Ex-IBP exec tells Bar passers: Help Filipinos even those outside PH

Overseas Filipino workers. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–A former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) commissioner advised those who recently passed the Bar exams to utilize their skills and knowledge in the law profession to help not only the people in the Philippines but also the Filipinos overseas who are needing legal assistance.

A veteran lawyer of more than 20 years, 1-Ang Edukasyon Rep. Bong Belaro told the Bar passers to hone their craft in several fields like international law to reach out to distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Filipino lawyers must fine tune their mastery and competencies in international law, business law, transportation law, and information technology law,”  said Belaro, who earned his Master of Laws degree from Cornell University in New York.

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The 2018 Outstanding UP Alumnus for Public Service and Good Governance honoree pointed out that Filipino lawyers, using modern technology, can provide their services to OFWs who need help in terms of legal matters.

Belaro said the legal profession of today and the future is no longer confined geographically as legal services are now among the most sought after profession, even in the business process outsourcing industry.

The said “law practice in the Philippines is already deeply influenced by jurisprudence and legal research overseas.”

“Many decisions of the Supreme Court for example draw inputs from cases ruled upon in Europe and Asia,” the former law dean said.

“Developments overseas also affect laws and legal practice in our country, in the same way other professions feel the impact of technology and freer movement of people, information, and commerce,” Belaro said.

“When we in Congress craft new laws and update old ones, we look for international and global benchmarks and best practices, so the new laws are forward-looking and future-proof,” added Belaro. /jpv