Legal assistance for mothers deprived of liberty. How long a case takes decides how long a family is apart.
Laya is Filipino for freedom. LAYA is the Foundation’s legal assistance program for mothers who are Persons Deprived of Liberty.
The Foundation groups LAYA with SINULID ng Pag-asa as its two programs centered on mothers. Together, its founding document says, they promote livelihood readiness, legal assistance, empowerment, and a successful return to society for women deprived of liberty.
Mr. James Bryan Z. Tena of the Board of Directors presented LAYA and SINULID ng Pag-asa to the mothers at the Foundation’s briefing and orientation in July 2026.
At the orientation in July 2026, the program was presented as Legal Assistance and Yielding Access to Justice.
What the program gives
- Legal assistance for mothers deprived of liberty
- Advocacy for mothers and their children
Why a slow case is a children’s issue
Most people in Philippine jails have not been convicted of anything. About seven in ten are awaiting trial, and a case in Metro Manila takes about 529 days to resolve on average.3,4 For a child, a slow case is a longer separation from their mother.
If a mother is detained at the start of a school year, the average case is decided about five and a half months into the next one. Her child may start and finish a whole grade without her at home.
The United Nations Bangkok Rules ask that, where possible and appropriate, non-custodial measures be preferred for pregnant women and for a child’s sole or primary caregiver.6 In 2025 the Philippine Commission on Women issued guidelines on gender-responsive detention facilities and services.7
Where the program stands
LAYA’s casework will be reported here as it begins. The Foundation is looking for lawyers and legal aid groups to work with. Offer legal help.