Atty. Lester Del Castillo

Ending this week with an acquittal! 🤍

The private complainant against my client is one of the largest establishments in our country. Despite my client being a clear underdog in terms of financial standing, PAO’s free legal service managed to secure a win for the defense.

Ramdam ko yung lalim ng buntong hininga niya nung binasahan siya ng acquittal in open court 😅

Justice is served for PAO’s indigent client! ⚖️

Lawyers and staff of PAO-Bacoor City are in attendance for the 9th MCLE Grand National Convention of the Public Attorneys Office at the World Trade Center from May 4-9, 2026.

Sa kabila ng ipinatupad na WFH/half-day ngayong Holy Wednesday, narito pa rin ang inyong lingkod. Nakipagpulong tayo sa isang kliyente ng Public Attorney’s Office na bumiyahe pa mula Maynila bilang paghahanda sa kanyang nalalapit na arraignment ngayong Abril - sapagkat ang serbisyo publiko ay tuloy-tuloy 💜⚖️

Habang may sunog kanina sa gilid ng aming opisina at ipina-evacuate na ang buong Bacoor Hall of Justice Building ay isinama ko sa pag-bitbit pababa mula 4th floor ang mga case files ng aking mga kliyenteng may mga pending na kaso kasama ng lahat ng aking mga personal na kagamitan sa opisina.

Doon ko na-realize kung gaano ka-lalim na rin pala ang naging bahagi ng trabaho at responsibilidad ko bilang abogado ng Public Attorney’s Office sa pang-araw-araw kong iniisip. Even in that moment of panic and emergency, naisip ko pa rin ang mga kliyente ko 😅

Best part of public service? Moments like this.

Four indigent clients entered the courtroom carrying the burden of a criminal charge for several months.

They finally walked out with one verdict: NOT GUILTY.

Honored to serve through the Public Attorney’s Office and help ensure that justice reaches everyone. ⚖️

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*Proper consents were obtained for the photo and the post.

Today I conducted a jail visitation at the Bacoor Custodial Facility in my capacity as a PAO lawyer. I was able to speak with 33 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

I listened to their stories—some filled with regret, some with hope, and many with uncertainty about what lies ahead. I asked them how they were, offered legal advice about their cases, and reminded them that while the law will take its course, life does not end within prison walls.

I told them that if someday they find their way back to the outside world, I hope they choose to live differently—to leave behind the mistakes of the past and become better persons, not only for themselves but also for their families who continue to wait and hope for their return.

Moments like these remind me that the practice of law is not only about courtrooms and pleadings. Sometimes, it is simply about listening, reminding people of their dignity, and believing that change is still possible. ⚖️

Feb 14 hits different today ❤️

At lunchtime, a random number called. I answered. It was a 78-year-old woman I once helped back when I was still at the Mayor’s Office of Bacoor City. She immediately apologized for calling on a Saturday and during lunch, and thanked me for answering.

Her 51-year-old son had been arrested and jailed in Manila. She just needed legal advice. I listened, guided her as best as I could, and she was deeply grateful.

Today, on Hearts’ Day, the Lord reminded me: a parent’s love—especially a mother’s—knows no age, no distance, no exhaustion. At 78, from Bacoor to Manila, she would still do everything for her child. That is love. 💗

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Court duty in the morning + Officer of the day in the afternoon = What a Friday!!! Para sa bayan! 💜⚖️

Day 1 as PAO lawyer for MTCC - Branch 2 of Bacoor City! ⚖️💜

Last week, I met Atty. Antonio “Tony” Nicolas - an 87-year old still practicing lawyer in the City of Bacoor.

He gave me 6 pointers as his advice:
1. Faith - whatever your religion, always have faith in God.
2. Health - while our profession involves great work, always find time to rest well, exercise, and eat healthy.
3. Humility - wherever fate may lead you, may both of your feet always stay grounded.
4. Sipag - work hard, be active, and be productive.
5. Tiyaga - all work is difficult in the beginning, just endure and persevere. Determination is the key.
6. Ambition - you must have a goal, direction, and purpose. All while making a positive impact in the world.

Aside from these, he challenged me to reach his age, as well as to listen from the experienced lawyers in my humble journey.

Long live, Atty. Tony Nicolas! Isa kang alamat! 🫡

Sharing this with everyone so we can all be inspired by him and his wise words 💜