Several criminal cases now pending before the courts have encountered delays in trial because the Public Attorney’s Office has failed to provide government lawyers to assist poor respondents.
Regional Trial Court Judge Eric Menchavez criticized the PAO for its failure to assign a lawyer in his branch that jeopardizes the trial of several cases whose respondents do not have legal counsels.
Menchavez had to postpone a hearing of a case that was scheduled yesterday morning.
“Dugay na kaayo nga walay public lawyer nga gi-assign dinhi aron makalaban sa mga akusado nga walay abogado,” said Menchavez, who presides over RTC Branch 21.
A PAO lawyer admitted to The Freeman that they really lack the personnel, saying “unsaon nga daghan man god ang nang-resign og mibalhin og laing trabaho.”
Some of those former PAO lawyers have become government prosecutors.
The law provides that respondents of cases should be assisted with lawyers during the trial. But if they cannot afford to have one, the government should provide them. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM