“There is no place like home” – a common sentiment during these unusual and challenging times when a number of people find themselves away from their families – frontliners whose jobs require them to be away from home, and workers from out-of-town who unexpectedly find themselves stranded with the implementation of the quarantine.
While I, too, am unable to go home for the time being (though thankfully I am with my family), I found myself blessed with an opportunity to help out through VLAD (Volunteer Lawyers Against Discrimination). It has allowed me to witness the goodness of people.
A stranded son’s concern for his elderly father was assuaged when his father was personally visited by the local officials who also pledged to help the son in going home at the soonest possible time.
An anxious subdivision resident was allowed entry after the homeowners association had barred her from entering with no sufficient explanation.
“We have also sent template drafts of an anti-discrimination ordinance to friends in local government units.”
Advocating for the right against discrimination, we have also sent template drafts of an anti-discrimination ordinance to friends in local government units in the hope that they will adopt it so that acts constituting discrimination would be clearly defined.
“We have been able to celebrate little victories achieved through the coordinated efforts of the volunteer lawyers, with the help of local public officials who have graciously answered our calls for help.”
Though constrained by the present circumstances, we have been able to celebrate little victories achieved through the coordinated efforts of the volunteer lawyers, with the help of local public officials who have graciously answered our calls for help.
Indeed, as it has often been said “difficult times bring out the best in people”.
Note: The author, together with more than a hundred volunteer lawyers, provides free legal assistance and can be contacted through the Facebook Page of the Volunteer Lawyers Against Discrimination or any of its mobile numbers: 09992298705 for Smart subscribers; 09177052333 for Globe subscribers.
