MANILA, Philippines — The Public Attorney's Office (PAO) is investigating an incident at its office in Meycauayan, Bulacan over a viral video post showing unruly behavior by one its staff toward an elderly.
Deputy Chief Public Attorney Ana Lisa Soriano told The Manila Times on Friday that PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta ordered the investigation of the PAO-Meycauayan personnel, including its head.
Soriano said Acosta understood the public's concern and sentiment regarding the incident as she “deeply" regretted the client's experience or "perceived inappropriate treatment while seeking legal assistance at our office.”
The PAO’s Legal Research Service issued a notice to those concerned to explain their side, according to Soriano.
In a Facebook and TikTok post, one Inday Panadera Gelyn said that she was at the district office =when her attention was caught by a supposedly PAO staff, a female who was wearing a green dress, holding a paper with a frowning face.
Gelyn said the PAO staff member approached an elderly man whom she appeared to be reprimanding for leaving more blanks on the paper he submitted.
The senior citizen said he was unable to provide more information because the hospital was closed. The lady PAO personnel countered that “the hospital was not closing, (because) there was no hospital there” before turning away with her eyes rolling as shown in the video.
“The public can rest assured that due process will be respected and that a fair and orderly hearing will be conducted,” Soriano said.
Should the person be found liable, the appropriate administrative measures will be imposed in accordance with existing rules and regulations, she added.
In separate interview, Rueda-Acosta said the agency did not condone any improper or unacceptable conduct by its lawyers and personnel toward clients.
“We continue to uphold the importance of orderly, respectful, humane, and professional delivery of services to the public, especially to those in need of free legal aid,” Rueda-Acosta said.
“The PAO will continue to strive to maintain the public's trust and to ensure that every person who seeks assistance at our offices is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, the top PAO official vowed.
