THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao Chapter admitted that the lack of lawyers remained to be one of the challenges of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) in Davao City.
IBP-Davao Chapter president lawyer Rogelio Largo said PAO is also saddened by the problems of manpower, as some of the lawyers have already transferred to the prosecutor's office, while some moved to other places.
Despite the setback, Largo said he is certain that PAO lawyers are good lawyers and are keen in the field of mitigation, especially in defense of the accused. He added there is no question in terms of their services.
"We recognized that there are so many cases right now that are finding their way to the courts, apparently, as a result of intensified crack down on criminality. We recognized to defend the oppressed people among others," Largo said, adding that IBP-Davao is willing to collaborate with the PAO in any matter that demands their assistance.
He earlier said the courts in Davao City are bombarded with various criminal and civil cases. He added that they have a case load of about 1,500 cases per court.
The IBP-Davao is the official organization of lawyers in Davao City with some 1,300 members including 600 who are in private practice.