The Philippine Department of Justice has launched a new digital platform providing free legal consultations to millions of Filipino migrant workers worldwide.
The initiative, known as “e-PAYO,” is operated through the Department of Justice Action Center. It connects overseas Filipino workers directly with government lawyers via virtual consultations and private online breakout rooms on Zoom, according to the department.
The service aims to assist migrant workers facing employment disputes, contract violations, and other legal challenges regardless of their location.
“Distance should not stand between Filipinos and access to justice,” said Justice Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, officer-in-charge of the action center, in a statement. Justice Secretary Frederick Vida added that the program breaks down geographical barriers so that legal remedies are never confined by territorial boundaries.
To access the service, interested workers must register online by scanning the official QR code provided on the DOJ Action Center’s social media advisories. Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants are not required to present documents initially, though officials advise attaching any relevant supporting files to help lawyers assess their concerns. During and after the consultation, participants must accomplish three standard requirements: a DOJ Action Center information sheet upon contact, a formal letter request detailing their legal issue, and a post-consultation feedback form.
Pilot testing for the system began on Oct. 30, 2026, successfully servicing an initial batch of overseas workers across multiple time zones. Officials stated the agency is currently evaluating client feedback from the pilot rollout to refine its operational workflows before expanding the platform to reach more members of the country’s vast diaspora.
To access the Department of Justice’s free online legal consultation service (e-PAYO), Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) must register online through the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC).
Currently, the platform operates on scheduled session rollouts, with slots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Register and Join a Session
- Check for Scheduled Advisories. Visit the official Department of Justice Facebook Page or regional DOJ Action Center Facebook Pages to check for upcoming e-PAYO schedule announcements.
- Scan the Registration QR Code. Each official advisory includes a registration QR code. Scan the code using your mobile device to access the online registration form and secure a consultation slot.
- Join via Zoom. Once your slot is confirmed, consultations are conducted online via Zoom. During the session, DOJAC lawyers assign participants to private virtual breakout rooms for one-on-one legal guidance.
Required Documents and Forms
You are not required to present any documents to apply, though attaching relevant files (such as employment contracts, receipts, or messages) helps lawyers better assess your case. During and after your consultation, you will need to complete three standard DOJAC forms:
- DOJAC Information Sheet. Filled out upon initial contact to record your personal and case details.
- Letter Request. A brief written request detailing your specific legal concern, along with any supporting documents.
- DOJAC Feedback Form. Completed after your consultation to help the agency evaluate and improve the service.
