Public Attorneys Office (PAO)

Focus: Indigent clients. You qualify for PAO services if your income is below the following:

Php 14,000/month for Metro Manila

Php 13,000/month for other cities

Php 12,000/month elsewhere

Requirements:

To ensure that only those qualified shall be extended free legal assistance, the applicant shall be required to execute an Affidavit of Indigency and to submit any of the following documents:

1.      Latest Income Tax Return or pay slip or other proofs of income; or

2.      Certificate of Indigency from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, its local District Office, or the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant; 

3.      Certificate of Indigency from the Barangay Chairman having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant.

PAO lawyers and personnel shall exercise diligence in ascertaining the indigency qualification of said applicant/s.

Notes:

PAO is the government agency responsible for providing free legal aid to those who cannot afford. This should be your first stop if you cannot afford or do not wish to avail private counsel. However, if your opposing party can go to PAO first, you may consider the other organizations on our list.

Coverage: Nationwide

Contact Information:

(02) 929-9436;

(02) 4262075

(02) 4262801

(02) 4262450

(02) 4262987

(02) 4262683

Website: http://www.pao.gov.ph/

Email Address: pao_executive@yahoo.com

Main Office: Office Address: 4th  and 5th Floors DOJ Agencies Building NIA Rd. corner East Ave., Diliman, Quezon City 
Local Office: At your hall of justice which is often found at the City or Town Hall.