Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chief Seeks Partnership with Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to Extend Free Legal Services
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chief Faydah Maniri-Dumarpa has recently made efforts to establish a partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in order to provide free legal services, particularly to persons deprived of liberty (PDLS). This move by the CHR comes as part of their ongoing commitment to investigate human rights violations against marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, including inmates or PDLS, and to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with universal principles and standards.
Earlier this week, Maniri-Dumarpa, accompanied by other CHR officers, paid a courtesy call on PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta with the aim of discussing and formalizing a partnership that would effectively assist poor PDLS. This initiative by the CHR follows the recent partnership established between the PAO and the Philippine Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), which aims to extend legal assistance and support to impoverished and deprived Filipinos.
Maniri-Dumarpa emphasized the importance of this visit, stating, “This is one big reason why we paid a visit to PAO and the Chief Public Attorney, as we sought to forge a memorandum of agreement to formalize the partnership between the two government agencies that both serve the marginalized sectors and ensure more efficient referral mechanisms.” The CHR had previously written a letter to PAO’s Acosta, expressing their interest in collaborating and identifying areas where they could work together, considering that monitoring the conditions of PDLS is one of the mandates of the CHR.
Many PDLS have approached the CHR, requesting assistance from the PAO in their cases. The CHR has already endorsed several requests from PDLS to the PAO, highlighting the need for a formalized partnership between the two agencies. In response to the CHR’s move, Rueda-Acosta welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that the PAO has been providing free legal services to PDLS and representing them in court. She further explained that the PAO also plays a role in determining the eligibility for parole and advocating for the return of the award of the conduct time allowance for those who have served their sentences.
Deputy Chief Public Attorney Erwin Erfe, who also serves as the concurrent PAO-Forensics Laboratory Division Director, expressed his satisfaction with the increasing number of government agencies partnering with the PAO to fulfill their mandates. He stated, “Through the years, I have seen the Public Attorney’s Office becoming not only the nation’s most trusted agency and stakeholder in the justice sector, but it has also gained a reputation for dedicated public service and being the most sought-after partner by other government agencies in accomplishing their mandates.”
Both Rueda-Acosta and Erfe emphasized the PAO’s commitment to providing world-class quality legal services to all clients, particularly those from the poor sector. They also expressed their readiness to extend their support to other government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the government’s efforts in providing much-needed assistance to the Filipino people.
Extending Legal Aid to Persons Deprived of Liberty
The partnership between the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) holds significant potential for extending free legal services to persons deprived of liberty (PDLS). This collaboration aims to address the legal needs of marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, particularly those who are incarcerated.
The CHR, as a government agency mandated to investigate human rights violations, recognizes the importance of protecting the civil and political rights of PDLS. By forging a partnership with the PAO, the CHR seeks to ensure that these individuals have access to legal representation and support throughout their legal proceedings.
The PAO, known for its dedication to public service, has been providing free legal services to PDLS, representing them in court and advocating for their rights. This partnership with the CHR further strengthens the PAO’s commitment to serving the poor sector and fulfilling its mandate to deliver world-class quality legal services to all clients.
Collaborative Efforts for the Protection of Human Rights
The partnership between the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies in protecting and promoting human rights. Both agencies share a common goal of providing legal assistance to marginalized sectors of society, ensuring that their rights are upheld and protected.
The CHR, through its mandate to investigate human rights violations, plays a crucial role in monitoring the conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDLS). By partnering with the PAO, the CHR can extend its reach and effectively address the legal needs of PDLS, who often face challenges in accessing legal representation.
The PAO, on the other hand, has established itself as a trusted agency in the justice sector, known for its dedicated public service. By working with the CHR, the PAO can enhance its capacity to provide free legal services to PDLS, representing them in court and advocating for their rights and welfare.
This partnership not only benefits PDLS but also contributes to the overall protection and promotion of human rights in the country. By collaborating and sharing resources, the CHR and the PAO can create a more efficient referral system, ensuring that marginalized individuals receive the legal support they need.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) marks a significant step towards extending free legal services to persons deprived of liberty (PDLS). By working together, these government agencies can effectively address the legal needs of marginalized sectors of society and uphold the principles of justice and human rights. This collaboration not only benefits PDLS but also contributes to the overall protection and promotion of human rights in the country. Through their joint efforts, the CHR and the PAO demonstrate their commitment to providing accessible and excellent public service for the welfare of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times