PH CONSULATE CONDUCTS FREE LEGAL AID CLINIC WITH THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES CALIFORNIA CHAPTER
The first Free Legal Aid Clinic in 2025 saw the highest participation rate to date, with Filipino participants receiving expert legal consultations on a wide range of issues, including property matters, taxation, family law, immigration and domestic violence.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – California Chapter (IBP-California), successfully conducted a Free Legal Aid Clinic on 07 February 2025 at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Center. This inaugural legal aid clinic of 2025 marked the highest participation to date, with 20 attendees from the Consulate’s jurisdiction seeking legal assistance. In 2024, Post conducted twelve (12) free legal aid clinics, benefiting 133 Filipinos.
During the clinic, Filipino participants received expert legal consultations on a wide range of issues, including property matters (sale, inheritance, transfer, and disputes in the Philippines), taxation, family law (divorce, annulment, adoption), immigration (U.S. citizenship, petitions, tourist visas), and domestic violence.
Following the session, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer and other Consulate officials met with IBP-California representatives to explore potential initiatives aimed at assisting the Filipino community in addressing current immigration challenges and legal concerns. Representing IBP-California were Attorneys Jeanne Kouznetsova, Flomy Javier Diza, Ronaldo Salvoro, and Cesar Fumar, who reaffirmed their commitment to providing legal assistance and safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the United States.
Through programs such as this, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco continues to strengthen its support network and promote proactive legal engagement within the community. Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer reiterated the Consulate’s dedication to empowering Filipinos with accurate legal information and extending appropriate assistance to those in need regardless of immigration status. END
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer discusses possible initiatives for Filipinos in the jurisdiction with Integrated Bar of the Philippines – California Chapter (IBP-California).