Here’s a complete, practice-oriented legal explainer—Philippine context—on getting Legal Assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). No browsing used. I’ll cover who qualifies, what PAO actually does (and doesn’t do), how to apply, documents to bring, fees (if any), conflicts of interest, emergencies (custodial/inquest), appeals, withdrawals, and practical templates.

What PAO is (and why it exists)

PAO is the government’s free legal aid office for people who cannot afford a private lawyer. It gives legal advice, representation, and documentation in criminal, civil, labor/administrative, and quasi-judicial cases, subject to screening.
PAO lawyers are public defenders; many also act as Notaries Public ex officio for indigent clients (no notarial fees).

Who can get PAO help (eligibility)

1) Indigency

You generally qualify if you cannot afford a private counsel without depriving your family of basic needs.
Proof of indigency is required (see Documents list below). PAO uses income/asset thresholds that are policy-based and periodically updated; offices also consider dependents and special circumstances (e.g., unemployment, medical hardship, single parent).

2) Priority/Protected clients

Even when income is near the margin, PAO typically prioritizes:

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and those facing criminal charges;
Children (in conflict with the law or needing protection);
VAWC survivors (violence against women and their children);
Human trafficking / illegal recruitment victims;
Senior citizens, PWDs, and indigenous peoples, when indigency is shown.

3) Conflict-free cases only

PAO cannot represent both sides of a dispute. If another PAO lawyer already assists the adverse party, PAO must decline and you’ll be referred elsewhere.

What PAO covers (scope of services)

A) Criminal

Police station & inquest assistance (custodial investigation, Miranda rights).
Defense at trial (MTC/MTCC/MeTC/RTC) and, when meritorious and resources permit, appeals.
Bail applications, probation/parole guidance, plea bargaining (including in drug cases per rules/policies).

B) Civil & family

Typical: ejectment, sum of money, damages, support, recognition/filial, custody, protection orders (VAWC), annulment/void marriages subject to strict merit/indigency screening (family-status cases are resource-heavy; PAO prioritizes clear, meritorious petitions).
Barangay/Katarungang Pambarangay conferences and court-annexed mediation.

C) Labor/Administrative/Quasi-judicial

SEnA (DOLE), NLRC cases (wage claims, illegal dismissal), SSS/GSIS/PhilHealth/HDMF benefit disputes, LRA, LTO, LGU administrative hearings.
Select housing/tenancy, agrarian, and consumer complaints.

D) Documentation & Notarial (for indigents)

Affidavits, complaints, answers, position papers, motions, appeals.
Notarization of indigent clients’ affidavits/pleadings free of notarial fees (you still shoulder photocopying or documentary stamp tax if required).

What PAO does not do (common limits)

No representation if not indigent (unless a specific law/mandate says otherwise).
No business/tax planning or purely commercial transactions.
No conflicts (if the adversary is/was a PAO client in the same matter).
No duplicate counsel: if you already have a private lawyer, PAO will not co-counsel/second-chair.
Resource-screened petitions: high-complexity civil/family actions may be declined or queued if lacking merit or documentation.

How to apply (step-by-step)

Find your PAO District Office Go to the PAO office in the city/municipality where your case is filed, arose, or where you reside (district placement helps with court coverage).
Bring the right documents (see checklist below).
Initial interview & screening
- You’ll fill out an Affidavit of Indigency and undergo means/merits evaluation.
- If accepted, PAO issues a Client’s ID/acknowledgment and assigns a handling lawyer.
Execution of SPA/retainer (as needed)
- For representation, you’ll sign authorizations/undertakings (e.g., to appear, to receive orders).
Case build-up
- Provide evidence (IDs, contracts, receipts, photos, medical/legal records). Expect to sign/execute affidavits; PAO will draft and notarize (if indigent).
Court or agency filing
- PAO can also file Motion to Litigate as Indigent/Pauper Litigant so docket and other lawful fees may be exempted or deferred where allowed.

Emergency? If it’s custodial/inquest (fresh arrest), ask police/prosecutor to call PAO. You or your family can phone the district office for a lawyer to assist before questioning.

Documents to bring (as applicable)

Identity: Government ID(s); if applying for child/relative, bring proof of relationship/authority.
Proof of income/indigency:
- Barangay Certificate of Indigency or DSWD certification;
- Latest payslips, income tax exemption/no-income declaration, 4Ps/beneficiary ID, or sworn statement explaining unemployment.
Case papers: Police blotter, inquest papers/subpoena, charge sheet/Information, complaint-affidavit, prior pleadings, contracts, notices of hearing, NLRC summons, etc.
Evidence: Receipts, photos, videos, medical/legal reports, certificates, text/online screenshots (printouts).
Witness list & contacts.
Special: Birth/marriage certificates (PSA), school records, medical/psychiatric records (if relevant).

Fees and costs

Attorney’s fees: None. PAO services are free for qualified clients.
You may still need to pay:
- Court docket fees/sheriff’s fees/publication unless your pauper-litigant motion is granted;
- Photocopying, mail/courier, transport;
- Documentary stamp tax (when legally required).
Notarial fees: Waived for indigent clients handled by PAO (ex officio notarization).

Conflicts of interest & reassignment

If PAO previously represented the opposing party (same case), it must decline and may refer you to IBP Legal Aid or other free legal aid groups.
If the conflict is only within the same district, PAO may reassign to a different district/office—but never to represent both sides.

During the case: your duties as a PAO client

Tell the truth, disclose all facts/documents, and attend conferences/hearings.
Coordinate: keep your contact details updated, read notices, and come on time.
Do not file separate pleadings or talk to the judge/agency ex parte.
No “case-hopping”: don’t engage a private lawyer simultaneously unless you’re terminating PAO representation.

Withdrawal/termination of PAO services (when it happens)

PAO may withdraw (with leave of court/agency where required) if:

You cease to be indigent (sustained income improvement) and refuse to retain private counsel;
You engage private counsel;
Conflict is discovered;
You refuse to cooperate, commit dishonesty, or insist on frivolous/illegal tactics.

You may end the engagement anytime (preferably in writing), but consider continuity—new counsel must promptly enter appearance.

Appeals and post-judgment

PAO can pursue appeals (criminal or civil) when meritorious and within resource limits. Strict deadlines apply (e.g., notices of appeal, petitions). Bring decisions to your PAO lawyer immediately upon receipt.

Special situations (quick notes)

Inquest/Arrest: Ask officers to call PAO; don’t sign anything without counsel if you’re a suspect/respondent.
VAWC/protection orders: PAO can file BPO/TPO/PPO petitions; safety planning is prioritized.
Children: PAO coordinates with DSWD; interviews are child-sensitive.
Labor: Start with SEnA; if no settlement, PAO can prepare/handle NLRC pleadings/hearings for indigent workers.
Immigration/OFWs: PAO helps families with local cases tied to overseas issues; for foreign proceedings, PAO can advise and refer (jurisdiction limits apply).

Practical templates (you can adapt)

A) Affidavit of Indigency (short form)

I, [Name], of legal age, residing at [Address], after being duly sworn, state:

I am applying for PAO legal assistance in [case/issue].

My monthly household income is approximately ₱[amount], supporting [number] dependents; I have no significant assets aside from [basic assets].

I cannot hire private counsel without depriving my family of basic necessities. I execute this affidavit to attest to my indigency and to request PAO assistance. [Signature] / ID No.: [ ] / Date: [ ] SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me this [date]. (PAO Notary ex officio)

B) Letter-Request to PAO (walk-in or email attach)

Subject: Request for PAO Legal Assistance – [Case/Issue] Dear Public Attorney, I am an indigent resident of [City/Municipality] seeking assistance in [brief description]. I attach copies of [IDs/proofs/case papers] and an Affidavit of Indigency. Kindly schedule me for intake/screening and advise additional requirements. [Name | Mobile | Email | Address]

C) Undertaking (client)

I agree to cooperate, attend hearings, truthfully disclose facts, and promptly inform PAO of changes in my address/contact details. I authorize PAO to receive notices and represent me in [case].

Quick checklists

Bring to your first PAO visit

Government ID
Affidavit/Certificate of Indigency (or get it at PAO)
Proof of income/lack thereof
All case papers (subpoenas, charge sheets, contracts, notices)
Evidence (receipts, photos, medical, etc.)
Witness list with phone numbers

If arrested / invited for questioning

Ask for PAO before answering; invoke your right to counsel and to remain silent.
Give your family the station name and PAO district to contact.
Do not sign waivers/affidavits without your lawyer.

FAQs

Is PAO really free? Yes, attorney’s fees are free for eligible clients. You may still handle court costs, unless your pauper motion is granted.

Can PAO notarize my documents? Yes—for indigent clients and case-related affidavits/pleadings, free of notarial fees.

Can PAO help if I already hired a private lawyer? No. You must choose one. PAO won’t co-counsel with a private attorney.

Can I choose my PAO lawyer? Assignments are internal. You can raise concerns to the District Public Attorney/Regional PA if there’s a serious issue.

How fast can PAO take my case? Criminal inquests/custody are priority. Civil and administrative matters proceed after intake and scheduling.

Bottom line

PAO is your first stop for free legal help if you can’t afford a lawyer.
Come with proof of indigency, case papers, and evidence; expect screening for means and merit and immediate help for custodial/inquest situations.
Services are comprehensive but not unlimited—no conflicts, no duplicate counsel, and resource-screened complex petitions.
Use PAO early, tell the truth, cooperate fully, and you’ll have competent public defense at every critical stage.