BIZ BUZZ: Free lawyers for insurance disputes
Good news for those beefing with their protection plan providers.
The insuring public can now avail themselves of free legal assistance when filing a claim or complaint stemming from insurance, pre-need and HMO products, thanks to a new deal between the Insurance Commission (IC) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
The agreement covers legal consultation, as well as representation during mediation, conciliation, and adjudication proceedings.
The IC said its partnership with IBP would “particularly” help “marginalized and less privileged citizens of the country.”
After informing a complainant about the available remedies, the regulator may endorse that person to the IBP for free legal services.
The IBP, in turn, will provide legal assistance subject to the application of a means and merit test, and to the availability of volunteer legal aid lawyers.
In 2023, IC resolved all 5,417 informal complaints it received from the insuring public. And with the new tie-up, the regulator is expected to settle more disputes. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Cathay flies over parallel skies
Like other airlines, Cathay Pacific has been regaining momentum since the reopening of borders postpandemic. While the Hong Kong flag carrier has been doing that, it has also allotted resources to support the film industry—a sector that also drives tourism activities.
READ: Cathay Pacific posts first annual profit in four years
The airline served as the travel partner for the production team behind the romantic drama film “Under Parallel Skies,” which is set in Hong Kong, Cathay’s headquarters.
Cathay flew the lead stars —Filipino actress and singer Janella Salvador and Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn—and the crew to the shoot in one of Asia’s popular tourist destinations. The movie is directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, who is also known for her blockbuster movie “Kita Kita.”
The rom-com is set to have its theatrical release in the country today, April 17. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ
