CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has emphasized its commitment to providing free legal assistance to indigent clients across Central Luzon.
Under the Department of Justice, PAO is the lead government agency that offers legal services to those who are oppressed, marginalized, and underprivileged, ensuring they have access to courts, judicial, and quasi-judicial agencies at no cost.
During the 14th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, Regional Public Attorney Jan Steven Dunuan explained that indigent clients are defined as those with a net monthly income below P24,000 in Metro Manila, P22,000 in cities, and P20,000 in municipalities.
To access PAO’s services, clients need to provide proof of indigency, such as a Certificate of Indigency from the barangay or the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
However, Dunuan noted that additional documents might be required in certain cases.
“Regarding other documents, it depends on the case, particularly in civil cases. There must be documents to support the claims that need to be included in the complaint and judicial affidavit,” he said.
PAO provides a range of legal services, including legal representation in courts and legal counseling.
Dunuan mentioned that the they also offer walk-in consultations and assistance via phone and email.
Additionally, PAO engages in mediation and conciliation to resolve disputes outside the formal judicial process, aiming to reduce court dockets.
The office likewise conducts jail visitations to address issues such as overstaying detainees and supports inquest proceedings.
Moreover, Dunuan underscored that they also assist media personalities facing legal harassment, handle labor and administrative cases, and support minors and overseas Filipino workers.
Aside from these services, PAO also provides legal aid to victims of certain crimes regardless of their financial status.
“This is because, under the law, certain statutes do not require proof of indigency. Even individuals with financial means can qualify for assistance. This includes victims of violations of Republic Act 9262 [the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act],” Dunuan furthered.
As such, indigent individuals, as well as other qualified clients of PAO, are encouraged to visit any of its 40 district offices in the region.
In Central Luzon, PAO reported a 98.7 percent client satisfaction rate.
This reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to upholding the rights and safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
