Legal Aid Services if upon preliminary evaluation of the complaint, it is apparent that the case falls within the area of responsibility of another regional office, the matter shall be immediately endorsed to the regional office which has responsibility over the area where the violation took place or is taking place. The regional office which initially received the complaint, may render assistance in taking affidavits before indorsing the case to the proper regional office which has responsibility over the case.62 Female lawyers or lawyers who have undergone appropriate training on women’s rights and in handling of investigation involving women or the gender focal persons in the region shall be preferred to provide the appropriate legal assistance or counseling to women and persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. However, considering the scarcity of lawyers in the Commission, the Commission may, in order to accommodate women and persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity seeking legal aid services, tap the assistance of lawyer associations and private law practitioners by executing or forging a Memoranda of Agreement with bar associations, NGOs, law firms, or women organizations providing legal aid; or accredit lawyers who are willing to accept pro-bono cases under the Magna Carta Act; or create an efficient system of case referrals to appropriate government departments or agencies, such as the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). The offices (Regional Offices, LIO, WHRC and AVO) which extended legal aid services to women clients concerning women’s rights and issues or discrimination, shall submit a report to the 62 CHR’s Handbook on Investigation and Case Management Process p. 28 1st 35 Commission, which shall form part of the report required to be submitted under Rule 20 Sec. 6 of the CHR Guidelines and Procedure (GAP).63 All CHR lawyers involved in or assigned to render legal aid services shall, at all times, uphold the lawyer’s oath and ethical standards, as well as Civil Service rules and CHR office policies. They shall also consider the vulnerability of the victims, who should never be subjected or exposed to re-victimization in the course of the investigation. Hence, lawyers should observe the special guidelines and protocols in handling cases involving women, children, and persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. No fees shall be collected in any amount by any CHR lawyer for such legal aid services. The Commission shall issue the appropriate resolution providing for representation and transportation allowance (RATA) for lawyers handling cases of women and persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity under the Magna Carta of Women. OTHER ASSISTANCE Financial Assistance and Witness Protection Program Victims of violations under the Magna Carta of Women shall be considered victims of human rights violations and shall be entitled to other forms of assistance, including the Financial Assistance and Witness Protection Program provided under Rule 21 and Rule 19, respectively, of the CHR Guidelines and Procedure (GAP). 63 Guidelines and Procedures in the Investigation and Monitoring of Human Rights Violations and Abuses, and the Provision of CHR Assistance. CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines