PUBLIC Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta warned the public defenders of the agency to shun corruption.
“Even seemingly small favors could expose public attorneys to complaints and possible dismissal from government service,” Rueda-Acosta said.
She told the new public defenders during their oath-taking ceremony that their positions carry a responsibility to serve poor clients who cannot afford private legal counsel.
Rueda-Acosta cited the case of 11 PAO lawyers who were dismissed from service due to misconduct, specifically solicitation of payments from clients.
Rueda-Acosta told the new public defenders that success in public defense does not always mean an acquittal.
She added that favorable results could include a reduced sentence, probation, good conduct time allowance or release through appropriate legal remedies.
Rueda-Acosta defended plea bargaining as a legal option when prosecution evidence is strong, while stressing that public defenders must continue defending their clients who maintain their innocence.
