FLAG’s half a century of service for human rights and justice

Last 21 October marked a significant milestone for the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) as they kicked off their 50th year, leading up to their golden anniversary on October 21, 2024. As a FLAG member since, if I recall correctly, 2012, it is a true privilege to share with you this significant occasion in today's column.

The kick-off activity marks the beginning of celebrations honoring FLAG's formation and its service in promoting human rights and development, which began during the martial law period. Various cases handled by FLAG have become landmarks in the country's political and constitutional law.

Around 50 years ago, martial law darkened the nation’s days. Men like former Justice Jose B.L. Reyes, Senator Jose W. Diokno, Senator Lorenzo Tanada, and Senator Joker Arroyo founded FLAG on October 21, 1974. Today, FLAG still stands unwavering, defending human rights and ensuring justice remains within reach of Filipinos.

In Cebu, the golden anniversary kick-off was organized by FLAG Region VII, led by the indefatigable veteran human rights lawyers, retired judge Meinrado Paredes and former vice governor Democrito Barcenas, and assisted by another FLAG veteran, Danao City Councilor Edmund T. Lao.

The first part, a hybrid forum titled "Philippine Agenda on Climate Justice and the West Philippine Sea," was held at the De La Salle School of Law in BGC Taguig and connected locally via Zoom at the University of Cebu, Banilad, Cebu City. Atty. Jay Batongbacal and Atty. Alaya de Leon took the lead as the main speakers, shedding light on pivotal issues and engaging the audience with their expertise.

This forum hoped not only to educate but also to ignite a passion within nearly 70 Law students in Cebu taking up International Law, toward equitable access to justice. UC School of Law Dean Ria Lidia Espina welcomed the students and the participants to the event.

FLAG consistently advocates for a justice system that prioritizes the needs of the marginalized and underrepresented. Climate justice is rooted in the idea that those who are least responsible for climate change often suffer its gravest consequences. Climate change affects people's rights to life, water, food, and shelter, among others. And it is often the vulnerable populations such as indigenous groups, women, children, and the elderly who face the harshest impacts.

Equitable access to justice and climate justice both advocate for a fair and inclusive system, ensuring marginalized or underrepresented groups have an equal voice and opportunity. It's a fundamental truth: Justice is for everyone, not just the powerful or wealthy. And every nation should have a balanced say in climate negotiations. After all, climate justice emphasizes addressing climate change in a manner that prioritizes the rights and needs of the most vulnerable.

Following the forum was a heart-warming nationwide roll call of FLAG members. In Cebu, notable lawyers attended including retired judge Paredes, Attys. Guiller Ceniza, Edmund T. Lao, Carrie De La Serna Unchuan, Michael Abad, Gilbert Arrabis, Democrito Barcenas, Lourdes Barcenas, Dean Lidia Espina, and Jay Pujanes. In Manila, FLAG members Attys. Theodore Te and Erin Tanada were present.

FLAG also unveiled a new logo with a refreshed design and a renewed color palette. This signifies not just change, but the adaptability and resilience that FLAG has demonstrated over the years. Barcenas spoke to the young, urging them to fight as long as there's oppression. Paredes concurred, emphasizing the continuous defense of human rights. Here's to more years of struggle, triumphant tales of justice, and unwavering defense of human rights. Cheers to FLAG!