SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Ilocos Region is committed to strengthening its non-judicial services and community engagement efforts to ensure that all Filipinos in need receive the support they require, beyond providing legal representation for indigent individuals.
Non-judicial services offered by PAO include instant services such as consultations, documentation, and administrative oaths, as well as outreach activities like assistance during police interrogations, jail visits, and legal information programs.
As reported by lawyer Cristina Jenny M. Reyes, PAO Ilocos regional officer-in-charge, in a “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” episode, the number of documents processed, oaths administered, and clients counseled has significantly increased in recent years.
For instance, in 2022, PAO Region 1 processed 35,583 documents, administered 61,166 oaths, and counseled 43,172 clients.
These figures rose to 41,527, 87,173, and 47,249, respectively, in 2023.
In the first half of 2024 alone, the office has already processed 21,991 documents, administered 61,253 oaths, and counseled 24,320 clients.
Jail visitations have also seen a significant increase, with 3,311 cases interviewed or assisted in 2022, rising to 5,947 in 2023 and 4,384 in the first half of 2024.
Additionally, PAO has successfully facilitated the release of 2,024 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in 2022, 1,880 in 2023, and 785 in the first half of 2024.
Home visitations to cater to the underserved and marginalized sector, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, also grew.
PAO Ilocos has significantly increased its home visitation services, serving 114 clients in the first half of 2024 alone.
This represents a substantial increase from 257 clients served in 2023 and 89 in 2022.
Beyond these non-judicial services, PAO also mandates to perform quasi-judicial services, such as mediations or conciliations between parties to resolve disputes without resorting to lawsuits.
Reyes said that common cases they handle involve debt and financial support.
“I encourage the public to settle disputes with their families if possible, and if not, we can provide quasi-judicial services to prevent them from going to court,” she said.
Furthermore, PAO actively participated in every “LAB for All” event, a project initiated by First Lady Liza Marcos, held in the region to bring their service closer to the people. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
