05 September 2024 (Rome) - In partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) International Law and International Affairs Committee and LGTON Law Firm, the Philippine Embassy in Rome  and its Office of Migrant Workers conducted a free legal seminar, “Itanong mo kay Attorney: Isang Libreng Talakayan ukol sa mga Batas sa Pilipinas,” on 29 August 2024 at the Embassy’s Social Hall. The event was geared towards empowering the Filipino community in Italy by providing them with the necessary information to protect their legal rights under Philippine laws. More than fifty (50) members of the Filipino community attended the event.

The seminar paved the way for participants to get an overview of three (3) essential Philippine legal topics that affect them the most - Family Law (Annulment, Foreign Divorce, Legitimation, and Rights of Illegitimate Children), Inheritance Law, and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Law. Ten (10) Philippine lawyers also provided free one-on-one legal consultation to participants needing legal advice on various matters not limited to the Philippine law topics mentioned. 

In his speech, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial encouraged the participants to “avail of the free legal services offered by the Philippine lawyers to ensure that everyone knows their rights and how to protect them.” He also cited the programs previously conducted by the Embassy, such as financial literacy seminars, skills training, and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PAOS) to equip the community with the necessary information to uplift their living status as well as that of their family in the Philippines. END