PUBLIC Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta has warned newly-appointed public attorneys against corruption and urged them to uphold integrity, professionalism and quality legal service to marginalized Filipinos.
Speaking during the PAO orientation and oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed lawyers and staff, Rueda-Acosta told the new public attorneys that their positions carry a responsibility to serve poor clients who cannot afford private legal counsel.
Warning them against accepting money, food or other gifts from clients with pending cases, the chief public attorney told Good Riddance that “even seemingly small favors could expose public attorneys to complaints and possible dismissal from government service.”
Urging them to remain professional and efficient in handling their cases, she said they should make good use of their time and promptly communicate developments to their clients.
Rueda-Acosta also reminded the new lawyers, who would join as the country’s “top defenders of the poor,” that success in public defense does not always mean an acquittal.
A favorable result could include a reduced sentence, probation, good conduct time allowance or release through appropriate legal remedies, according to her.
She also defended plea bargaining as a legal option when prosecution evidence is strong while stressing that PAO lawyers must fight cases when clients maintain their innocence.
The PAO chief recalled her own experience as a public attorney in Manila beginning in 1990, when lawyers handled several courts and worked with limited resources and much lower salaries.
Despite being called “second-class lawyers” at the time, she said PAO personnel continued working because of their commitment to providing legal assistance to the poor.
She urged the new lawyers to stand firm in court despite pressure or criticism from opposing parties, saying they shouldn’t be ashamed of being public attorneys.
Experience in appellate work could also help them become better advocates and prepare them for other positions in the justice system.
Above all, Rueda-Acosta described public service at PAO as a responsibility to protect the poor and marginalized that have limited means to defend their rights.
The 282 newly appointed PAO personnel are set to begin their assignments in September following their continuing orientation and training.
