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College of Law
Problem Areas in Legal Ethics
Summer Term 2016
Atty. Victoria V. Loanzon
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces law students to the goals, rules, and regulation of the Philippine legal profession and its members. While most professors handling this course
would only deal with Legal Ethics, this particular course is organized into two parts: Legal Ethics and Judicial Ethics. In Part One – Legal Ethics engages students to
study the professional responsibility and values, professional codes of conduct, regulation, rules, and practice of the legal profession governing law students and
practicing lawyers. In Part Two – Judicial Ethics, the students examine judicial qualifications, professional roles and responsibilities,
powers and duties, ethics and ethical constraints, codes of conduct, core values, disciplinary actions, grounds, and proceedings, and administrative matters within the
judiciary system. An overarching purpose is to guide students in formulating their own professional ethical practice and values and deep commitment to their
professional responsibility in supporting democracy, protecting justice, and exercising the rule of law.
1) Demonstrate an understanding of the goals, practice, rules, and regulation of the Philippine legal profession.
2) Apply concepts, principles, and standards of ethics and rules of the legal and judiciary professions in analyzing problem areas in legal ethics.
3) Use legal and ethical concepts and standards in formulating their own professional ethical practice and commitment to their professional responsibility.
Hours DATE COURSE TOPICS AND REQUIRED READINGS
PART ONE – LEGAL ETHICS
1&2
I –The Attorney’s Oath
A. Sources of Ethical Standards for Members of the Bench and Bar: (1) Constitution
Article VIII – The Judicial Department, Sec. 5(5), Article VII – The Executive Department, Sec. 13, Article VI – The Legislative Department,
Sec.14, Article IX – Constitutional Commissions, IX-A, Sec. 2; (2) The Attorney’s Oath; (3)The Code of Professional Responsibility; (4) The
Code of Judicial Ethics; (5) The Rules of Court; (6) 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice; (7) MCLE Rules; (8) JBC Rules; (9) Issuances of the
Supreme Court; (10) Legislations from Congress (creation and jurisdiction of appellate and other lower courts, also the Lapid Law on legal aid
service of lawyers); (11) Jurisprudence; and (12 ) Scholarly Writings on Legal and Judicial Ethics.
Gacias v. Balauitan (507 SCRA 8, 2006)
B. The Oath
“I, ________________ do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines;
I will support its Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein;
I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court;
I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, neither give aid nor consent to the same;
I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to the best of my knowledge and discretion, with all
good fidelity as well to the courts as to my clients; and
I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.” (Rules of Court,
Form 28)
Alawi v. Alauya, A.M. SDC-97-2-P, February 24, 1997
The Four-fold duty of a lawyer - to Society, the Legal Profession, the Courts and Clients.
Distinctions on the different roles of a lawyer:
1. Attorneys-at Law: a class of persons who are by license, officers of the court, empowered to appear, prosecute and defend, and upon whom
peculiar duties, responsibilities and liabilities are developed by law as a consequence. Cul v. Cul, 120 Phil. 729
2. Attorney-in-Fact: an agent whose authority is strictly limited by the instrument appointing him. His authority is provided in a special power
of attorney or a general power of attorney or letter of authority. An attorney-in-fact is not necessarily a lawyer.
3. Counsel de officio: a counsel, appointed or assigned by the court, from among such members of the bar in good standing who, by reason of
their experience and ability may adequately defend the accused. The person need not be a member of the bar if no lawyer is available in a given
locality. (Sec. 7, Rule 116, Rules of Court)
A counsel de officio is appointed to defend an indigent in a criminal action (Sections 3, 4, and 5, Rule 116; Sec. 32, Rule 138); or to represent a
destitute party in a case (Sec.31, Rule 138).
4. Attorney Ad Hoc: a person named and appointed by the court to defend an absentee defendant in a suit in which the appointment is made.
5. Attorney of Record: a member of the bar appointed by a client to represent in cause of a court and upon whom service of papers may be
made.
6. Of Counsel: a member of the bar who is associated with a law office but does not normally appear as counsel of record of cases handled by
the law office.
7. Lead Counsel: a member of the bar who charged with the principal management and direction of a party-litigant.
8. House Counsel: a member of the bar who acts as attorney for a business company as an employee of such company and renders legal advice
on matters necessary in the ordinary course of its business.
9. Amicus Curiae: a friend of the court. A person with strong interest in or views on the subject matter of the action. One who is considered as
an experience and impartial attorney to help in the disposition of issues submitted to the Court. (Sec. 36, Rule 138)
10. Amicus Curiae par Excellence: bar associations who appear in court as amici curiae or friends of the court. Like an individual amicus
curiae, amicus curiae par excellence do not represent any party to the case but act as consultant in a doubtful issue for resolution of the court.
They do not receive any compensation for their legal services to the court.
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11. Counsel de parte: a lawyer retained by a party litigant, usually, for a fee, to prosecute or defend his cause in court. The term implies
freedom of choice either on the part of the lawyer to accept the employment or on the part of the litigant to continue or terminate the retainer at
any time.
12. Pro bono Counsel: a lawyer who renders legal services without charging any professional fees but does not shoulder the costs of litigation
on behalf of his client.
13. Advocate: a lawyer who pleads on behalf of a third party.
14. Barrister: In England, a person entitled to practice law as an advocate or counsel in superior courts.
15. Solicitor: In England, a person prosecuting or defending suits in a Court of Chancery. A Court of Chancery is a court which administers
equity and proceeding according to the forms and principles of equity.
16. Proctor: In England, an attorney in the admiralty and ecclesiastical courts whose duties and business correspond exactly to those of an
attorney-at-law or solicitor in a Chancery.
C. Practice of Law: Concept: a) Privilege: The practice of law is a mere privilege and not a right. The admission of lawyers and the
rules governing the practice of law is a constitutional mandate given to the Supreme Court. Elements of the legal profession are:
organization, learning, and the spirit of public service. (Section 5 (5), Article VIII, Constitution)
Cayetano v. Monsod (201 SCRA 210)
Paguia v. Office of the President (621 SCRA 600)
D. Legal Profession, not a business. The practice of law includes: the preparation of pleadings, and other papers incident to actions and
special proceedings; conveyancing, the preparation of legal instruments of all kinds; and the giving of all legal advice to clients. (Ulep v. The
Legal Clinic, Inc., (Bar Matter No. 550, June 17, 1993)
A. Sec. 2, Rule138 of the Rules of Court provides for the following qualifications: One must be a citizen of the Philippines, at least 21
years of age (take note this requirement was imposed when the age of majority was 21), must be a resident of the Philippines, must have
obtained his law degree in a local school (Sections 5 & 6, Rules of Court), possesses Good Moral Character (presentation of proof of good
moral character, certification that one does not have any pending charges or have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude)
Zaguirre v. Castillo, (A.C. No. 4921, March 6, 2003)
Barba v. Pedro (61SCRA 484, 1974)
C. Bar Subjects (Sec. 9, Rule 138, Rules of Court): Political Law, Labor and Social Legislation, Civil Law, Taxation, Mercantile Law,
Criminal Law, Remedial Law and Legal and Judicial Ethics and Practical Exercises.
A. Law Student Practice Rule: Rule 138-A of the Rules of court allows a law student to represent indigent clients provided one has
successfully completed the 3rd year of a prescribed four-year curriculum and enrolled in a recognized law school’s clinical legal education
program
> In Bar Matter No.730 dated June 10, 1998, the Supreme Court required that law student practice before the Regional Trial Court must be
under the direct supervision and control of a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
> Under Section 34 of the Rules of Court, a law student may appear before the first level court as an agent or friend of a party without the
supervision of a member of the bar.
B. non-lawyers in courts: small claims cases
C. non-lawyers in administrative tribunals: HLURB, DENR, DAR, NLRC, etc.
D. proceedings where lawyers are prohibited from appearing: proceedings before the Lupong Tagapamayapa, court ordered
mediation
E. Sanctions for practice or appearance without authority
1. Lawyers without authority: Contempt of Court (Sec. 1, Rule 71)
Acts constituting contempt: Misbehavior as an officer of the court, disobedience or resistance to a lawful order of the court, abuse
or unlawful interference with judicial proceedings, obstruction in the administration of justice, misleading the court or making
false allegations, criticisms, insults or veiled threats against the court, aiding in the unauthorized practice of law, unlawful
retention of clients, advising a client to commit a contemptuous act, publications which tend to impede, obstruct, embarrass or
influence courts may degrade the court; disrespectful pleadings.
2. Persons who are not lawyers: Indirect Contempt (Sec. 3 (e), Rule 71)
Ciocon-Reer v. Lubao, 674 SCRA 13
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4 IV. Public Officials and Practice of Law
CANON 6 – These Canons shall apply to lawyers in government service in the discharge of their tasks.(Rules 6.01-6.03, Code of
Professional Responsibility):
A. Prohibition or disqualification of former government attorneys: one- year prohibition will apply;
B. Prohibition/Restrictions on Government Lawyers: Who are the public officials not allowed to practice law –
Under the Constitution: The President, Vice President, members of the Constitutional Commissions, members of the judiciary,
members of the cabinet, their deputies and assistants
Under Civil Service Rules: government lawyers in government departments/offices/bureaus, in government owned and controlled
corporations, government financial institutions and those with local government units
Under Special Laws: Governors and Mayors (Local Government Code); Solicitors and trial lawyers of the Office of the Solicitor
General, lawyers of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, Government prosecutors under the DOJ and the Office of the
Ombudsman
What is the concept of limited practice of law among public officers: With prior written authorization of the heads of office, some
government lawyers may be authorized to practice law provided they will not represent any party who has an adverse claim against
the government.
Lorenzana v. Fajardo (462 SCRA 1)
Lawyers who represent the government: a)Lawyers tasked to represent government: OSG, OGCC, lawyers in regular departments,
bureaus, offices, lawyers in the government financial institutions, lawyers in government owned and controlled corporations, lawyers
who serve the government’s interest under special contracts/or engagements, lawyers under the local government units; b)
Government lawyers tasked to prosecute: Public Prosecutors from the DOJ and Office of the Ombudsman; c) Government lawyers who
represent indigent litigants: Public Attorneys’ Office
5 VI. Suspension, disbarment and discipline of lawyers (Rule 139-B, Rule of Court)
A. Nature and characteristics of disciplinary actions against lawyers
Sui generis: A class of its own, does not need proof beyond reasonable doubt; may proceed despite separate criminal action
against a lawyer.
Prescription: A disbarment proceeding is imprescriptible; all proceedings are strictly confidential; may proceed despite
withdrawal of the complaint.
B. Disciplinary Proceedings
COMPLAINT
by the Supreme Court
motu proprio
by the IBP Board of
Governors motu proprio
upon referral by the
Supreme Court
upon referral by the IBP
Chapter Board
upon verified complaint
by any person
C. Grounds for Suspension: Read Section 27, Rule 138, Rules of Court (deceit or any gross misconduct, grossly immoral conduct,
conviction of crime involving moral turpitude, violation of lawyer’s Oath, wilful disobedience of any lawful order, or corruptly or wilfully
appearing as an attorney for a party in a case without authority, malpractice which includes practice of soliciting cases for the purpose of
gain, either personally or through paid agents or brokers).
Santeco v. Atty. Luna B. Avance (A.C. No. 5034, February 22, 2011)
Guidelines in Lifting of Suspension
(i) File a Sworn Statement with the Office of the Bar confidant that the respondent lawyer has served the period of
suspension stating that he/she desisted from the practice of law and never appeared in any court during the period of
suspension.
(ii) Copies of the Sworn Statement must be furnished the chapter of which the respondent lawyer is a member and the
Executive Judges of the Regional Trial Courts and first level courts where respondent lawyer has pending cases.
(iii)If satisfied, the Court will lift the order of suspension and reinstate the erring lawyer
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D. Discipline of Filipino lawyers practicing abroad
A decision in a disciplinary action against a Filipino lawyer practicing abroad may also be a basis for a disbarment
proceeding against the same lawyer in the Philippines.
Velez v. De Vera (496 SCRA 345)
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In the Matter of Brewing Controversies in the IBP Elections (A.M. No. 09-5-2-SC, A.C. No. 8292, April 2013)
2. THE LAWYER AS A NOTARY PUBLIC (A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, effective August 1, 2004, as amended)
Purposes of the Notarial Rules: Promote, serve and protect public interest; to simplify, clarify and modernize the rules governing notaries
public; and to foster ethical conduct among notaries public.
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D. Duty to Clients
1. Availability of Service without Discrimination
(i) Services regardless of a person’s status
CANON 14 – A lawyer shall not refuse his services to the needy. (Rules 14.01-14.04)
Read: Rule 138, Section 20, Rules of Court on Duties of Attorneys (h) and (i)
Rule 138, Section 31, Rules of Court on Attorneys for Destitute Litigant
(ii) Services as counsel de officio ONLY IN CRIMINAL CASES
- Appointment as Counsel de officio (to represent accused in criminal proceedings)
Read: Rule 116, Section 6, Rules of Court, Right to Counsel of an Accused
Rule 117, Section 7, Rules of Court, Appointment of Counsel de officio during trial
Who may be appointed: Lawyer in good standing; or any person who reside where the case is filed, of good repute for probity
and ability where there is no lawyer in the jurisdiction.
What factors to consider: gravity of the offense, difficulty of the issues involved and experience and ability of the appointee.
Notes on Issue of Conflict of Interest: The nature of lawyer and client relationship is one of trust and confidence of the highest degree.
1. A lawyer would be representing a client whose interest is directly adverse to any of his present or former clients.
2. A lawyer may only be allowed to represent a client involving the same or a substantially related matter that is materially adverse to
the former client only if the former client consents to it after consultation.
3. Throughout the course of a lawyer-client relationship, the lawyer learns all the facts connected with the client’s case, including the
weak and strong points of the case. Knowledge and information gathered in the course of the relationship must be treated as sacred
and guarded with care and to avoid the appearance of treachery and double- dealing, for only then can litigants be encouraged to
entrust their secrets to their lawyers, which is paramount in the administration of justice.
3. Candid and honest advice to clients: Give a fair assessment of the case referral.
CANON 15 – A lawyer shall observe candor, fairness and loyalty in all his dealings and transactions with his clients. (Rules 15.01-15.08)
When lawyer-client relationship commences: no formal contract is needed, it is sufficient that the advice and assistance of an attorney is
sought and received in any manner pertinent to his profession.
CANON 22 – A lawyer shall withdraw his services only for good cause and upon notice appropriate in the circumstances.
8 Written Exercises
PART TWO - JUDICIAL ETHICS
9 I. Sources of Judicial Ethics: 1. The Constitution; 2. The Rules of Court; 3. Statues creating courts; 4. The New Canons of Judicial
Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary (took effect on June 1, 2004 per A.M. 03-05-01-SC) which was patterned after the Bangalore
Draft of Code of Judicial Conduct; and .5. Code of Judicial Conduct
2. Members of the lower courts (regional trial courts and first level courts): Section 7(2), article VIII, 1987 Constitution provides that
Congress shall provide for qualifications but one must be citizen of the Philippines and member of the Philippine Bar.
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3. Common qualification for all members of the judiciary, Section 7(3), Article VIII, 1987 Constitution provides: “A member of the
Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.”
Villanueva v. JBC (2015)
Jardeleza vs. Chief Justice Sereno and JBC (2015)
4. Term of Office: Section 11, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution provides that members of the judiciary “shall hold office during good behavior
until they reach 70 years old or they become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office.”
5. Manner of Selection and Appointment (Read Section 8, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution for the composition, powers and term of
office of members of the Judicial and Bar Council)
Chavez v. JBC, et al., G.R. No. 202242, July 17, 2012
Appointments made by the President in the judiciary do not need any confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. (Section 9. Article
VIII, 1987 Constitution)
Please note that:
Any vacancy in the Supreme Court must be filled within 90 days from the occurrence thereof. (Section 4(1), Article VIII, 1987
Constitution)
For lower courts, the President shall issue the appointments within 90 days from the submission of the list. (Section 9, Article VIII,
1987 Constitution)
Requirements in the discharge of responsibilities of members of the judiciary:
1. No decision shall be rendered by any court without expressing therein clearly and distinctly, the facts and law on which it is
based. (Section 14, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution)
2. Dedicated service to the judiciary
3. Members of the judiciary shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative functions.
(Section12, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution)
4. SALN Requirement
Members of the Supreme Court shall not only report all their assets, liabilities, and net worth upon assumption to duty but
they must disclose such to the PUBLIC in the manner provided by law. (Section 17, Article XI, 1987 Constitution)
5. Allegiance to the Philippine Government. Any public officer owes allegiance to the Philippine government and its
Constitution and a public officer who seeks to change citizenship or acquire the status of an immigrant of another country
during his tenure shall be dealt with by law.(Section 18, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution)
10 & 11 III. Qualities (I.I.I. PECd): Independence, Integrity, Impartiality, Propriety, Equality and Competence and diligence
B. Avoid Impropriety: CANON 2 – A judge should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities. (Sections 1-3)
Samson v. Judge Caballero, A. M. No. RT J-08- 213, 595 SCRA 423
Suarez v. Judge Dilag, A. M. No. RT J-06-2014, March 4, 2009, 580 SCRA 491.
Santos v. Judge Arcaya- Chua, A. M. No. MT J-07-20093, February 17, 2009
Inonog v. Judge Ibay, A. M. No. RT J-09-2175, July 28, 2009, 594 SCRA 168.
C. Maintain Impartiality
CANON 3 – A judge should perform official duties honestly, and with impartiality and diligence. (Sections 1-6)
Concerned Lawyers of Bulacan v. Judge Vilalon-Pornillos, 592 SCRA 36
Paco v. Quilala, et. Al., A. M. No. RT J-02-1699, 413 SCRA 364
Complaint against Chief Justice Corona dated Sept. 14, 2011 filed by Inter-Petal Recreational Corp., A.M. No. 12-6-10 SC,
June 13, 2012
Villaluz v. Mijares, A. M. No. RT J-98-1402, April 3, 1998, 288 SCRA 594
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Prohibition on practice of profession: No member of the judiciary may practice their profession during their incumbency.
B. Disqualification and Inhibition of Judges: may be voluntary or involuntary: There are two rules governing the qualification and
voluntary inhibition of judges: Section 1, Rule 137 of the Rules of Court; and Rule 3. 12 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for
the Philippine Judiciary. Section 1, Rule 137 of the Rules of Court provides:” Disqualification of judges. – No judge or judicial
officer shall sit in any case in which he, or his wife or child, is pecuniarily interested as heir, legatee, creditor or otherwise , or in
which he is related to either party within the sixth degree of consanguinity or affinity, or to counsel within the fourth degree,
computed according to the rules of the civil law, or in which he has been executor, administrator, guardian, trustee or counsel, or
in which he has presided in any inferior court when his ruling or decision is the subject of review, without the written consent of all
parties in interest, signed by them and entered upon the record.
A judge may, in the exercise of his sound discretion, disqualify himself from sitting in case, for just or valid reasons other than those
mentioned above.” (ex. If judge served as wedding sponsor to one of the litigants or litigant is his “kasambahay.”)
Canon 3 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary states:
“Rule 3.12. – A Judge should take no part in proceeding where the judge’s impartially might reasonably be questioned.
These cases include, among others, proceedings where:
The judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding;
The judge served as executor, administrator, guardian, trustees or lawyer in the case or matter in controversy, or a former associate
of the judge served as counsel during their association, or the judge or lawyer was a material witness therein;
The judge’s ruling in a lower court is the subject of review;
The judge is related by consanguinity or affinity to a party litigant within the sixth degree or to co counsel within the fourth degree;
The judge knows that his spouse or child has a financial interest, as heir, legatee, creditor, fiduciary, or otherwise, in the subject
matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the
proceeding.”
1. Voluntary Inhibition: When voluntary inhibition be done: A judge is allowed under the second paragraph of Section 1 of Rule 137 of the
Rules of Court, supra, to voluntary inhibit from a case for just or valid reasons other than those grounds of disqualification.
How voluntary inhibition is effected: A judge may motu proprio or on motion of a party voluntarily recluse from a case if he has good or valid
reasons which render him incapable of acting objectively on the case.
When a judge should not inhibit himself: Absent any ground for disqualification, a judge should not inhibit and if a motion to that effect is
filed, he should deny it if, despite the circumstances cited by the movant, he honestly believes that he can act on the case objectively.
2. Remittal of Disqualification: Nature of remittal: Remittal of disqualification is the process by which a judge who is disqualified to sit on a
case on any of the grounds enumerated in Section 5, Canon 3, may purge himself of such a disqualification so that he may act upon the case.
How remittal is effected: This process is allowed under Section 6 of the same Canon which provides:
“A judge disqualified as stated above may, instead of withdrawing from the proceeding, disclose on the record the basis of disqualification. If,
based on such disclosure, the parties and lawyers, independently of the judge’s participation, all agree in writing that the reason for inhibition is
immaterial or unsubstantial; the judge may then participate in the proceeding. The Agreement, signed by all the parties and lawyers, shall be
incorporated in the record of the proceedings.”
A. Members of the Supreme Court: Impeachment. (Section 2, Article XI, 1987 Constitution); Grounds; and Proceedings
In re: Undated letter of Mr. Louis C. Biraogo, A.M. No. 09-2-19, S.C
In Re: Letter Complaint of Atty. Pena against Justices Carpio and Sereno, A.M. No. 12-6-11- SC
B. Discipline of Appellate Justices and Lower Court Judges: Read Section 11, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution
1. Jurisdiction over disciplinary cases: The Supreme Court en banc shall have the power to discipline appellate justices and lower court
judges.
2. Vote required to dismiss a member of the judiciary: A majority vote of all justices who actually took part in the deliberations on the issues in
the case and voted thereon.
3. Grounds for disciplinary action over appellate and trial judges
4. Sanctions: fines, suspension, dismissal from office, forfeiture of benefits and disbarment
Office of the Court Administrator v. Atty. Daniel R. Liangco (A.C. No.5355, December 11, 2011)
13 VI. Administrative Aspects over Court Matters, Responsibilities and Discipline of Court Personnel
B. Court Records and General Duties of Clerks and Stenographer (Rule 136)
C. Legal Fees (Rule 141): Manner of payment: legal tender; principles of Negotiable Instruments Law will apply; fees in lien; and
persons authorized to collect legal fees
D. Costs: Recovery of costs (Rule 142): a) Prevailing party; b) Dismissed appeal or action
c) Frivolous appeal; d) false allegations; and e) Non-appearance of witness
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Cases:
1. Case related to sheriff’s fees: Sanga v. Alcantara and Bisnar, A.M. No. P-09-2657, January 25, 2010; Dy Teban Trading Co., Inc v. Verga,
A.M. No.-11-2914, March 16, 2011
2. Cases on misconduct of court personnel: Hernando v. Bengson, A.M. No. P-09-2686, March 10, 2010; and March 21, 2012; Consolacion v.
Gambito, A.M. Nos. P-06-2186 and P-12-3026, July 3, 2012; Judge Adlawan v. Capilitan, A.M. No. P-12-3080, August 23, 2012; Celavite-
Vidal v. Aguam, A.M. No. SCC-10-13-P, June 26, 2012
3. Cases on liability related to custody of judicial funds: OCA v. Atty. Lometillo et al., A.M. No. P-09-2637, March 29, 2011; OCA v. Peradilla,
A.M. No. – P-09-2647, July 17, 2012
4. Case for lapse in securing court premises: Re: Theft of Used G.I. Sheets in the SC Compund, Baguio city, A.M. No.2008-15- SC, May 31,
2011
5. Cases on absenteeism and falsification of time records: OCA v. Araya, Jr, Utility Worker, A.M. No. P-12-3053; OCA v. De Lemos et al.,
A.M. P-11-2953, September 28, 2011
6. Case on taking of monetary evidence for personal purpose: OCA v. Musni, A.M. P-11-3024, July 17, 2012
7. Case on neglect of duty: Memo of Judge Yu to Ms. Lagman and Ms. Bassig, A.M. No. P-12-3033, August 15, 2012
In recent cases decided by the S.C. involving court personnel, the Court made the following rulings:
1. A court stenographer must pay just obligations as there is a compelling need to preserve decency in the judiciary.
2. Court personnel is likewise covered by the prohibition that he cannot purchase a property involved within the jurisdiction of their
courts.
3. A clerk of court who delays the transmittal of records to the appellate court is guilty of misconduct and merits suspension without
pay.
4. A clerk of court who fails to issue an Official Receipt as Commissioner’s fee and the stenographer’s fee exhibits misconduct.
5. A clerk of court who fails to remit money received in the course of his work may be suspended and the amount unremitted will be
deducted from his salary until fully paid.
6. A clerk of court who showed oppressive conduct towards her subordinates may be dismissed from service if the subordinates and
other third parties are able to substantiate their claims.
7. A court personnel who is found guilty of dishonesty, grave misconduct, unlawful behavior or who is found to have a “disposition to
lie, cheat, deceive, defraud or betray; untrustworthiness, lack of integrity, lack of honesty, probity or integrity in principle; and lack of
fairness and straightforwardness” may face not only administrative investigation by the Office of the Court Administrator but may
likewise be charged for violation of Civil Service Rules and Regulations and violation of the Revised Penal Law and other Special Penal
Laws involving public officers.
15 FINAL EXAM
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