Vice President Sara Duterte commended on Thursday the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers for their unwavering service to millions of Filipinos.
Duterte made her remarks during the 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Convention for Public Attorneys at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
In her speech, Duterte lauded the PAO’s efforts, especially during the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone for their accomplishments in 2021. You surpassed your target cases handled, including appealed cases that were favorably disposed of and served 9.7 million Filipinos. That is not an easy feat considering that we were still in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
She noted the critical role of PAO to ensure basic services with “minimal risk for both parties.”
“To achieve this, public attorneys were instructed to give their official work cell phone numbers to their clients… PAO also authorized the conduct of home visits for clients with special needs and further expanded its reach through online legal counseling broadcasted live on social media,” she added.
Free legal assistance
Duterte also thanked PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta for her support as the Office of the Vice President (OVP) receives some requests for free legal assistance.
“In my accession to the office, we have started receiving requests from fellow Filipinos currently facing incarceration for free legal assistance and support for expeditious hearings of their cases… We have conducted initial talks with Chief Acosta for assistance in these requests. Thank you very much, ma’am for your support to the Office of the Vice President,” she said.
She also lauded the earlier collaboration between PAO and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), particularly in fortifying the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act as some “estranged fathers failed to support their children” monetarily.
“The partnership of two government offices provides additional protection to solo parents and their children,” she said.
Duterte said she joins PAO in its goal to further protect the democratic rights of the marginalized and vulnerable sector.
“We do not and cannot afford to cease learning as legal professionals and guardians of justice. It is a noble opportunity to take as we help ensure the integrity of the law,” Duterte said. (PNA)
