Through its “Konek kay Attorney" initiative, the telecommunications company is working with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Rizal-RSM Chapter to bring legal services closer to communities that may have limited access to professional legal advice.
The program provides free one-on-one consultations to qualified beneficiaries, including underserved individuals referred by Globe's local government and nongovernment organization partners, as well as members of the Globe community, the telco said in a statement.
It has also reached partner communities in Taguig, Mandaluyong and Pasig, extending legal assistance directly to barangays.
Legal assistance
Globe chief compliance officer and senior vice president for legal and compliance Marisalve Ciocson-Co said the initiative seeks to help individuals better understand their legal rights and available options.
“Access to legal guidance can make a meaningful difference when people are faced with situations they may not know how to navigate. Through Konek kay Attorney, we want to help people better understand their rights and options, while giving our legal professionals a meaningful way to put their skills in service to others,” she said.
“It is one way we can use the resources and capabilities within Globe to create a positive impact beyond our business.”
IBP Rizal-RSM Chapter president Eric Paul I. Fetalino said improving access to justice requires stronger cooperation between legal professionals and communities.
“The law can only fulfill its purpose when people can reach it, understand it, and use it. Through Konek kay Attorney, we bring lawyers closer to communities and show what can happen when the private sector and the legal profession bring their respective strengths together for a common social purpose,” he said.
Public-private cooperation
Supreme Court Associate Justice and Unified Legal Aid Service Board chair Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa delivered the keynote address during an event that brought together representatives of the legal profession, government and private sector.
Caguioa also joined Globe and IBP representatives during a ceremonial signing formalizing their collaboration.
“A company built around connecting people has found another meaningful way to do precisely that, connecting communities with legal assistance,” he said.
He added that the initiative helps “bring legal assistance closer to people’s homes, workplaces, and communities.”
Online safety
The event also featured a discussion on online safety, including deepfakes, emerging digital threats and government initiatives to protect internet users.
Participants included actress and advocate Angel Aquino, National Privacy Commission deputy commissioner Juan Paolo F. Fajardo, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center executive director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, and Globe legal counsel Joseph Malcontento.
The discussion highlighted ways individuals can recognize online threats, protect personal information and understand their rights in digital spaces.
The initiative forms part of Globe of Good, the company's employee volunteerism and social responsibility efforts, which encourage employees to use their professional expertise to address community needs. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
