PAO chief Persida Acosta defends Josh Aquino at launch of book ‘Laws of Life’

The clip from the Machong Chismisan podcast in which the hosts allegedly “mocked” Kris Aquino’s son Josh Aquino went viral, even reaching the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) led by chief Persida Acosta.

Speaking at a book launch in Quezon City Thursday, Acosta said she sympathizes with Kris and Josh, as she also has a family member who’s part of the PWD community.

“May pamangkin din akong may syndrome ng autism. Anak ng ate ko. Feel na feel ko ‘yung nararamdaman ni Kris Aquino,” Acosta told the showbiz press.

“Hanggang mamatay ang aking Ate, kasama niya ang kanyang anak na ‘yun. Siguro nasa Australia na rin ‘yun kasama ng mga Ate niya [pero dahil sa kondisyon niya ay nakasama namin dito]. Alam ng Diyos. Siguro [binigyan] tayo ng ganoon para makasama natin habang tayo ay buhay. Nakakaiyak. Sabi ko, hindi ako iiyak,” Acosta added, turning emotional.

Acosta, who has been defending underprivileged Filipinos in legal battles for years, went on to remind the public of PWD rights.

“Huwag naman ninyong iba-bash ang persons with disabilities dahil sila ay may karapatan,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the PAO chief announced that her new book, “Laws of Life” (Life Lessons from the People’s Lawyer,” will be released in English this December, after a Filipino version was released in May.

According to her, the book is a collection of daily reminders and words of wisdom that provide guidance and quiet wisdom. “Ito ay libro tungkol sa kabataan, katandaan, young couples, at mag-partners para maging mapayapa at maligaya ang kanilang pagsasama.”

She also stated that the quotes collected in the book were spoken “simply” and “sincerely,” with some shared during her legal information programs and others expressed on a personal note to colleagues, clients, and those seeking her counsel.

“They are not grand declarations, but gentle reminders. They are reflections on the laws of life, the values of compassion, humility, perseverance, and faith,” she added.

A 4th placer in the 1989 Bar Examinations, Acosta has dedicated nearly four decades of her life to public service.

On justice, morality, and ethics, Acosta shared in the book, “The wicked believe they have succeeded, but the day will come when everything will find its end.”