IBP Cebu City Chapter lawyers listen as OFWs narrate their problem.
contributed photo
MEMBERS of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter flew to Hong Kong to extend legal assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Chinese city.
Dubbed as “Idulog mo kay Atorni,” the free legal consultation was held on November 10-11 at the Consulate General of the Philippines, Hong Kong and drew hundreds of OFWs with different issues and concerns.
“It is heartwarming to see our OFWs so happy to receive free legal aid from lawyers representing the IBP Cebu City Chapter. It truly shows the world that our Chapter cares,” says Chapter Vice President Atty. Regal Oliva.
“We are duty-bound to extend help to people who need legal services. We felt the need to assist OFWs especially that they are far from home,” Chapter President Atty. Glenn Capanas said.
Among the problems of the OFWs in Hong Kong were Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Small Claims (money concerns), Land Titling Problems, Inter-country adoption problems, Cyberbullying among OFWs and libelous crimes against people back home.
Joining Capanas and Oliva in the Hong Kong mission were lawyers Michelle Mendez-Palmares, Lalaine Salve-Esmeralda, Patrick Esmeralda, Frederick Gementiza, Elmer Mansanadez, Mark Gregory Avila, Andrea Garcia-Avila, Mark Anthony Gaviola, Tani Angub-Gaviola, Bernardino Amago IV, Christine Naranjo-Gatchalian, Michal Gatchalian, and Fr. Dan Domingo delos Angeles.
The legal aid mission was supported by top officials of the Philippine Consulate General, Hong Kong, SAR headed by Consul General Antonio Morales, Deputy Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza, Consul Paulo V. Saret, Social Welfare Attaché Elizabeth Lim Dy, Vice Consul Fatima Guzman-Quintin and Labor Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, whose office is also attached to the Philippine Consulate General’s Office.