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

PAOs Enabling Law

Republic Act No. 9406

(PAO LAW)

An Act Reorganizing and Strengthening the Public Attorneys 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.

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 Attorneys 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.

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

PAO Mission

The Public Attorney's Office exists to provide the indigent litigants, the oppressed, marginalized, and
underprivileged members of the society free access to courts, judicial and quasi-judicial agencies, by
rendering legal services, counselling and assistance in consonance with the Constitutional mandate that
"free access to courts shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty" in order to ensure the rule
of law, truth and social justice as components of the country's sustainable development.
PAO Vision

A government agency that is God-centered and dynamic bureaucracy that is responsive to the ever-
growing legal needs of the indigents and oppressed led by highly competent, world-class, development-
oriented, honest, dedicated and nationalistic leaders and lawyers.