The Public Attorney’s Office has reiterated its “humble and respectful” call to the Supreme Court to review and delete a newly approved provision of Section 22, Canon III, or the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers allowing public defenders to go against one another in one and the same case.
The agency sent another formal communication to the High Court last week, seeking an audience.
All PAO regional offices, such as the Sapao-Dumangas Iloilo District Office, have joined the appeal to remove Section 22, Canon III, saying: “We cannot serve two masters.”
The new code of conduct, approved on April 12, replaced the 34-year-old code for lawyers and now guides the conduct of legal professionals.
“We are one PAO,” Chief Persida Acosta said.
PAO lawyer Jaycee Balbuena said: “Written in the letter are reasons against the so-called PAO vs. PAO provision.”
A copy was furnished to all Supreme Court justices; offices of the President, Vice President, Executive Secretary and Presidential Legal Chief Secretary, and the Department of Justice.
“I was surprised that there are already some clients complaining about the provision, and that they are now one with us (due to conflict of interest),” Acosta said.
“We are not quarreling with the Supreme Court or disrespecting it. We are ready for a dialogue with you anytime. We are your brothers and sisters even if we are under the Department of Justice. We are all public servants,” she added.
In an April 9 respectful manifesto, the PAO chief and the senior officials cited: “The test is whether or not on behalf of one client, it is the lawyer’s duty to fight for an issue or claim, but which is his or her duty to oppose for the other client.”