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PAO Objectives and Thrusts To provide the indigent sector access  to counsel at the time of need; To implement the Constitutional guarantee of free  access to courts, due process, and equal protection of the laws   PAO’s Enabling Law Republic Act No. 9406 (PAO LAW) “An Act Reorganizing and Strengthening the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Amending for the Purpose Pertinent Provisions of Executive Order No. 292 Otherwise Known as “The Administrative Code of 1987”, as Amended, Granting Special Allowance to PAO Officials and Lawyers and Providing Funds Therefore.
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PAO Objectives and Thrusts

  • To provide the indigent sector access  to counsel at the time of need;
  • To implement the Constitutional guarantee of free  access to courts, due process, and equal protection of the laws
     

PAO’s Enabling Law

Republic Act No. 9406
(PAO LAW)


“An Act Reorganizing and Strengthening the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Amending for the Purpose Pertinent Provisions of Executive Order No. 292 Otherwise Known as “The Administrative Code of 1987”, as Amended, Granting Special Allowance to PAO Officials and Lawyers and Providing Funds Therefore.”


Its implementing rules and regulations was signed on July 14, 2007.

Highlights of the PAO Law

  • The Chief Public Attorney, Deputy Chief Public Attorneys and Regional Public Attorneys shall not be removed or suspended, except for cause provided by law;
  • The clients of the PAO are exempted from payment of docket and other fees incidental to instituting an action in court and other quasi-judicial bodies;
  • The PAO is exempted from payment of charges on postage stamps and mail matters;
  • Public Attorney’s positions at the ratio of one public attorney to an organized court sala;
  • PAO lawyers have general authority to administer oaths in connection with the performance of duty. No need to apply before the courts for authority as notary public;
  • The Chief Public Attorney, the Deputy Chief Public Attorneys, the Regional Public Attorneys, the Provincial, City and Municipal District Public Attorneys, other PAO lawyers and officials who have direct supervision over PAO lawyers shall be granted special allowances not exceeding 100\% of the basic salary of PAO officials and lawyers.

Download the Full Text of the PAO LAW Here (PDF Format)

Download the Full Text of the PAO LAW IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS Here (PDF Format)