GOLDEN ARCHES Development Corp., the master franchise holder of McDonald’s Philippines, has partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Quezon City Chapter (IBP-QC) to support the Supreme Court’s Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) program.

In a statement on Wednesday, McDonald’s Philippines said it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with IBP-QC that will allow its legal team and legal partners to take part in legal aid and community outreach activities under ULAS-accredited programs.

The company said the initiative will enable its lawyers to meet their mandatory legal aid obligations through its Good Trip Platform, the company’s volunteerism program, while also linking its corporate social responsibility efforts with a formal legal aid framework. In practice, this means the partnership is not just a volunteer activity but part of a broader system meant to help extend legal services beyond traditional offices and into communities that may have limited access to legal assistance.

“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 Benjamin Jeremias B. Cruz II, general counsel and legal head of McDonald’s Philippines.

Under the partnership, the company’s lawyers and legal partners will join legal aid caravans and outreach activities that provide legal guidance and assistance to underserved communities.

“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,” Mr. Cruz said.

IBP-QC President Rowell D. Ilagan said the partnership is expected to help broaden the reach of legal aid services.

“We welcome this partnership with McDonald’s Philippines as a meaningful step in expanding the reach of legal aid services to more communities,” he said. “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.” — ALB