The Public Attorney’s Office said its Legal Research Service is investigating an incident at its Meycauayan District Office where a lawyer allegedly acted rudely toward an old man who was apparently seeking its services.
In a statement, the PAO said it has issued a Notice to Explain to the staff involved.
“Ikinalulungkot namin na may kliyenteng nakaranas o nakaramdam ng hindi maayos na pakikitungo habang humihingi ng serbisyong legal sa aming tanggapan,” it said.
The incident was recounted on social media by a netizen who uses the name Inday Panadera Gelyn, and who witnessed it herself.
According to Gelyn’s viral post, she was at the PAO office with several people, one of whom was an old man who was with a companion.
Gelyn said that while they were at the waiting area, a woman came out of the office looking sullen while holding a piece of paper.
The woman then approached the old man and rudely asked where his medical report was.
Gelyn said she was surprised by the rude tone since it was only 11:45 am.
She also said the woman continued to talk to the old man in a cross manner while pointing out the blanks he left unanswered in the document.
When the old man’s companion tried to explain that the hospital was closed, the woman cut him off and said in an annoyed tone that the hospital does not close.
The woman handed the document back to the old man and left while giving him an exasperated look, said Gelyn.
The Facebook post did not identify the PAO staff.
But PAO Chief Persida Acosta, in a Facebook post, shared the memorandum issued by Deputy Chief Public Attorney Ana Lisa Soriano stating that the lawyer involved was identified and ordering an explanation of the incident.
The PAO said it would not tolerate any improper behavior from its lawyers and staff.
“Patuloy naming pinahahalagahan ang maayos, magalang, makatao, at propesyonal na paghahatid ng serbisyo sa publiko, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng libreng tulong legal,” it said.
It also said that it would follow due process in the investigation and if lapses are found, it would take the proper administrative steps.
Meanwhile, Gelyn has taken down her post since PAO has already addressed the incident.
She also said she did not intend to defame any public servant and only relayed what she witnessed.
She also said it should serve as a reminder that there is no need for an incident to go viral for public servants to treat ordinary people properly.