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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Duterte lauds public lawyers for serving 9.7M Pinoys

VP Duterte lauds public lawyers for serving 9.7M Pinoys

Published Oct 13, 2022 06:00 pm

Vice President Sara Duterte was all praises for the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and its chief, Dr. Persida Rueda-Acosta, whom she called her “one-time boss” and a “friend”.

Vice President Sara Duterte speaks at the PAO’s 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Convention on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. (OVP photo)

Speaking at the PAO’s 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Convention held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Duterte noted PAO’s accomplishments of delivering access to free legal counsel to 9.7 million indigent Filipinos last year.

“You surpassed your target cases handled, including appealed cases that were favorably disposed of and served 9.7 million Filipinos,” she said in her 12-minute message.

The Vice President added it was “not an easy feat” amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with the PAO conducting “home visits for clients with special needs and further expanded its reach through online legal counselling broadcasted live on social media.“

At the same time, she also praised Acosta for always “standing tall and dignified in all her public appearances.”

“One look at her, and you know she is proud to lead an organization providing accessible, efficient, high-quality, and effective legal services to indigents and other qualified persons,” Duterte said.

VP Sara Duterte (left) and PAO Chief Persida-Rueda Acosta (right) pose for a photo in front of the audience. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)

At the Office of the Vice President (OVP), she cited the requests from fellow Filipinos, who are currently facing incarceration, for free legal assistance and support for expeditious hearings of their cases.

Recognizing the substantial role that PAO lawyers play, Duterte said the OVP has already conducted initial talks with Acosta for assistance and partnership.

“Thank you very much, ma’am, for your support to the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte told Acosta.

“We do not and cannot afford to cease learning as legal professionals and guardians of justice. It is a noble opportunity to take as we help ensure the integrity of the law and continue to uphold, despite challenges and disruptions, the inherent democratic rights enshrined in our Constitution and the laws of the land,” she said.

Duterte ended her message with hopes “for the best in our role of championing the rights of our marginalized and underrepresented citizens.”

“Once again, congratulations and may the odds, indeed, be constantly in favor of justice and equality for all,” Duterte said.



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