Press Release No. 026-03
21 January 2003
FILIPINO
AND HONGKONG LAWYERS JOIN HANDS TO ASSIST FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS
A group of Filipino lawyers and Hong Kong based lawyers met on 17 January
2003 at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and agreed to cooperate
in extending free legal assistance to Filipino migrant workers while they
have cases in Hong Kong as well as in the Philippines.
The joint effort was initiated by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo during
his visit in December 2002.
During the meeting, both groups exchanged information on typical cases encountered
by Filipino migrant workers such as illegal recruitment, excessive placement
fees, physical injuries, sexual assault, breach of employment contracts,
breach of conditions of stay, crimes against persons and property, etc.
The lawyers have all been engaged in extending free legal advice and assistance
to Filipinos. The volunteer lawyers in the Philippines render free
legal assistance every Saturday. Those in Hong Kong are among barristers
and solicitors who have been helping Filipinos over the years.
Mr. Arroyo thanked the Hong Kong lawyers for their invaluable services to
the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
The recently established network of RP and HK lawyers also agreed to focus
on dissemination of information relating to Hong Kong employment rules and
working conditions especially to Filipinos who intend to work in Hong Kong.
Specific attention will be given to joint efforts in extending support and
assistance to Filipinos who have pending legal cases in Hong Kong either
as complainants or defendants, as well as to possible assistance needed by
their families in the Philippines.