For the first semester of Academic Year 2024-2025, Far Eastern University’s Institute of Law (FEU IL) partnered with churches, legal experts, and advocacy groups in enhancing Filipinos’ understanding of laws and their rights under them.
Local parishes
FEU IL started the semester with its first law clinic in Imus, Cavite. Together with the Mary Immaculate Parish-Diocese of Imus, they conducted a free seminar on Safe Spaces Act, which was attended by 800 participants.
“We had youth participants and some parents who raised questions about children’s rights and parenting. We started with Safe Spaces Act, but we responded to queries about other laws, pertaining the youth,” said Atty. Rowena L. Soriano, FEU IL associate dean.
The Diocese of Imus acknowledged that despite the advancement in technology, many are still unfamiliar with basic legal processes and their rights, particularly when it comes to issues centered on gender-based sexual harassment.
Led by FEU IL dean Atty. Jose Marlon P. Pabiton, the law clinic aimed at bridging the gap between local laws and the youths.
“Through this seminar, we can help the youth understand their rights. We not only empower them to take control of their lives, but we also impart knowledge that they can use to educate more youths in the future,” said Pabiton.
Libreng Serbisyong Legal, another leg of the FEU IL law clinic series, was conducted in August at Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Parish. Members of FEU IL Legal Aid, FEU IL Alumni Association and current law students provided free legal consultation at the parish church in Rizal.
The law clinic started with a general overview of the law, followed by legal consultations tailored to local concerns, such as understanding land ownership in agricultural areas, business, cyber security and crime, and labor rights. Participants sought legal advice for their legal predicaments. They received practical guides and case studies that clarify legal procedure, making abstract laws more relevant to their everyday experience.
Advocacy groups
In its recent partnership with Philippine Earth Justice Center, Zonta Club of Marikina, and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), a seminar on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act was conducted in Marikina City.
Mikaela Brough, a Doctor of Philosophy researcher in Information Security from Royal Holloway-University of London, discussed the importance of laws protecting women and children from cybercrimes and making sure that they receive proper cybersecurity.
“This event was very timely, and it was a very beautiful collaboration as well. I personally have an existing partnership with VACC for my annual VAWC talks. Then, VACC partnered with Zonta Club for certain projects. Meanwhile, Zonta Club also has an existing collaboration with Green Clinic through Philippine Earth Justice Center. We merged with this initiative. Four institutions in one activity. And we discussed the rights of women and children in the cyberspace, and how to protect themselves from cybercrimes,” said FEU IL associate dean Soriano.
Aside from safeguarding the rights of women and children in the cyberworld, the law clinic emphasized the importance of “right holder and duty bearer” among participants. The participants learned the importance of using the laws not just to protect themselves from cybercrimes but also using them to avoid committing cybercrimes.
Other collabs
The institute has an ongoing collaboration with Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City for free legal assistance services. Legal experts and law students give advice to legal concerns among the residents.
“This event was able to shed light to our individual rights and responsibilities as citizens of this nation,” said Mar Jimenez, barangay captain
Another component of the FEU IL law clinic is its collaboration with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)- Manila IV Chapter in reaching local governments and law enforcement agencies in Manila. The collaboration served Barangays 736 and 740.
Atty. Berl Stephen Reeves Dutosme of IBP-Manila IV and Juan Jesus Dela Cruz, student of FEU IL, discussed topics on crimes against honor and safe spaces. As with the previous law clinics, free legal consultation followed the brief seminar. Members of the barangay councils, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and community members joined the event.
Aside from these law clinics, IBP-Manila IV also partnered with FEU IL for the launch of the first leg of IBP ABC: Abogado Barangay Caravan. It was held last Sept. 7 and was participated by 200 barangay officials and SK members from 14 barangays in Zone 80, District IV, Manila. Topics on Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, Local Government Code, Katarungang Pambarangay, and anti-VAWC and harassment laws.
The institute and IBP-Manila IV also partnered with Manila City Jail-Female Dormitory for a legal empowerment seminar among persons deprived of liberty (PDL). Legal Aid Bureau’s John Patric Guiuan served as resource person together with IBP-Manila IV’s Dutosme. The PDLs and jail officers took the opportunity to consult legal cases and questions, and discussed everyday concerns, which helped to dispel fear and encouraged cooperation.
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