PH CONSULATE, IBP CALIFORNIA CHAPTER PROVIDE FREE LEGAL AID TO FILIPINO COMMUNITY
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer (middle) and IBP California volunteer lawyer Atty. Raffy Cabatic (leftmost), reviewed community legal cases, as part of ongoing efforts to respond to urgent immigration concerns and explore further legal partnerships to better support Filipinos in the jurisdiction and adapt to the evolving needs of those seeking assistance.
San Francisco, 10 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) California Chapter, successfully conducted its monthly Free Legal Aid Clinic on 06 June 2025 at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Center.
A total of 11 clients with pressing legal questions were assisted during the clinic, which offered one-on-one legal consultations on a first-come, first-served basis. These consultations addressed a broad range of legal concerns under both Philippine and U.S. law. Filipino clients sought guidance on matters such as property sales and inheritance, family law (including annulment and adoption), criminal and employment issues, taxation, domestic violence, and immigration-related concerns such as U.S. citizenship, family petitions, and visa applications.
Recognizing that immigration status and legal security remain among the most pressing concerns for many Filipinos in the United States, the Consulate has prioritized strengthening access to professional legal guidance. Through its ongoing collaboration with top legal practitioners from the IBP California Chapter, the Consulate ensures that the Filipino community receives credible, timely, and culturally sensitive legal advice.
During the session, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer and other Consulate officials met with representatives from IBP California to explore potential initiatives aimed at expanding legal support for Filipinos—particularly in navigating complex immigration systems and resolving long-standing property and family disputes in the Philippines.
The monthly Free Legal Aid Clinic reflects the Consulate’s continued commitment to community welfare and legal empowerment, and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships with leading Filipino-American legal professionals. END
With a sizable number of participants each month, Filipino community members continue to express appreciation for the free legal advice and guidance provided by volunteer lawyers from the IBP California Chapter, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.