THE top leadership of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) has conducted an administrative review to improve the delivery of free legal services, ensure the proper use of public funds, and strengthen its lawyers' capability to serve indigent Filipinos.
PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, along with Deputy Chief Ana Lisa Soriano and PAO-National Capital Region Director Revelyn Ramos-Dacpano, also led the regional public attorneys’ meeting held at the same venue late last week.
Acosta said that the initiative was part of efforts to maintain PAO's ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification and ensure that its offices nationwide continue to operate effectively.
"The PAO is not conducting this review to spend funds unnecessarily but to maintain its certification and ensure that every district, sub-district, satellite, regional, and central office operates effectively for the poor Filipinos," according to the chief public attorney.
During the event, Soriano said each regional office and service unit presented a 10-minute report on the status of the legal services they provide.
PAO officials said the review examined whether plans and processes remain effective or need revision.
It also identifies operational issues requiring immediate solutions, including PAO lawyers' capability to perform their duties, Ramos-Dacpano said.
Acosta said the agency also assessed the knowledge and courtroom skills of its lawyers, including their ability to present witnesses, conduct cross-examinations, and prepare judicial pleadings accurately.
"We also review the capacity and competence of our lawyers to ensure they are consistent in presenting witnesses, conducting cross-examinations, preparing judicial pleadings, and avoiding errors in dates, names, and other important details so they are always prepared in court," she said.
A recipient of multiple awards and recognitions for her anti-corruption stance and consistent and extensive free legal services, especially to the underprivileged and indigent, Acosta rejected any claims that PAO misuses government funds, saying the agency's budget is used solely to improve services for its clients.
“PAO has never wasted public funds. Our budget is for the Filipino people, particularly the poor,” she said.
“It is spent on strengthening the capabilities of our lawyers and staff so we can provide effective legal counseling, efficient court representation, legal advice, and even psychological guidance to clients burdened by legal problems," she added.
