21/04/2026
Lawyer Diaries:
Rendered my first legal advice pro bono without view of attorney-client engagement.
Earlier this morning, I received a message request on Facebook messenger. A woman who is suffering from stage 5 CKD. Her problem was about her insurance claim against the recruitment agency that hired her for overseas employment in 2023 and subsequently got into a work-related accident
Sadly, when she filed a complaint at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the recruitment agency defrauded her into signing an agreement tahat only her airfare would be paid. She was never assisted by DMW staff before signing the agreement. No payment of insurance claim neither backwages whatsoever was made because the accident was not work related. As a lawyer, I explained the law and procedure to the woman and guided her step by step on what to do next.
Reflection: As lawyers, we have the solemn duty of service first to our country and fellow countrymen. To them we owe the privilege of wearing our title. Some, if not most of us, rush in to thinking of earning money in practicing our profession due to our own personal obligations. This is what I realized today. We must balance in serving our own personal interest, and our civic duty to others in this enduring profession.
Sana nakatulong po ako kahit sa maliit na bagay.
