PAO to hire 178 new lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) would soon hire 178 new public attorneys (PAs) across the country, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the creation of 178 public attorney positions, the DOJ added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the hiring of new public attorneys will boost the services of the PAO for the benefit of more underprivileged Filipinos in need of legal representation, aid and counseling.

“Gone are the days when some may think that access to justice in the Philippines is exclusively for the wealthy,” he said.

According to the DOJ, 122 PA 1 and 56 PA 2 positions will be designated in different PAO offices nationwide, requiring an annual budget of P336 million.

Remulla thanked Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for “going the extra mile to address the legal needs of our country.”