
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
