Children in conflict with the law (CICL) victims and their families received free legal consultation and guidance during the legal assistance program held at Quezon City Hall on June 9.
The activity organized by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) in partnership with the Quezon City (QC) Government and volunteer lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) QC Chapter, served as the second part of the initiative, following the free legal assistance provided to CICL last May.
According to JJWC Executive Director Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco, the activity is a reflection of a shared goal of expanding access to justice. She explained during her message that restorative justice is not only addressing the offenses committed by CICL, but also acknowledging the harm experienced by victims and supporting their healing and recovery.
“Ang activity na ito ay sumasalamin sa ating iisang layunin na mapalawak ang access to justice at matiyak na ang mga biktima at kanilang mga pamilya ay may sapat na suporta at kaalaman sa mga legal na proseso na maaari nilang pagdaanan o pinagdadaanan,” she added.
(This activity reflects our shared goal of expanding access to justice and ensuring that victims and their families have support and understanding of the legal processes they may go through or are currently going through.)
QC Vice Mayor Gian Sotto emphasized the important role of parents in shaping a child’s values and character during his welcome remarks, highlighting how parental guidance can help prevent children from coming in conflict with the law and also support healing of victims.
“Sa ating mga magulang, patuloy nating gabayan ang ating mga anak, and tahanan ang unang paaralan, ang mga magulang ang unang guro. For we believe that a strong family is the foundation of a strong community. When families are stable, individuals become more responsible and compassionate to others,” he said.
(To our parents, let us continue to guide our children. The home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers. For we believe that a strong family is the foundation of a strong community. When families are stable, individuals become more responsible and compassionate to others.)
A chance to be heard
For many participants, the activity served as a safe place where victims and their families were also given the chance to openly voice their concerns and experiences. It became a place for them to seek clarity on their rights, ask questions about their situation, and receive reassurance from professionals who were willing to listen to their concerns.
One of the participants, Mommy Tina, said the experience was especially meaningful for her, as it provided clarity and understanding in dealing with their situation.
“Yung pinakasagot talaga na gustong gusto ko makuha yun yung narinig ko at saka maganda rin kasi yung nakausap ko is nakikinig talaga samin. Pakikinggan nila yung hinaing mo, yung mga tanong mo at saka yung mga gusto mong malaman maibibigay nila sayo,” she said.
(The most important answer I really wanted to get was what I heard, and it was also good because the person I talked to really listened to us. They listen to your concerns, your questions, and the things you want to know, and they are able to provide them to you.)
Volunteer lawyer Atty. Mary Angelique Saguid, who has also been actively volunteering in her home province in Marinduque, encouraged participants to make full use of the information and legal advice they received during the consultations.
She emphasized that understanding one’s rights helps individuals know the steps to take and brings a sense of peace of mind.
“Sana sundin nila yung mga advice namin kasi para din naman sakanila yun. Hopefully sana dumami pa ang magpaconsult o ishare pa ng ibang victims na mayroon tayong free legal service na makatutulong sakanila,”she added.
(I hope they follow our advice because it is really for their own benefit. Hopefully, more people will seek consultations or share with other victims that we have free legal services that can help them.)