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Question

Question 5: Canon V - Equality - Duty to provide a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents (Sections 2-3)

Scenario:

Atty. Garcia is a practicing lawyer known for providing legal assistance to various clients. One day, a person named Maria approaches Atty. Garcia seeking legal advice and representation for a property dispute case. Upon initial interview, Atty. Garcia learns that Maria is an indigent individual and may not be able to fully afford legal services.

Based on the given scenario and the provisions of Canon V - Equality, particularly on the duty to provide a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents (Sections 2-3), answer the following questions:

1. What is the duty of Atty. Garcia towards Maria as an indigent client?
2. Explain the rationale behind the provision on providing a higher standard of service to vulnerable persons and indigents.
3. What actions can Atty. Garcia take to effectively fulfill his duty towards Maria as an indigent client?

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Answer