Defend.Serve.

Educate
The official newsletter of the Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund
Volume 1, Issue 1
We believe in justice We believe in reliability We believe in integrity We believe in service to others

May 2013

A Message from Chairman Robert C. Rivas

When we all came to the United States, we all came for one purpose, and one purpose onlyto achieve the betterment of our lives and those of our families and children. We have all struggled these many years to achieve some semblance of comfort, satisfaction and success in our chosen field of work. We have educated our own children, educated the children of others, progressed through several levels of material success, acquired property, traveled abroad, saved our earnings and invested them wisely, preserved our health and provided for our retirement. Having provided adequately for the security and welfare of our families, we now ought to make the choice to give ample time and energy to devote towards salvaging and improving the quality of our brethrens lives here in the United States, as well as those who have recently left the land of our birth. It is those lives that have been rendered hopeless and precarious by the cruel circumstances which have befallen them at the hands of some unscrupulous and greedy human traffickers who prey upon them. Others have been subjected to unspeakable bias and inhumane treatment at the hands of heartless and avaricious employers, middle men and promoters. Yet others have been victimized by brutal and unfeeling spouses and lovers. Their struggles are our struggles. Their shame is our shame. The fulfillment of their dreams must be our dreams as well. We must accept ownership and responsibility that their salvation is in each of our own hands. We must remain steadfast on their behalf, and neither tire nor falter in our quest for human rights and decency for them. This is the birthright of free men all over the world! The pages of this newsletter highlight our initial successes and the tremendous work and opportunities for everyone to contribute towards. Any and all help that you are able to provide is greatly appreciated by us. It is by the giving that we experience the full measure of what we genuinely have and all that we have accomplished in our lives. Those with skills in fundraising, social work and community organizing, to name a few, are being offered this golden gift to draw near and lend their assistance. Lawyers, law students and law graduates are warmly welcomed to actively participate in helping to keep the FALDEF banner waving firm and strong in fulfilling its mission and vision. To the generous and caring hearts who hear this call for selfless service to others who have yet and are unable to have their dreams materialize, may you find yourselves among our ranks. In this season of renewal, let us here highly resolve that the struggle continues and that, with your contribution, their dreamsour dreamswill never ever die!

Inside this issue:

Message from Chairman Rivas

FALDEF partners 2 with PHILDEC NYC Councilman 3 Recognized FALDEF Tayo ay May Mga Karapatan, a documentary FALDEF vows to root out human trafficking In Retrospect A Night of Hope
Donation Form

FALDEF partners with PHILDEC to combat human trafficking

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There are 11 million Filipino overseas workers in the world. We have to protect our people.

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Manila, Philippines. February 2013. Directors of FALDEF and Philippine Legal Defense and Education Center (PHILDEC) with US Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., and Ms. Loida Nicholas-Lewis

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Defend.Serve.Educate

FALDEF partners with PHILDEC to Counter Human Trafficking

As reported by Ricky Rillera in the Philippine Daily Mirror

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 Philipines 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.
PHILDEC Directors with Merit Salud & JT Mallonga 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.

Ms. Loida Nicholas-Lewis with Atty. JTS MAllonga

If you got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.
- Theodore Roosevelt

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, Former 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.

FALDEF & PHILDEC directors with Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

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.

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NYC Councilman Recognized FALDEFs commitment

New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile recognized FALDEF's advocacy efforts and hard work by presenting them with a City Council Citation at the "Night of Hope" event on March 1, 2013. 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."
Photo: Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr., Councilman Vincent Gentile, FALDEF Pres. JTS Mallonga

Tayo Ay May Mga Karapatana documentary film

Over the last three months, award-winning documentary film and commercial director, Diane Paragas (a second-generation Filipino American), documented candid interviews from FALDEF clients and Board Members. What started out as a public service announcement, turned into a documentary, which was previewed at the Night of Hope benefit dinner on March 1, and is available for viewing at our website (www.faldef.org)

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." Miguel Gulfin

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Defend.Serve.Educate

FALDEF vows to root out human trafficking

As reported by Edmund Silvestre in the Filipino Reporter

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 Center (PHILDEC) in Manila. The idea of PHILDEC 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.those NGOs or any other entity go after the perpetrators of trafficking and bring them to justice, Mallonga private partnership to assist our nationals.

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. - JT Mallonga

FALDEF, NaFFAA, USP4GG, PCGNY officers and volunteers with the Fil-Am newsmedia at the Jan 28 Press Conference

Pinays Rescue in Staten Island

Meanwhile, at the same press conference, FALDEF announced the dramatic rescue in Staten Island of another alleged trafficking victim, who was brought to the U.S. from Qatar by an Egyptian family. She said she came here with two other Filipinas, who still remain with the family. Rina Hernandez, 51, a native of Angono, Rizal, said she arrived in New York in October 2012 on a B1 visa. A former teacher at Angono National High School, she said she resigned from her job as an assistant teacher in Doha, Qatar to join the Egyptian family, whom she met through a friend. Hernandez claimed she was promised to work as a private tutor for the children of her employer, but was also tasked to work as a nanny and was subjected to involuntary servitude immediately upon arrival in New York. With no means to seek help from the outside, it was Hernandezs daughter who actually sought FALDEFs help through FaceBook. Hernandez was rescued by the Philippine Consulate, led by Consul Bong Cario, head of the assistance to nationals unit, with the help of the New York Police Department. Mallonga said Hernandezs employer was literally dragging her back to the hotel where they were staying during the rescue.

Rina Hernandez

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January 2013 National Action Network: Legal Night, New York Meeting with Federal Judge Southern District of NY Lorna Schofield February 2013 Global Summit 2013 Legal Assistance to Filipinos in Distress in the US (Phils) The Black Institute (TBI) meeting on collaboration with TBI on African American immigration cases of 300 Caribbean teachers (NY) March 2013 A Night of Hope Empowerment for the Future: A Leadership Management Seminar for the Filipino-American Community. (Drexel University, PA) Meeting with NAACP-LDP Pres. Sherrilyn Ifill DACA event at Baruch College April 2013 CUNY School of Law. Kindig Sindaw Panel Discussion on Immigration: Filipinos in the USA Partnership with Were the Changing Face of America PCGNY alliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Overseas Foreign Worker (OFW) Townhall Meeting (NY) Documented movie preview at Angel Dirensanz Foundation New York City Immigrant Heritage Week Symposium: State of Undocumented Immigrant Rights and Resources (NY)

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In Retrospect

Rule of law without justice is a farce. Justice not only for Filipino Americans, but for every person.
FALDEF without the community leaders, is just another NGO.~ Merit Salud

Page 6 FILIPINO AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND

4 West 43rd St, Suite 505 New York, NY 10036 Phone: 212-221-1888 Fax: 212-221-7337 E-mail: faldef@faldef.org

Defend. Serve. Educate

FALDEF, is uniquely set-up as the Filipino American legal defense group, of national scope, in the United States. Based in New York, it provides pro bono legal services to Filipinos and members of the Filipino-American community who are suffering from legal injustices. FALDEF is equally committed to voter education and protection, and is focused on fighting human trafficking through prosecution, training, education and victim support in the Philippines. For more information please visit www.faldef.org

A Night of Hope: A Celebration and Acknowledgment of FALDEFs Commitment to Service, Legal Defense and Community Outreach

We are on the Web!

www.faldef.org www.facebook.com/FALDEF www.faldef.blogspot.com www.twitter.com/faldef1 UPCOMING EVENTS May 7-9. Washington, DC National Council of Asian Pacific Americans 2013 Policy Summit PATH for DREAMs Initiative DACA Legal Clinic Know Your Rights Seminar SAVE THE DATE! June 7, 2013 Pro-bono DACA legal clinic sponsored by PCGNY, NaFFAA, UniPro, FALDEF and SABANY (South Asian Bar Association of NY) October 26, 2013 The First Annual DSE GALA Night EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Jen Furer Photo credits: Merit Salud Ramon Tinana Shawn Ashkan Shariati Questions? Suggestions? Email us at info@faldef.org Defend.Serve.Educate is published quarterly.

Community leaders and volunteers from PCGNY, FALDEF, NaFFAA, USP4GG, NAACP-LDF, Masbate Assoc., NJ State Nurses Assoc. Speakers: NYC Councilman Vincent Gentile, Victor Bolden, Sanford Rubenstein, Diane Paragas

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 charity 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. 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 the Philippine Consul General of New York, Hon. Mario de Leon, Jr. The night began with an intimate reception where members of various organizations mingled, networked, and exchanged ideas on ways to deliver valuable services to the Filipino American community. 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 Americas larger history of practicing its idealism and belief in the freedom of the average man. 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." The evening ended with group photos, that 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.
Thank you for all your support.

The Search Is On For The First DSE Trailblazer Awards

The DSE awards will honor trailblazers in the legal profession, the arts, the business world and the civil rights community whose extraordinary work and achievements have contributed to advancing FALDEF's mission to defend, serve and educate members of the community. For nomination details, please visit www.faldef.org.

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Your generous contribution will allow FALDEF to continue to defend, serve, and educate the Filipino-American community and other migrant communities, which will benefit our society as a whole. FALDEF is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that was created to empower the Filipino-American community so that they could achieve their full potential as productive contributors to their families and communities. We truly appreciate your support. You can make your donation online (www.faldef.org) or you can fax/mail your to: FALDEF 4 West 43rd Street, Suite 505 New York, New York 10036 Phone: 212-221-1888 Fax: 212-221-7337 Any questions or concerns please contact: fundraising@faldef.org

Your information: First Name: _________________________________ Last Name: ________________________________ Street: _______________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________State: _____________________ Zip code: ______________________ Phone number: __________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Donation: __ One time contribution of: __ $10 __$25 __ $ 50 __ $100 ____Other $______ __ Recurring contribution of: $___________________________________________ __ Enclosed is a check (made out to Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.) __ Kindly charge the credit card below. __ American Express __ Discover __ Master __ Visa Card holders name______________________________________________________________ Card #____________________________________ Exp. Date ____________________________ Signature ______________________________________________________________________ __ This donation is made in honor of: ______________________________________________________ Kindly send acknowledgement of this gift to: Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ __ I give permission to FALDEF to list me as a supporter on their website and other publications.