PRESS STATEMENT
March 2008
The International Association of People’s Lawyers (IAPL) salutes and extends warmest greetings of solidarity to Atty. Romeo T. Capulong on the occasion of his being honored today as a Lawyer of the People (Abogado ng Sambayanan).
During the IAPL’s Third Congress held in Davao City, Philippines , last October 2006, Atty. Romeo Capulong was recognized by IAPL as an Eminent Person. He is the first person to be given this recognition by IAPL.
Atty. Capulong was a people’s lawyer long before the term became popular. His long history of defending the rights of the peasants, workers, urban poor, students, women, political prisoners and other oppressed sectors of Philippine society has defined what it means to be a people’s lawyer. His excellence as a jurist he has used in the fight for justice on the side of the oppressed.
Throughout the years, he has inspired numerous lawyers - young and old -, to follow in his footsteps. His article, “Lawyering for the People” gives the foundations and inspiration for people’s lawyering, and will be always be a guide for all who want to serve the people as lawyers .
During the last 16 years, he has also been the Senior Legal Adviser to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in peace talks with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
But above all , Romy, as we know and prefer to call him, is a very warm and caring human being. This is why he is a role model for people’s lawyers everywhere. And because he is deeply touched and moved by the suffering and struggling people, he is a fierce fighter for justice using all his skills and expertise as a lawyer to uphold and defend the people’s rights.
The IAPL is proud to have known and worked with Atty. Capulong. His life and example will continue to inspire lawyers throughout the world to become people’s lawyers and to defend and uphold the interests of the oppressed and exploited.
Long live Atty. Romeo T. Capulong – Lawyer of the People!
March 2008