DivinaLaw brings free legal aid to OFWs

TOKYO, Japan — Finally, some good news for Filipinos overseas. At a time when legal assistance can come with a hefty price tag, one of the Philippines’ leading law firms brought its lawyers to Japan to provide legal consultations without charging a single peso.

DivinaLaw, led by Managing Partner Atty. Nilo Divina, held its Dulog Legal outreach in Roppongi on Saturday, 24 October, offering free legal advice to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on immigration, employment, family disputes, and other legal concerns.

The event formed part of the firm’s 20th anniversary activities and took place at Karaoke Kan Roppongi Honten, a venue owned by Filipina entrepreneur Abby Agwas Watabe and her Japanese husband.

Divina, who joined the consultations, emphasized that Filipino workers deserve protection and respect regardless of where they work.

“Your dignity does not end when you leave the airport. Your dignity goes with you everywhere you go,” Divina told participants.

“And if there’s anyone oppressed or not, we are here for you,” he added.

Divina paid tribute to OFWs, describing Filipinos as the country’s greatest contribution to the global workforce.

“What is the best export product of the Philippines? Is it bananas? Is it coconuts? Is it electronics?” he asked.

“No one can match the love, the affection, the dedication, the hard work of Filipinos,” Divina said.

He likened overseas workers’ financial responsibilities to a lifelong employment contract, explaining that their obligations to their families often continued long after they had secured jobs abroad.

“You have an employment contract for life because you are duty-bound, out of love and affection, to continue supporting your parents, your children,” he said.

Divina drew laughter when he likened the Filipino culture to the Japanese culture, noting their shared respect for elders, their work ethic, and their enthusiasm for karaoke.

He also joked about the difference in punctuality between the two countries.

“In Japan, when they say the train will arrive at 8 a.m., it will arrive at 8 a.m.,” he said, contrasting that with the more relaxed attitude toward time in the Philippines.

Legal guidance

DivinaLaw Partner Atty. Floro C. Balato Jr. led an educational discussion on immigration requirements, constitutional rights, online scams, and legal remedies available to Filipinos facing difficulties abroad.

A former senior official at the Bureau of Immigration, Balato drew on his experience in immigration enforcement and migrant protection to explain practical steps OFWs could take when dealing with legal concerns.

Senior Partner Jose M. Layug Jr. also addressed the participants, explaining the purpose for the firm’s outreach program.

“We are here now to approach you, and you can approach us,” Layug said.

He emphasized that the initiative aims to make professional legal advice accessible to Filipinos who might otherwise struggle to get help.

“We’re hoping that we’re able to help you with your legal problems for free,” he said.

Former Commission on Elections commissioner and DivinaLaw Senior Partner Gregorio Larrazabal also attended the outreach.

Community support

Watabe thanked DivinaLaw for bringing its legal services directly to Filipinos in Japan, noting that professional legal consultations can be expensive for overseas workers.

She welcomed the opportunity to provide a venue where OFWs could discuss their concerns with Philippine lawyers without having to pay consultation fees.

Philippine Embassy Acting Consul General Robert D. Quintin likewise expressed appreciation for the initiative.

Representing Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Quintin thanked DivinaLaw and Watabe for supporting the Filipino community.

The outreach concluded with individual consultations, during which Divina and other lawyers personally listened to participants’ concerns and provided legal guidance.

For Divina, the mission was ultimately about recognizing the sacrifices of Filipino workers and ensuring that their distance from home does not diminish their dignity.

“Your dignity goes with you everywhere you go,” he reminded them.