(Article from Filipino Reporter. MOU SIGNING: Seated, l.-r.: Loida Nicolas Lewis, JTS Mallonga, Imelda Nicolas and Lirio Covey. Standing, l.-r.: Fr. Joseph Constantino, SJ, Niles Perlas, Consul Leandro Lachica, Angie Cruz, Judy Arteche-Carr, Mila Manalac and Jenny Fernan. (Photo by Virgie Camarinas)
The New York-based Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) and the Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to better serve Filipinos and Filipino-Americans suffering legal injustices across the United States.
The memorandum was signed on Dec. 28 in Manhattan between Secretary Imelda Nicolas, chairman of CFO; and lawyer JTS Mallonga, president of FALDEF, in the wake of increasing number of human trafficking of Filipinos into various parts of the U.S., as well as those entangled in immigration woes.
A highlight of the memo is the extension of pro bono legal service to whoever deserves it most.
“Both CFO and FALDEF agree to work together and initiate special projects aimed at promoting, as well as protecting the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas,” Mallonga told the Filipino Reporter, citing salient points in the MOU.