Gift of time
I hope that the ULAS Rules are implemented properly and faithfully observed by covered lawyers so that their intention of providing legal aid to indigents is realized.
Daily TribuneI hope that the ULAS Rules are implemented properly and faithfully observed by covered lawyers so that their intention of providing legal aid to indigents is realized.
In this season of Christmas, let me share with you what I think is the perfect story to share, not only because this is the season of giving, but because it provides hope to those who represent bigger groups of marginalized and unrepresented persons.
In my time as a lawyer, both when I was in the private practice of law and now that I am a public official, I have always been passionate about helping persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), particularly women.
In my many visits to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), I have had the privilege of listening to the stories of many of them. However, one story stood out. It broke my heart but also motivated me to act on the matter in the hope of making a difference in the life of one individual.
Her name was Julie who had been imprisoned since 2001. She was convicted of a crime that carried with it a penalty of reclusion perpetua (20 years and 1 day to 40 years).
Fortunately, her case was reviewed by the Supreme Court. On 22 January 2024, the Honorable Court issued a resolution that modified her conviction to a crime which carried with it a penalty of only arresto menor (1 day to 30 days).
After many meetings and discussions, and some legal papers filed in court, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Mandaluyong City issued an order directing the immediate release of Julie. Considering that she had already spent more than 20 years of her life inside the CIW when she should have only spent 30 days, this brought me to tears.
This experience led me to reflect on what the best gift in life is, not just during Christmas, but in general. And I would say that time is the best gift we can ever give. It’s value and worth are consistent all throughout. It is finite for all of us, but has beneficent effects on those we give it to, which may vary from person-to-person or in case-to-case.
I have always enjoyed my visits to the CIW. I have spent time there without realizing how much time has passed. I give advice and inputs to the questions and consultations posed by the women I interact with. It is never an issue of how much time I devote to them; the issue is when I could give it — and give it again — due to my workload and schedule.
It has helped in no small measure that since advocating for marginalized women has always been a passion of mine, I never considered it “work.”
Little did I know that down the road this passion would have a huge impact on somebody’s life or circumstance. Julie lost more than 20 years of her life and she can never fully reclaim that. Fortunately, however, she still has the resolve to make up for the lost years as much as she can.
I want to give a special commendation to the Legal Aid Society which helped file the necessary petition for Julie in the Mandaluyong RTC. I am truly grateful to them for this. I also express my gratitude to the High Tribunal for coming out with the Rules on Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS Rules) which is about lawyers giving the gift of time to the less fortunate and marginalized in society.
I hope that the ULAS Rules are implemented properly and faithfully observed by covered lawyers so that their intention of providing legal aid to indigents is realized.
This Christmas, and even after, let’s give one another the gift of time. We just don’t know how much spending time with loved ones or friends can boost their morale or positively impact their lives outright.
The act of being present in the moment and just listening usually suffices. In certain instances, help and advice are sought and given, which is even better.
Merry Christmas, everyone!