Bringing Positive Change: One Case at a Time

Reflections of Atty. Ramil Comendador, PRESO Inc. Vounteer-Lawyer

Atty. Ramil Comendador is the inspiring figure behind the viral story of a janitor who became a lawyer after passing the bar in 2017. Following his success, he served as an election officer in Pasay City during the 2018 elections. However, driven by his passion for advocacy and a desire to refine his litigation skills, he transitioned to public service as a Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer. In this role, he became deeply engaged with persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), frequently visiting jails to understand their circumstances, behaviors, and the key factors involved in effectively representing them in their legal battles.

Atty. Ramil’s firsthand experience as a PAO lawyer for nearly five years deepened his commitment to helping deserving PDLs. In early 2024, he took a noble step by joining PRESO Inc. as a volunteer lawyer, furthering his advocacy for prison reform and the fair administration of justice. Reflecting on his decision to join the organization, he remarked, "When I joined PRESO Inc. and saw its advocacy, I realized how beautiful its mission is—to help the vulnerable sector. One of the great aspects of PRESO Inc. is its vision. More people should reach out to this organization and see the goodness of its purpose."

Minor Technicalities Cause Major Delays in Release Process

Through his years of handling cases, he noticed that even minor issues—such as a simple misspelling of a name—could significantly delay a PDL’s release. He recalled cases where individuals who had already been granted bail or acquitted remained behind bars due to clerical errors. Without proper coordination between the courts, prosecutors, and jail authorities, these mistakes extended their detention unnecessarily, adding to the backlog of cases and the burden on the justice system.

Atty. Ramil emphasized the importance of addressing these inefficiencies early in the legal process. He advocates for better collaboration between PAO lawyers, prosecutors, and courts to verify and correct personal details while cases are still pending. This proactive approach could prevent unnecessary delays and spare PDLs from prolonged incarceration due to mere technicalities.

However, he also pointed out that PDLs themselves need to be honest in providing their correct personal details. Some believe that errors in their names might help them escape liability, which only complicates their legal situation. Through his experience, Atty. Ramil learned that establishing trust and rapport with PDLs is essential. As a PAO lawyer, he made it a priority to help them feel comfortable enough to be transparent and truthful from the very start. By fostering honesty and cooperation, legal proceedings could be handled more efficiently, ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary delays.

Seeking Truth and Upholding Due Process

After five years as a PAO Lawyer, Atty. Ramil decided to establish his own law practice in both Catanduanes, his hometown, and Manila. He now divides his time between the two locations, spending two weeks in Catanduanes before flying to Manila for another two weeks.

During moments of self-reflection, he pondered whether there was a conflict between being a defense lawyer and serving as a board member of PRESO Inc. As a defense lawyer, he advocates for his client—the aggrieved party—while in PRESO Inc., his focus is on supporting PDLs. At first glance, these roles might seem contradictory. However, he resolved this internal conflict by recognizing that, regardless of the side he is on, his ultimate goal remains the same: to seek the truth and uphold due process.

For Atty. Ramil, there is no real conflict. PRESO Inc. exists to help deserving PDLs—not to absolve guilt, but to ensure that those entitled to reintegration are not left behind due to systemic inefficiencies. His work in private practice and with PRESO Inc. is not about opposing forces but rather about ensuring justice is served fairly. Whether representing a client or advocating for a PDL’s rightful release, his role is to apply the law correctly and ethically.

He also emphasizes that helping PDLs through PRESO Inc. does not mean automatically securing their acquittal. Instead, the goal is to provide legal assistance to those who qualify for bail, early release, or reintegration. Many of these individuals have already served their time but remain in detention due to minor legal technicalities, delays, or lack of legal representation. His work ensures that these deserving individuals are not unjustly held back from reclaiming their lives.

Dedicated Son and Family Man

Atty. Ramil is not just a dedicated lawyer but also a loving son, a devoted husband, and a dutiful father. For him, giving time to his family is the greatest priority. He acknowledges that being a lawyer does not automatically equate to financial abundance, as many might assume. Instead, he remains reliant on God’s provisions, constantly praying for the means to support his family and provide for his mother’s needs.

He speaks with deep gratitude and admiration for his mother, who, at 85 years old, still moves around actively. Having raised six children on her own as a single mother, she remains his greatest inspiration. Now, as he balances his legal career between Catanduanes and Manila, he makes it a point to spend as much time as possible with her, recognizing that every moment with her is a blessing.

Atty. Ramil is an ordinary person with extraordinary strength of mind. His journey from being a working student, juggling his studies while working as a janitor, to becoming a lawyer is a testament to his resilience and determination. He never allowed circumstances to dictate his future; instead, he pushed forward with unwavering perseverance to achieve his dream.

Now, as he balances private practice with his role in the prison ministry, Atty. Ramil is determined to make a lasting impact. With his legal knowledge, firsthand experience, and unbreakable will, he believes he can do more to help deserving PDLs during his lifetime. His strength of mind—shaped by years of struggle, hard work, and faith—continues to drive him in his mission to uphold justice and bring positive change to the prison system.