DivinaLaw launches international legal clinic for OFWs in China

DivinaLaw has expanded its legal assistance to Filipinos abroad with the opening of its first international free legal clinic through Dulog Legal in Chongqing, China, for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Co-organized with the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing, the initiative’s 12th session since its inception in 2022 was attended by teachers, engineers, and homemakers from Chongqing, Guizhou, and Yunnan, alongside consulate personnel.

The landmark event, held both onsite and online, covered several topics on the most common legal issues faced by Filipinos overseas, including protection of employment, contractual rights, taxation, property law, commercial contracts, citizenship, custody of minor children, recognition of foreign divorce, data privacy, and absentee voting rights.

Leading the initiative were Senior Partners Atty. Edwin C. Uy, Atty. Aldren Francis C. Gonzales, and Atty. Gregorio Y. Larrazabal, together with Partners Atty. Mary Jude C. Marvel and Atty. Floro C. Balato, Jr. Joining them were Senior Associates Atty. Jennel L. Chu, Atty. Maria Carissa C. Guinto, and Atty. Joseph Lorenz A. Asuncion, and Associate Atty. Renz J. Ayongao.

The law firm chose to expand its services to China as it is a member of the Pro Bono Institute’s Law Firm Pro Bono Project, making it the only Philippine and Asia-based member.

On why China was chosen for Dulog Legal’s first international expansion, Atty. Judy Marvel, DivinaLaw’s Dulog Legal – Pro Bono Services Lead, said she was surprised to learn of the independent consulate office in Chongqing. Upon reaching out, the partnership came naturally and was easily established.

Marvel noted the importance of OFWs in China being knowledgeable about legal statutes, as gaps may exist in areas such as contractual enforcement under Chinese law, family law issues including bringing minor children from the Philippines, and citizenship questions involving children born to a Filipino and a Chinese parent.

“These are complex cross-border legal matters where even informed individuals may lack full comprehension without professional guidance,” she said.

As of now, DivinaLaw has no concrete plan for the next country to expand its services to, as it is currently evaluating several options. Marvel added that the presence of an active Filipino community supported by a Philippine consulate is a key factor, as it indicates people in need of legal assistance.

“Our focus will be guided more by community needs and consular support than by geography,” she said.