MANILA, Philippines – Three hundred ninety-seven (397) lawyers have taken their oaths as new members of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO).
PAO Chief Atty. Persida Acosta led the oath taking ceremony where she reminded new members of the group to not be selective in helping clients and to always be punctual in every case they will handle.
The primary mandate of PAO is to provide legal assistance to and defend poor Filipinos who have no means to pay for legal counsel.
In her speech, Atty. Acosta reminded the new lawyers of PAO that accepting money from their clients is strictly prohibited.
PAO lawyers are also obliged to help their clients in processing any public documents and other important papers that would serve as evidence in the case they are handling.
“They are not allowed to frown at clients although they smell bad, have not brushed their teeth, have muddied feet. Don’t show disgust to them. Because of them, we are here. Our lives will have meaning while we are serving the poor,” Acosta said.
She also advised the new lawyers to be punctual so they will not lose evidence and witnesses, especially in cases involving the youth and the poor who need justice.
“The lazy are not allowed in PAO. You should be diligent, punctual because if we are not so, our witnesses will be taken from us, even the dead bodies. We will all be at the disadvantage even the youth we are trying to save,” Acosta added.
She also warned the new lawyers against violating their mandate, noting that they would face removal from the position.
Acosta said 10 lawyers have been ousted from PAO due to corruption and violation of their code of conduct. – Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue
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