On February 19, President Estrada wrote to Supreme...

On February 19, President Estrada wrote to Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide to ensure that "pauper" litigants in capital cases are given competent lawyers. "In order to prevent a miscarriage of justice, it is suggested that the Supreme Court direct the lower Courts to coordinate with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in their districts on the appointment of counsels de officio of pauper litigants, especially in heinous cases where the death penalty may be imposed," the President stated.