There is a heart behind every legal fight. Learn about Atty. Ronald Tolledo and the work of Lawyers for Christ. Their dedication goes beyond the courtroom, as they strive to make a positive impact on society by advocating for justice and compassion. They hope to inspire others to do the right thing and help those in need.
Lawyers for Christ is a national movement of Christian legal professionals committed to promoting biblical values within the realms of law, public policy, and civil society. Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23–24, the organization views the legal profession as a platform for serving both God and the Filipino people.
Led by Atty. Ronald Tatel Tolledo, a Christian lawyer, legal educator, and reform advocate, the organization is dedicated to integrating biblical principles into Philippine law and governance. Raised in a devout Christian family emphasizing public service, he was born on April 10, 1985, in Gigmoto, Catanduanes. His parents, Rogelio Tolledo (†) and Rosemarie Tolledo, were both public school teachers who instilled in him a strong commitment to truth, justice, and compassion.
"Lawyers for Christ is one of the first things I did upon passing the bar. I was planning initially to go into corporate. But God has another plan, so I was able to meet with several leaders and individuals who have the same passion and vision as I have," he said during an intimate interview. He emphasized that the main motivation behind their organization is to effect change in the Philippines, as many people are weary of the ongoing issues, including corruption and various other challenges. "So we really think na a voice is needed para magkaroon ng pagbabago sa Pilipinas. Yung Lawyers for Christ is composed of lawyers and Christian leaders who are one in dreaming for a better Philippines."
Atty. Ronald Tatel Tolledo, a graduate of FEBIAS College of Bible in 2012, has merged his passion for theology with his commitment to justice by pursuing a career in law. His mission is to honor Christ in the courtroom and to ensure that legal assistance is accessible to marginalized communities. Currently, he holds several important positions: he is the cofounder and president of Lawyers for Christ (2024–present) and serves as legal counsel for Redeemer’s Movement (2025–present). Additionally, he is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and actively advocates for Christian dispute resolution, good governance, and public legal education.
In selecting their clients, Atty. Tolledo emphasized that their services are available to everyone, not just individuals who identify as Christian. Specifically, they represent clients in cases that violate people's individual rights, and they also act as their advocates.
"It's a political but faith-based organization. Meaning, it wants to be a Christian think-tank organization pagdating sa mga policies and laws. It seeks to influence sa mga policy makers, mga thought leaders, and even the general public." Atty. Tolledo suggested that it may be more effective to view the organization as one that seeks to influence contemporary thought leaders and policymakers. The goal is to ensure that when laws and policies are developed, they are rooted in Christian principles. This initiative encourages Christian legal professionals to unite and actively shape our current society.
Lawyers for Christ is currently in discussions with several organizations to advance their ambitious ideas for change in the Philippines. Their primary goal is to reach Congress and the Senate to discuss the proposals they believe will benefit society. Currently, there are six members in the organization, and they are actively expanding their movement. In fact, they are supporting scholars who are pursuing undergraduate degrees and are interested in becoming lawyers.
The corruption that he witnessed served as a significant catalyst for his passion in establishing this organization. Through their initiatives, they seek to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to social justice and transparency. By empowering young individuals to chase their ambitions, they aspire to create a ripple effect that will inspire even greater change across the nation.
What inspired Atty. Ronald Tolledo to pursue both biblical studies and a career in law, and how have these two fields influenced his approach to public service?
"Yung Biblical Studies kinuha ko siya because that time I was really looking for another graduate degree that would be different from other degrees. Ang sabi ko sa sarili ko, if ever I'm going to study, I'm going to seek for myself a different kind of education," he said. He grew up in a family of teachers and various professionals, which inspired him to explore different fields. As a result, he pursued multiple degrees but often found himself losing interest. "So sabi ko, not for me really. Kaya nung kumuha ako ng Biblical Studies, siguro nakakuha ako ng challenge dun. And really for the first time in my life, nagkaroon ako ng deeper understanding ng mga greatest questions of my life."
He described himself as someone who is inclined toward theological and philosophical exploration. As he pursued his studies, he began to see how his personal experiences intertwined with the broader narratives of faith and existence.
What advice would Atty. Ronald Tolledo give to young Christians who aspire to enter the legal profession and use their careers for the greater good?
"I'm telling you now that lawyering is hard. Advocating for people's rights is hard. But if you really think that the Lord is calling you to be a lawyer, to be a champion of people's rights, go for it. Kahit gaano kahirap yang pagdadaanan mo, maa-accomplish mo yan. If it's worth doing, do it with excellence, not just because you want to."