The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief, Persida Rueda-Acosta, recently addressed the agency’s 359 new members, challenging them to provide their best service on a 24/7 basis to indigent clients and never “shortchange” them.
During the mass oath-taking ceremony held at the Bayview Hotel in Manila, Rueda-Acosta emphasized that being a part of PAO meant going beyond the standard eight-hour workday. She urged the new members to commit to working around the clock, saying, “Being a PAO worker, being a public attorney, we are committed to work here beyond that time; it must be 24/7.”
The oath-taking ceremony was followed by an orientation seminar, which will conclude on January 24. This seminar aims to equip the new members with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their duties effectively.
Rueda-Acosta explained that the work of PAO members includes legal counseling, attending hearings, preparing judicial affidavits, and conducting jail visitations, among other responsibilities. She highlighted that this work requires dedication and sacrifice but can also be fulfilling when serving indigent Filipinos with a smile.
To motivate the new members, Rueda-Acosta emphasized that their higher salary and other financial benefits are a result of the demanding tasks they are assigned. She encouraged them never to be discouraged by the challenges they may face, stating, “Never get irked when you are assigned to carry out such tasks because that’s the reason why you are receiving a higher salary aside from other financial benefits.”
Rueda-Acosta reiterated the importance of delivering the best service to the public, emphasizing that the PAO values both the clients and the mandate entrusted to them. She stated, “This is also the best way of giving honor to our calling as public attorneys and public servants, and of recognizing our clients’ rights, recognizing our collective efforts which have contributed greatly in making PAO as we know it today.”
Addressing a past misconception, Rueda-Acosta assured the new members that PAO lawyers exercise due diligence in handling cases of non-paying indigents. She emphasized that under her leadership, the agency would fully support the new members as long as they performed their duties well. She stated, “This orientation seminar is proof that you will not be sent to the woods, to the forest unprepared. Here at PAO, you will not be abandoned.”
The newly appointed public attorneys who took their oaths consist of 91 new members, 49 promoted public lawyers, and 121 others who have been granted permanent status. These individuals can expect a take-home pay of over P100,000 monthly, along with various monetary incentives such as the special inquest allowance and transportation allowance.
In conclusion, Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta’s address to the new members of the Public Attorney’s Office serves as a reminder of the commitment and dedication required to serve indigent clients. By emphasizing the importance of working tirelessly and providing the best service, Rueda-Acosta encourages the new members to honor their calling as public attorneys and public servants. With the assurance of support from the agency’s leadership, these new members have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of indigent Filipinos.
Source: The Manila Times
