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).
Dubbed “Idulog mo kay Atorni,” the free legal consultation was held on Nov. 10 and 11 at the Consulate General of the Philippines and drew hundreds of OFWs with different issues and concerns.
“It is heart-warming 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,” said chapter vice president 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 Glenn Capanas said.
Among the problems of the OFWs in Hong Kong were Violence Against Women and Children, small claims (money concerns), land titling problems, inter-country adoption problems, cyberbullying among OFWs and libel 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.