Sara Duterte asks PAO to help expedite cases of PDLs

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is coordinating with the Public Attorneys Office (PAO) to provide free legal assistance to persons deprived of liberty and expedite the hearings of their cases, Vice President Sara Duterte said Thursday.

During the 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Convention for Public Attorneys, Duterte said that upon assuming her post, the OVP has started receiving requests for free legal assistance and support from Filipinos who are currently facing incarceration.

“Recognizing the substantial role that our lawyers at the Public Attorney’s Office play, we have conducted initial talks with Chief [Persida] Acosta for assistance in these requests,” she said.

“We continue to be plagued with social issues and injustices, and many Filipinos need legal representation. This is true, especially among Indigenous Peoples and the marginalized sector. With limited resources and scant opportunities, their hope for seeking justice depends largely on the dedication, commitment, and exercise of servant-leadership of our Public Attorney’s Office,” she added.

Duterte also highlighted PAO’s partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to file complaints against estranged fathers who fail to provide financial support to their children.

She said that such collaboration would provide additional protection to solo parents and their children.

Duterte, who is a lawyer herself, said that helping ensure the integrity of the law and continuing to uphold the country’s democratic rights is a noble opportunity for legal professionals.

“I continue to hope for the best in our role of championing the rights of our marginalized and underrepresented citizens,” she said.—LDF, GMA News