TWO award-giving bodies based in the United States and his alma mater – Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – have recognized Public Attorney’s Office’s Deputy Chief Erwin Erfe for his “dedication to justice, truth and public health.”
PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said that she and the entire PAO personnel were doubly proud over the achievements attained by Erfe saying he’s truly deserving as shown by his dedication to his work at the agency as a public attorney and a forensic expert at the same time.
First, Erfe personally accepted the Certificate of Recognition bestowed upon him by the City of Walnut (California), USA in honor of his “Distinction as Outstanding Forensic Expert of the Philippines.”
Similarly, Erfe received the Amerika Prestige Awards, also held in California on May 24, 2025, which recognized him for his excellent forensic expertise in the Philippines.
On June 21, Erfe was one of PLM’s top ‘Kadakilaan’ awardees of its Haribon Awards, the highest university award, along with Comelec chairman George Garcia and Dr. Lucas Bersamin Jr., son of former Supreme Court chief justice and now Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin Sr.
Atty. Domingo Sonny Reyes, PLM president; and Bishop Reuben Abante, Alumni Association president, both said that Erfe has revolutionized forensic practice in government service.
A Harvard-trained executive and U.S.-certified forensic professional, he’s investigated high profile cases and mentored legal and medical students nationwide, they said.
“Known for integrity and intellectual rigor, Dr. Erfe’s dedication to justice, truth and public health reflects the highest ideals of multidisciplinary excellence,” said Reyes.
Asked why he chose to be in public service when there are a lot of opportunities, money-wise, in private companies given his credentials and years of experience, Erfe told Good Riddance that it’s been his aspiration to be a public servant.
“That’s true, there were a lot of offers from the private sector. In fact, I passed the US Medical Licensure Examinations which means I could practice and earn huge money in America but I chose to be with PAO.”
Concurrently the agency’s Forensics Laboratory Division director, Erfe said he chose PAO among the government agencies because it’s directly serving the indigent and underprivileged Filipinos.
“It’s really satisfying to serve them and at the same time work with PAO chief Rueda-Acosta and the entire PAO family,” the low-key Erfe said.
