RepubEko ng Plfipinos

Kogoworon ng f,otorungon
Tonggopon ng lllonononggolPomboyon
(PUBLrc ATTORNEYS OFFTGE)
DOJ &€ncEs &rkhg, NIA Rd co. Easl Ave tlMD man, Q.€2on Crly
Teledtone l{06 92CS10A2CA4S, FAX llos 9276&1U 926-2&78

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPOR'I
OF THE PUBTIC ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
FOR THE YEAR 2OL7

PREFATORY STATEMENT
Hailed as the biggest and principal law office of the government
in extending free legal assistance to indigent persons and other
qualified clients, the Public Attorney's ffice (PAO) has become a
household name to immediate and effective free legal service to
everyone who sought its assistance.

Ordained by law to aid the weak, to be the voice of the meek,

to uphold the cause of the destitute, to protect the defenseless, and
to provide justice to the oppressed and other qualified clients, the
PAO has been the sword and shield against abuse, inequity and
persecution. True to its vision, the PAO not only provides free legal
aid and services but also endeavors to empower the Filipino people
especially the less foftunate in life and in law. Sacred is the duty of
the PAO to ensure that there be no denial ofjustice, no transgression
of constitutional rights, and no disregard of the law and established
doctrines.

Accustomed to the developments and demands of the changing

times, the PAO thrives in adversity and readily accepts momentous
challenges. Its modest workforce of two thousand nine hundred
eighty-nine (2,989) employees are all industrious, adept, and
dedicated to serue with utmost professionalism, integrity and
efficiency. Such devotion to the profession and selfless love for
country emanates from paragon of a public servant.

Through the years, the Filipino people are becoming more

aware that the PAO's free legal service is not only for the
accused/respondent but extends to all qualified victims of injustice.
Noteworthy is the PAO's legal assistance to the families of Kian Loyd
Delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, Reynaldo "Kulot" de Guzman, and
Michael Angelo Remecio who were killed in police operations. With
the help of the PAO Forensic Team, headed by Atty. Enruin P. Erfe,
M.D., Director of the PAO Forensic Laboratory, the PAO was able to
build up and strengthen its cases against the police officers who are
responsible for their senseless killings.
q(
PAO ACCOMPUSHMENT REPORT FORTTM YEAR 2OT5 Page I of 41
 Moreover, the PAO once again enriched Philippine
jurisprudence through the case ofEstipona v. Hon. Lobigo and
People, G.R. No. 226679, 15 August 2012 the PAO representing the
petitioner therein, wherein the Supreme Court declared Section 23 of
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165, othenalse known as the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which prohibits plea bargaining for all
drug offenses, as unconstitutional for being contrary to the Supreme
Courfs rule making authority as stated in Section 5(5), Article VIII
the 1987 Constitution.

The public attorneys' dedication to stay with the PAO until

retirement was also duly rewarded and appreciated when the Quezon
City Regional Trial Court, Branch 230, in its Decision dated 14
February 2017, nullified the Department of Budget and
Management's (DBM) Legal Seruices Opinion No. 14, issued on 6
November 2015, and directed the DBM to cause the immediate
release of the retirement benefits of the PAO retirees in accordance
with DBM and GSIS loint Circular No. 2013-1 and Budget Circular No.
2013-1, in relation to Republic Act No. 9406 or the PAO Law and
Republic Act No. 10071 or the NAPROSS (National Prosecution
Seruice) Law. As aptly stated in the said Decision

"Much has been said about dichotomy between

being a public attorney and a public prosecutor failing to
realize that they are both vital and signiflcant actors in
the administration of justice, without whose active
participation, no final and conclusive redress of
grievances can be made. In their long hours of toil,
dedication and hard work to give true meaning to the
term 'public servants' lies their equality and congruence
for which they should be amply rewarded and recognized.
After honorably serving office for a great number of
years, public servants, as herein Petitioners PAO retirees,
should comfortably enjoy their retirement in the relative
security of a regular monthly pension and should not be
denied benefit and left without means of sustenance. A
perceived ambiguity or uncertainty in the application of
the law should not serve to deny them such recognition
and reward. Public Attorneys retirees deserue to be
provided the wherewithal to live a life of relative comfort,
dignity and security after years of honorable seryice in
the govemment."

Finally, to cope with the increasing requests for legal assistance

and aid of indigent litigants, the PAO has continuously hired new an
promising lawyers, with the end view of attaining the ideal publ
attorney to court ratio of 1:1. Furthermore, in its continuous effort to
/
PAO ACCOMPUSHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 2 6fl I
improve its services, the PAO has also organized and held capacity
building trainings and seminars for its public attorneys for them to be
kept abreast with recent laws and jurisprudence. In fact, the PAO has
successfully concluded tne fr Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
(MCIE) Accredited National Convention of Public Attomeys, and the
same was attended and graced by the presence of no less than the
President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Dutefte.

Despite the challenges encountered in the year 2017, the PAO

has strived to fulfill its mandate of extending free legal assisbnce to
indigent persons in criminal, civil, labor, administrative and other
quasi-judicial cases. For the year 2017, the PAO has extended free
legal services to eleven million six hundred sixteen thousand
nine hundred sixteen (11,616,916) clients and handled nine
hundred six thousand two hundred fifty-one (9061251) cases,
with 76.130lo favorable dispositions. This is an attestation that
despite the PAO's limited resources and workforce, it can handle its
cases with utmost diligence and competence.

Under the tutelage of the indefatigable men and women of the

ffice, the Filipino people will be assured that the pAO will always be
there for everyone who need its assistance in full accord with the
Constitutional provision that "fflree access to the cour9 and quasi-
judr:cial bodies and adequate legal assistance shail not be denied to
any petwn by reason of poverty."

I THE OFFICE
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9406, entitled "An Act Reorganizing and
Strengthening the Public Attorney's ffice (pAO),, established the
PAO as an independent and autonomous ffice attached to the
Department of Justice only for the purpose of policy and program
coordination. The law expanded the mandate of the pAO to include
providing free legal services and assistance to indigent clients, other
qualified persons, and in the exigency of the selvice, when called
upon by proper govemment authorities, to render such service to
other persons, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, in all
criminal, civil, labor, administrative and other quasi-judicial cases.

The PAO-Central ffice is located at the DOJ Agencies

Building, NIA Road comer East Avenue, Diliman, euezon City. The
regional and district/sub-district offices, on the other hand, are
strategically located nationwide to effectively respond to indigen
clients from eighty-one(81) provinces, one hundred and fofi
(145) cities, one thousand and four hundred eighty-nine (1,4g

{/
PAO ACCO MPLISHMENT REPORT FOR TIIE \TEAR 201? Page 3 olra I
 municipalities and forty-two thousand and thifi-six (42,036)
barangaysl, all of which are in dire need of legal assistance.

Currently, the PAO has 17 regional ofEes and 3O9 district

offices, five sub-district offices, two Regional Special and
Appealed Cases Units (RSACU), two saEllib offies, and one
annex. Most of these offices are situated at the Halls of lustice
nationwide along with the courts and other offices involved in the
administration of justice. However, some district offtces are housed at
rented office spaces like the PAO-Manila District ffice, etc.

U. PUBLIC RNEYS, THE REG IONAL AND

0
DISTRI CT OFFICES, AND TH COURTS
Despite the high turn-over rate of the Public Attorneys,
primarily due to resignation to engage in private law practice,
transfer to the National Prosecution Service (NAPROSS), to the
judiciary, or to other government agencies and govemment owned
and controlled corporations, and also due to heavy workload, among
others, the PAO has a total of 2,fi)5 public attorneys, who actively
handle criminal and civil cases before the courts nationwide.

About 7O of them devote themselves to special and appealed

cases filed before the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court and the
ffice of the President. However, the handling of criminal and civil
cases and representation of clients in courts as above-stated is only a
poftion of the public attorneys' functions. They also appear in and
handle administrative and labor cases, the so-called quasi-judicial
cases, and such other limited and special cases and services as
shown hereafter.

Below is a table indicating the number of existing offices and

ned in each ion as follows:
NUMBER OF
R.EGION
DrsTRrcT / suB-
PUBTIC
DISTRICT OFFICES
ATTOR.NEYS
CentralOffice 111

National Capital Region 16 311

Cordillera Administrative
Region
19 / 2 sub-district 63
Region I
Ilocos Region
2t It2 Av
l
minpqine SAndad @raphk de (Kt),31 Decernber
2017, ht@://tBp. Fa.gou. ph/xtit abUrydlisiq.$p
M
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR TI{E YEAR 2OI7 Page 4 ,* nr
 Region II
15 83
Caqayan Valley
Region III
Central Luzon
32 / 1 annex L72
Region tV-A
35 227
CAI.ABARZON
Region IV-B
MIMAROPA
12llsatelliteoffice 55

Region V
24 to7
Bicol Region
Region VI
2t t27
Eastern Visayas
Region VII
Central Visayas
18 / 1 RSACU 130

Region VIII
25 102
Western Visayas
Region IX-A
ARMM
3 / 1 sub-district 4t
Region IX-B
15/lsatelliteoffice 76
Zamboanga Peninsula
Region X 15/lRSACU&2sub-
97
Northern Mindanao district offices
Region XI
74 65
Davao Region
Region XII
t2 77
SOCCSKSARGEN
Region XIII
t2 49
CARAGA
TOTAL 319 200s
Table No. 1

The establishment of district offices in different regions of the

country complements the agency's mission to provide litigants free
access to courts and quasi-judicial agencies by rendering legal
assistance without cost. The PAO envisions the establishment of
adequate district offices to enhance the accessibility of its seruices in
order that justice could efficiently be delivered despite geographical
fragmentation.

UI. SIGNIFICANT MPLISHMENTS

a CLIENTS ASSISTED AND CASES HANDLED
The statistical figures below show the total number of indig t
clients assisted and the total number of cases (judicial and q

o{
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 age 5 draI
 judicial) handled by the PAO and its proportionate relation to the
2,OOS lauryers for the period covering January to December,2OlT.

Total No. of Clients Assisted 11,616,916

Total No. of Cases Handled 906,251
Average No. of Clients Assisted by Each Lawyer 5,794
Average No. ofCases Handled by Each Lawyer 4s8
Table No. 2

o MAIOR EIilAL OUTPUT AND PERFORMANCE

INDICATORS
In order to fully monitor the effective implementation of its
seruices and to obtain the feedbacks of its qualified clients, the PAO's
peformance indicators were refined/enhanced to include the
determination of the timeliness and quality of its services, instead of
merely focusing on quantity.

For the year 2017, the implementation of the new indicators

yielded positive results, to wit:

Maior Final OutouE Free Leoal Services to Indiqent Clients

and Other Oualified Persons.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FY 2017 TARGETS
(F,r20fll
PI Set 1:

Number of cases under management. 851,062 906,251

Percentage of cases with favorable

judSrnent. 73.41o/o 76.13o/o
(223,8121304,880) (2.0,109/315,401)
Percentage of requests for legal
assistance/representatftm acted upon
within three working days from the 100o/o 100%
date of request. (1,20t,58nJ,11,201,580) (1,2$,$211,246,462)

a Percentage of hearings for which no

pos@nement is sor8ht by the PAO 99.90% 9).930/o
legal representaWe. (48'7,0W1487,4t6) (583,632584,055)

PI Set 2:

ll Number of clients served (Non- 4,995,530 7,248,627

Judicial).

t, Number of legEl 1,924,397 3,488,

advisortss/counselling prwided.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FORTHE YEAR 2017 Page 6 of 4l

a Percentage of clients who rated the 99.Wo 100o/o
legal selices of the PAO as (5&4,74o156/.,808) (630,561/630,561)
satisfactory or better.

a Percentage of requests for assistance 100% 100%

that are acted upon within two hours. (2,341,M12,34L,46,/') (2,4T1,936| 2,477,936)
Table No. 3

a CLIENTS ASSISTED AND CASES HANDLED

Undaunted by the overwhelming caseload, the public attorneys
ably represented indigent clients who are accused in court. The
Public Attomeys skillfully facilitated the release and favorable
disposition of cases of indigent clients, by way of acquittals, dismissal
of cases, or for some other reasons, their cases were favorably
disposed of, as shown in the graph below.

ACQLITTALS/ DIS}trSSAL OF CASES/R.EI FASE FR.O:\I

DETENTION/ JAILS AND OTEER FAI'ORABLE DISPOSITIONS

qr,om
44.168
41,351

40,om

lo,0m

2opd) - 16.

ro,oq)
4.as
2.745 :.q17
1,lt5 3_o 53 2ll 9A4 592 m7 6El 5r2 06
0
AECDEf GHIJ TLMiIOPq
,ao. dL. t.d len.fitcd

aA. Acquirbl aa. Dis.nisd wah prlildia

a C. Motbi to quEh trrrtld !O. O.tnurrrr to avltaie lrrrtad
! E. ProvirixEly dis issad If. Corwltcd to blE rofflne
IG- Probatin sr.rlt d aH wo.r
r l- ffi.d hEr ar-d eJ. DisriEGd <at b6cd on cdnplofi ia fRcrncnt
a L C.i.r fi.d - orrt (Coirglirr-lt) aL. DiEr is.d tl.9on&ntg
I M. B.l ( or!-bli$h ofi.n!.) lll. k(ogndrn(!
s O. OturEio. proecdinf{lntcrulntion 9P. Suipandad rantanca
9O M dar um an poebh pr n.ty e rv.d

Graph No. 1

The graph above shows the figures of acquittals, dismissals and

other favorable dispositions in criminal cases for the period covering
January to December 2017, totalling 161,138.

a WINNING APPEALED CASES

For criminal cases alone, a total of 19O aases were favora
disposed of during the period of January to December 201 the
(
PAO ACCOMPI,ISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 7 cg 1t
 PAO-Special and Appealed Cases Service (SAG) and the two
Regional Special and Appealed C-ases Unlts (RSACU).

The table below shows the breakdown of fi u to wit:

Acquittals from Reclusion Temporal 85
Acquittals from Reclusion Perpetua 105
TOTAL 190
Table No. 4

Aside from criminal cases, the PAO-SACS and the two RSACU
also handled a total of 908 civil and special cases such as appeals
from the decision of NLRC, SSS and GSIS. In those handled cases, a
total of 556 favorable disposiEons were obtained by the PAO-
SACS ftom January to December 2017.

a JAII VISITATION AND DECONGESTION

PROGRAM
This non-judicial service rendered by the ffice for the inmates
has been strengthened by the PAo-Central ffice Legal, Medical,
Dental and Optical Jail Visitation Program. The program started in
2007 and is now being continuously conducted in various jails in the
Philippines. The tables below show the output of the project for the
year 2017, to wit:

Regular Monthly Jail Visitation of District Offices Nationwide:

Monthly Iai! Visitation

No. of Inmates / Detainees of District Offioes
Nationwide
Interuiewed & Assisted 346,772
Provided Legal Representation in Couft 442,441
Released 48,339
Table llo. 5

PAO-Central Office Legal & Medical

Jai! Visitation & Decongestion Program

NO. OF
NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF
BENEFICXARIES TOTAL NO.
BEl{EFICIARIES BENEFICIARIES READII{G
VISITED JAIL DATE LEG FOR LEGAL OF INMATES
FOR MEDICAL FOR DENTAL GLASSES
ASSISTATE RELFASED
ASSISTANCT ASSISTArcE DISTRIflJTED
(ADvrcE)
Cdrectimal A btalof
t{ay m,
1 Inst utbn tu
2017
lr 157 182 38 r55 2,291
WmEr inmabs
Hay 19, .a walt
2 Tagui,g City Hall
20L7
2No 134 195 173 rdGlcd

W
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 8 of 4l
 qr@r City Fetnale Maf 29, trun varbG
Damib.y 20t7
3RD 168 1!r 35 85
Fils in Metso
Manila and
June 20,
4 Mahbon City lail
2017
4r]] 27t 26 36 166 nearby
prwirEes
5 Valenzuda City lail
June 2Q
4rH 1.l8 164 29 L22 vb ed by the
2077 PAGCentral
Cmertimal Office and
Jtrle 2Z bllo$,ed lp
6 Institrtbn fur 5Itt 153 t76 52 179
20t7 by fie field
WoIIEn
ofhces.
Carectbnal
July 28,
7 Institutbn for
2017
6ri 227 321 52 220
WmEr
8 Taguil City Jail
A€rd 7n1 154 2@ 57 133
M,2017
tlor€mber gft
9 Makati City Jail 133 183 44 103
27, 2017

TOTAL 1,445 1,492 391 t,33' 2,2'r1

Table No. 6

a LEGAL/TNQUEST PROCEEDTNGS
ASSISTANCE
On their scheduled duties, the public attorneys and staff of the
PAO-Central ffice have alternately been providing legal and inquest
proceedings assistance even during night time, weekends and
holidays since October 2009. For this purpose, the PAO hotlines,
929-9436 (local 106 or 107 duing office hours and loal 159 afrer
office hours), 426-2801, 426-245q 426-2982 and 426-2683 are
open to the public 24/7.

In September 2010, the coverage of this program was

expanded to serve the people covered by the regional and district
offices of the PAO, nationwide. Since then, the said offices have been
rendering legal assistance (e.9. legal advice, attending to the legal
needs of suspects in the police stations within the territorial
jurisdiction of the concerned PAO regional/district offices) up to
10:00 P.M. everyday (including weekends and holidays). Further, the
assigned PAO inquest public attomeys and staff therein remain on
call, even beyond 10:00 P.M., to attend to inquest calls in police
stations nationwide.

A total of 481849 clients benefited from the services provided

by the PAO consisting of inquest assistance, legal advice/counselling
and documentation at the above duty stations covering the period
January to December20l7.

IV. STATISTI RE
ACCOMPLISHMENT

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 9 ol

Ntt
 A. RENDITIOil OF SERVICES
'UDICIAL
1. Regular Services
a) CRIITIINAL

REPRf,SENTATION OF TNDIGENTS IN
JUDICIAL CASES (CRIMINAL)
*Cases Handled vs. Target*

750,(m
640,094

513,141 Newly
500,(m 297,24/t Received

2ALt67 I Carry-Over

250,(m
:!42,810
211,974

0
OUTPUT TARGET

TOTAL NTIMBER O[' CASES EANDLEII

Graph No. 2

For the yeat 2017, the PAO handled a total of W,O94

criminal cases; of this total, 342r81O cases are newly received
cases and 297,2U cases are carried-over from the previous year.

RI,PRf,SE\T.{TION OF IIIDIGLYIS IN R"f,PRf,,SE\T{TION OF IIIDTGf,YIS IN

J U DICIAL CASIS (CRT[\AL) J LDICIAL CASXS (CRL}IL\AL)
*Crscs lbrminated !s. 'l'arget* *ACQUII t',Al., rvL\NtNG CASLS -
tAvoRAtlLD DLSIUSI I l()-\ s*

240.dn r80,m l6l,l3a

zLt,Xt5 196,1?4
I rilvorab r I taF.abl€
160,m tto,o
lOthers
TGI, Uta 15r.690 l(,tr.rs
50.84
80,o0 60,o0

so,08a +1,{t4
o o
ofrTrtT T-{nGfT rOlAT \T'\{B[ R O': ( ASIS TIRIII\AIID
toTAt ryrrwBrn oF crsfs Tfn\fl\taTEn

Graph No. 3 G No. 4

+(
PAO ACCOMPIJSHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page l0 df41
 Out of the 2111226 terminated criminal cases from January to
December 2017, t6I,L38 cases or about 76.2901o thereof were
favorably disposed by the respective Public Attorneys assigned to
handle the same.

b)crwL
REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN
JrrDrcrAL CASES (CnL)
*Cases Handled vs. Target*

45,@O
41,tx)4
35,028
-J Carry{ver
30,(D0
25,153
t9,2t2
INewly
Rece i\r€d
r5,(m
15,E51 15,816

0
OT TPLT TARGI,T

TOTAL \T}IBER OF CASI S TI,R\TD{ATED

Graph No. 5

For the year 20\7, the PAO handled a total of 41,(X)4 civil
cases; of this total, 151851 cases are newly received cases and
251153 cases are carried-over from the previous year.

REPR"E SENI{T ION OF IIIDICENTS L\I R.EPRI Sf,NT,{rION OF INDIGE}iTS IN

JUDICIAL CASES (CML) JTTDICLAL CASES (CML)
*FA\ ORdBLE DLSFOSITIO\S*
'Cuics Tcrminrk'd vs. Terycl'
1 tu
I r,7:ts qmo -

1 o.d) 9)72 9,D49

J'a\qebL
8,0m
t o$l. t
5,m
a,o@

0 0
otrTPlrr rancfr
TorAL \a-}fllfR olr CAsfs If LIL\-ATEI)
TOTAI IiIIrrlB[N OP CfSfS IF.NVINATFJI

Graph ltlo. 6 Graph l,l,o. 7

Out of the 111735 terminated civil cases ftom January to

December 2017, g,Mg cases or about 77.LLo/o thereof re
favorably disposed by the respective Public Attorneys ass ed to
handle the same.
al
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FORTHE YEAR 2017 Page 11 .tf lr
 c) ADMTNTSTRATTVE CASES PROPER

REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN
QUASI-JUDICIAL CASES
(ADMINISTRATIIT CASES PROPER)
*Cases Handled vs. Target*

15mO 13,807 r.3,o!r9

Carry-Over
10,m0
9,039 I Newly
10,942
Re ce ived
t0m

0
ofrTPf-T TARGET

TOTAL :{TIMBER OF CASES TER"[1L\-ATEI)

Graph No. 8

The PAO handled a total of 13,807 administrative cases

consisting of 9rO39 carry-over cases and 41768 newly received
cases from January to December 2017.

REPRESENTATION OF NiDIGENTS IN R-tPR"USUN',lAl'tO-\ 0i'

tNDtGr-\l S lN
QTTASIJfIDICIAL CASES QIIASIJLDICLAI Cr\Sf, S
(ADMDTISTRATT\T CASf, S PROPER) (,u)-ul\ts I'Rrt tYf, cAstj,s PROPIR)
*Cases Terminated vs, Target*
"F,{VOR,TBIT DISPOSMONS'
5,OU'
5,127
3.5m 3,39!

3,880
4,(m Jte\or.ble
2,4m 2.024
I Otherj

2,(m .l.Jm

0
0
OT-IPTT TARGET
r()tAl- \t llDt,:R or( 4st:s lr:Rllr\all.:l)
TOIAL \AANBER OF CASfS IERMNSATEI)

Graph No. 9 Graph No. 10

Out of the 5,427 terminated administrative cases proper from

January to December 2017, 31399 cases or about 62.630/0
thereof were hvorably disposed by the respective Pu c
Attorneys assigned to handle the same.

0(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 12 o rln
 d) PROSECUTOR',S OFFTCE CASES

REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN
QTIASI-JTIDICIAL CASES
(PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE CASES)
*Cases Ilandled vs. Target*

7t(Do 68,975
64,033
-l carryorrer
sqqx) ta,26L
3i1,839 I ltewty
Re(tived
2t(Do
29,L94 4,7L4
0
ot-TPt-T T.4.RGf,T

TOTAI NI]\IB[R OF CASIS TERMDiATED

Graph No. 11

For the year 2017, the ffice

handled a total of 64,033 cases
at the Prosecuto/s level, 291194 of which are newly received and
341839 are canied over from the previous year.

Rf,PRf,SENTATION OF NDTGE}ITS IN
QI'ASIJfTDICIAL CASES
(PROSECLTTOR'S OTTTCE CASES)
'Cases lbrmimted vs. Target*
41(m

39,t)6 ,4,579
30,mo

15.(m

0
Of.TPfTI TARGET

IOTAI \I,IMBER OF CASES TERMINAIED

Gnph No. 12

For the same period, 351126 cases were terminated by

respective Public Attorneys assigned to handle the same.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 13 o

N
ln,
 e) TABOR CASES

RIPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN
QITASI-JITDICL{L CASES
(LABOR CASES)
*Cases Ilandled vs- Thrget*

90,o00 85,157

JCarry-Over
32,911
50,m0
44,630 Itrtewy
Received
r9,975
30,(D0 s2,246
24,655
0
OfTPTT T.{RGET

TOTAL NIIIBf,R OF CASES TER}II\ATI,D

Graph No. 13

In Labor cases, the to handle a total of 4,630

PAO was able
complaints from January to December 20t7, 27,9O5 of which were
already disposed of.

Rf,PRfSf,NT.{TION OF [\-DIGE:{TS IN REPRTSE,NTATION OF ITIDICET.{TS II\I

QIiASIJIIDICIAL CASES QI-ASIJITDICIAL CASES
(LABOR.CASf,S) 0,ABOR CASES)
rCases Terminrted vs. Target' *FAI'OR{BLE DISPOSMIONS*
75d'
5S.079
24,(r . 23J53

v),(Do JFaro-Jble
lG(m
I Otfiers

I
25,mO 8,0m 4,6c,

0
o
OTTPIiT IARGf,I
TOI.q,[ IIYBER OF CASfS TfR\{L\ATfI)
TOTAL \AtrIEER OT CASES TERMNATEI)

Graph No. 14 Graph No. 15

Out of the 27r9O5 terminated labor cases from January to

December 2017, 23,253 cases or about 83.33q6 thereof were
favorably disposed by the respective Public Attorneys assigned
handle the same.

(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENI REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 14 kar
 2. Limited Services

LIMITED SERVICES
I OUTPUT ITARGET

4m,o(D 406,667
374,q)4

350,fin

280,000

2lo,om r73,r.93
133,
140,0&
u,957
72,142 61,339
70,@O 1

o
ARRAIGNMENT PRE-TRIAL PROMULGATION OTHERS
OF JUDG€MEt{T

Total number of accused asslsted = 686,072

Graph No. 16

The PAO has extended limited services to accused in criminal

cases specifically on the stages of
arraignment pre-trial,
promulgation of sentence and in such other stages of the case where
the PAO is sought to engage. It assisted a total of 6861072 accused
from January to December 2017.

3. Special Legal Servies (Purcuantto Sec lrt-A of R.A.

9406 and MOAS)

From January to December 20t7, the PAO serued a total of

25,tKt9 clients under Special Legal Seruices.

"SEC. 14-A Powers and Functions. - The PAO shall

independently dixharge its mandate to render, free of
chargq legal repr#ntation, assistance, and counselling to
indigent persons in criminal, civil, labor, administative and
other quasi-judicial axs. In the exigency of ffie seruice,
the PAO may be called upon by proper govemment
authoities to render such seruice to other persons, subjed
to existing laws, rules and regulations."

{
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 15 $nr
 B. RENDTTTON OF QUASr-JUDTCTAL SERVICES

1. Mediation and Conciliation

RNI{DITION OF R.ENDIIIO\ OT
QTASTJUDICLAI SERVTCES QLI.{SIJUDICIAL SI,R\ICES
o{Dr}IATION & CONCTLIATIOI9 (Mf,,DLAIION & CONCTLIATTOT9
*Cascs Erndhd vr Trrgct* *Ceses Tenninated vs Target*
360,@
360.06 $7r3r 320,939
?51,X29
- Crry-ouer
237 tl6a
2X,(m 2ao,m
lNeldv
31!,165 Ib(erved
1jD.m Ls,621
u0,ru

0
OL II'11 IARGLI 0
OfTPIT TA.RCIT
ror _ NfvtfnorcAsEsrERM Arfn IOTAI Nr}IBIR OT CASES TERMf\1IID

Graph No. 17 GGph No. 18

It
is worthy to take note that the Office also renders mediation
and conciliation services as part of its quasi-judicial function. For the
period covering January to Decemberl0l7, it handled a total of
337,831disputes and resolved a total of 320,939 thereof.

2. Investigation

For the year 2077, the PAO conducted a total 19 of

investigations of cases involving torture. The Office is mandated to
assist in torture cases through Sec. 11 of Republic Act (R.A.) 9745 or
the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, viz

"Section 11. Assistance in Filing a Complaint - The

CHR and the PAO shall render legal assistance in the
investigation and monitoring and/or filing of the complaint
for a petson who suffers tofture and other cruel, inhuman
and degrading treatment or punishment, or for any
interested party lt ereto."

(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 16 6f 4r
 C. RENDITION OF NON.'UDICIAL SERVICES
1. Instant Seryices
NISTAI'T SER\TICES
IOUTPUT ITARGET

3,484,920
3,s@o(D

2"811-511
2r'8oq,(}(I) xs8z19t

2,087,554
2,loq,(m tx!,2"(E1
LSsL927

t oqo(D

?Oq(m

o
TEGAT DOTU MENIAIION OAIH5 AOMINIsTERTD CI-IEMTS COU SEIfO

Total number of clierts essisted = 3,409,045

Graph No. 19

The PAO has rendered instant services to 814091045 clients

that include legal documentation, counselling and administering of
oaths for the period covering January to December 2017.

2. Outreach Services

OUTREACH SER\.ICES
IOI'TPUT ITAR6ET

2AO,Om
252,169

2ro,o(x) 199,500 199,260 2()4,503

1/Ur,Oq)

70, mO

o
BAR]qNGAY OUTRfAcl{ ltwEsTtcAT tof{ & cusToolAl
IN\I€STIGATION

{
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 17 o{lr
 In the barangay outreach activities conducted by the Office
from January to December 2017, it assisted a total of 199,50O
clients. Moreover, from January to December 2017, the PAO
assisted a total of 252,169 clients during inquest investigations and
custodial interrogations.

WOI'ETI CLIETITS
ATID CHTLDRETI TN AONFLICT WITH THE LAW

Under R.A. No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence

Against Women and their Children Act and R.A. No. 9344, othenrvise
known as the luvenile lustice and Welfare System Act, as well as the
subsequent pertinent issuances, the PAO is specifically mandated by
law to extend legal assistance to women and their children who are
victims of violence and to facilitate the release and proper disposition
of cases involving Children in
Conflict with the Law (CICL),
pafticularly those who were fifteen years old or below at the time of
the alleged commission of the crime.

To this mandated task, the PAO continuously gives special

attention to the cause of women and children in so far as the criminal
justice system is concerned.

REPRESENTATIO\ OF W ONTEN REPRESI,]YTATION OF CIilI,DRE\ Ni

CT,ID\TS cot\-Fr,rcr wrTH THF. t.Aw (c1fl,)
+Dhputes Ilendled rs. Trrget* "Disputes Hrnalled vs. Target*

50d0 52.EiO lo,db

24,153
,lCirry{ver 22,180 Car_y{'re_
15,057 2q(m
40(D0 29,457
!tbx Y 1s,960
al.c.vly
Receitred 15,601 Preei,/€c
21,153
20.(D0 1q(m
22,973
8,lll3 sJ79
8.91{
0 o La:
o(rPt-r 1.IRGET OT'TPT'T IARGET

TOTAI \Af{BfR OF CASIS TIR\If\'ITEII rOTAL \1IIBf,R OF CASf,S Tf,RTtr]\'ArID

Graph No. 2l Gnph No. 22

The graphs above show the number of women and children

assisted by the PAO for the year 2017. From January to Decembe f
2017, the ffice handled a total of 36,O67 and 2d153 ca
involving wornen and CICL, respectively.

{
PAO ACCOMPLISHMET{T REPORT FOR T}M YEAR 2017 Page l8 $11
RI.PR.ESEIIT.{TION OF \YO}I[,I REPRESENTATIO\ OFCHTI,DRI\ tN
CLIENTS CONFI.ICT IITII{ THD I,AW (CIfl.)
*Disputes Ierminated vs Trrget* *Dlsputes Termlnrtcd vs. T.rg€t*

3q,q)0 9,O
25,622 8,001

20,'L9 5,184
2q,000 6,m

tq,m0 3,m

0 0
otlPt'r rAnGfT OTTPTT TA.RGf T

TOTAI IE}TBEX OF CASf,S Tf,RMf\AIXD rOT - :TT-!TB[N, OFC.{SES TERMNATfI)

Graph No. 23 Graph No. 24

For the same period, a total of 20,449 and 8r0O3 cases were
terminated involving women and CICL, respectively.

The above-shown data is a testament to the continuous trust

and faith of the people in the performance of the agency.

It is viewed that when the agency perForms its duties and

responsibilities with the highest standard of efficiency and dedication,
it gives its humble share in converting and transforming public apathy
and chaos into trust and faith to the criminal justice system and
ultimately to the entire administration.

V. THE OFFI CE OF THE CHIEF PUBLIC

ATTORNEY

I The ffice of the Chief Public Attorney rwivd/anaretd

61434 ammuniations from January to December,2017.
The breakdown is as follows:

Tobl No. of
Communications b / from CPA Ru€da-Acosta bmmunkztiofls
68,4y
A. Crmmunications from the Executive Suppot't Staff 15r54
1. Appointments t,826
2. Memorandum 507
3. Memorandum Order 472
Ir
3. Memorandum Circular
/t
3
5. ffice Order 237

(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 19 pf 4r
 6. Reassignment Order 92
7. Travel Order 35
8. Special Order t4
9. Other Communications
9.1. Signed by CPA L57
9.2. Signed by Executive lawyers 12,201
B. Communications from Other Services 4$73
1. Administrative Service 2,706
2. Legal Research Service 991
3. Field Opentions and Sbtistics Service 446
4. Financial Planning and Management Service 75
5. Special and Appealed Cases Service 355
C. Communications from Regional Offices I
8,126
1. Region I 321
2. Region U 26
3. Region III 835
4. Region IV 1,145
5. Region V 458
6. Region VI 709
7. Region VII 529
8. Region VIII 362
9. Region D( / ARMM 325
10. Region X 502
11. Region XI 300
12. Region )OI 29r
13. Region )0II/CARAGA 272
14. CAR 2yJ
15. NCR r,521
D. Communicafions from OP, OVP, Senate &HOR 2,124
E. Communications from Other ffices y,4o2
1. Department of lustice 488
2. Supreme Court 4,825
3. Gurt of Appeals 21,723
4. NaUonal Labor Relauons Commission 1,429
5. Other Communications 5,433
6. Applicants 504
F. Publications 860
L MrPAA ManilaTimes 361
2. Magbnorv lQy Atton ey, Bulgat 3v
3. 9y Mo Attorney?, People's Tonight L45
G. EMAI6 2,8O5
1. Legal Assisbnce 1,935
2. Applicants 18 /1
3. Other emails 604 i \,

Page 20
( 4l
PAO ACCOMPUSHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7
 4. Emails from PAO-District Offices 248
Table No. 7

II. The Office of the Chief Public Attorney actually serued 28,831
clients during this period.

III. The Chief Public Attorney served as nesounae pton, in the

following seminars, trainings, and meetings, among others:

Gaest Spker, The Association of Government

a.
Acountants of the Philippines' (AGAP) Annual @nvention-
Seminar fl-heme: "Transforming the Government Financial Sector in
the Era of ASEAN Integration), October 18-21, 2017, Waterfront
Cebu City Hotel, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City;

b. Gust Spaker, Breakfast Forum in Kapihan sa Klub,

Inc., September 28, 2017, Centennial Room, Club Filipino, Club
Filipino Avenue corner Eisenhower St., Greenhills, San Juan City;

c Gast of Honor and Spaker, Annual Univercity

Conftrence of the Univercity of Makati, June 6, 2017, University
of Makati Mini Theater;

d. Guest of lbnor aN Spker, Public InstallaUon of

Elecbd and Appointed Offiers of Araw Lodge No. 18, held on
March 18, 2017 at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1004 Taft Ave., Manila;

e. Guest of llonor and Spker, Public Insilallation of

Elected and Appointed Offierc of the Muntinlupa City Lodge
41d held on February 25,2077 at the Muntinlupa Masonic Temple,
Emerald Hills, Victoria Homes SuM., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City;

N The Chief Public Attorney ptsonally handld and/or ld

the following cases, and,lorueMetd lqal asisbne to
the following individuals, inter ali4 to wit:

a..lohn Balluss? Hold Deprturc Oder liM

Upon the request of the Australian Embassy, the Chief Public
Attomey and PAO-Makati District Office assisted lohn Bulluss, an
Australian citizen, in a criminal case for Estafa.

In an Order, dated March 14. 2017. the Regional Trial Court,

Branch No. 57 of Makati City, through Judge Honorio E. Guanlao, Jr.,
granted the PAOb motion to dismiss the said case for fail to
prosecute. Consequently, Bulluss's Hold Departure Order lifted
and he was able to leave the Philippines for Australia.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR TIIE YEAR 2OI7 Page 2l

il
t'n'
 b. Lt @1. fttdinand ltlatelino and ompnion, Yan Yi
Shou, M fiom Mentfion
The Petition for Review filed by the Chief Public Attorney and
her legal team on behalf of Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Marcelino, seeking
the reversal of the Resolution dated September 15, 2016, was
granted and the drug charges against Lt. Col. Marcelino and his
companion, Yan Yi Shou, were dismissed.

The Department of lustice, in a Resolution dated May 17. 2012

ruled that Lt. Col. Marcelino and Yan V Shou were just performing
their lawful duty when they were chanced upon by anti-narcotics
agents inside an alleged clandestine laboratory in Manila.

In connection thereto, in an Order dated May 18. 2017, the

of Manila, through Judge Daniel
Regional Trial Court, Branch No. 49
C. Villanueva, granted the Public Attorney's Officet Motion to
Withdraw Information against Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Marcelino and Yan
Yi Shou and the two were ordered to be released immediately.

c. bnib han? brmer empbyerc found by RTC-

Bnrch 77 of Queon CiU guifty for the crime of *rbas
illqalMntbn
Since 2012, the Chief Public Attorney and her legal team have
been assisting Bonita Baran in the latte/s cases against her former
employers, Anna Liza Catahan y Tarrosa and Reynold Mazan y Tan,
who maltreated and detained her.

In a Decision dated July 74, 2017. the Regional Trial Court,

Branch 77 of Quezon City, through Judge Ferdinand C. Baylon, found
Anna Liza Catahan y Tarrosa guilty of serious illegal detention and
was sentenced to serve the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua while her
co-accused, Reynold Maaan y Tan, was found guilty as an
accomplice to the said crime and was sentenced to suffer the penalty
of Prision MayorM&ium as Minimumto Rulusion TemporalMdium
as Maximum.

d. Estipona v. llon. lobrigo and tuple, G.R. llo.

226679, 75 Atryust 2O77

Salvador A. Estipona, Jr. was the accused in Criminal Case No.

13586 for violation of Section 11, Article II of R.A. No. 165
(Possession of Dangerous Drugs) pending before Judg eF nk E.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENI REPORT FOR TTIE YEAR 2OT? Page 22 #,,

Lobrigo of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 3, Legazpi City,
Albay.

On June 15, 2016, Estipona, with the assistance of the PAO

Legazpi City District Office, filed a Motion to Allow the Accused to
Enter into a Plea Bargaining Agreement, praying to withdraw his not
guilty plea and, instead, to enter a plea of guilty for violation of
Section 12, Article II of R.A. No. 9165 (Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for Dangerous
Drugs). He argued that Section 23 of R.A. No. 9165, which states
"SEC 23. Plea-Bargaining Provision. - Any person charged under any
provision of this Act regardless of the imposable penalty shall not be
allowed to avail of the provision on plea-bargaining.i violates: (1)
the intent ofthe law expressed in paragraph 3, Section 2 thereof; (2)
the rule-making authority of the Supreme Court under Section 5(5),
Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution; and (3) the principle of
separation of powers among the three equal branches of the
government. After the prosecuUon filed its Comment or OpposiUon
thereto, the RTC issued an Order denying Estipona's motion. Estipona
filed a Motion for Reconsideration but the same was denied by the
RTC.

Thus, the Chief Public Attorney and her legal team,

representing Estipona, elevated the case to the Supreme Court via a
Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition and challenged the
constitutionality of Section 23 of Republic Act No. 9165 for being
violative of the constitutional right to equal protection of the law and
the rule-making authority of the Supreme Coutt under Section 5(5),
Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution, among others.

In its Decision dated 15 Auoust 2017, the Supreme Court

deemed it proper to declare as unconstitutional the prohibition
against plea bargaining in drug cases, for being contrary to the rule-
making authority of the Supreme Court under Section 5(5), Article
VIII of the 1987 Constitution.

e, tuur (4) youngsfurc who did witfi indiations of

tofture
Kian Loyd Delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, Reynaldo "Kulof'
de Guzman, and Michael Angelo Remecio were four (4) youngsters
who had indications of torture before they were killed and robbed of
their promising lives.

The parents of the said youngsters sought the legal istance

of the Public Attorney's ffice (PAO), as well as forensic mination
on the remains of their sons.
N
olar
PAO ACCOMPUSHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 23
 The case of Kian Lovd Delos Santos

Kian Loyd Delos Santos (Kian) was a 17-year-old minor who

died on August 16, 2017 while certain members of the Caloocan
Police were conducting an anti-illegal drug operation in Libis, Baesa,
Caloocan City. According to the version of the police, Kian drew his
gun against members of the police force, prompting a shoot-out,
which eventually led to his death. However, a CCTV footage surfaced
showing that Kian was accosted alive by the police and was
apparently dragged to the place where he was killed. The forensic
examination conducted by the PAO Forensic Laboratory also showed
that Kian sustained three (3) gunshot wounds - two (2) in the head
which may have been inflicted while he was on the ground on a
prone position and one (1) in the back - contrary to the Philippine
National Police (PNP) report that Kian only sustained two (2) gunshot
wounds in the head.

On Auoust 25.2017, with the assistance of the Chief Public

Attorney and her legal team, the parents of Kian lodged a complaint
for Murder and Wolation of the Anti-Torture Law againgr members of
the Caloocan Police involved in the operation before the National
Prosecution Seruice of the Depaftment of lustice (DOI-NPS). The
status of Kian's case, as of last year: Preliminary investigation at the
DOJ-NPS.

The cases of Gil Anoelo Arnaiz and Revnaldo "Ktlot" de

Guzman

Carl Angelo Arnaiz (Carl), aged 19 years old, and minor

Reynaldo De Guzman (Kulot), aged 14 years old, were hanging out at
the former's house on the evening of August 17, 2017. They were
last seen boarding a tricycle on or about midnight of August 18,
2017. Since then, the two (2) went missing.

On August 28,2017, Carl was found by his family at a funeral

parlor in Caloocan City. Reportedly, the cause of his death was due to
gunshot wounds he sustained when he allegedly exchanged fire with
the police officers who was about to arrest him for robbing a cab
driver along C3 Road, Caloocan City. On the other hand, Kulot wa
found lifeless, riddled with stab wou nds, and floating in a creek
Gapan City, Nueva Ecija on Septembe r 6, 2017, or nine (9) days
Carl's body was found and identified by his family and ninetee (1e)
days after he went missing.

q(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMNNT REPORT FOR THFJ YIIAR 2OI7 Page 24
t' I
 The testimonies of witnesses and the result of forensic
examination conducted by PAO Forensic Laboratory upon the
request of the surviving families of Carl Angelo and Kulot belie the
claim of the involved police officers and indicate that the alleged
shootout was merely "staged" and Carl was shot in an "execution
style". The chain of circumstances attendant to the case and initial
investigation also led to the conclusion that the culprits who killed
Carl are likewise responsible for the death of Kulot.

Thus, with the assistance of the Chief Public Attomey and her
legal team, the surviving families of Carl and Kulot filed complaints
for Double Murder and Wolation of the Anti-Torture Law again*.
certain police officers involved in the alleged shootout before the
National Prosecution Service of the Department of lustice on
Seotember 14,2017. Complaints for Planting of Evidence were also
filed against the same police officers.

be cae of MichaelAnoelo Remecio

Acting on the request of the family of Michael Angelo Remecio
(Michael) for legal assistance and forensic examination, the PAO
Forensic Laboratory was able to confirm that the corpse inside a sack
that was found along a stream in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, was
identified as that of Michael's. His hands were bound by a nylon cord,
and based on forensic examination that was conducted by the PAO
Forensic Laboratory on September 15, 2017, he was between 16 to
18 years old.

In all of the four (4) cases of the abovementioned youngsters,

it has been proven that aside from the pro bono legal assistance of
the PAO, Forensic Science, through the PAO Forensic Laboratory has
become an affordable tool for the poor who are seeking for justice.

f. tulienpn found guilty by IIAPOLCOII in drc a* of

iohn Dela Riarb
Robeft dela Riafte has been a client of the PAO since 2016. His
brother John, was shot to death by two (2) Philippine National Police
(PNPlHighway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel, namely: PO3leremiah
De Villa (now deceased) and PO2 Jonjie Manon-og.

The late lohn Dela Riarte was involved in a vehicular accident

which happened on July 29, 2016 at around 9:00 to 10:00 o ock in
the morning, along the southbound lane of EDSA-Estrella in on
in Makati City.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 2 4t

{'
 The Chief Public Attorney and her legal team assisted Dela Riafte
in the filing of criminal cases for Murder, Robbery, Torture, and
Violation of Republic Act No. 7438 before the Department of Justice
on August 8, 2016, likewise in the filing of administrative cases
against the said PNP-HPG personnel before the NaUonal Police
Commission (NAPOLCOM) on the same date. Two separate
Information for Murder/Robbery were filed before RTC 145 and 138,
Makati City. Both cases are submitted for Decision. On Seotember 28.
2017. the NAPOLCOM found PO2 Jonjie Manon-og culpable for grave
misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

g.Fifry-two (52) PAO rct-res jrene pid by tfie

Depaftment of Budget and lilanagement (DBM) of their
rcA're m e nt g ntu ity di tre rcn frb ls

In the case of Public Attumeyr's Offie (PAO) Retites u

Depftnent of Budget and Dlanagemenl ef a/,(R-QZN-16-
05464-CV), handled by the Chief Public Attorney and her legal team,
Presiding Judge Maria Gilda Loja-Pangilinan, Regional Trial Court-
Branch 230, Quezon City,on February 14,20L7, rendered a Decision
directing the Department of Budget and Management "fi, au* the
immediate releas of the retirement benefits" of the PAO retirees,
recognizing the vital role and significance of public attorneys in the
administration of justice. In the words of the Honorable Judge Loja-
Pangilinan, "[pJublic attomep retirees deserue to be prcvided the
wherewithal to live a life of relative comfor[, dignity and security afrer
yearc of hononble seruice in the govemment "

In connection thereto, Secretary of lustice Vitaliano N. Aguirre

II, in a Letter dated Apnl17,2017, addressed to the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM), reiterated his manifestation that he
favors the immediate release of the retirement benefits of the PAO
retirees and the same should be equal to those of their counterparts,
pursuant to the PAO Law in relation to the NPS Law.

Secretary Aguirre recommended that the DBM submit to the

Regional Trial Court's (RTC) ruling that the DBM and GSIS loint
Circular No. 2013-1 and Budget Circular No. 2013-1, which recognize
the rights of PAO retirees to gratuities same as those of their NPS
counterparts, stand; and that the PAO retirees already acquired a
vested right to the said benefrts because of a previous recognition by
the DBM.

After the abovementioned ruling of the Regional Trial rt-

Branch 230, Quezon City, through Presiding Judge Loja-Pangilin in
the case Public Attomey's Offie (PAO) v
Depftment of Budget and Managemeni et the

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 26 o

{,
support of the Department of Justice, through Secretary Aguirre in
the said Letter, the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) rightftrlly paid the long-awaited retirement gratuity
diffierentials of the fifry-two (52) PAO retirees.

h. Upholding dte onsfrTntional right of dre aeud to

onfmnt dre witnes of the prcwutrbn: tfie ca* of ttlaria
Christina P. *rgio and Julius L. laanilao

Maria Christina P. Sergio and lulius L. Lacanilao sought the

assistance of the Public Attorney's ffice when they were charged
with alleged Illegal Recruitment under Republic Act No. 10022 and
Qualified Trafficking of Persons under Republic Act No. 8042 based
on the Sworn Statement executed by Mary Jane F. Veloso, an
Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who was convicted of drug
trafficking in Indonesia.

The People of the Philippines (prosecution) filed before the

Regional Trial Court in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, a Mofrbn for Leave
of Court to Take the Testimony of Complainant Mary Jane Veloso by
Deposition Upon Witten Intenogatories considering that Veloso is
out of the country and that she will not be able to testifi/ personally
before the court.

In behalf of Sergio and Lacanilao, the Chief Public Attorney and

her legal team opposed the aforementioned Motion mainly on the
ground that deposiUons taken pursuant to Rules 23 and 25 of the
Rules of Court are not designed to replace the actual testimony of
the witness in open court and the use thereof should be solely
confined to civil cases. It was emphasized and argued that the
proposed method of taking Veloso's testimony is violative of their
right to confront the witnesses or meet them face to face as
guaranteed under Section 14 (2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The Regional Trial Court issued a Resolution on 16 August 2016

granting the prosecution's Motion. Thereafter, the PAO filed a Motion
for Reconsideration but the same was denied in a Resolution dated
03 November 2016. Hence, a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition
assailing the said Resolutions were timely filed by the PAO.

On 13 December 2017, the Former Eleventh Division of the

Honorable Court of Appeals rendered a Decision in the case of Maria
Cristina P. Sergio and lulius L. Lacanilao v. Hon. Anarica l. Castillo-
Reyes, et al., CA-G.R. SP No. 749002, reversing the Resolution of the
Regional Trial Court (RTC), stating that "ffe conditional examination
of a prosecution witness shall be made before the court the
case is pending in light of the constitutionally enshined ight the

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 27

il
of1l
petitioners to meet the witnesss face to face or the nght to
confrontation and cross-examination. Especially since the cross-
examination of a witness is an absolute right, not a mere privilege, of
the party against whom he is called."

i. l-qal asifrne,incfuding forensic enminatbn, of

Dengnxia vidims, upn the ditutive of the Deprtment of
lustie
Deceased victim Anjielica is a ten (10) year old child who was
inoculated with Dengvaxia, an anti-dengue vaccine manufactured by
Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. that was used by the Department of Health
(DOH) in its anti-dengue mass vaccination program, which was
implemented in 2016 during the term of then DOH Sec. lanette
Garin. On 29 November2Ol7, Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. issued an advisory
or update information on Dengvaxia recognizing the risk it poses to
those who are not previously infected by dengue virus, particularly,
the occurrence of more severe disease.

A few months after inoculation, Anjielica died. Aggrieved by the

loss of their eldest child, plaintiffs sought legal assistance from the
Public Attorney's Office (PAO). In response to the request of the
parents of Anjielica and armed with the Department of lustice
Department Order No. 792, s.2017 directing the PAO "to extend free
legal assistance in civil, criminal and administrative cases to all
possible victims of Dengvaxia related injuries, illnesses and deaths",
the PAO forensic team conducted a forensic examination on the body
of Anjielica.

At the time of writing, the parents of Anjielica Pestilos, together

with the PAO legal team, are preparing to file a complaint against
those responsible for the death of Anjielica.

V. The Chief Public Attomey received the following prestigious

awards, among others, to wit:

a. ildal of Exellence conferred by theVolunteersAgainst

Crime and Comrption (VACC), during its 19u'Founding Anniversaryon
August 16,2017 at the Malacafiang Palace, Manila;

b, frtajor Avwrd for Government *ruie fnstrTufrbn

(anfend als to the PublicAtlorney's Ofie)from the VACC,
during its 19dt Founding Anniversaryon August 16, 2017 at the
Malacafi ang Palace, Manila;

c. Plaque of Appt iation from Araw Lodge No. 18 er

the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipfu I Grand Lodge of F and
(,,
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 age 28
Accepted Masons of the Philippines), on the occasion of the 109h
Installation of fficers for the Masonic Year 2Ol7 of the said Lodge,
on March 18, 2017 at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1004 Taft Ave.,
Manila;

d. Plague of Appt iation (tur Efiaodinary *ruie

and Niation b tfie Pmfesion) from the Muntinlupa City
Lodge 414, F & A.M. on the occasion of the 3d Installation of Elected
and Appointed fficers of the said Lodge, on February 25, 2017 at
the Muntinlupa Masonic Temple, Emerald Hills, Victoria Homes SuM.,
Tunasan, Muntinlupa City;

e. @rtificab of Appt iation (tur Exellene in

Laderchip) from the Best otthe Philippines, Co., during its 26h
Anniversary (with the theme, "Honoring the Leaders), given on
February 23,2017 at the Rockwell Club, Amorsolo Drive, Makati City;

f. Robty Golden wheel Awatd (in lfie field of fucial

Justie) from the Quezon City Government in paftnership with the
Rotary International District 3780, conferred on February 4,2017 at
the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City on the occasion of the
5h Rotary Golden Wheel Awards Night.

VI. OTHER SIGNIFICANT

ACCOMP SHMENTS

a, Asisbne b drW depndenb tqoding daumenbtion,

nepn*enbtion, and rchabilibtion
to June 2017, four thousand nine hundred
From January
tufi-seven (4p47) individuals have availed of the pro bono
services regarding documentation and representation - for
rehabilitation purposes in relation to Oplan-"Tokhang" - of the PAO
through its Regional and District Offices nationwide.

For FY 2017, the PAO handled two hundred hn thousand

eight hundred si:Gy-three (210,863) drug-related cases, fifry-
five thousand three hundred thirty (55,330) of which were
disposed/terminated. Moreover, for the year 2017, the PAO was able
to one hundred eighty-six thousand two hundrcd
assist
twenty-sir (186,226) clients in its non-judicial services (i.e.
documentation services, administration of oaths, legal counseling,
assistance during custodial interrogation, and inquest investigation
relative to cases involving the Comprehensive Dangerous D
of 2002 or R.A. 9165.

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 29

ilff 4l
b,The Public Attorney's Ofre as a member of the fnter-
Agenq @mmittee on Anti-fllqal Drugs fiCAD)
The PAO is a member of the InEr-Agency Committee on
Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) which was created by the President of
the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, through Executive Order No.
15, dated 06 March 2017.

The Inter-Agenry Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) is

divided into four (4) clusters namely:

a. Enforcement Cluster
b. lustice Cluster
c. Advocacy Cluster
d. Rehabilitation and Reintegration Cluster

The PAO is under the Advocacy Cluster, Rehabilitation and

Reintegration Cluster, and lustice Cluster. Under the latter, the
PAO is specifically tasked to ensure "protection to individual's rights,
such as in instances of voluntary surrenders and warrantless arrests
during anti-illegal drug operations".

The Public Attorney's Office has religiously attended all the

meetings called by ICAD and submitted all the required reports.

c. PAO empbye wln wlunbrily submitW hinwlf for drug

rchabilibtion, now bck at tlrc PAO'@nlral Otrte wiil, fitll
vigor
An employee of the PAO, voluntarily submifted himself for drug
rehabilitation on Aoril 12. 2017 at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan,
Taguig City. He was thereafter temporarily discharged on October 19,
2017, and was required toundergo an After-Care Follow-up
Treatment for a period of not exceeding eighteen (18) months upon
the date of actual discharge.

He consequently resumed his post at the PAO-Central Office, and

was immediately transferred another service in the same
to
place/building, pursuant to the grant of his request dated October 24,
2017, addressed to the Chief Public Attorney. He currently discharges
his duties as a fulltime staff with full vigor, exempliffing more interest
in work, and in a conduct of healthier lifestyle, observable among his
peers/colleagues in the service.

d. fur the "Tanay Bus Tngedy Victimsr" a surcssfitl

amprumi* agtement with Bestlink and Panda Cuch

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page of rll

 The "Tanay Bus Tragedy Victims," some of whom were the
students-survivors and relatives of the deceased, involving the
February 20, 2077 vehicular tragedy in Tanay, Rizal, sought legal
assistance from the PAO Central Office. They sought justice for
-
the death of fourteen (14) students and injuries sustained by forty-
seven (47) passengers. They believed that the same were caused by
negligence in transpofting the students to Tanay, Rizal by a Panda
Coach Bus, which was sub-contracted by Harana Tours, in relation to
the students' medical and survival training as part of the NaUonal
Service Training Program, which was sanctioned by Bestlink College
of the Philippines.

Verily, the PAO-Central Office conducted a

Pre-Litigation
Conference, wherein some of the students-survivors had successfully
entered into a compromise agreement with Bestlink and Panda
Coach.

With respect to the relatives of the deceased, the PAO-Central

ffice represented them in the following cases: (a) administrative
case for the preventive suspension of Panda Coach's Certificates of
Public Convenience pending before the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB); and (b) civil case for
Damages pending before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City,
Branch 223.

e. fur sme of the rclative4icnb of victims in tfie 'Regitfs

World- llanila AtbclE" a surcs{nl ompromi* agtement
witfi the Reg,rfs World Manila
On lune 2,2017, the gaming area of the Resorts World Manila
in Pasay City was caught on fire hours after a gunman went on a
rampage in the casino complex; hence, claiming the lives of thirty-
eight (38) individuals.

Some of the relatives of the deceased sought legal assistance

from the PAO-Central Office. Consequently, the latter conducted a
Pre-Litigation Conference, wherein some of
the victims had
successfully entered into a compromise agreement with the Resofts
World Manila.

f, krmanent appointment of the Chief Public Atbrney and

tfie Deputy Chief Public Atbrneys

InCareer Executive Service Board represented

Chairperson Bernard P. Abesamis, et a!. v. Civil Se
Commission represented by Chairman Francisco T. Du e
III, et al. #
(G.R. 197762, March 7, 20t7), the Honorable Sup

PAO ACCOMPI,ISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7

me

Page
r
3l 6f 4r
Court ruled that the Chief Public Attorney and the Deputy Chief Public
Attorneys are not required by law to be Career Executive Service
ffiicers (CESO) before being qualified as permanent appointees.
Otherwise stated, they cannot be removed from their respective
positions if the sole reason for such is the lack of Career Executive
Service eligibility.

g. Empvventrentof lhe PAO Employees

The Public Attorney's ffice, in its commitment to empower, re-

orient, and keep its employees abreast, conducted a series of
seminars on the Revised PAO Operations Manual and Code of
Conduct. For the year 2017, all lawyers and staff of the following
Regions attended the said seminars:

1. Public Attorneys:
A. NCR January 30 - February 1
B. Centralffice (lst batch) February 20 - 22
C. Central Office (2nd batch) February 27 - March 1
D. Region 4A & B March 15 - 17
E. Region 3 - March20 -22
F. Region 5 - April3 - 5
G. CAR, Region 1 and 2 April 19 - 21
H. Regions 6 to 8 and NIR April24 -26
I. Regions 9A,98, 10, 11, 12,13 - May3-5
2. Support Staff:
A. Regions in Visayas May 22 - 24
B. Regions in Luzon July3-5
C. Regions in Mindanao July 12 - 14

h. rhe f Dtandabry @ntinuing Lqal Education (rrCLE)

Amrdibd tlational Conyenfrbn of Public Atbneys: A
milesbne
fhe 66 Dlandabry @ntinuing Legal Edaation QICLE)
AerdiM National Conyention of Public Attoneys was
conducted on Seotember 18 to 22. 2O17 at the Tent City, Manila
Hotel, One Rizal Park 1099, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila. This
was the first convention to be conducted by the Public Attorneyt
ffice (PAO) under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte, the Keynote Speaker during its Opening Ceremonies. Thus,
this MClE-accredited activity of the PAO, was not just another
convention, it was a milestone!

In the said convention, the PAO endowed freely mo

1,500 public attorneys the required 36 hours of continu legal
{
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 32 drn
education activities. As in the previous conventions, this was duly
approved by the Department of lustice (DOJ) and the Depaftment of
Budget and Management (DBM). Likewise, in the past years (2003,
2006, 2009, 2011, and 2014), when the PAO held its five (5) MCLE-
accredited conventions, itoffered therein free legal educaUon
activities as prescribed by the Supreme Court, to its lawyers, the PAO
being an MCLE provider since 2002.

i. Renewal of the ltlenprandum of Undetsbnding bfireen

the Public Atbrney,'s Ofie (PAO) and tlrc UniN Nations
High @mmisioner for Refiryes (UllHCR)

In January 2013, the

PAO and the UNHCR signed a
Memorandum of Understanding and since then have become
paftnerc in providing free legal assistance, counseling and
representation to refugees, stateless persons, and those seeking
recognition as refugees or stateless persons in the Philippine context.

The PAO was able to provide free legal aid consisting of over
5,000 judicial and non-judicial services to refugees, asylum-seekers,
and persons at risk of statelessness from different parts of the
Philippines, while the UNHCR facilitated capacity building activities
and provided technical assistance to PAO.

Last April 6, 2017, the said Memorandum of Understanding was

renewed and the partnerchip between the PAO and the UNHCR was
extended for two (2) more years.

The extension of the agreement for another two years is in line

with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's policy to accept displaced
persons.

j, Menonndum of Agreenent of the Public AtlorneyS Offie

(PAO) with the tuprtt pnt of Pubhb Worlcs and Highvays
(DPWH) and National Housing Autfiority (NHA) rclative to
flrc design of the New PAO-@ntral Ofie Building

On 09 May 2017, the Public Attomey's ffice, Department of

Public Works and Highways, and National Housing Authority entered
into a Memorandum of Agreement with regard to the design of the
new PAO{entral Office Building. The new building intends to address
the serious congestion problem of PAO Central ffice which has no
sufficient area for: a. ffice provision of its existing 500 employees
and additional manpowe r, b. Receiving and interviewing guests an
clients respectively, c. Personnel employment records and court
records, d. Training new employees, e. Seminars and m ,f,
fficial events and functions.
(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FORTHE YEAR 2017 Page 33
lfnI
k, Ilational Women's l+lonth @lebration 2O77

In connection with the celebration of the National Women's

Month held on March 3l,2Ol7 at the Malacafiang Palace, San Miguel,
Manila, the Chief Public Attorney, attended the one-day event entitled
"D-Day for Women - Digong's Day for Women".

From the PAO, the Chief Public Attorney was joined in the said
event by 161 women lawyers and staff of the PAO-Central Office, two
selected district offices of PAO-NCR and the Regional Office of PAO-
MIMAROPA Region.

The PAO lawyers who attended the said event rendered free
legal consultation to some women attendees with legal problems.

VII. ADMINISTRATIVE CONCERNS

The PAO, in the delivery of its mandated mission, is
complemented by several administrative units that render support to
its technical operations. Altogether, they managed to carry out its
operations with utmost efficiency and dedication throughout the year.

a PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT

The table below shows the number of authorized, filled, and

unfilled positions in the PAO for the year 2017, to wit:

Authorized Filled Unfilled

Lawyers 2,090 2,005 85
Support
7,025 984 4t
Personnel
TOTAL 3,115 2,989 L26
Table No. 8

a PERSONNEL MOVEMENT

From January to December 2077, the movement of personnel

in the PAO is shown here below:

Lawyer Support Staff TOTAL /

Recruited 449 103 ss2 /
Promoted 294 105 ny No. 9

a(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR TTM YEAR 2017 Page 34 ,f n,
 a PERSONNEL ENHANCEMENT

The PAO has conducted a series of seminars to enhance the

capability, knowledge and professional skills of participants in order
to mold them into efficient and truly competitive legalcounsels.

It has been the PAO's practice to provide continuous seminars

and training programs to its personnel, specifically lawyers, to keep
them abreast with the recent developments in law and jurisprudence.
Thus, ensuring the efficiency and capability of the public attorneys in
protecting the rights of the oppressed, indigents, and other qualified
clients of the Office.

Aside from training programs and seminars conducted by the

Offlce, lawyers and support personnel from the PAO have likewise
attended other trainings, seminars, workshops and conferences upon
invitation of other government and non-government organizations.

From January to December 20L7, there were about 115

seminars attended by the PAO personnel. A total of 4,854 lawyers
and 1r1O3 support staff were registered in attendance.

a FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The approved appropriation for FY 2077 (per GAA) is

P2,606,112,000 and the corresponding Retirement and Life Insurance
Premium (RUP) of
N4,649,000 to
cover operational funding
requirements of PAO. In addition, the total amount of P480,727,368
was released for payment of the following: a) Terminal Leave and
Retirement Gratuity Benefits of retired PAO Lawyers (Retirement and
Pension Differential), b) Salary and Other Compensation and
corresponding RLIP of newly hired lawyers and c) Performance-Based
Bonus. The total obligations for FY 20L7 amounted to
P3,176,435,996.30.

a LIBRARY SERVICES

The PAO, through its library seruices, envisions giving better

and more efficient means of assisting its clientele through the use of
modern and advanced information-assisted technology such as the
internet, modern fax machines, and telep hone units for seamless
transmission of output.

For January to December 2017, a total of 11117 copi al

books and reference materials were purchased and distrib to the
a(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 35 o g4t
 PAO Regional ffices and District Offices. The PAO Library, through
its personnel, was able to collate a total of 3,2il
news releases
from eleven (11) various broadsheets and tabloids for the year 20t7,
concerning the ffice, its cases, and various programs and projects.

Through its tri-media linkages, the PAO has continuously been

rendering legal advice to the general public through the newspaper
columns Say Mo Afiorney| published in Peopleb Tonight, Dear PAO,
published in The Manila Times, and Magtanong Kay Attorney,
published in Bulgar. A total of 145 afticles for Say Mo Attorney?,
361 afticles for Dear PAO, and 354 articles for Magtanong kay
Attomey were published and clipped into file from January to
December, 2017.

a OFFICE EQUIPMENT

For the period covering January to December, 2017, the

PAO purchased and distributed the following office equipment and
semi-expendable properties, to wit:

A. Aquhed tfie following Pmpefi, Plant and Equipment and

*mi-expnda ble prupfties :
. 188 units Desktop Computer (l-aken from 2015 Budget)
. 100 units Unintem-rptible Power Supply (Iaken from 2015 Budget)
. 486 MS Office 2016 License flaken from 2016 Budget)
o 37 Air<onditioning unit
. 29 units Biometrics
o 21 units Closed Circuit Television (CC[V)
o 10 units Two-way radio
o 11 units Fax machine
o 1 unit Combination and Key lock vault
o 3 units Bookshelves
. 3 pcs Bench
. 57 pcs ffice table
. 22 pcs Computer table
. 87 pcs Executive table
. 85 pcs ffice chair
. 22 pcs Computer chair
o 226 pcs Executive chair
o 168 pcs Monobloc chair
. 208 pcs Filing cabinet
. 2 pcs Push cart

B. turbiddingatB-DBH
. 538 units Desktop Computer
. 538 units Printer
q(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR TTIE YEAR 2OT7 Page 36 lf 1r
 . 538 units Unintenuptible Power Supply
o 9 units Muttifunction Printer
r 213 Multifunction Copier
. 145 Multi-user packs Anti-Virus
C. Ptorytiydisfributd:
o 244 units DesKop Computer
. 188 units Printer
. 231units Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Since the undersigned's assumption of office, it has been her

battle cry to put into oblivion the traditional impression of public
offices littered with office supply and obsolete andlor worn out office
equipment. With the purchase of the foregoing office furnishings,
such as chairs, filing cabinets, tables, and posture chairs, the PAO
personnel were able to perform their duties in a more office-friendly
environment. Needless to say, it somehow contributed to the
continuously swelling public trust in the seruices of the PAO.

VilI. TECHNICAL OPERATIONS

1. PAO-NLRC SUB-STATION

By virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the

Public Attornet's ffice (PAO) and the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC), the ffice maintains its sub-station at the NLRC,
located in Banawe in Quezon City, to serve its clients.

The sub-station facilitates the rendition of legal assistance to

complaining workers before the NLRC and aims to expedite the
proceedings; hence, itmakes its services more accessible to
complaining workers.

The efficiency and eflectiveness of this office has been proven

for years. For the period covering January to December 2017, a total
of 181632 clients were accommodated and given legal assistance,
under this agreement.

2. RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION

(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMEI.I"I REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 37 hr 4l
 For the year2o17, a total of 21567 research works were duly
accomplished by the Public Attorney's ffice through the Legal
Research Service.

For the said period, the PAO, through the Legal Research
Seruice, was able to answer 299 legal queries and these were
published in newspapers of national circulation. These include legal
questions from the public that were either directly addressed or
referred to the PAO. The sudden upsurge in the number of research
works was brought about by the increasing public trust coupled with
consistent tri-media linkages as means of education and information
dissemination of the PAO. Perhaps, the accessibility of the
undersigned Chief Public Attomey, personally, to the reach of the
public has, for one reason, made a great difference.

3. ADMII{ISTRATryE COMPLAINTS AGAINST PAO

EMPLOVEES

to December 20L7, 775 a*s wete resfud

From January
and terminaH out of 254 administative amplainb received
by the PAO - Legal Research Seruice. As a result of these cases,
several PAO Personnel received administrative sanctions, after due
notice and hearing pursuant to the Revised Rules on Administrative
Cases for the Civil Seruice.

This further proves the PAO's thrust in fulfilling its mandate

effectively, even to the extent of disciplining its own ranks. This
shows that misconduct or unacceptable behavior will not be
tolerated, especially since the PAO, through the mantle of fortitude of
the undersigned, has been trying to preserve the integrity not only of
the entire agency but of every lawyer and personnel appointed in the
ffice.

il. Continuinq Plans and Proqrams

A. Coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management

(DBM) for the construction of the PAO Central ffice's own
building.

B. Development of an internal operating system to add all

Information Technology (fF) concems, for the rend of
prompt and more effective legal services to the indigents

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 1l

 C. Organization, establishment and maintenance of database, case
management, and monitoring system for all cases handled by
the PAO nationwide;

D. Establishment and maintenance of Closed-Circuit Television

(CC|-V) in all Regional and District offices of PAO;

E. Compliance with ISO 9000 and the Government Quality

Management Systems Standards (GQMSS), purcuant to
Administrative Order No. 161, dated October 5, 2006;

F. Maintain and upgrade the PAO Forensic Laboratory for the

furtherance of investigation being conducted relative to cases
handled by this Office, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9745 (Anti-
Torture Act of 2009), Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence
Against Women and their Children Act of 2004), Republic Act
No. 8353 (Anti-Rape Law), and other existing laws mandating
the PAO to assist the victims or accused on a first come-first
serued basis;

G. Development of talents of personnel through trainings and

support to the PAO-Chorale members;

H. Policy advocary and coordinaUon for the enhancement of the

PAO Victims' Protection Unit;

I. Continuously carry out activities and outreach programs for the

welfare of prisoners and inmates such as the PAO's Legal and
Medical lail Visitation and Decongestion Program;

J. Continuous promotion of good governance, professionalism,

and anti-corruption measures;

K. Continuous improvement of communication facilities and other

office equipment;

L. Vigorous efforts to implement compensation scheme, financial

incentives and retirement benefits of the Public Attorneys to
further motivate them in discharging their duties and/or stay in
the service purcUant to R.A. No. 92t05 (PAO Law);

M.Increase the number of lawyers and suppoft staff assign ln

each of the Regional and District Offices for a more
and efficient delivery of seruices pursuant to Republic 9406
(PAO Law);

q(
PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OI7 Page 39 l,t1I
 N. Continuous coordination with the
tri-media the for
advancement of the PAO outreach activities, more particularly,
dissemination of free legal advice, counselling, and mediation;

O. Vigorously pursue the rendition of prompt effective and

adequate legal services to the indigent sector;

P. Maintain programs and policies in achieving viftues of

excellence, integrity, professionalism and moral values of all
Public Attorneys and staff;

Q. Strive achieve the ideal situation of one Public Attorney

to
being assigned to one court for a more effective and efficient
representation of clients;

R. Empowerment of the PAO! capacity in promoting Gender and

Development (GAD) Program of the government such as the
creation of projects and activities that will promote gender
sensitivity;

S. Continuous active participation of the PAO in the on-going anti-

drugs, anti-corruption, pro-poor and social justice programs of
the Dutefte administration; and

T. Continuous cooperation with the courts in the case

decongestion program being spearheaded by the Supreme
Court.

@ncluding Stahment

All told, this Accomplishment Report is a testament of the PAO's

dedication and commitment in effectively fulfilling its mandate to the
Filipino People by extending free and efficient legal seruices to
qualified indigent litigants in all civil, criminal, labor, administrative
and other quasi-judicial cases in consonance with the constitutional
provision that "t?ee access to coutb and quasi-judicial bodies and
adequate legat assistance shalt not be denied to any percon by
reagn of povefi."

Notwithstanding the limited manpower and resources, the PAO

was able to assist 11,616,916 clients with 76-130/o favorabl
dispositions. On the average, the government merely spent
hundred seventy-two pesos and six centavosz (Php 272.06) as al

{otal Budget received excluding Terminal Leave for the year 2017 divided by number
of clients Assisted/Served for the year 2Ol7

PAO ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2OT7 Page 40

Ifr 4t
fees for every client of the PAO, which show how prudent and
sensible the PAO is in spending the taxpayers'money.

Moving forusard to another productive year, the PAO will

continue its duty and obligation to remain as the government's
steadfast partner in pursuing swift and fair administration of justice.

30 January 2018

ATTY. SILVE A. ATTY. o

Deputy Ch Public Attomey Chief Pu ic Attomey
for Visaya s and Mindanao for Luzon

A v. RAMOS- .I,IAR.IEL D
DACPANO Public Aftomey
Public Aftomey IV OIC, I and Appeal Cases
Head Executive Assistant Service
Concurrent OIC, Region IV-B

ATTY JR. ATTY. DE . HUERTA

blic Aftomey IV ry
OIC, I Research Service olc, Ad Servhe

D LMA DU el tt LATOSA
ic Attomey III
OIC, and Statistics OIC, Fina ial Pla nnrng and
Service Management Service

DR. PERS E -ACOSTA" DSD

Chief Public Attomey

,(
PAO ACCOMPI,ISHMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017 Page 4l kn