PAO chief Acosta: Public lawyers are on-call; hotline for emergencies opened

https://www.facebook.com/1830089220630589/videos/805379666640266/

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) are always ready to provide legal assistance to the public despite enhanced home quarantine imposed by the government, PAO Chief Persida Rueda Acosta said Thursday.

Acosta said even if they are at home, in response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte of a quarantine, PAO’s services will continue.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ang serbisyo (Our services will continue),” Acosta said.

She said PAO has around 2,000 lawyers who are always on call including staff.

“Makokontak ang mga PAO lawyers upang matulungan ang magpipiyansa, ang magpa-file ng mga urgent motions, at kung meron pong makukulong o mahuhuli dahil may mga paglabag sa kautusang legal ng ating bansa,” she said.

(The PAO lawyers can be contacted for those who need to post bail, those who need to file urgent motions, or those arrested or jailed for violating the country’s lawful orders.)

But Acosta said their regular jail visitations have been suspended unless there is an emergency.

Acosta told the public that they contact her, the district heads, and regional heads for legal assistance. She said those in need of immediate legal assistance can send their messages to 09192625190.

“Wala nang manloloko kasi panahon ng pagtutulong-tulong po ngayon, wala na pong lokohan,” she said.

(Don’t make prank calls because this is a time for us to help each other.)

She also assured that the salaries and benefits of PAO lawyers and employees will continue to be released.

Acosta also called on each and every citizen to help the government in times of crisis.