I.

INTRODUCTION

Importance of the Field Practice

Our economy is changing daily, and with it, the talents, skills, and experience

needed to be a part of that growth cycle are too. The job market is a competitive one, and

often that is a tough learning curve for recent graduates. This is a big reason behind the

growth of applied learning and internship opportunities becoming a key part of the college

experience for all students.

An internship is defined as “any official or formal program to provide practical

experience for beginners in an occupation or profession.” The most important element of

internships is that they integrate classroom knowledge and theory with practical application

and skills developed in professional or community settings. They also bring a wealth of

benefits to students, both while completing a degree and when seeking a career path post-

graduation.

Internships or On-the-Job Trainings are a great way to apply the knowledge from

the classroom to real-world experience. Learning is one thing, but taking those skills into

the workforce and applying them is a great way to explore different career paths and

specializations that suit individual interests

. Having an internship gives you experience in the career field you want to pursue.

Not only does this give individuals an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs,

it also prepares them for what to expect in their field and increases confidence in their

work.

1
Objectives of the Field Practice

 To acquaint the students formally to a real life work place environment.

 To explore the relationship between the knowledge & skills acquired in college

with those required in the working situations

 To use the existing environment, tools, and skill training that are available in the

workplace

 To provide a general work experience, so that the student can apply skills

previously acquired at the College and acquire new relevant skills.

 To train an employee to do their job—on the job that includes the daily operation

of the office.

 To educate the trainees on proper worker’s attitude.

 To prepare the trainees on their possible job in the future.

 To integrate the ability to identify and utilize effective written, oral and nonverbal

communication methods with clients.

 To develop a professional identity of the trainee as a social worker.

 To practice the discipline of the trainee on the quality they should maintain as a

worker.

 To provide opportunity to choose what kind of career they will going to pursue.

2
Location and Duration

Figure 1. Location of PAO-San Jose

Public Attorney’s Office Room 102 Hall of Justice, San Jose City District Office is

located at Maharlika Highway, Barangay F.E. Marcos, San Jose City beside Magic Mall 2

San Jose and near the Waltermart, San Jose. The office can easily accessed by the people

since it is located along the city proper.

The common clients of the office are the indigent individuals coming from Lupao,

Pantabangan, Carranglan, Rizal and San Jose City. Since those stated places are under the

jurisdiction of Public Attorney’s Office, San Jose District.

The trainees are approved by their cooperating office (Public Attorney’s Office,) to

undergo their practicum and render 240 hours of office work to complete the practicum
3
program. The trainees spend a maximum of 8 hours every working day. The trainees started

the training on June, 2018 and finished on October, 2018. They recorded the number of

hours worked every working time in a daily time record accomplished on a monthly period.

II. STATION AND PLACE OF ASSIGNMENT

4
Historical Background of the Company

The PAO came into being in response to the challenge for a government agency for

the advancement and protection of legal rights of the less privileged sector of our society

as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

The PAO was planted on August 30, 1954, when R.A. No. 1199 created the

Agricultural Tenancy Commission, which was later renamed as Tenancy Mediation

Commission (TMC). With the passage on August 8, 1963 of R.A. No. 3844, otherwise

known as the “Agricultural Land Reform Code”, TMC was further strengthened and

rename as the Office of the Agrarian Counsel (OTAC).

However, the economic and social changes that occurred since then as well as the

demands of the time, invariably blew the winds of public clamor for a more accessible

legal service to our people, thus necessitating an expansion of agrarian related assistance

provided by OTAC to include civil, criminal, administrative, and labor case. This paved

the way for the creation of Citizen’s Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) under P.D. No. 1

and Implemented Order No. 4, dated October 23, 1972. The CLAO started out with a work

force of 94 lawyers and an organizational set-up, which had 10 Regional and 25 District

offices.

With the advent of the Administrative Code of 1987 (E.O. 292) on July 25, 1987,

the CLAO was renamed Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). The change being merely

nominal, the mandate remained the same, that is to extend legal assistance free of charge

to indigent persons in civil, criminal, administrative, and labor cases.

5
 Since its creation, the growth of the PAO was quiet and steady with 16 Regional

Offices, 251 district offices, and 5 sub-district offices in existence at the end of the year

2001. There is also a rapid increase in the number of civil and criminal cases handled

annually by the PAO, from approximately 169,205 in 1992 to over 408,145 in 2001. It was

able to serve a total of 5,400,637 clients for the whole year of 2001, through its rendition

of free legal services which include judicial and non-judicial services, mediation and

counseling, jail visitation, inquest assistance, documentation, legal advice and on-air

counseling. This swelling workload underscores the fact that there is a demand for free

legal services from the indigent sector of the Philippines that must be met if we would

safeguard our kind of society. Keeping pace with this daunting task is an actual work force

of 940 lawyers and 760 support staff nationwide.

From January 2001 to September 2002, the PAO field lawyers have won 2,694

cases before the lower courts and other quasi-judicial and administrative bodies by way of

acquittals and favorable judgment/decision in civil cases. The Special and Appealed Cases

Division (SACD), PAO-Central Office, was able to obtain 107 reduction of penalty from

death to life from January 2001 to July 2002. It was also able to obtain 14 acquittals in the

appealed cases of those accused who were sentenced to death by the lower court.

No less than the UNICEF and the British Embassy have recognized the vital role

the PAO plays in the justice system that they have magnanimously shared their resources

to finance seminars/workshops to further hone the skills of its lawyers. The World Bank

and UNDP, has already signified its willingness to support training and seminars for PAO

lawyers and possible assistance and donation of equipment.

6
 The Supreme Court, PHILJA and MCLE Committee, in recognition of its mandate

of providing free legal services to poor Filipinos, accredited the PAO as a Mandatory

Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) provider as of August 5, 2002, thereby allowing the

PAO to conduct its own trainings and seminars for its lawyers.

Truly, the PAO has become more accessible to the indigent filipino masses who are

in dire need of legal assistance and services. It has become an institution on its own when

it comes to providing free legal assistance to whole nation.

The PAO past leadership who all contributed to its growth and expansion since its

creation thirty (30) years ago, were as follows: Attys. Oscar M. Ontimare, (CLAO),

Reynold S. Fajardo, Josefina G. Bacal and Carina J. Demaisip.

Since 2001, Honorable Persida V. Rueda-Acosta is the Chief Public Attorney of

PAO. She catapulted the PAO to greater heights in the delivery of its legal services

through several assigned high-profile and celebrated cases such as the May 1, 2001

Rebellion case, the former Philippine President Estrada Case, the “ANGELICA” Rape

Case, the PAO Legal assistance to MILF leaders in securing an order granting their

Motion for Re-investigation and to Suspend/lift Warrants of Arrest on July 15-18, 2003,

and the PAO Legal assistance to P01 Ronald Palmares, the neophyte jail guard, in

connection with the Al Ghozi escape.

Public Attorney’s Office – San Jose City District Office has its area jurisdiction

within San Jose and Municipalities of Lupao, Pantabangan, Carranglan and Rizal.

7
PAO Vision

“By 2023, the Public Attorney's Office, as the principal law office of the government,

shall be composed of highly motivated, effective and empowered public servants,

consistently responsive to the ever-growing legal needs of the indigents and other

qualified persons, utilizing modern facilities, information technology systems and tools,

needed for efficient delivery of free legal aid services to promote access to justice, truth

and peace.”

PAO Mission

“The Public Attorney's Office exists to provide the indigent litigants, the oppressed,

marginalized, and underprivileged members of the society free access to courts, judicial

and quasi-judicial agencies, by rendering legal services, counseling and assistance in

consonance with the Constitutional mandate that "free access to courts shall not be denied

to any person by reason of poverty" in order to ensure the rule of law, truth and social

justice as components of the country's sustainable development”.

In support of its Mission and Vision, the PAO adheres to the following objectives

and thrust:

 To provide the indigent clients and other persons qualified for PAO legal services

with free legal services;

 To continually improve the rendition of PAO services;

8
  To fulfill the constitutional guarantee of free access to courts, due process and equal

protection of the law and the rights of person under investigation for an alleged

commission of an offense.

Seal of the PAO Office

Figure 2. The logo of Public Attorney’s Office

9
 Organizational Structure

Atty. June Elva V. Gabot-Dumangeng

District Public Attorney

Atty. Aleander P. Fueconcillo-Evangelista Atty. Leighton John M. Sotto

(Public Attorney II) (Public Attorney II)

Atty. Hearty Lady Domingo-Sotto

(Public Attorney II)

Atty. Jena Lemienne Mae A. Malamug Atty. Septfonette Fe Balusdan

(Public Attorney II) (Public Attorney I)

Andres Pobre
(Administrative Assistant IV)

Faith Rueda
(Administrative Aide III)

Willy Castillo Michael Louis Cortez

(Staff) (Staff)

Aileen Sabado Paul Vincent Lozano

(Staff) (Staff)

Jeric Agoyaoy Krislyn Fernandez

(Staff) (Staff)

Figure 3. PAO’s Organizational Chart

10
Brief Description of the place of Assignment

The PUBLIC ATTORNEY'S OFFICE - (PAO) is an attached agency of the

Department of Justice which provides indigent litigants free legal assistance. Provide

indigent sector access to counsel at the time of need. Implement the constitutional

guarantee of free access to courts, due process and able protection of the laws.

On a regular judicial and quasi‐judicial services, the Public Attorney’s Office

executes the preparation of affidavits/ representation of indigent accused during

preliminary investigation and trial. It works also for the representation of indigent

complainant/petitioner in ordinary civil actions, special proceedings and special civil

actions; the representation of indigent defendant/respondent in ordinary civil actions,

special proceedings and special civil actions; representation of indigent employee-

complainant in labor case; representation of indigent persons on administrative and other

quasi‐judicial cases and; mediation/conciliation services.

While on non-judicial matters, there are instant services provided by PAO. These

are the legal counseling, preparation of affidavits, administration of oath and

documentation. Aside from it there are legal outreach activities done by the office, it

includes the Assistance to persons undergoing police interrogation or persons under

detention and inquest proceedings, Jail Visitations and Barangay Outreach Programs.

Regarding the availability of the office, there are regular services from Monday to

Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. without noon break. And in during emergency services

(inquest activities) the office can be call anytime of the day. For legal advice (phone

inquiry) the office is also open to receive on call anytime of the day.

11
 For those who want to avail the services offered by the Public Attorney’s Office,

they should meet the requirements posted by the effective law of the Philippines. To enjoy

the regular judicial & quasi-judicial services of the said office, the client must be belong to

indigent family unless the client is subject to existing PAO MOAs and pursuant to the

provisions of Sec. 3 of RA 9406 and 2016 Revised Operations Manual. They should also

bring their Latest Income Tax Return or Payslip, or other proofs of net income; or,

Certificate of lndigency from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City

Social Welfare and Development Office, or the Municipal Social Welfare and

Development Office having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant; or, Certificate

of lndigency from the Punong Barangay/Barangay Chairman having jurisdiction over the

residence of the applicant. Any Valid Identification Card is also needed while the duration

of the services may take as long as necessary.

III. PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES

Summary of Schedule of Activities

WEEK 1

Before anything else, during the first week of the trainees, they are introduced to

the staff of the Public Attorney’s Office. After they were introduced, they were oriented by

the staff on the policy of the office. What are the dos and don’ts, and what are they were

expecting from the trainees on the days of their OJT. Though the trainees are nervous and

slightly frightened by the incoming responsibility on the job, they still accept the challenge

and hopeful to have a valuable experience from their OJT.

12
 On the manner of actual activities happening inside the office, during the first week,

the trainees are instructed to observe on what are the documents that are commonly

processed in the office. What are the requirements needed by the clients before they avail

the legal services and on what extent the office can offer to the client.

WEEK 2

During the second week, the trainees engage on hands-on activities where they are

starting to processed some of the documents as requested by the client. By doing the hands-

on activity, the first thing that learns by the trainee is on how to make a “sandwich paper”

where they will print the output of their work. Unlike any other printing process, the copies

of file needed by the office were two or more. Commonly, there are three copies needed to

be produced, the two copies were given to the client requesting the affidavit and the other

one would be left as the copy of the office.

The trainees also assisted the clients on what is the process to avail the service of

PAO. The trainees were constantly receiving clients. They notice that there are so many

people who are seeking legal advices from the Attorneys of the Office. It seems that the

process was continually happening; there are similarities on the needs of the clients in terms

of the advices, in terms of the affidavits and in terms of the notary matters

The trainees are starting to learn the processes inside the office. They feel pressured

sometimes but they think that this is just part of the training in order to accomplish the

Field Practice’s objectives.

WEEK 3

In their third week of the field practice the trainees learn how to get a court calendar

from the respective branch of the Public Attorneys. Since there are lots of clients

13
accommodating by the office on a daily basis, the trainees are able to memorize the

affidavits in the office. This week, the trainees are able to experience on how to assist the

client on making their sworn statement or what we so called “Sinumpaang Salaysay”. The

trainees came to know how important to be careful on encoding the affidavits and sworn

statement of the clients because it is confidential. And if there are error on the affidavits

and sworn statement, it would reflect on the person getting the said documents.

Sometimes, the trainees are bothered with their schedule because they are also

enrolled to other units in their school.

WEEK 4

There is lot of judicial hearings on the court; the Attorneys inside the office are

busy on attending the court hearings. This week, the trainees are able to prepare the client’s

folder needed during the hearings. This folder contains the information of the client

together with their sworn statement and other related files. This client’s record are

confidential, only those concerned personnel may read the content of it.

During this week, the trainees are developing their communication skills, in terms

of interacting with the clients in the office. They are able to entertain them while waiting

for the availability of the Attorneys inside the office.

When most of the Attorneys are doing outside activities, the documents needed to

be processed are in pending because the entire file that goes in and out of the office needed

the acknowledgement of the Attorney through their signature.

14
WEEK 5

This week, the trainees are able to assist the clients with just minimal supervision

of the staff. They also learn to do the affidavits with just minimal errors. The trainees are

getting used by the processes inside the office.

When there are few clients, the trainees consume their time by arranging the folders

of the in the filing in alphabetical order. They also clean the stuff inside the office, prepare

a stock of “sandwich paper”, refilling the ink of stamp pads of the Attorneys, writing the

necessary information on logbook, and arranging the documents processed by the office.

The trainees also print the copies of file having the content list of requirements for the

clients availing services from PAO.

WEEK 6

During this week the trainees were able learn how to make different kind of files

produced by the office. They know how to make affidavits, motions, sworn statement,

counter affidavit, notary, prepare folders for court hearings and other related documents.

The trainees already know the differences of such documents and they are able to instruct

alone the clients on what are the appropriate requirements they should bring when

requesting affidavits.

This week, the trainees encounters minimal problem, especially on the day when

there are lots of clients inside the office. There are some clients that are getting angry; they

were insisting that the process in the office seems to be slow when in fact they are just too

many to be accommodated all at once. During this kind of situation, the trainees are trying

to calm the clients by explaining to them the situation of the office.

15
 When there are lot of client inside the office, the trainees prioritizes that they are

sitting and waiting comfortably by offering chair even the trainee will be left standing.

WEEK 7

It can be notices that during this week, the trainee are able to perform well in the

office. Without the assistance of other staff, they are able to make affidavits and other files.

When talking to clients, they were more comfortable unlike the first and second week of

the trainee.

This time, they can clearly interview the client while making their sworn statement.

They already memorize on what are the content that the document must have.

Aside from technical skills that are develop from the trainee; they are able to

develop a good relationship with the other staff, and with their co-trainees. Even they are

pressured sometimes; they enjoy the work because they are helping each other to settle all

the needed documents. The trainees are able to divide the work between them so all of

them will have the opportunity to learn all the processes inside the office.

WEEK 8

The trainees are also busy with their other subjects, meeting other school

assignments and requirements make them flexible on doing a time management. They are

able to balance their Field Practice and other unit enrolled.

During this week, the trainees are constantly practicing their skills. It can be

observed from them that they are already adjusted themselves to fit in to the job. The staffs

don’t need to remind them with the daily routine of the office. They are performing such

activities on their own. But when there are some unfamiliar documents encountered by the

trainee, they are still seeking advice from the Attorney’s and other staff.

16
WEEK 9

On this week the trainees almost memorize all the process in the office. They

develop themselves technically and behaviorally.

Still, the trainees admitted that the interval of time allotted for their training is short

to know learn all the PAO processes. But they are thankful for the opportunity to work with

professionals.

This time, the trainees are able to know the importance of the office in the

community. They were inspired, that someday will also be part of the public servant of the

country.

WEEK 10

On this week the PAO Office including the trainees have Program in BJMP which

it is the NACOCO week program.

They conducted a Q and A which challenge those contestant to be a gay/ this

program also give a relief good for those imprison person in BJMP.

A trainee also experience the jail visit in Carranglan and San Jose to encounter those

imprison person.

WEEK 11

This is the last week of the trainee from their cooperating office. Just like the

previous weeks, they were performing the job in the office; the only difference is that they

already do the job with ease, efficiently and effectively.

On this week, the trainee takes the opportunity to give thanks to the office by

preparing a meal for them.

17
 In the end, not all the expectations of the trainees from their chosen Office were

met but they admit that beyond their expectation, the Office brings them a lesson and the

experience that are worth to be treasure.

SUMMARY

PAO has a vast variety of documents processed and printed in its daily operations

and during the stay of the trainees; they are able to perform on making affidavits such as,

Joint Affidavit, Judicial Affidavit/ Sworn Statement, Counter Affidavit, Affidavit of Loss,

Affidavit of Discrepancy, Affidavit of Residency, Affidavit of Being Single, Affidavit of

Desistance, Affidavit of Denial, Joint Affidavit of Cohabitation, Affidavit of

Deconstruction/Mutilation, Motion to Reduce Bail, Sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities

and Net Worth, Omnibus Certification of Authenticity and Veracity of Documents and

Personal Data Sheet.

The trainees also learn that as per PAO law, there are some documents that cannot be

process or notarize by the office. These are the, Special Power of Attorney or also called a

limited power of attorney, grants an agent (also called an attorney-in-fact) the authority to

act on behalf of the principal (the person granting this authority) under certain, specified

circumstances; Deed of Sale/Donation, a document that states that one party is transferring

his property rights to another; Lease/Rental Contract, a document where one of the parties

18
 binds himself to give to another the enjoyment or use of a thing for a certain, and for a

period which may be definite or indefinite. However, no lease for more than ninety-nine

years shall be valid; Promissory Note or a promise in writing made by one person to

another, signed by the maker, engaging pay on demand, or at a fixed or determinable future

time, a sum certain in money to order or to bearer; Waiver of rights or a document

transferring the right of a person in his property to another person; Contract with relation

to money or properties; Documents which needs the following: Document No, Page No.

and Book No., Acknowledgement and Notarial Certificate.

Summary of Process on PAO Services

A. Regular Judicial and Quasi-Judicial Services

Step Applicant/client Service Provider Time Person in Fees Form

frame charge
1 Registration with the public Public Assistance Desk Officer will 5 mins Public Free Interview
assistance desk receive the walk-in applicant and ask Assistance
him/her to register at the Visitor’s Desk Sheet,
Logbook, and provide him/her with an Officer
Interview Sheet and a Survey Form. Survey
He/she shall then queue the walk-in
applicant Form

2 Fill up personal details in The Officer-of-the-Day or any other As Officer-

Interview Sheet, and wait at the assigned Public Attorney shall attend necessary of-the-
designated waiting area until your to the walk-in applicants on a first Day/
name is called and you are come, first served basis and make an Public
referred to a Public Attorney. evaluation of the case, pursuant to the Attorney
PAO’s merit and indigency tests.
Documents/evidence as necessary and
proofs of indigency and identity shall
be required.
3 Wait for assignment of lawyer or If the applicant is qualified, the case As Officer-
issuance of will be assigned to a lawyer who shall necessary of-the-
denial/disqualification form. handle the case and represent the Day/
client; if disqualified, the Public Public
Attorney shall issue a Attorney
denial/disqualification form.

Table 1. Regular Judicial and Quasi-judicial Services Process

19
 B. Legal Counseling

Step Applicant/client Service Provider Time Person in Fees Form

frame charge
1 Registration with the public Public Assistance Desk Officer will 5 mins Public Free Interview
assistance desk receive the walk-in applicant and ask Assistance
him/her to register at the Visitor’s Desk Sheet,
Logbook, and provide him/her with an Officer
Interview Sheet and a Survey Form. Survey
He/she shall then queue the walk-in
applicant Form

2 Fill up personal details in The Officer-of-the-Day or any other 10 mins, Officer-

Interview Sheet, and wait at the assigned Public Attorney shall attend or as may of-the-
designated waiting area until your to the walk-in applicants on a first be Day/
name is called and you are come, first served basis and make an necessary Public
referred to a Public Attorney. evaluation of the case, pursuant to the Attorney
PAO’s merit and indigency tests.
Documents/evidence as necessary and
proofs of indigency and identity shall
be required.
3 Wait at the designated waiting If necessary, the Officer-of-the-Day or 15 mins, Officer-
area until your name is called for any other assigned Public Attorney or as may of-the-
release of document. shall issue an indorsement. be Day/
necessary Public
Attorney

Table 2. Legal Counseling Process

C. Documentation and Administration of Oaths

Step Applicant/client Service Provider Time Person in Fees Form

frame charge
1 Registration with the public Public Assistance Desk Officer will 5 mins Public Free Interview
assistance desk receive the walk-in applicant and ask Assistance
him/her to register at the Visitor’s Desk Sheet,
Logbook, and provide him/her with an Officer
Interview Sheet and a Survey Form. Survey
He/she shall then queue the walk-in
applicant Form

2 Fill up personal details in The Officer-of-the-Day or any other 20 mins, Staff/

Interview Sheet, and wait at the assigned Public Attorney shall attend or as may Administe
designated waiting area until your to the walk-in applicants on a first be ring
name is called and you are come, first served basis and make an necessary Public
referred to a Public Attorney (or evaluation of the case, pursuant to the Attorney
staff) for preparation of affidavit PAO’s merit and indigency tests.
or other document. Documents/evidence as necessary and
proofs of indigency and identity shall
be required.
3 Take an oath before the The Administering Public Attorney 5 mins, Administe
Administering Public Attorney shall administer the oath in accordance ring
with R.A. No. 9406 or the PAO Law. Public
Attorney

20
 Table 3. Documentation and Administration of Oaths Process
D. Assistance In Custodial/Inquest Investigation
Step Applicant/client
1 Registration with the Staff on
Inquest Duty by any person who
is arrested without a warrant for a
crime or any member of his
family, requesting assistance of a
Public Attorney from the nearest
PAO district office during
custodial investigation or inquest
proceedings.
2 Inform the Inquest Public
Attorney of the circumstances of
his arrest and detention
3 Inform the Inquest Public
Attorney whether he/she wishes
to execute a waiver under Article
125 of the Revised Penal Code,
after being informed of his/her
rights, the remedies available and
the consequences thereof. Sign
the waiver only after being fully
informed of the consequences
thereof and is should be
voluntary. Sign the extra-judicial
confession only after being fully
informed of the consequences
thereof and is should be
voluntary.
Service Provider Time Person in Fees Form
frame charge
The Staff on Inquest Duty will receive 5 mins Staff on Free Interview
the walk-in applicant and ask him/her Inquest
to register at the Duty Sheet,
Night/Weekend/Holiday Inquest Duty
Logbook, and provide him/her with an Survey
Interview Sheet and a Survey Form.
Form
The Public Attorney on Inquest Duty 35 mins, Public
shall confer with the client privately or as may Attorney
and advise respondent undergoing be on Duty
inquest/custodial investigation of his necessary
legal rights and available remedies
under the law, in a language or dialect
known to the suspect. He/she shall also
determine the legality of the arrest or
detention of the suspect, and determine
whether the arrested/detained person
appeared to have been tortured. In case
of apparent torture, the Public
Attorney shall demand that the
arrested/detained person be
immediately brought to the nearest
government medical practitioner or to
a private physician. In case the
detention is illegal, the Public
Attorney on Inquest Duty shall
demand for the immediate release of
the suspect/respondent from the
custody of the police.
If the detention appears to be legal, and 35 mins, Public
in case respondent avails of his right or as may Attorney
under Article 125 of the Revised Penal be on Inquest
Code, the Public Attorney on Inquest necessary, Duty
Duty shall assist the respondent in
accomplishing the appropriate inquest
form, and prepare and timely submit
pleadings for the respondent before the
scheduled preliminary investigation.
In case respondent refuses to avail of
said right, the Public Attorney on
Inquest Duty shall assist the
respondent in accomplishing the
appropriate Inquest Form. In case of
custodial investigation where the
respondent insists in executing an
extra-judicial confession, the Public
21
 Attorney on Inquest Duty shall explain
the consequences of his action and
shall ensure that all his rights are
safeguarded while under custody.
4. Consult and seek representation As Public
by the Public Attorney in the necessary Attorney
preliminary/custodial on Inquest
investigation. Duty

Table 4. Assistance In Custodial/Inquest Investigation Process

IV. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRAINING

Knowledge Gained and Skills Develop

 Collaboration Skills

As an intern, collaborating with other interns and company employees creates a

good relationship between them. The ability to communicate and relate well to others

is certainly important for collaboration, as is the capacity to work with others toward a

common goal.

The trainee was able to develop their collaborative skills, since as part of the PAO

team, they have to understand each other and create a harmonious relationship in order

to produce a satisfying output of their work.

 Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills

Communication Skills is the ability to communicate effectively — to translate

ideas and convey information. While interpersonal skills refer to one’s ability to

relate well to others, Communication occurs in a variety of ways, but future

employers are primarily interested in your ability to write and speak professionally.

22
 Workings at PAO, the communication skill and interpersonal skill of the trainees

are able to develop since most of the time they were interacting with clients.

 Time Management Ability

It refers to the capacity of the individual handle and balances their schedule.

Maximizing one’s time is an effective way of learning.

The trainee was able to manage their time during their OJT; they are successfully take

a full course load on the semester and meet assignment/school requirements deadlines. The

trainees see how important to have a proper time management in order to perform well on

the respective units enrolled this school semester.

 Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking refers to your ability to analyze and evaluate a situation or issue and

form a judgment. The tendency to think critically can be demonstrated by a willingness to

ask questions in order to understand an issue from all possible angles, and to pose creative

solutions to challenges. It’s something many of your professors have likely emphasized

and is highly valued by employers

The trainees were able to practice their critical thinking skills on creating affidavits,

motions, sworn statement and other related documents. Encoding such documents practices

their mind on the proper construction of sentences, the proper time frame on sworn

statement and analyzing the needed information for different affidavits.

Other Skills Develop

 The ability to adapt in working conditions that would fit the need of the office.

 The Initiative skills on doing the job with willingness.

23
  The receptiveness capacity of the trainee was develop in terms of addressing their

error and hearing constructive feedbacks from the employees of the office.

 The technical proficiency was also develop or the ability to navigate basic

productivity software application.

Problems Encountered

1. Limited Space of the Office

Reviewing the problems encountered by the previous trainee of PAO, this problem is

commonly stated. The trainees from this batch also recognize that this is one of the

problems that needed to be addressed in the office. Since PAO has been accommodating

numerous people every day, a limited space won’t be conducive on delivering services to

people. This problem also causes complaints from the clients because they were not able

to move well inside the office.

2. Insufficient number of Attorney’s room

PAO has two newly hired Attorneys. The number of room is not sufficient for the

number of Attorneys at PAO, San Jose. Sometimes, this concern became a hindrance for

the Attorneys to perform well their duty, especially during the confidential times that they

need to have a close door session with the clients in accordance with the PAO law.

3. Inadequate number of chairs and ventilation

24
 When there are many clients (which happen most of the time) there are some clients

that are left standing because there were no enough chairs to accommodate them all.

Also, during hot season, it is not uneasy for the client to wait outside the office since

there was no electric fan there but they have no choice since the limited space of the

PAO office (which has air-conditioner) cannot accommodate them all at once.

4. Fully loaded filing cabinets

Just like the first problem stated, this is also a problem of the previous trainees of

PAO. Due to fully loaded filing cabinets, the trainee experience difficulties when

searching for folder needed during court hearings. The office should have an

additional filing cabinet so that the hard copies of files could be properly arranges.

25
V. CONCLUSION

They say that nothing beats experience and it will considered as the perfect

learning tool. Undeniably, it’s true that on-the-job training gives the students/trainees a

taste of the real world–a glimpse of what lies ahead after they graduate. The performance

of the trainee during his/her Practicum may reflect on what kind of employee they will

become in the near future. So it is advisable to make the most out of this training.

Within the entire duty of the trainees at Public Attorney’s Office, they are able to

learn many things. On technical matters, they are able to make legal documents and

perform other legal services. Aside from the technical learning, the trainees considered it

important to be courteous on dealing with different kinds of people/client. They learned

to be responsible for the tasks that were given to them and developed a professional

attitude towards mistakes and problems they encountered.

As students taking a Pre-Law Course, they considered themselves lucky to have

an internship in a legal office (Public Attorney’s Office). They take it as an opportunity to

gain hands-on legal experience and get a glimpse of the day-to-day tasks of their possible

career path.

Having training at PAO, the intern realizes how difficult it is to work in a public

office. They were always expected to deliver services in a fastest and friendliest ways,

because if not, there would be a complaints coming from the clients. But the good side of

having clients’ complaints is to get an idea on what the office should develop.

The trainees admit to say that their OJT may not be as perfect as they thought and

may not be as smooth as they planned, but there is one thing they were sure of. They are

now a better person than they were yesterday.

26
 VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

For the Cooperating Office (PAO)

These are the recommendations of the trainee on their cooperating office:

1. Maintenance of the cleanliness of the office.

2. Additional filing cabinet for the office to maintain the proper management of

the folder/records of clients.

3. Office should have additional equipment such as chair and electric fan. So they

will accommodate the clients comfortably.

4. There should be an additional room provided for the new Public Attorneys so

they will be comfortable in giving services to people.

5. The office of PAO is limited making the operations of the office slower. There

should be an additional space for the office so the employees could perform

their duty more efficiently.

For the Future Trainees

The trainees’ advice the future interns to be responsible on the office they were

going to be trained. They should not be afraid to ask questions from the superior when they

having difficulties on their training. Also, they should take the opportunity to observe and

assess on what they should develop on themselves so they would be ready on their future

job.

At first, it will be uneasy for them to learn all the things that should be learn from

their chosen office. But they should put in their mind that all trainees were been there. It’s

just part of the learning process and through dedication and patience they will succeeded.

27
 REFERENCES

Documents

Public Attorney’s Office 2016 Revised Operations Manual

Internet

www.pao.gov.ph

www.citizen’s/charter/publicattorney’soffice.Philippines

28
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Letter of Approval of Cooperating Agency

29
APPENDIX B. Daily Time Records of the Trainees

30
APPENDIX C. Certificate of Completion of Trainees

31
 EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A. Pictures at PAO

(Trainees with co-trainees inside the PAO Office)

(Trainee while assisting the client to fill up the needed information on log book)

32
(Trainees while encoding/making affidavits)

33
(Trainee assisting the client on the requirements needed to requested affidavit)

34