The Commission on Filipino Overseas and the Public Attorney’s Office had forged an alliance primarily aimed at extending free legal services to Filipino migrants who can be victims or suspected victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, among others.
Both CFO Secretary Dante Francis ‘Klink’ Ang II and PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta hailed the initiative as they signed the memorandum of understanding held at the latter’s central office in Quezon City.
Ang cited the significance of his agency’s partnership with PAO as he noted that Filipino migrants have been confronted with various concerns and problems resulting from migration and inter-country marriage that require legal representation, assistance, and counseling.
Ang and Rueda-Acosta said the collaboration between the two government agencies would be the start to institutionalize their cooperative efforts, utilizing resources, and capacities to assist the families of Filipino migrants, through free legal services.
Under the MOU, Ang said the CFO would refer to PAO, for appropriate legal assistance and/or representation, the victims or suspected victims of human trafficking referred by or received through the 1343 Actionline and such other clients seeking legal assistance through other CFO channels.
The cases that may be referred by CFO to PAO include trafficking in person, illegal recruitment, violation of the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act, violence against women and children, among others.
Janet Ramos, CFO-Emigrant Services chief officer, said the CFO is expected to assist PAO for the proper case build-up of the referred cases and “whenever applicable and appropriate, promote projects and initiatives of PAO.”
For its part, PAO, mandated to extend free legal assistance to indigent persons, would make court appearances or representations for cases involving Filipino migrant clients referred by the commission, among others, Deputy Chief Ana Lisa Soriano said.
“In instances where the client does not meet the qualifications for legal representation, the PAO shall endeavor to provide initial legal advice,” Soriano said.
Ramos and Soriano have been designated as point persons to facilitate the implementation of the MOU.
CFO is an Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking permanent member and is under the Office of the President.
