Manila, Philippines, 2 August 2023 - As part of the firm's commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ID&E), Quisumbing Torres lead partner for ID&E, Alain Charles Veloso, along with associates Paul Rico Tan, Alyanna Marie Manalang, and Amal Jayieda Panda, represented the firm at the annual Pride Summit of the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) on 27-28 July.
During a breakout session in the two-day event, Charles led the discussion on legal protections and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines. Together with the associates, he highlighted the absence of legislation on property rights for non-heterosexual couples in the country. The team discussed the options available to LGBTQ+ couples within the framework of existing laws.
Facilitated in collaboration with IBP Makati Chapter and TrustLaw, the pro bono legal arm of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the conversation further expanded to include the issues around domestic adoption, inheritance and succession rights, insurance matters, and the right to care for same-sex couples.
"Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity goes beyond the initiatives we do at Quisumbing Torres. By engaging in dialogues such as the PFIP Pride Summit, we hope to address the legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to finding sustainable solutions. Our firm stands with the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to provide the support and education necessary for their empowerment," Charles said.
Aside from participating in the PFIP Pride Summit, Quisumbing Torres previously conducted a webinar on LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces in June. The firm also actively engages in other ID&E initiatives, such as promoting women empowerment and mental health.
The PFIP Pride Summit brings together advocates aiming to accelerate the growth and development of the LGBTQ+ community within the country. This year's theme, HIRAYA, reflects the collective hopes, dreams, and aspirations for LGBTQ+ empowerment, the creation of safe spaces, and the promotion of self-authenticity.
About Quisumbing Torres Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) are central to our firm's culture and values, as well as its strategy. Our ongoing emphasis on ID&E throughout our business benefits our people, our clients, and our industry. Our approach to ID&E focuses on leadership, accountability, and humility.
At QT, we strive to live our values by incorporating ID&E into everything we do. We have progressed from simple implementation of ID&E initiatives to embedding a change culture in which these values are key factors in how we do business. We have progressed toward our goals, including our ongoing emphasis on developing a culture of mentoring and sponsorship, creating opportunity and access, and amplifying impact through education and collaboration, not only within our firm but also to our external stakeholders and the rest of the legal community.
About Quisumbing Torres
Quisumbing Torres offers clients integrated solutions to complex legal challenges.
Our culture, developed nearly 60 years as a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein, enables us to collaborate across borders and practice areas. We provide seamless advice underpinned by local market knowledge and deep sector expertise so that business leaders can feel confident in driving growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.