"A Night Of Hope": A Celebration and Acknowledgment of FALDEF's Commitment to Service, Legal Defense and Community Outreach

Of all the forces that make a better world, none is as powerful as hope. At the Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund's (FALDEF) first dinner reception on March 1, 2013, this indeed was the driving force. It was hope that empowered young volunteers, seasoned community leaders, professionals, journalists, legal eagles, government officials, friends and families to band together for an event in order to acknowledge, celebrate and strengthen the commitment to the Filipino American community.

 "A Night of Hope" was sponsored by National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG), and was coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General of New York.

Guests from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts took time on a Friday night to join the celebration held at the official residence of Philippine Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr.  It began with guests from various organizations mingling, networking and exchanging ideas on ways to deliver valuable services to the Filipino American community.

FALDEF's Chairman, and one of the original founders of the organization, Robert C. Rivas, was the master of ceremonies.

It was a delightful surprise when special guest, New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile recognized FALDEF's advocacy efforts and hard work by presenting them with a City Council Citation. Although already previously engaged for the evening, he took extra effort to make sure he gave recognition to the young organization. The citation stated that “a great city is only as great as those persons or groups who give exemplary service to their communities whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of good citizenry.  Whereas, such service, which is truly the lifeblood of  the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded.”

In his speech, Councilman Vincent Gentile said: "Congratulations to FALDEF in everything that you have done in a short time. In that time, you have done the great advocacy for all migrants, not just the Filipino Americans, but all those that come to you. You've done outreach in the areas of education programs, voter protection and human trafficking -- trying to stop it at its source: from Manila to America. That is great, great work and something I want to honor you tonight and say thank you for your efforts."

Providing equal access to justice is one of FALDEF's original missions.  And in keeping with that value, renowned trial lawyer Sanford Rubenstein emphasized in his speech that "trial lawyers represent the interests of the victims and that all immigrants have an absolute right like any other citizen in the country, to be heard in the court of law - whether they're an immigrant or undocumented. If we, trial lawyers, don't represent the victims who have been wronged, then we shouldn't be doing what we're doing.”

Atty. Victor Bolden, New Haven, Connecticut's Corporate Counsel and former NAACP LDF General Counsel, was the Keynote Speaker. In an inspirational and powerful speech, he used the numbers 150, 50, and 5 in a brilliant and compelling way to illustrate how our efforts today fit within the context of our America’s larger history of practicing its idealism and belief in the freedom of the average man.

Victor Bolden said, "150 years ago last month, Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation. That one document set in motion changes for that particular time. The concept of freedom: that all people should be free.  Equal protection and freedom in itself is not enough, you need equality, too... but equality does not come without the power of voting.  It's not about one race or group but about everyone to do their part to make change.

"50 years ago: 1963, there was a great march in Washington. We were not one nation, but divided by color.  But they came together in order to move America forward again. The march galvanized the Civil Rights of 1964, the Voting Rights, and the Fair Housing Act.

 "5 years ago, FALDEF was launched.  A group of Filipino nurses taking a stand sparked the recognition that there needs to be an organization that addressed their issues."

"Five, fifty, one hundred fifty. The common theme is the incredible commitment to the rule of law. An idea - the power behind the idea that transforms lives."

Merit Salud, NaFFAA Region-1 Chair and FALDEF's Vice President for External Affairs, concluded the night by emphasizing that FALDEF is lucky to have the support of PCGNY and the community leaders. Having just returned from a trip to Manila he said:  

"Without the community leaders, FALDEF is just another NGO.  FALDEF gave birth to Philippine Legal Defense and Education Center (PHILDEC) in the Philippines. Like its precursor in America , PHILDEC stands for the supremacy of the rule of law and the aristocracy of human dignity. As an NGO initially designed to combat human trafficking from the Philippines to the United Sates of America, it stands on these two underpinning rationales".

"Rule of law without justice is a farce. Justice not only for Filipino Americans, but for every person.”

FALDEF's exemplary service to the Filipino American community was highlighted with the premiere of  a powerful documentary: "Tayo Ay May Karapatan: We Have Rights". A film directed and produced by award winning director, Diane Paragas. In 2012, she came across FALDEF while doing research for her feature film, "The Yellow Rose". Inspired by the FALDEF’s accomplishments, she generously volunteered her time and talent in producing this moving documentary thereby humanizing and portraying the very real suffering of those imprisoned by the current immigration system and the faces and names of those who have successfully triumphed in this fight.

Miguel Gulfin, a client of FALDEF, was detained for almost 7 months and was eventually released because of FALDEF's efforts led by attorney JT Mallonga.

In the film, Gulfin described his first encounter with Mallonga at the detention center:

“I see a man in a suit, and see that he's a lawyer. The first thought that went through my head was - Oh thank God we have a lawyer, someone's gonna fight for us! The impression that I got from what I saw was, wow - this guy looks like he means business. This guy looks like he's not gonna go down without a fight.  It looks like he's gonna go down swinging."

Gulfin is one of many Filipino Americans whose lives are affected by the country's broken immigration system.  He added:

"To anyone out there in my situation, who feel scared, with no one to turn to -- remember, there's FALDEF. These are people who would love to help."

As the evening ended with group photos, they fittingly depict a remarkable fact.  The Filipino Americans stand supported by other communities with their voices loudly joined in the collective call and action in the on-going journey to justice.

To learn more, join and support FALDEF, please visit the website at www.faldef.org.

Photo credit: Ramon Tinana and Shawn Ashkan Shariati

NYC Council Commends FALDEF for "Great Work": The FilAm magazine

FALDEF founder JT Mallonga (right) receives plaque of citation from Councilman Vincent Gentile. With them is Consul General Mario de Leon Jr.

As published in The FilAm magazine:
New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile lauded FALDEF’s immigration advocacy by presenting the organization with a City Council Citation at a March 1 fundraising reception held at the Consul General’s Upper East Side residence.

“You have done the great advocacy for all migrants, not just the Filipino Americans, but all those that come to you,” said Gentile. “You’ve done outreach in the areas of education programs, voter protection and human trafficking. That is great, great work and something I want to honor you tonight and say thank you for your efforts.”

The Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund’s reception drew an intimate crowd of young volunteers, community leaders, journalists, lawyers and government officials who gathered to “celebrate and strengthen” the commitment to the Filipino American community, said a press statement.

Some guests came all the way from Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to join the celebration held at the official residence of Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr.
Lawyer Sanford Rubenstein acknowledged the important role of trial lawyers in moving immigration cases.

“Trial lawyers represent the interests of the victims and that all immigrants have an absolute right like any other citizen in the country, to be heard in the court of law – whether they’re an immigrant or undocumented,” he said. “If we, trial lawyers, don’t represent the victims who have been wronged, then we shouldn’t be doing what we’re doing.”

Keynote speaker Victor Bolden, New Haven, Connecticut’s corporate counsel, used the numbers 150, 50, and 5 to dramatize the milestones in the campaign for racial equality.

He said, “One hundred fifty years ago last month, Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation. That one document set in motion changes for that particular time. The concept of freedom: that all people should be free. Equal protection and freedom in itself is not enough, you need equality, too… but equality does not come without the power of voting. It’s not about one race or group but about everyone to do their part to make change.

“Fifty years ago: 1963, there was a great march in Washington. We were not one nation, but divided by color. But they came together in order to move America forward again. The march galvanized the Civil Rights of 1964, the Voting Rights, and the Fair Housing Act.

“Five years ago, FALDEF was launched. A group of Filipino nurses taking a stand sparked the recognition that there needs to be an organization that addressed their issues.”

Merit Salud, FALDEF’s vice president for External Affairs, said the organization is lucky to have the support of the Consulate and the community. “Without the community leaders, FALDEF is just another NGO,” he said.

He recounted how FALDEF gave birth to the Philippine Legal Defense and Education Center (PHILDEC) recently organized and now based in Manila.

“PHILDEC stands for the supremacy of the rule of law and the aristocracy of human dignity. As an NGO initially designed to combat human trafficking from the Philippines to the United Sates of America, it stands on these two underpinning rationales. Rule of law without justice is a farce. Justice not only for Filipino Americans, but for every person.”

The evening’s program featured a screening of the documentary, “Tayo Ay May Karapatan: We Have Rights,” showing FALDEF’S work with undocumented immigrants. The film was produced and directed by Diane Paragas.

Related Articles: GMA News: 

FALDEF partners with PHILDEC to Counter Human Trafficking: Philippine Daily Mirror

As reported in the Philippine Daily Mirror
Saturday, 09 March 2013 15:00  Kobakila News Service

NEW YORK – As an offshoot of rescuing a Filipina who was a victim of involuntary servitude in the hands of an Egyptian employer in New York City, in joint efforts with the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (FALDEF) has organized and partnered with a counterpart in the Philippines.

Philippine Legal Defense and Education Center, Inc., (PHILDEC) , a non-governmental organization (NGO), was established during the visit of FALDEF leadership in Manila to attend the  2nd D2D (Diaspora to Development) Global Summit of Filipinos in Diaspora on Feb. 25-27 in Manila.

  

The establishment of PHILDEC was deemed necessary in order to address human/labor trafficking at its inception – targeting illegal recruiters and individuals who initially recruit potential employees from the Philippines and are brought to the U.S.   With PHILDEC,  it makes it more effective for both organizations to initiate simultaneous prosecution of  those involved from the Philippines and the U.S.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., tendered a reception for the visiting directors of FALDEF and the new directors of PHILDEC at his residence on Feb. 27.  FALDEF has earlier sought the assistance of the ambassador in finding common avenues to jointly combat human/labor trafficking.  In turn, the ambassador invited FALDEF to visit the Philippines.

 

PHILDEC is structured to have both an advisory and working boards.  Legal luminaries, social advocate and community organizers, and business executive have agreed to lend their expertise and commitment in the pursuit of justice, the majesty of the rule of law and the aristocracy of human dignity as members of PHILDEC boards.

 

The advisory board members include former Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr ; Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ  (one of the foremost authorities on Phil. Constitutional law, ormer law dean of the Ateneo Law School); Fr. Romeo Intengan SJ (former Jesuit Provincial and noted social crusader ); Atty. Antonio La Vina (Dean, Ateneo School of Government); Atty. Avelino Cruz, Jr. (former Secretary of National Defense;  Partner: Carpio Villaraza and Cruz Law Offices);  Atty. Rolando Mario Villonco (Managing Partner: Siguion Reyna Law Offices); and Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ  President of the UGAT Foundation.

 

Working board members are: Atty. Clarence Guerrero (Private Practitioner and former Chief Counsel of Manila Bank); Atty. Eva Laluna (Private Practitioner and Advocate of Women's Rights); Atty. Eric Mallonga (Private Practitioner and former Counsel of Bantay Bata);  Rene  Madarang ( Community Development Specialist); Fr. Julio Ramon Mallonga (CICM; Missionary with 21 years of experience in South America; a social advocate and community organizer); Captain Nilo Du (Private Entrepreneur and owner of shipping-related businesses); Christian Laluna (Communications Director, Ateneo School of Government) and Engr. Felizardo Mercado, Jr.(Community Dev. Manager, Philip Morris, Philippines).

 

In addition, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano of the Dept. of Justice expressed his interest on the issue of human/labor trafficking. Also, Dean Danilo Concepcion of the University of the Philippines College of Law (UP Law Center) and Dean Sedfrey Candelaria of the Ateneo College of Law (Ateneo Human Rights Center) manifested their deep interest in working and partnering with PHILDEC on the educational aspect relating to human rights and labor trafficking.

 

Once operational, PHILDEC and its volunteer lawyers will work with Philippine prosecutors, allied NGOS and government agencies.

 

FALDEF President, J.T Mallonga was one of the resource speakers on “Legal Assistance to Filipinos in Distress in the U.S,” a workshop on Global Legal Assistance on Advocacy.  Joining him in this visit were Merit Salud, Nimfa Du-Tinana, Cely Deauna, Patricia Astorga, Loida Nicholas Lewis, Jose Ramos, Jr., Dr. Angie Cruz, and Ramon Tinana.

 

-----------------------------------

PHOTO CAPTION:  Ambassador Harry K. Thomas With FALDEF and PHILDEC directors and guests

 

PHILDEC and FALDEF to combat human trafficking from the Philippines to America

The Philippine Legal Defense Fund And Education Center, Inc (PHILDEC)

And The Filipino American Legal Defense And Education Fund (FALDEF)

To Combat Human Trafficking From The Philippines To America

 

 

 

Just before Christmas,  in a joint operation conducted by the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc (FALDEF)  and the Philippine Consulate of New York,   a Filipina was rescued who was the victim of involuntary servitude in the hands of an Egyptian employer in New York City.   In handling this case and other human/labor trafficking cases of Filipinos against placement agencies/employers in the United States, FALDEF has recognized that these can only proceed and, be more  effective,  if the illegal recruiters in the Philippines are simultaneously prosecuted.  Because of  the fear of persecution on their families back home,  Filipinos in the U.S. are extremely hesitant to seek legal  redress.  More importantly, unless  the human/labor trafficking issue  is addressed at its inception and  the individuals who initially recruit potential employees from the Philippines are prosecuted for labor trafficking, there will be no end to the stream  of human/labor trafficking victims from the Philippines.

 

(PHILDEC and FALDEF Directors with US Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr. and Ms. Loida Nicholas Lewis)

It was in the light of above-described reality that FALDEF sought the assistance of the US  Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr, with the end-in-view of finding common avenues by which we could jointly combat human/labor trafficking.  In this regard,  The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. ( FALDEF ) accepted an invitation from US Ambassador Thomas to come to the Philippines and, which trip culminated in a dinner reception hosted by the US Ambassador at his residence on February 27, 2013.  

 

 

The first step taken in the long and arduous road to combat human/labor trafficking was the  setting up of  a pro-bono legal defense counterpart, an NGO, which as of this writing  has been successfully established. It is officially called PHILDEC, Philippine Legal Defense and Education Center, Inc.

 

It was recognized by none other than the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.  who first met both the directors of FALDEF as well as the new Directors of PHILDEC at the reception he tendered at his residence on February 27, 2013.

 

 The more than week long sojourn was filled with meetings and discussions among and with the officers, volunteers and some identified NGOS on the matter of human/labor trafficking. 

 

PHILDEC  is comprised of two boards, one Advisory and another Working. In this connection, FALDEF is proud to announce that the following highly esteemed individuals have chosen to lend themselves, their expertise and commitment in the pursuit of justice, the majesty of the rule of law and the aristocracy of human dignity as members of PHILDEC boards.

 

Advisory Board Members:

1) Former Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr

2) Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ (one of the foremost authorities on Phil. Constitutional law, former law dean of the Ateneo Law School)

3) Fr. Romeo Intengan SJ (former Jesuit Provincial and noted social crusader )

4) Atty. Antonio La Vina (Dean, Ateneo School of Government)

5) Atty. Avelino Cruz, Jr. (former Secretary of National Defense;  Partner: Carpio Villaraza and Cruz Law Offices)

6) Atty. Rolando Mario Villonco (Managing Partner: Siguion Reyna Law Offices).

7) Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ  President of the UGAT Foundation

 

 

Working Board Members:

1). Atty. Clarence Guerrero (Private Practitioner and former Chief Counsel of Manila Bank).

2). Atty. Eva Laluna (Private Practitioner and Advocate of Women's Rights)

3). Atty. Eric Mallonga (Private Practitioner and former Counsel of Bantay Bata)

4). Rene  Madarang ( Community Development Specialist)

5). Fr. Julio Ramon Mallonga (CICM; Missionary with 21 years of experience in South America; a social advocate and community organizer).

6). Captain Nilo Du (Private Entrepreneur and owner of Shipping -related businesses).

7). Christian Laluna (Communications Director, Ateneo School of Government).

8). Engr. Felizardo Mercado, Jr., ( Community Dev. Manager, Philip Morris, Philippines).

FALDEF Directors who flew to Manila to attend the meeting and Global Summit:
1)  JT Mallonga, Esq.
2)  Merit Salud, Esq.
3)  Nimfa Du-Tinana
4)  Cely Deauna
5)  Patricia Astorga, Esq.
6)  Loida Nicholas Lewis
7)  Jose Ramos, Jr.
8)  Dr. Angie Cruz
9)  Ramon Tinana

In addition to the above, Prosecutor General, Claro Arellano of the Dept of Justice expressed interest on the issue of human/labor trafficking. Also, Dean Danilo Concepcion of the University of the Philippines College of Law (UP Law Center) and Dean Sedfrey Candelaria of the Ateneo College of Law (Ateneo Human Rights Center) manifested deep interest in working and partnering with PHILDEC on the educational aspect relating to human rights and labor trafficking.

 

Once operational, PHILDEC and its volunteer lawyers will work hand-in-hand with Philippine prosecutors, allied NGOS and government agencies.

 

Additional discussions and meetings are planned to flesh out, fully develop and make seamless the partnership between U.S. based Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc. (FALDEF) and Philippine based Philippine Legal Defense Fund and Education Center, Inc (PHILDEC). This, at least, begins one of the many little steps on the long, complex and arduous road to combat human/labor trafficking from the Philippines to America.

 

(Various community leaders and professionals at the Global Summit 2013)

The FALDEF team attended the 2nd D2D (Diaspora to Development) Global Summit of Filipinos in Diaspora, which was held on February 25-27, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. FALDEF President, Atty. JT S. Mallonga, was one of the resource speakers on "Legal Assistance to Filipinos in Distress in the US", a workshop on Global Legal Assistance on Advocacy.

 

For more information about FALDEF, please visit their website at www.faldef.org.

 

Photo credit: Ramon Tinana

Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers : USCIS Update

Beginning March 4, certain immigrant visa applicants who are the spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens (immediate relatives), and have been unlawfully present in the United States, can start applying for provisional unlawful presence waivers through a new process.

The new provisional unlawful presence waiver process is for certain individuals who seek a waiver of inadmissibility only for unlawful presence. They can now apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver while in the United States and before departing for their immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Under the current process, which continues to remain in effect, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are not eligible to adjust status in the United States have to travel abroad and be found inadmissible at their immigrant visa interview before they can apply for an inadmissibility waiver.

The new process is expected to shorten the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives while those family members go through the process of becoming lawful permanent residents of the United States. For eligibility details and information on the process, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/provisionalwaiver

Received from USCIS email announcement

DEFEND, SERVE, EDUCATE Reinforcing FALDEF's Role in the Fil-Am Community: Asian Journal

As reported by Momar G. Visaya, Asian Journal

“In this age of darkness, there are two ways of spreading light. You may either be a candle, or the mirror that reflects its light.” - Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr.

Guided by this powerful statement written by former Philippine senator Benigno Aquino Jr. while he was in prison, a group of Filipino-American lawyers have banded together to be both - candle and mirror - in order to be of service to the community.

The group formed the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF), a non-profit organization that provides pro-bono legal services to immigrants in distress due to heir origin, status and financial situation. After collectively working on a case involving Filipino immigrants suffering injustices, they decided to create an organization that was dedicated to serving the migrant community.

“The vision was that this was going to be the first ever legal defense fund that will not only have lawyers as active members of the board, but also non-lawyers. Of the 15 original members, ten are not lawyers, they are community leaders. The idea was for FALDEF to always be in service to the community,” said JT Mallonga, FALDEF President.

Since its founding back in 2008, FALDEF has successfully helped Filipinos. Actively collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), FALDEF has been able to take on cases throughout the United States.

2012 was a banner year for FALDEF.

The group was able to successfully close a deportation case in Texas. John Quidilla was picked up by ICE on his way to classes and detained just a few months shy of his college graduation. His mother found FALDEF by chance and contacted them immediately.

“We are proud to say that we made every effort to help this young man whose “American Dream” was to graduate from college and support his family-a dream that has successfully been fulfilled,” Mallonga added.

FALDEF also assisted the Regional Public Defender’s Office in Texas with a case involving Gabriel Hall, a Filipino adoptee on death row. Officers of FALDEF flew to the island of Cebu in the Philippines to help with background research.

Early in its inception, FALDEF officers helped Dr. Pedro Servano and his wife Salvacion, who were then both set to be deported. After consultations with several lawyers, he was told his case was hopeless. They were introduces to FALDEF through the Filipino community in Philadelphia and NaFFAA. FALDEF lawyers were able to stop his deportation and are now in the process of assisting him and his wife on obtaining status.

The Gulfin couple was detained with their son Miguel for six months in a detention center in New Jersey. FALDEF took on their case and successfully got them out of detention. Their deportation was stopped.

“We have very strong ties with the consulate. Most victims of legal injustice here are Filipino nationals.  We work with the NAACP legal defense fund, AALDEF, the 37-year old NYIC, an advocacy group,” Mallonga shared.

“When we founded FALDEF three years ago, we provided timely access to pro-bono legal services to the immigrant sector. We sought to empower them so that they could achieve their full potential as productive contributors to their families and communities. Bound by a common desire to help one of the currently most vulnerable groups in our society, volunteers from both legal and non-legal professions have devoted their time and efforts to extend relevant assistance where they are most needed,” he added.

Now, FALDEF is not just composed of lawyers, but community leaders such as Dr. Angie Cruz, author Jen Furer and documentary film director Diane Paragas.

Having gone through a tumultuous relationship with lawyers, Furer said that it is a welcome change now that she is working with a group of lawyers who are actually able to help those in need.

“I wish I knew back then what I know now,” Furer said.

The organization envisions a vibrant Filipino American community whose members can freely share their knowledge, talents and resources to fully advance the welfare of their family and society without fear of unjust treatment due to their heritage.

And this is what Paragas, a filmmaker wants to achieve.

The director is working on her first narrative feature film called Yellow Rose. The story is loosely based on her life growing up as the only Filipina-American in her small Texas town. After 10 years of developing this project, Diane felt that it was time to tell her story, not only for herself but for the Filipino-American community.

“If I saw this film when I was that troubled 15-year old, it would have changed my life as I know it will change the life of so many people who feel their voices are never heard,” Paragas said.

Indeed, FALDEF is a community undertaking, a collaborative effort of community leaders wanting to share their years of experience in order to help out kababayans.

(www.asianjournal.com)(NYNJ Mag February 22, 2013 pg.2)
Click HERE to view the online edition of the Asian Journal, Feb 20, 2013 

A Night of Hope: Friday, March 1, 2013

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and US Pinoys 4 Good Governance (USP4GG) present "A Night of Hope", a charity reception on behalf of the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (FALDEF) on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the residence of Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr.

 

The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) is a registered 501 (c)(3) not-for profit organization that provides pro-bono legal services to Immigrants in distress due to their origin, status and financial situation. FALDEF was founded in 2008 by a group of lawyers, professionals and community leaders working towards the same cause. After collectively working on a case involving Filipino Immigrants, suffering injustices, they decided to create an organization that was dedicated to serving the migrant community, in particular the Filipino Migrant Community.

 

(Victory Bolden, Sanford Rubenstein, Diane Paragas)

 Attorney Victor Bolden, Corporation Counsel of the City of New Haven, Connecticut is the evening's special guest speaker. An expert and advocate of civil rights, when Bolden chose to begin his post as New Haven's acting corporation counsel on Rev. Martin Luther

King, Jr.'s birthday, he said:

“A day of significance ... a day of new possibilities."

As Corporation Counsel, Bolden serves as the chief legal advisor of and the attorney for the City and all City officers and departments in matters relating to their official duties. Bolden was formerly General Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. He served on the Counsel with the law firm of Wiggin and Dana LLP in New Haven, Connecticut. He also served as a Karpatkin Fellow and Staff Attorney at the ACLU, from1989-1994. Bolden completed his undergraduate studies, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1989.

 Mr. Bolden has been a supporter of the Filipino-American community, even prior to the

actual incorporation of FALDEF. When the community needed help in defending 10 Filipino nurses who were wrongly sued, Bolden graciously offered the legal services of NAACP-LDF.

 

 

 

Attorney Sanford A. Rubenstein, senior partner at the Brooklyn law firm of Rubenstein & Rynecki, is one of the evening's guest speakers. He is one of New York's most sought after advocates for victim's rights in personal injury and civic rights matters. Described by the Melvin M. Belli Society of the American Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Nation's 25 top trial lawyers, described by New York Post's Page Six as "a high powered personal injury lawyer" and a "famed attorney" by the New York Daily News.

Rubenstein's career has been punctuated by high profile cases in which he represented victims in many tragic occurrences in New York City.

Mr. Rubenstein appears frequently on national and local T.V. news advocating for victims rights. He has appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. Mr. Rubenstein has lectured and participated in panels for the New York Sate Trial Lawyers, The Harvard Law School Criminal Justice Institute, Brooklyn Law School and the Melvin M. Belli Society of the American Trial Lawyers Association.

Mr. Rubenstein is also an author of a new book entitled, "The Outrageous Rubenstein" , in which he writes about his experience as a media savvy trial lawyer fighting for justice and change.

The evening also features the premiere of a short documentary film by Diane Paragas.

Over the course of the last three months Ms. Paragas has been documenting candid interviews from FALDEF clients and Board Members. What started out as a public service announcement, has turned into a short documentary.

 

 

Ms. Diane Paragas is an award-winning documentary film director and commercial director.  Her films have appeared on Showtime, BET, Discovery, MTV, Bravo and PBS. . In 2012, Paragas produced and directed the feature documentary, "Brooklyn Boheme", which premiered in February on SHOWTIME networks and features Spike Lee, Chris Rock, to name a few. "Brooklyn Boheme" recently won Outstanding TV Documentary at the Black Reel awards.

 

Ms. Paragas is also the founder and owner of NYC based Civilian Studios. Ms. Paragas is a supporter of FALDEF and has lent her talent by offering to do a short documentary about the organization. She is currently working on her first feature film Yellow Rose, a film loosely based on her life growing up as the only Filipina-American in her small Texas town. For details visit www.yellowrosefilm.com .

 

"A Night of Hope" charity reception begins at 6:30pm and ends at 9:00 p.m. A suggested donation of two hundred dollars,  made out to "FALDEF", will be appreciated and accepted at the door, by mail or online. The event has limited seating and RSVP is required by February 20, 2013. For details please email hope@faldef.org or visit the website at www.faldef.org.

 

 

(FALDEF directors with Hon. Judge Lorna G. Schofield)

 

FALDEF is also hosting a press club meet and greet event with Hon. Judge Lorna G. Schofield, the first Filipino-American in the history of the United States to serve as an Article III federal judge.

RELATED LINKS: GMA Network.com International
                                 Asian Journal:  NaFFAA and USP4GG present "A Night of Hope"

 



DACA approved through PATH for DREAMS initiative

"The PATH for DREAMS program at the Philippine Consulate helped me in my application process. FALDEF was definitely a great choice in helping me fill out my application forms for DACA.

I'm very blessed to have found an organization that not only provides pro bono services to

assist me in my situation but also a place where the officers are very understanding, helpful, 

friendly, and supportive. Thank you for the great services that you consistently and graciously 

provide for the people in need. I would recommend your services to anyone who needs it." ~ S. M.

FALDEF vows to help root out human trafficking : Filipino Reporter

      

Saturday, 02 February 2013 17:10

Written by Edmund M. Silvestre                  

 

J.T. Mallonga, Esq. (standing) addresses the Fil-Am media at the Philippine Consulate Monday. With him in photo are (from left) Dr. Angie Cruz, Diane Paragas, Emerito Salud and Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr.  (Filipino Reporter photo)
 

The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) has officially partnered with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the United States Embassy in Manila to nip in the bud the rising trend of alleged trafficking of Filipinos into the U.S. by setting sights on the “source” of the problem.

In its first ever press conference since its inception in 2009, FALDEF president J.T. Mallonga, Esq. said the biggest export of the Philippines to the world is manpower, and the issue of trafficking and other forms of labor abuse usually originate back home.

“We intend to set up a legal defense fund to prosecute cases from the source,” said Mallonga, announcing the creation of a Philippine Legal Defense and Education Fund (PHILDEF) in Manila.

The idea of PHILDEF was approved by U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas and will be formalized during a special reception to be hosted by Thomas himself for FALDEF officials at the embassy in Manila this Feb. 27.
Mallonga said the U.S. Embassy will play a major role in finding an end to the problem since all visas used by Filipinos to legally enter the U.S. are issued by the embassy.

“We may have strong partnership with all the Philippine consulates in the U.S. and we may have a strong legal representation in the Philippines (through PHILDEF), but without the U.S. Embassy helping us put a stop to this, by blacklisting the agencies involved in trafficking, then all of the efforts will go to waste,” Mallonga noted.

In its upcoming meeting with Thomas in Manila, FALDEF is hoping to seek an audience with representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to obtain funding for PHILDEF.

Mallonga said assistance from USAID will give PHILDEF the proper logistics to bring the guilty parties to justice.
USAID is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid to provide economic, development and humanitarian assistance to people overseas struggling to make a better life in a free and democratic country, and in support of the foreign policy goals of the U.S.

USAID has been giving millions of dollars to various non-government agencies in the Philippines, but none of those NGOs or any other entity go after the perpetrators of trafficking and bring them to justice, Mallonga noted.
Aside from trafficking and labor-related matters, PHILDEF can also help look at cases of Filipino workers facing the death penalty overseas, particularly in China and the Middle East.

Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. said the Philippine Consulate’s team up with FALDEF is the “first public-private partnership to assist our nationals.”

“We have broadened and deepened our relationship with FALDEF,” said de Leon, as he cited FALDEF’s solid track record in helping numerous Filipino nationals in distress.

Aside from stopping the deportation of several Filipinos and solving immigration-related matters, FALDEF is also helping save from the death row two Filipino nationals in Texas.

De Leon will host FALDEF’s dinner fund-raiser on March 1 at the consul general’s official residence on 63rd Street in Manhattan, in cooperation with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG).

 

FALDEF short documentary excerpt directed by Diane Paragas

( An excerpt from the FALDEF short documentary directed by Diane Paragas of Civilian Studios)

Over the course of the last three months Diane Paragas has been documenting candid interviews from FALDEF clients and Board Members. What started out as a public service announcement, has turned into a short documentary. A short preview will be shown today and the final product will be premiered at the "Night of Hope" benefit dinner on March 1.

            

Diane Paragas is an award-winning documentary film director and commercial director.  Her films have appeared on Showtime, BET, Discovery, MTV, Bravo and PBS. Paragas started her career in advertising then went on to work at MTV and for Discovery Asia.  Ms Paragas is also the founder and owner of NYC based Civilian Studios. She has directed award winning commercials for Fortune 500 companies and is repped by the prestigious Rascal Films. In 2012, Ms Paragas produced and directed the feature documentary Brooklyn Boheme which premiered in February on SHOWTIME networks. The documentary which was co-directed and co-produced with Nelson George celebrates the post-civil rights artistic movement of Fort Greene Brooklyn and features Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Rosie Perez and Saul Williams to name a few. Diane is a supporter of FALDEF and has lent her talent by offering to do a short documentary about the organization. She is currently working on her first feature film Yellow Rose.