LEGAL

 ETHICS:  MIDTERM  EXAM  NOTES   Counsel   de   Parte   –   an   attorney   retained   by   a   party   litigant,  
  usually  for  a  fee,  to  prosecute  or  defend  his  cause  in  court.  The  
LEGAL  ETHICS  –  is  a  branch  of  moral  science,  which  treats  of   term  implies  freedom  of  choice  on  the  part  of  the  attorney  to  
the  duties  which  an  attorney  owes  to  the  court,  to  the  client,   decline  or  accept  the  employment.  
to   his   colleagues   in   the   profession   and   to   the   public   as    
embodied   in   the   Constitution,   Rules   of   Court,   the   Code   of   Attorney  of  Record  –  one  who  has  filed  a  notice  of  appearance  
Professional   Responsibility,   Canons   of   Professional   Ethics,   and  who  hence  is  formally  mentioned  in  court  records  as  the  
jurisprudence,  moral  laws  and  special  laws.   official   attorney   of   the   party.   Person   whom   the   client   has  
  named   as   his   agent   upon   whom   service   of   papers   may   be  
Original  Bases  of  Legal  Ethics:   made.  
1.   Canons  of  Professional  Ethics    
2.   Supreme  court  Decisions   Lawyer  “Of  Counsel”  –  to  distinguish  them  from  attorneys  of  
3.   Statistics   record,  associate  attorneys  are  referred  to  as  “of  counsel”  (5  
4.   Constitution   Am.  Jur.  261).  
5.   Treatises  and  publications    
  Moral  Turpitude  –  “includes  everything  which  is  done  contrary  
Present   Basis   of   the   Philippine   Legal   System:   Code   of   to  justice,  honesty,  modesty,  or  good  morals”  
Professional  Responsibility.    
   
BAR  V.    BENCH   Crimes  Categorized  as  Crimes  Involving  Moral  Turpitude:  
BAR   –   Refers   to   the   whole   body   of   attorneys   and   body   of   The   following   is   a   list,   not   necessarily   complete,   of   the   crimes  
judges;   BENCH   –   denotes   the   whole   body   of   counselors,   adjudged  to  involve  moral  turpitude.  
collectively  the  members  of  the  legal  profession.   1.  Abduction  with  consent  
  2.  Bigamy,  Concubinage,  Illicit  sexual  relations  
Practice  of  Law  –  any  activity,  in  or  out  of  court  which  requires   3.  Attempted  Bribery,  Direct  Bribery  
the   application   of   law,   legal   procedure,   knowledge,   training   4.  Smuggling  
and   experience.   To   engage   in   the   practice   of   law   is   to   give   5.  Rape  
notice  or  render  any  kind  of  service,  which  or  devise  or  service   6.  Estafa,  Estafa  through  falsification  of  a  document;      
requires   the   use   in   any   degree   of   legal   knowledge   or   skill   Falsification  of  Document  
(Cayetano  v.  Monsod,  201  SCRA  210).   7.  Robbery,  Theft,  Profiteering  
  8.  Murder,  consummated  or  attempted;  Frustrated  Homicide  
Attorney-­‐at-­‐law/Lawyer   -­‐   that   class   of   persons   who   are   9.  Violation  of  BP22,  Anti-­‐fencing  law,  Dangerous  drugs  act  
licensed   officers   of   the   courts,   empowered   to   appear   10.  Perjury,  Forgery,  Intriguing  against  honor.  
prosecute   and   defend   and   upon   whom   peculiar   duties,    
responsibilities,   and   liabilities   are   developed   by   law   as   a   Crimes  Categorized  NOT  Involving  Moral  Turpitude  
consequence  (Cui  v.  Cui,  120  Phil.  729);  those  who  have  passed   1.  Minor  Transgressions  of  the  law  (traffic  violation)  
the   regular   Philippine   Bar   examinations,   take   the   lawyer’s   2.  Illegal  recruitment  
oath,  and  signed  the  roll  of  attorneys  and  thereby  may  practice   3.  Slight  Physical  Injuries  and  carrying  of  deadly  weapon  
law  in  the  Philippines.   4.  Indirect  Contempt  
   
Attorney  in  fact  –  an  agent  whose  authority  is  strictly  limited   Good  moral  character  –  Barrientos  v.  Daarol,  “as  officers  of  the  
by   the   instrument   appointing   him,   though   he   may   do   things   court,  lawyers  must  not  only  in  fact  be  of  good  moral  character  
not   mentioned   in   his   appointment   necessary   to   the   but   must   also   be   seen   to   be   of   good   moral   character   and  
performance  of  the  duties  specifically  required  of  him  by  the   leading  lives  in  accordance  with  the  highest  moral  standards  of  
power   of   attorney   appointing   him,   such   authority   being   the  community…”  
necessarily  implied.    He  is  not  necessarily  a  lawyer.    
  Good  moral  character  is  a  continuing  qualification  required  of  
Counsel   de   Oficio   –   a   counsel,   appointed   or   assigned   by   the   every  member  of  the  bar.    
court,  from  among  members  of  the  Bar  in  good  standing  who,    
by   reason   of   their   experience   and   ability,   may   adequately   Immoral   conduct   –   conduct   which   is   so   willful,   flagrant,   or  
defend  the  accused.   shameless   as   to   show   indifference   to   the   opinion   of   good   and  
  respectable   members   of   the   community.   Furthermore,   such  
Note:  In  localities  where  members  of  the  Bar  are  not  available,   conduct  must  not  only  be  immoral,  but  GROSSLY  IMMORAL.  
the  court  may  appoint  any  person,  resident  of  the  province  and   That  is,  it  must  be  so  corrupt  as  to  constitute  a  criminal  act  or  
good  repute  for  probity  and  ability,  to  defend  the  accused.  Sec.   so   unprincipled   as   to   be   reprehensible   to   a   high   degree   or  
7,  Rule  116,  Rules  of  Court.   committed  under  such  scandalous  or  revolting  circumstances  
  as   to   shock   the   common   sense   of   decency.   (Narag   Case;  
Oblena  Case)  
    
  Subjudice   Rule   –   restricts   comments   and   disclosures  
  pertaining  to  pending  judicial  proceedings.  
Cases  Cited:     Test  of  Conflict  of  Interest  
Toledo  v.  Toledo  –  respondent  disbarred  for  abandoning  his   In  the  case  of  Hornilla  v.  Atty.  Salunat,  the  court  explained  the  
lawful  wife.   concept  of  conflict  of  interest  in  this  wise:  
Obusan   v.   Obusan   –   abandoning   one’s   wife   and   resuming    
carnal  relations  with  a  paramour  fall  within  that  conduct  which   There   is   conflict   of   interest   when   a   lawyer   represents  
is   willful,   flagrant,   or   shameless,   and   which   shows   moral   inconsistent  interests  of  two  or  more  opposing  parties.  The  
indifference   to   the   opinion   of   the   good   and   respectable   test  is  “whether  or  not  in  behalf  of  one  client,  it  is  the  lawyer’s  
members  of  the  community   duty  to  fight  for  an  issue  or  claim,  but  it  is  his  duty  to  oppose  it  
Cordova   v.   Cordova   –   moral   delinquency   which   affects   the   for  the  other  client.”    
fitness  of  a  member  of  the  bar  to  continue  as  such,  includes    
conduct  that  outrages  the  generally  accepted  moral  standards   Also  there  is  conflict  of  interest  if  the  acceptance  of  the  new  
of  the  community.   retainer  will  require  the  attorney  to  perform  an  act  which  will  
Royong   vs.   Oblena   –   The   grounds   for   disbarment   as   injuriously   affect   his   first   client   in   any   matter   in   which   he  
enumerated  in  the  Rules  of  Court  is  not  exclusive  and  that  the   represents   him   and   also   whether   he   will   be   called   upon   in   his  
power  of  the  Courts  to  exclude  unfit  and  unworthy  members   new   relation   to   use   against   his   first   client   any   knowledge  
of   the   profession   is   inherent,   a   necessary   incident   to   the   acquired  through  their  connection.    
proper  administration  of  justice…    
Leslie   Ui   vs.   Atty.   Iris   Bonifacio-­‐     The   practice   of   law   is   a   Another  test  of  the  inconsistency  of  interests  is  whether  the  
privilege.   Possession   of   good   moral   character   must   be   acceptance  of  a  new  relation  will  prevent  an  attorney  from  
continuous.  Membership  in  the  bar  may  be  terminated  when   the  full  discharge  of  his  duty  of  undivided  fidelity  and  loyalty  
a  lawyer  ceases  to  have  a  good  moral  character.     to   his   client   or   invite   suspicion   of   unfaithfulness   or   double  
Soriano  v.  Dizon…   dealing  in  the  performance  thereof.    
   
Three  Perspectives  or  Approaches   Attorney’s  Lien  
1.   Objective   perspective   of   the   act   itself,   irrespective   or   The  right  of  a  lawyer  to  hold  a  client’s  property  or  money  until  
whether  or  not  the  act  is  a  crime.  –  Act  is  intrinsically  immoral;   payment  has  been  made  for  legal  aid  and  advice  given.  
An   immoral   act   in   itself   regardless   of   whether   it   is   punishable    
or  not.     A   lien   is   a   security   interest   used   by   a   creditor   to   ensure  
  payment   by   a   debtor   for   money   owed.   Since   an   attorney   is  
2.  From  the  perspective  of  the  crime  itself;  as  defined  through   entitled  to  payment  for  services  performed,  the  attorney  has  a  
its   elements.   –   “All   crimes   of   which   fraud   is   an   element   are   claim  on  a  client’s  property  until  compensation  is  duly  made.    
looked  on  as  involving  moral  turpitude.”;  The  elements  of  the    
crime  are  critical  factor  in  determining  moral  turpitude.   A   charging   lien   –   right   to   a   portion   of   the   judgment   that   was  
  won  for  the  client  through  professional  services.  It  is  a  specific  
3.   Subjective   approach   –   Takes   the   offender   and   his   acts   into   lien  and  only  covers  a  lawyer’s  claim  on  money  obtained  in  a  
account  in  light  of  the  attendant  circumstances  of  the  crime:   particular  action.  
was  he  motivated  by  ill  will  indicating  depravity?    
  A  retaining  lien  –  more  general  in  scope,  extends  to  all  of  a  
  client’s  property  that  an  attorney  might  come  into  possession  
Champertous   contract   –   a   contract   between   a   stranger   and   a   of   during   the   course   of   a   lawsuit.   Until   an   attorney   is  
party   to   a   lawsuit,   whereby   the   stranger   pursues   the   party’s   compensated   for   services,   he   or   she   has   a   claim   or   interest   in  
claim  in  consideration  of  receiving  part  or  any  of  the  proceeds   such  property.  
recovered   under   the   judgment.   An   agreement   whereby   the    
attorney  agrees  to  pay  expenses  of  proceedings  to  enforce  the   Assumpsit  
client’s   rights.   It   is   against   public   policy.   This   contract   violates   A   promise   by   which   someone   assumes   or   undertakes   an  
the  fiduciary  relationship  between  the  lawyer  and  his  client.     obligation   to   another   person.   It   means   “he   promised”.   The  
  promise  may  be  in  oral  or  writing,  but  not  under  seal.  
Ambulance-­‐Chasing   –   the   solicitation   of   almost   any   kind   of    
legal  business  by  an  attorney,  personally  or  through  an  agent   Quantum  Meruit  
in  order  to  gain  employment   ‘As   much   as   he   deserves’   –   used   as   basis   for   determining   a  
  lawyer’s   professional   fees   in   the   absence   of  a  contract,  taking  
Forum-­‐Shopping   –   the   institution   of   two   or   more   suits   in   into   account   certain   factors   in   fixing   the   amount   of   legal   fees.  
different  courts,  either  simultaneously  or  successively,  in  order   Its  essential  requisite  is  the  acceptance  of  the  benefits  by  one  
to  ask  the  courts  to  rule  on  the  same  or  related  causes  and/or   sought   to   be   charged   for   the   services   rendered   under  
to  grant  the  same  or  substantially  the  same  reliefs.     circumstances   as   reasonably   to   notify   him   that   the   lawyer  
performing   the   task   was   expecting   to   be   paid   compensation   of  2003"  (R.A.  No.  9225).  He  intends  to  retire  in  the  Philippines  
for  it.  It  is  a  doctrine  to  prevent  undue  enrichment  based  on   &   return   to   the   practice   of   law   after   compliance   with   the  
the  equitable  postulate  that  it  is  unjust  for  a  person  to  retain   requirements   of   the   Office   of   the   Bar   Confidant,   hence   this  
benefit  without  paying  for  it.   petition.  
Petition  to  Resume  Practice  of  Law    
Dacanay  Case   Issue:  If  petitioner,  after  reacquiring  Philippine  citizenship,  can  
Facts:  Petitioner  was  admitted  to  the  Philippine  bar  in  March   practice  law  in  the  Philippines.  
1960.   He   practiced   law   until   he   migrated   to   Canada   in    
December  1998  to  seek  medical  attention  for  his  ailments.  He   Ruling:  The  court  -­‐  In  Bar  Matter  No.  1678,  dated  December  
subsequently   applied   for   Canadian   citizenship   to   avail   of   17,  2007,  allowed  Benjamin  M.  Dacanay  (a  Filipino  citizen  and  
Canada’s   free   medical   aid   program.   His   application   was   a  barrister  who  migrated  to  Canada)  to  return  to  the  practice  
approved   and   he   became   a   Canadian   citizen   in   May   2004.   On   of   law   after   complying   with   R.A.   No.   9225   and   the  
July   14,   2006,   pursuant   to   Republic   Act   (RA)   9225   (Citizenship   requirements  of  the  Office  of  the  Bar  Confidant  to  wit:  
Retention   and   Re-­‐Acquisition   Act   of   2003),   petitioner    
reacquired  his  Philippine  citizenship.  On  that  day,  he  took  his   1.  Petition  for  Re-­‐Acquisition  of  Philippine  Citizenship;  
oath   of   allegiance   as   a   Filipino   citizen   before   the   Philippine   2.  Order  (for  Re-­‐Acquisition  of  Philippine  Citizenship;  
Consulate  General  in  Toronto,  Canada.  Thereafter,  he  returned   3.  Oath  of  Allegiance  to  the  Republic  of  the  Philippines;  
to  the  Philippines  and  now  intends  to  resume  his  law  practice.   4.   Identification   Certificate   (IC)   issued   by   the   Bureau   of  
  Immigration;  
Issue:   Whether   petitioner   Benjamin   M.   Dacanay   lost   his   5.  Certificate  of  Good  Standing  issued  by  the  IBP;  
membership   in   the   Philippine   bar   when   he   gave   up   his   6.  Certification  from  the  IBP  on  updated  payments  of  annual  
Philippine  citizenship   membership  dues;  
  7.  Proof  of  payment  of  professional  tax;  and  
Ruling:   8.  Certificate  of  compliance  issued  by  the  MCLE  Office.  
The  Constitution  provides  that  the  practice  of  all  professions  in    
the  Philippines  shall  be  limited  to  Filipino  citizens  save  in  cases   The  practice  of  law  is  a  privilege  burdened  with  conditions.  It  
prescribed   by   law.   Since   Filipino   citizenship   is   a   requirement   is   so   delicately   affected   with   public   interest   that   it   is   both   the  
for  admission  to  the  bar,  loss  thereof  terminates  membership   power  and  duty  of  the  State  (through  this  Court)  to  control  and  
in  the  Philippine  bar  and,  consequently,  the  privilege  to  engage   regulate  it  in  order  to  protect  and  promote  the  public  welfare.  
in   the   practice   of   law.   In   other   words,   the   loss   of   Filipino   Wherefore,  the  petition  of  Atty.  Epifanio  B.  Muneses  is  hereby  
citizenship  ipso  jure  terminates  the  privilege  to  practice  law  in   granted.  
the   Philippines.   The   practice   of   law   is   a   privilege   denied   to    
foreigners.    
  Motion  to  Lift  Suspension  
The  exception  is  when  Filipino  citizenship  is  lost  by  reason  of   The  general  rule  –  lifting  of  suspension  is  NOT  automatic  upon  
naturalization  as  a  citizen  of  another  country  but  subsequently   the   end   of   the   period   stated   in   the   Court’s   decision,   and   an  
reacquired  pursuant  to  RA  9225.  This  is  because  “all  Philippine   order  from  the  Court  lifting  the  suspension  at  the  end  of  the  
citizens   who   become   citizens   of   another   country   shall   be   period   is   NECESSARY   in   order   to   enable   him   to   resume   the  
deemed  not  to  have  lost  their  Philippine  citizenship  under  the   practice  of  his  profession.  Therefore,  motion  to  lift  suspension  
conditions   of   [RA   9225].”   Therefore,   a   Filipino   lawyer   who   is  the  proper  pleading  upon  expiration  of  suspension  period.  
becomes  a  citizen  of  another  country  is  deemed  never  to  have    
lost  his  Philippine  citizenship  if  he  reacquires  it  in  accordance   SUI  GENERIS  –  In  Re:  Almacen,  the  Court  explained  this:  
with   RA   9225.   Although   he   is   also   deemed   never   to   have   “Disciplinary  proceedings  against  lawyers  are  SUI  GENERIS.  It  
terminated  his  membership  in  the  Philippine  bar,  no  automatic   is  neither  purely  civil  or  purely  criminal.  They  do  not  involve  
right  to  resume  law  practice  accrues.   trial  of  an  action  or  a  suit,  but  are  rather  investigations  by  the  
  Court   into   the   conduct   of   its   officers.   Not   being   intended   to  
Under   RA   9225,   if   a   person   intends   to   practice   the   legal   inflict  punishment,  they  are  in  no  sense  a  criminal  prosecution.  
profession   in   the   Philippines   and   he   reacquires   his   Filipino   Public  interest  is  their  primary  objective.  
citizenship  pursuant  to  its  provisions  “(he)  shall  apply  with  the    
proper   authority   for   a   license   or   permit   to   engage   in   such   Preponderance   of   Evidence   –   The   evidence   required   in  
practice.   suspension   or   disbarment   proceedings   is   preponderance   of  
  evidence.   The   equipoise   doctrine   (when   evidence   of   the  
Muneses  Case   parties  is  equally  balanced)  mandates  a  decision  in  favor  of  the  
Facts:   Epifanio   B.   Muneses,   a   Filipino   and   member   of   the   respondent.    
Philippine   Bar   but   lost   the   privilege   because   he   became   a      
citizen  of  the  United  States  of  America  on  August  28,  1981.  On   Preponderance  means  evidence  is  superior  to  or  has  greater  
September   15,   2006   reacquired   his   Philippine   citizenship   weight  than  that  of  the  other.  More  convincing  to  the  Court.  
pursuant  to  the  "Citizenship  Retention  and  Re-­‐Acquisition  Act    
    
   
   
CHAPTER  II:  LANDMARK  CASES    
  4.   In   Re:   Cunanan   –   Petitions   for   Admission   to   the   Bar   of  
(Read  the  digests  you  already  printed)   Unsuccessful  Candidates  of  1946  to  1953  
Important  Highlights  from  Dizon’s  Book   The  admission,  suspension,  disbarment  and  reinstatement  of  
  members   of   the   Philippine   Bar   is   a   judicial   function.   The  
1.  Alawi  v.  Alauya   legislative   branch   cannot   encroach   upon   this   judicial   power.  
“The  appellation  “attorney”  may  only  be  used  by  any  person   However,   it   may   enact   laws   which   are   not   repugnant   to   the  
who  passed  the  regular  Philippine  Bar,  taken  the  lawyer’s  oath   power  of  judiciary  pertaining  to  the  practice  of  law.  
and  signed  the  roll  of  attorneys.  Those  who  passed  the  Sharia    
Bar,   may   only   be   called   “counselors”   since   they   are   not   full-­‐ RA  972  is  contrary  to  public  interest  because  it  qualifies  1,094  
pledged  member  of  the  Phil.  Bar.   graduates  who  confessedly  had  inadequate  preparations…  The  
  law  is  also  a  class  legislation.  There  is  no  reasonable  basis  to  
  classify   unsuccessful   bar   candidates   by   years   not   to   exclude  
2.  Cayetano  v.  Monsod   those  of  other  years.    
Practice  of  law  definition  (See  previous  page)    
It   is   worth   mentioning   that   the   respondent   CA   in   a   The  primary  power  and  responsibility  which  the  Constitution  
Memorandum   it   prepared,   enumerated   several   factors   recognizes,   continue   to   reside   in   this   Court.   Congress   may  
determinative   of   whether   a   particular   activity   constitutes   repeal,  alter,  or  supplement  rules  promulgated  by  this  court,  
“practice  of  law”.  It  states:   but   the   authority   and   responsibility   over   the   admission,  
•   Habituality  –  customarily  holding  oneself  out  to  the   suspension,   disbarment,   and   reinstatement   of   attorneys   and  
public  as  a  lawyer.  Habitual  exercise  of  the  duties  of  a   their  supervision  remains  vested  in  the  Supreme  Court.  
lawyer.    
•   Compensation  –  one  must  have  presented  himself  to    
be  in  the  active  and  continued  practice  and  that  his   5.  In  Re:  Integration  of  the  Bar  of  the  Philippines  
professional   services   are   available   to   the   public   for   Constitutional   Issues   Regarding   the   Integration   of   the   Bar   –  
compensation,   as   a   service   of   his   livelihood   or   in   read  the  digest  copy  you  have.  
consideration  of  his  said  services.   “The   Supreme   Court   is   of   the   view   that   it   may   integrate   the  
•   Application   of   law,   legal   principle,   practice,   or   Philippine   Bar   in   the   exercise   of   its   power,   under   Art   VIII,  
procedure  which  calls  for  legal  knowledge,  training   Section   13   of   the   Constitution,   “to   promulgate   rules  
and  experience  is  within  the  term  “practice  of  law”   concerning  pleading,  practice,  and  procedure  in  all  courts,  and  
•   Attorney-­‐Client  relationship.     the  admission  to  the  practice  of  law.”  
   
  Integration   of   the   Bar   perfectly   Constitutional   and   Legally  
3.  In  Re:  Almacen   Unobjectionable.  
“Lawyers   are   allowed   to   criticize   but   through   legitimate    
channels”  –  The  reason  is  that  an  attorney  does  not  surrender,    
in   assuming   the   important   place   accorded   to   him   in   the   6.  Mauricio  Ulep  vs.  Legal  Clinic  
administration  of  justice,  his  right  as  a  citizen  to  criticize  the   This  case  discusses  what  is  considered  as  practice  of  law.  It  also  
decisions  of  the  courts  in  a  fair  and  respectful  manner,  and  the   discusses  the  general  rule  that  advertisement  is  not  allowed  in  
independence  of  the  bar,  as  well  as  of  the  judiciary,  has  always   the  legal  profession.  But  there  are  exceptions  to  the  general  
been  encouraged  by  the  courts.   rule.   However,   a   well-­‐merited   reputation   is   the   best  
  advertisement  of  a  lawyer  to  announce  and  make  known  his  
It  is  a  cardinal  condition  of  all  criticisms  that  it  shall  be  bona   legal  services.    
fide,  and  shall  not  spill  over  the  walls  of  decency  and  propriety.    
  Legal   Support   Services   in   Case   at   Bar   Constitute   Practice   of  
The  Power  to  Discipline  is  Inherent  in  the  Judicial  Branch   Law  –  …What  is  palpably  clear  is  that  respondent  corporation  
Therefore,  it  is  almost  universally  held  that  both  the  admission   gives   out   legal   information   to   laymen   and   lawyers.   Its  
and  disbarment  of  attorneys  are  judicial  acts,  and  that  one  is   contention   that   such   function   is   non-­‐advisory   and   non-­‐
admitted  to  the  bar  and  exercises  his  functions  as  an  attorney,   diagnostic   is   more   apparent   than   real…   The   activity   falls  
not  as  a  matter  of  right,  but  as  a  privilege  conditioned  on  his   squarely  within  the  jurisprudential  definition  of  the  “practice  
own   behavior   and   the   exercise   of   just   and   sound   judicial   of  law”;  Note  on  Canons  regarding  Advertisements.  
discretion.    
  A  lawyer  cannot,  without  violating  the  ethics  of  his  profession,  
 “Disbarment  proceedings  are  Sui  Generis”   advertise   his   talents   or   skills   as   in   a   manner   similar   to   a  
moot  
merchant   advertising   his   goods.   This   view   rests   on   the    
fundamental  postulate  that  the  practice  of  law  is  a  profession.    
Exceptions:   CHAPTER  III  –  PROVISIONS  OF  THE  RULES  OF  COURT  
•   Publication   in   reputable   law   lists,   in   a   manner   RELATED  TO  LEGAL  ETHICS  
consistent  with  the  standards  of  conduct  imposed  by    
the   canons,   of   brief   biographical   and   informative   Who  May  Practice  Law  in  the  Philippines?  
data.  (Must  not  be  misleading)    
  Section  1.  Who  may  practice  law.  —  Any  person  heretofore  
•   The   use   of   an   ordinary   simple   professional   card   is   duly  admitted  as  a  member  of  the  bar,  or  hereafter  admitted  
also  permitted.     as  such  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  rule,  and  who  
  is   in   good   and   regular   standing,   is   entitled   to   practice   law.  
•   The   publication   of   a   simple   announcement   of   the   (Rule  138,  Rules  of  Court)  
opening  of  a  law  firm  or  of  changes  in  the  partnership,    
associates,  firm  name  or  office  address,  being  for  the   Note:  There  are  two  continuing  requirements  for  admission  to  
convenience  of  the  profession  is  allowed.   the  bar:  1.  Citizenship  and  2.  Good  Moral  Character  
   
Note:  Law  list  must  be  reputable  law  list  published  primarily   Section   2.   Requirements   for   all   applicants   for   admission   to  
for  that  purpose.  For  that  reason,  a  lawyer  may  not  properly   the  bar.  —  Every  applicant  for  admission  as  a  member  of  the  
publish   his   brief   biographical   and   informative   data   in   a   daily   bar  must  be  a  citizen  of  the  Philippines,  at  least  twenty-­‐one  
paper,  magazine,  journal,  or  society  program.     years   of   age,   of   good   moral   character,   and   resident   of   the  
  Philippines;   and   must   produce   before   the   Supreme   Court  
  satisfactory   evidence   of   good   moral   character,   and   that   no  
7.  Valencia  vs.  Cabanting   charges   against   him,   involving   moral   turpitude,   have   been  
“Article  1491  prohibits  the  sale  of  property  to  a  lawyer  while   filed  or  are  pending  in  any  court  in  the  Philippines.    
litigation  is  pending”      
  (Check  your  separate  print-­‐out  of  the  whole  Rule  138)  
Public  policy  prohibits  the  transactions  in  view  of  the  fiduciary    
relationship   involved.   It   is   intended   to   curtail   any   undue   MAY   THE   BAR   APPLICANTS   WHO   GRADUATED   LAW   FROM  
influence  of  the  lawyer  upon  his  client.     OTHER  JURISDICTIONS  TAKE  THE  BAR  EXAMINATIONS  IN  THE  
  PHILIPPINES?  
In  the  case  at  bar,  it  was  held  that,  “a  thing  is  in  litigation  while    
a  certiorari  is  still  in  progress.”   Yes.   Bar   Matter   No.   1153   provides   for   the   amendments   of  
  Section   5   and   6   of   Rule   138.   It   allows   Fil.   Citizens   who   studies  
Note:   First   Duty   of   a   Lawyer   is   not   to   Client   but   to   law   in   other   countries   to   take   the   bar   examination   in   the  
Administration  of  Justice  –  A  lawyer  owes  entire  devotion  to   Philippines  and  be  admitted  to  practice  of  law.  
the  interest  of  his  client  but  not  at  the  expense  of  the  truth.    
  Applicant  must  submit  to  the  SC:  1.  Completion  of  all  courses…  
…Membership   in   the   bar   is   a   privilege   burdened   with   2.   Recognition   or   accreditation   of   the   law   school   by   proper  
conditions.   By   far,   the   most   important   of   them   is   authority  and  3.  Completion  of  all  the  fourth  year  subjects  in  
“mindfulness”  that  a  lawyer  is  an  officer  in  court.  Disbarment,   LLB  academic  program  in  a  law  school  duly  recognized  by  the  
is   not   meant   as   a   punishment   but   intended   to   protect   the   Philippine  Government.  
administration  of  justice.    
  WHAT  ARE  THE  BAR  EXAMINATION  SUBJECTS  AND  WHAT  IS  
…  A  lawyer  should  treat  the  opposing  counsel  and  his  brethren   THE  PERCENTAGE  OF  EACH  SUBJECT?  
in  the  law  profession  with  courtesy,  dignity  and  civility.  They   ü   Political  and  International  Law,  Civil  Law,  Mercantile  
may   “do   as   adversaries   do   in   the   law:   strive   mightily   but   they   Law  –  15%  
eat   and   drink   as   friends.”   This   friendship   does   not   connote   ü   Labor   and   Social   Legislation,   Taxation,   and   Criminal  
conspiracy.   Law  –  10%  
  ü   Remedial  Law  –  20%  
  ü   Legal  Ethics  –  5%  
   
  ARE  THERE  EXCEPTIONS  TO  SECTION  10?  
  In  this  section,  no  examinee  has  been  allowed  for  the  reason  of  
  having  poor  penmanship  per  se  and  no  noiseless  typewriter  or  
  laptop  has  been  allowed.  However,  if  there  is  a  special  situation  
  usually  serious  health  reasons  that  may  affect  the  handwriting  
  or  reading  of  an  examinee,  a  petition  may  be  filed  in  Court  and  
  subject  to  its  approval  on  a  case  to  case  basis.  
    
  Academic  Requirements  for  Candidates:  
WHAT   ARE   THE   TWO   OPERATIVE   ACTS   IN   ORDER   TO   BE   1.   a   bachelor’s   degree   in   arts   and   sciences   (pre-­‐law  
CONSIDERED   AN   ATTORNEY   AND   USE   THIS   APPELLATION   course)  
“ATTY.”?   2.   a  completed  course  in:  
After   having   passed   the   regular   Philippine   bar   examinations,   1.   civil  law  
having  all  the  necessary  requirements  for  admission  to  the  bar   2.   commercial  law  
and  none  of  the  disqualifications,  one  has  to:   3.   remedial  law  
1.  Take  the  lawyer’s  oath  (Section  17)   4.   public  international  law  
2.  Sign  the  roll  of  attorneys  (Section  19)   5.   private  international  law  
  6.   political  law  
  7.   labor  and  social  legislation  
  8.   medial  jurisprudence  
CHAPTER  V:  THE  CODE  OF  PROFESSIONAL  RESPONSIBILITY   9.   taxation  
  10.   legal  ethics  
Admission  to  the  Practice  of  Law    
The  Supreme  Court  has  the  power  to  control  and  regulate  the   Non-­‐lawyers  who  may  be  authorized  to  appear  in  court:  
practice  of  law.  Thus,  the  Constitution,  under    Article    VIII,  Sec.   1.   Cases   before   the   MTC:     Party   to   the   litigation,   in  
5  (5)  provides:   person  OR  through  an  agent  or  friend  or  appointed  by  
      him  for  that  purpose  (Sec.  34,  Rule  138,  RRC)  
 Sec.  5.  The  Supreme  Court  shall  have  the  following  powers:   2.   Before   any   other   court:   Party   to   the   litigation,   in  
  person  (Ibid.)  
(5)   Promulgate   rules   concerning   the   protection   and   3.   Criminal   case   before   the   MTC   in   a   locality   where   a  
enforcement   of   constitutional   rights,   pleading,   practice   and   duly   licensed   member   of   the   Bar   is   not   available:   the  
procedure   in   all   courts,   the   admission   to   the   practice   of   law,   judge  may  appoint  a  non-­‐lawyer  who  is:  
the   Integrated   Bar,   and   legal   assistance   to   the   under   1.   resident  of  the  province  
privileged.   2.   of  good  repute  for  probity  and  ability  to  aid  
  the  accused  in  his  defense  (Rule  116,  Sec.  7,  
The   Supreme   Court   acts   through   a   Bar   Examination   RRC).  
Committee   in   the   Exercise   of   his   judicial   function   to   admit   4.   Legal   Aid   Program   –   A   senior   law   student,   who   is  
candidates  to  the  legal  profession.   enrolled   in   a   recognized   law   school’s   clinical  
  education   program   approved   by   the   supreme   Court  
The  Bar  Examination  Committee:   may  appear  before  any  court  without  compensation,  
•   Composed  of  (1)  member  of  the  Supreme  Court  who   to   represent   indigent   clients,   accepted   by   the   Legal  
acts  as  Chairman  and  eight  (8)  members  of  the  bar.   Clinic  of  the  law  school.    The  student  shall  be  under  
•   The   8   members   act   as   examiners   for   the   8   bar   the  direct  supervision  and  control  of  an  IBP  member  
subjects  with  one  subject  assigned  to  each.   duly  accredited  by  the  law  school.  
•   The   Bar   Confidant   acts   as   a   sort   of   liason   officer   5.   Under   the   Labor   code,   non-­‐lawyers   may   appear  
between  the  court  and  the  Bar  Chairman  on  the  other   before  the  NLRC  or  any  Labor  Arbiter,  if  
hand,  and  the  individual  members  of  the  committee   1.   they  represent  themselves,  or  if  
on  the  other.    He  is  at  the  same  time  a  deputy  clerk  of   2.   they   represent   their   organization   or  
court.   members   thereof   (Art   222,   PO   442,   as  
•   Admission  of  examinees  is  always  subject  to  the  final   amended).  
approval  of  the  court.   6.   Under   the   Cadastral   Act,   a   non-­‐lawyer   can   represent  
  a  claimant  before  the  Cadastral  Court  (Act  no.  2259,  
Practice  of  Law   Sec.  9).  
The   practice   of   law   is   a   privilege   granted   only   to   those   who    
possess   the   STRICT   INTELLECTUAL   AND   MORAL   Public  Officials  who  CANNOT  ENGAGE  in  the  private  practice  
QUALIFICATIONS  required  of  lawyers  who  are  instruments  in   of  Law  in  the  Philippines:  
the   effective   and   efficient   administration   of   justice.   (In   Re:   1.   Judges   and   other   officials   as   employees   of   the  
Argosino,  1997).   Supreme  Court  (Rule  148,  Sec.  35,  RRC).  
  2.   Officials  and  employees  of  the  OSG  (Ibid.)  
  3.   Government   prosecutors   (People   v.   Villanueva,   14  
  SCRA  109).  
  4.   President,   Vice-­‐President,   members   of   the   cabinet,  
  their   deputies   and   assistants   (Art.   VIII   Sec.   15,   1987  
  Constitution).  
 
 5.   Members  of  the  Constitutional  Commission  (Art  IX-­‐A,   Nature  of  Lawyer’s  Oath  
Sec.  2,  1987  Constitution)   •   The  lawyer’s  oath  is  not  mere  facile  words,  drift  and  
nd
6.   Ombudsman  and  his  deputies  (Art.  IX,  Sec.  8  (2  par),   hollow,   but   a   sacred   trust   that   must   be   upheld   and  
1987  Constitution)   kept  inviolable.    
7.   All   governors,   city   and   municipal   mayors   (R.A.   No.   •   It  is  NOT  a  mere  ceremony  or  formality  for  practicing  
7160,  Sec.  90).   law.  Every  lawyer  should  at  all  times  weigh  his  actions  
8.   Those  prohibited  by  special  law   according   to   the   sworn   promises   he   made   when  
  taking  the  lawyer’s  oath.    
Public  Officials  with  RESTRICTIONS  in  the  Practice  of  Law:    
1.   No   Senator   as   member   of   the   House   of   Code  of  Professional  Responsibility  
Representative   may   personally   appear   as   counsel   Chapter  1:  
before   any   court   of   justice   as   before   the   Electoral   Lawyer  and  Society  
Tribunals,   as   quasi-­‐judicial   and   other   administration    
bodies  (Art.  VI,  Sec.  14,  1987  Constitution).   CANON  1  –  A  lawyer  shall  uphold  the  constitution,  obey  the  
2.   Under  the  Local  Government  Code  (RA  7160,  Sec.  91)   laws   of   the   land   and   promote   respect   for   law   and   for   legal  
Sanggunian  members  may  practice  their  professions   processes  
provided   that   if   they   are   members   of   the   Bar,   they    
shall  not:   Duties  of  Attorneys:  (Sec  20,  Rule  138)  
1.   appear   as   counsel   before   any   court   in   any   1.   to   maintain   allegiance   to   the   Republic   of   the  
civil  case  wherein  a  local  government  unit  or   Philippines  and  to  support  the  Constitution  and  obey  
any  office,  agency,  or  instrumentality  of  the   the  laws  of  the  Philippines;  
government  is  the  adverse  party;   2.   to  observe  and  maintain  the  respect  due  to  the  courts  
2.   appear   as   counsel   in   any   criminal   case   of  justice  and  judicial  officers;  
wherein   an   officer   or   employee   of   the   3.   to   counsel   or   maintain   such   actions   or   proceedings  
national  or  local  government  is  accused  of  an   only  as  appear  to  him  as  just,  and  such  defenses  only  
offense  committed  in  relation  to  his  office;   as   he   believes   to   be   honestly   debatable   under   the  
3.   collect   any   fee   for   their   appearance   in   laws;  
administrative   proceedings   involving   the   4.   to  employ,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  causes  
local   government   unit   of   which   he   is   an   confided   to   him,   such   means   only   as   are   consistent  
official;   with  truth  and  honor,  and  never  seek  to  mislead  the  
4.   use   property   and   personnel   of   the   judge   or   any   judicial   officer   by   an   artifice   or   false  
government   except   when   the   Sanggunian   statement  of  fact  or  law;  
member  concerned  is  defending  the  interest   5.   to   maintain   inviolate,   the   confidence,   and   at   every  
of  the  government.   peril  to  himself,  to  preserve  the  secrets  of  his  client,  
3.   Under  RA  910,  Sec.  1,  as  amended,  a  retired  justice  or   and  to  accept  no  compensation  in  connection  with  his  
judge  receiving  pension  from  the  government,  cannot   client’s   business   except   from   him   or   with   his  
act   as   counsel   in   any   civil   case   in   which   the   knowledge  and  approval;  
Government,  or  any  of  its  subdivision  or  agencies  is   6.   to   abstain   from   all   offensive   personality   and   to  
the   adverse   party   or   in   a   criminal   case   wherein   an   advance  no  fact  prejudicial  to  the  honor  or  reputation  
officer  or  employee  of  the  Government  is  accused  of   of  a  party  or  witness,  unless  required  by  the  justice  of  
an  offense  in  relation  to  his  office.   the  cause  with  which  he  is  charged;  
  7.   not   to   encourage   either   the   commencement   or   the  
Attorney’s  Oath:   continuance  of  an  action  or  proceeding,  or  delay  any  
            man’s  cause  for  any  corrupt  motive  or  interest;  
          “I,   __________________,   do   solemnly   swear   that   I   will   8.   never   to   reject,   for   any   consideration   personal   to  
maintain  allegiance  to  the  Republic  of  the  Philippines;  I  will   himself,  the  cause  of  the  defenseless  or  oppressed;  
support  its  constitution  and  obey  the  laws  as  well  as  the  legal   9.   in  the  defense  of  a  person  accused  of  a  crime,  by  all  
orders   of   the   duly   constituted   authorities   therein;   I   will  do   no   fair  and  honorable  means,  regardless  of  his  personal  
falsehood,  nor  consent  to  the  doing  of  any  in  court;  I  will  not   opinion   as   to   the   guilt   of   the   accused,   to   present  
willingly  nor  wittingly  promote  or  sue  any  groundless,  false   every  defense  that  the  law  permits,  to  the  end  that  
or   unlawful   suit,   or   give   aid   nor   consent   to   the   same;   I   will   no  person  may  be  deprived  of  life  or  liberty,  but  by  
delay  no  man  for  money  or  malice,  and  will  conduct  myself  as   due  process  of  law.  
a   lawyer   according   to   the   best   of   my   knowledge   and    
discretion,  with  all  good  fidelity  as  well  to  the  court  as  to  my   Rule  1.01  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  engage  in  unlawful,  dishonest,  
clients;   and   I   impose   upon   myself   this   voluntary   obligations   immoral  or  deceitful  conduct.  
without  any  mental  reservation  or  purpose  of  evasion.  So  help    
me  God.”  (Form  28,  RRC)  
 
Morality   as   understood   in   law   –   This   is   a   human   standard   Ambulance  Chasing  –  Act  of  chasing  victims  of  accidents  for  
based   on   natural   moral   law   which   is   embodied   in   man’s   the   purpose   of   talking   to   the   said   victims   (or   relatives)   and  
conscience  and  which  guides  him  to  do  good  and  avoid  evil.   offering   his   legal   services   for   the   filing   of   a   case   against   the  
  person(s)  who  caused  the  accident(s).  
Good  Moral  Character  –  “as  officers  of  the  court,  lawyers  must    
not  only  in  fact  be  of  good  moral  character  but  must  also  be    
seen  to  be  of  good  moral  character.   CANON  2  –  A  lawyer  shall  make  his  legal  services  available  in  
  an   efficient   and   convenient   manner   compatible   with   the  
Moral   Turpitude:   any   thing   that   is   done   contrary   to   justice,   independence,  integrity  and  effectiveness  of  the  profession.  
honesty,  modesty  or  good  morals.    
  Rule  2.01  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  reject,  except  for  valid  reasons,  
Immoral   Conduct:   that   conduct   which   is   willful,   flagrant,   or   the  cause  of  the  defenseless  or  oppressed.  
shameless   and   which   shows   a   moral   indifference   to   the   Rule   2.02   –   In   such   a   case,   even   if   a   lawyer   does   not   accept   a  
opinion   of   the   good   and   respectable   members   of   the   case,  he  shall  not  refuse  to  render  legal  advise  to  the  person  
community     concerned  if  only  to  the  extent  necessary  to  safeguard  latter’s  
  rights.  
Grossly  Immoral  Conduct:  One  that  is  so  corrupt  and  false  as   Rule  2.03  –  a  lawyer  shall  not  do  or  permit  to  be  done  any  act  
to  constitute  a  criminal  act  or  so  unprincipled  or  disgraceful  as   designed  primarily  to  solicit  legal  business.  
to   be   reprehensible   to   a   high   degree;   it   is   a   WILLFUL,    
FLAGRANT   or   SHAMELESS   ACT   which   shows   a   MORAL   Primary  characteristics  which  distinguish  the  legal  profession  
INDIFFERENCE  to  the  opinion  of  respectable  members  of  the   from  business;  
community.  (Narag  vs.  Narag,  1998)   1.   duty   of   service,   of   which   the   emolument   is   a   by  
  product,   and   in   which   one   may   attain   the   highest  
Rule  1.02  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  counsel  or  abet  activities  aimed   eminence  without  making  such  money;  
at  defiance  of  the  law  or  at  lessening  confidence  in  the  legal   2.   a  relation  as  an  ‘officer  of  court’  to  the  administration  
system.   of   justice   involving   thorough   sincerity,   integrity   and  
Rule   1.03   –   A   lawyer   shall   not,   for   any   corrupt   motive   or   reliability;  
interest,  encourage  any  suit  or  proceeding  or  delay  any  man’s   3.   a  relation  to  clients  in  the  highest  degree  of  fiduciary;  
cause.   4.   a   relation   to   colleagues   at   the   bar   characterized   by  
Rule  1.04  –  A  lawyer  shall  encourage  his  clients  to  avoid,  end   candor,   fairness   and   unwillingness   to   resort   to  
or  settle  the  controversy  if  it  will  admit  of  a  fair  settlement.   current   business   methods   of   advertising   and  
•   If  a  lawyer  finds  that  his  client’s  cause  is  defenseless,   encroachment  on  their  practice  or  dealing  with  their  
it  is  his  burden/duty  to  advise  the  latter  to  acquiesce   clients.  
and  submit,  rather  than  traverse  the  incontrovertible.    
•   It  is  unprofessional  for  a  lawyer  to  volunteer  advice  to   Defenseless  –  not  in  the  position  to  defend  themselves  due  to  
bring  a  lawsuit,  except  in  rare  cases  where  the  blood,   poverty,  weakness,  ignorance  or  other  similar  reasons.  
relationship  or  trust  makes  it  his  duty  to  do  so.    
•   Temper  client’s  propensity  to  litigate.   Oppressed   –   victims   of   acts   of   cruelty,   unlawful   exaction,  
•   Should   not   be   an   instigator   of   controversy   but   a   domination  or  excessive  use  of  authority.  
mediator  for  concord  and  conciliator  for  compromise.    
•   The   law   violated   need   not   be   a   penal   law.   “Moral   Rule  on  Advertisements  
Turpitude”   –   everything   which   is   done   contrary   to   General   Rule:   No   advertisements   allowed.   The   most   worthy  
justice,  honesty,  modesty  or  good  morals.   and  effective  advertisement  possible  is  the  establishment  of  a  
•   Give  advice  tending  to  impress  upon  the  client  and  his   well-­‐merited  reputation  for  professional  capacity  and  fidelity  
undertaking   exact   compliance   with   the   strictest   to  trust.  
principles  of  moral  law.    
•   Until   a   statute   shall   have   been   construed   and   Lawyers   may   not   advertise   their   services   or   expertise   nor  
interpreted  by  competent  adjudication,  he  is  free  and   should  not  resort  to  indirect  advertisements  for  professional  
is  entitled  to  advise  as  to  its  validity  and  as  to  what  he   employment,   such   as   furnishing   or   inspiring   newspaper  
conscientiously   believes   to   be   its   just   meaning   and   comments,   or   procuring   his   photograph   to   be   published   in  
extent.   connection  with  causes  in  which  the  lawyer  has  been  engaged  
•   A   lawyer   has   the   obligation   not   to   encourage   suits.   or  concerning  the  manner  of  their  conduct,  the  magnitude  of  
This   is   so   as   to   prevent   barratry   and   ambulance   the  interest  involved,  the  importance  of  the  lawyer’s  position,  
chasing.   and  all  other  self-­‐laudation.    
Barratry   –   offense   of   frequently   exciting   and   stirring   up   Exceptions/  Permissible  advertisements:    
quarrels  and  suits,  either  at  law  or  otherwise;  Lawyer’s  act   1.   Reputable  law  lists,  in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  
of  fomenting  suits  among  individuals  and  offering  his  legal   standards  of  conduct  imposed  by  the  canons,  of  brief  
services  to  one  of  them.   biographical  and  informative  data,  are  allowed.  
 2.   Ordinary   simple   professional   Card.   It   may   contain   Rule  3.04  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  pay  or  give  anything  of  value  to  
only   a   statement   of   his   name,   the   name   of   the   law   representatives   of   the   mass   media   in   anticipation   of,   or   in  
firm  which  he  is  connected  with,  address,  telephone   return  for,  publicity  to  attract  legal  business.  
number  and  the  special  branch  of  law  practiced.   •   It  is  unethical  to  use  the  name  of  a  foreign  firm.  
3.   A  simple  announcement  of  the  opening  of  a  law  firm   •   Death  of  a  partner  does  not  extinguish  attorney-­‐client  
or   of   changes   in   the   partnership,   associates,   firm   relationship  with  the  law  firm.  
name  or  office  address,  being  for  the  convenience  of   •   Negligence  of  a  member  in  the  law  firm  is  negligence  
the  profession,  is  not  objectionable.   of  the  firm.  
4.   Advertisements   or   simple   announcement   of   the    
existence  of  a  lawyer  or  his  law  firm  posted  anywhere   CANON  4  –  A  lawyer  shall  participate  in  the  improvement  of  
it  is  proper  such  as  his  place  of  business  or  residence   the   legal   system   by   initiating   or   supporting   efforts   in   law  
except  courtrooms  and  government  buildings.   reform  and  in  the  administration  of  justice.  
5.   Advertisements   or   announcement   in   any   legal    
publication,   including   books,   journals,   and   legal   Examples:   Presenting   position   papers   or   resolutions   for   the  
magazines.   introduction  of  pertinent  bills  in  congress;  Petitions  with  the  
  Supreme  Court  for  the  amendment  of  the  Rules  of  Court.  
   
Rule  2.04  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  charge  rates  lower  than  those   CANON   5   –   A   lawyer   shall   keep   abreast   of   legal  
customarily  or  prescribed,  unless  circumstances  so  warrant.   developments,   participate   in   continuing   legal   education  
  programs,   support   efforts   to   achieve   high   standards   in   law  
A   lawyer   cannot   delay   the   approval   of   a   compromise   schools   as   well   as   in   the   practical   training   of   students   and  
agreement   entered   into   between   parties,   just   because   his   assist   in   disseminating   information   regarding   the   law   and  
attorney’s   fees   were   not   provided   for   in   the   agreement.   jurisprudence.  
Rule:    A  lawyer  cannot  compromise  the  case  without  client’s      
consent   (special   authority).   Exception:     Lawyer   has   exclusive   Objectives  of  integration  of  the  Bar  
management   of   the   procedural   aspect   of   the   litigation   (e.g.   1.   To  elevate  the  standards  of  the  legal  profession  
Submission  for  decision  on  the  evidence  so  far  presented.  But   2.   To  improve  the  administration  of  justice  
in   case   where   lawyer   is   confronted   with   an   emergency   and   3.   To  enable  the  Bar  to  discharge  its  responsibility  more  
prompt/urgent   action   is   necessary   to   protect   clients   interest   effectively.  
and   there’s   no   opportunity   for   consultation,   the   lawyer   may    
compromise.  Rule:    Refrain  from  charging  rates  lower  than  the   The  three-­‐fold  obligation  of  a  lawyer  
customary  rates.   ü   First,   he   owes   it   to   himself   to   continue   improving   his  
  knowledge  of  the  laws;  
Valid  Justification:    relatives,  co-­‐lawyers,  too  poor   ü   Second,  he  owes  it  to  his  profession  to  take  an  active  
  interest  in  the  maintenance  of  high  standards  of  legal  
  education;  
CANON  3  –  A  lawyer  in  making  known  is  legal  services  shall   ü   Third,  he  owes  it  to  the  lay  public  to  make  the  law  a  
use  only  true,  honest,  fair  dignified  and  objective  information   part  of  their  social  consciousness.  
or  statement  of  facts.    
  CANON   6   –   These   canons   shall   apply   to   lawyers   in  
Rule   3.01   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   use   or   permit   the   use   of   any   government  service  in  the  discharge  of  their  official  tasks.  
false,   fraudulent,   misleading,   deceptive,   undignified,   self-­‐  
auditory   or   unfair   statement   or   claim   regarding   his   Public  Officials  –  include  elective  and  appointive  officials  and  
qualifications  or  legal  services.   employees,  permanent  or  temporary,  whether  in  the  career  or  
  non-­‐career   service,   including   military   and   police   personnel,  
Violation   of   Rule   3.01   is   unethical,   whether   done   by   him   whether   or   not   they   receive   compensation,   regardless   of  
personally  or  through  another  with  his  permission.   amount.  (Sec.  3  (b),  RA  6713).  
   
Rule  3.02  –  In  the  choice  of  a  firm  name,  no  false,  misleading,   The   law   requires   the   observance   of   the   following   norms   of  
or   assumed   name   shall   be   used.     The   continued   use   of   the   conduct  by  every  public  official  in  the  discharge  and  execution  
name  of  a  deceased  partner  is  permissible  provided  that  the   of  their  official  duties:  
firm   indicates   in   all   its   communication   that   said   partner   is   1.   commitment  to  public  interest  
deceased.   2.   professionalism  
  3.   justness  and  sincerity  
Rule   3.03   –   Where   a   partner   accepts   public   office,   he   shall   4.   political  neutrality  
withdraw  from  the  firm  and  his  name  shall  be  dropped  from   5.   responsiveness  to  the  public  
6.   nationalism  and  patriotism  
the   firm   name   unless   the   law   allows   him   to   practice   law  
7.   commitment  to  democracy  
concurrently.   8.   simple  living  (Sec.  4,  RA  6713)  
Rule   6.01   –   The   primary   duty   of   a   lawyer   engaged   in   public   Misconduct  in  office  as  a  public  official  may  be  a  ground  for  
prosecution  is  not  to  convict  but  to  see  that  justice  is  done.  The   disciplinary   action   (if   of   such   character   as   to   affect   his  
suppression   of   facts   or   the   concealment   of   witnesses   capable   qualification  as  lawyer  or  to  show  moral  delinquency).  
of   establishing   the   innocence   of   the   accused   is   highly    
reprehensible  and  is  cause  of  disciplinary  action.   Should   recommend   the   acquittal   of   the   accused   whose  
  conviction  is  on  appeal,  IF  he  finds  no  legal  basis  to  sustain  the  
Rule  6.02  –  A  lawyer  in  the  government  service  shall  not  use   conviction.  
his  public  position  to  promote  or  advance  his  private  interest,    
nor  allow  the  latter  to  interfere  with  his  public  duties.   Includes   restriction   is   representing   conflicting   interest   (e.g.  
  Accepting  engagements  vs.  former  employer,  PNB)  
Rule   6.03   –   A   lawyer   shall   not,   after   leaving   government    
service,   accept   engagements   or   employment   in   connection   The   OSG   is   not   authorized   to   represent   a   public   official   at   any  
with   any   matter   in   which   he   had   intervened   while   in   said   state  of  a  criminal  case.  
service.    
  See:  Olazo  v.  Tinga,  A.M.  No.  10-­‐5-­‐7-­‐SC  
Various   ways   a   government   lawyer   leaves   government   Generally,  a  lawyer  who  holds  a  government  office  may  not  be  
service:   disciplined  as  a  member  of  the  Bar  for  the  misconduct  in  the  
1.   retirement   discharge  of  his  duties  as  a  government  official  
2.   resignation    
3.   expiration  of  the  term  of  office   He  may  be  disciplined  by  the  Court  or  as  a  member  of  the  Bar  
4.   dismissal   only  when  his  misconduct  also  constitutes  a  violation  of  his  
5.   abandonment   oath  as  a  lawyer.  
   
QUERY:     What   are   the   pertinent   statutory   provisions   Chapter  II  
regarding  this  Rule?   The  Lawyer  and  the  Legal  Profession  
   
A:      Sec.  3  (d)  RA  3019  as  amended  and  Sec.  7  (b),  RA  6713   CANON  7  –  A  lawyer  shall  at  all  times  uphold  the  integrity  and  
Sec  3.    Corrupt  practice  of  Public  Officers.    In  addition  to  acts   dignity  of  the  legal  profession,  and  support  the  activities  of  
or  omission  of  public  officers  already  penalized  by  existing  law,   the  integrated  bar.  
the   following   shall   constitute   corrupt   practice   of   any   public    
officer  and  are  hereby  declared  to  be  unlawful:   Rule   7.01   –   A   lawyer   shall   be   answerable   for   knowingly  
  making   false   statements   or   suppressing   a   material   fact,   in  
(d)   accepting   or   having   any   member   of   his   family   accept   connection  with  his  application  for  admission  to  the  bar.  
employment  in  a  private  enterprise  which  has  pending  official   Rule   7.02   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   support   application   for  
business  with  him  during  the  pendency  thereof  or  within  one   admission   to   the   bar   by   any   person   known   to   him   or   be  
year  after  termination.   unqualified   in   respect   to   character,   education,   or   other  
  relevant  attribute.  
Section  7  (b)  of  RA  6713  prohibits  officials  from  doing  any  of   Rule   7.03   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   engage   in   conduct   that  
the  following  acts:   adversely   reflects   on   his   fitness   to   practice   law,   nor   should  
1.   own,   control,   manage   or   accept   employment   as   he,  whether  in  public  or  private  life,  behave  in  a  scandalous  
officer,  employee,  consultant,  counsel,  broker,  agent,   manner  to  the  discredit  of  the  legal  profession.  
trustee   or   nominee   in   any   private   enterprise    
regulated,   supervised   or   licensed   by   their   office   ü   Upright   character;   not   mere   absence   of   bad  
unless  expressly  allowed  by  law.   character.  A  lawyer  must  at  all  times  conduct  himself  
  properly   as   not   to   put   into   question   his   fitness   to  
These  prohibitions  shall  continue  to  apply  for  a  period  of  one   practice  law.  
(1)   year   after   resignation,   retirement,   or   separation   from   ü   Avoid   scandalous   conduct;   not   only   required   to  
public  office,  except  in  the  case  of  subparagraph  (b)  (2)  above,   refrain  from  adulterous  relationships  or  the  keeping  
but  the  professional  concerned  cannot  practice  his  profession   of  mistress  but  must  also  behave  himself  as  to  avoid  
in  connection  with  any  matter  before  the  office  he  used  to  be   scandalizing  the  public  by  creating  the  belief  that  he  
with,   in   which   case   the   one   year   prohibition   shall   likewise   is  flouting  those  moral  standards.  
apply.    
  Rosario   Mecaral   v.   Atty.   Danilo   Velasquez   –   Complainant  
Lawyers  in  the  government  service  are  prohibited  to  engage  in   charged  respondent  before  IBP  for  gross  misconduct  and  gross  
the   private   practice   of   their   profession   unless   authorized   by   immoral  conduct.  Grossly  immoral  for  converting  his  secretary  
the   constitution   or   law,   provided   that   such   practice   will   not   into   a   mistress   and   gross   misconduct   for   acts   of   subsequent  
conflict  or  tend  to  conflict  with  their  official  functions.   detention   and   torture   of   complainant.   Respondent   was  
  DISBARRED.  
Eugenia   Mendoza   v.   Atty.   Deciembre   –   Complainant   was   a   Rule  8.02  –  A  lawyer  shall  not,  directly  or  indirectly,  encroach  
mail  sorter,  she  borrowed  20,000  from  Rodela  Loans  through   upon   the   professional   employment   of   another   lawyer;  
respondent.   But   through   respondent’s   deceitful   acts,   however,  it  is  the  right  of  any  lawyer  without  fear  or  favor,  to  
complainant   was   forced   to   pa   a   total   of   35,690.   She   also   give   proper   advice   and   assistance   to   those   seeking   relief  
claimed   that   respondent   victimized   other   employees   of   the   against  unfaithful  or  neglectful  counsel.  
Postal  Office  by  filling  up  without  authorization,  blank  checks    
issued  to  him  as  condition  for  loans.  DISBARRED.   It  is  the  duty  of  a  lawyer  to  inform  the  SC  or  the  IBP  of  such  
  malpractice   to   the   end   that   the   malpractitioner   be   properly  
The  fact  that  there  is  no  atty-­‐client  relationship,  can  not  shield   disciplined.  
respondent,  as  a  lawyer,  from  responsibility.  A  lawyer  may  be    
disciplined   for   acts   committed   even   in   his   private   capacity   for   Not   to   use   in   pleadings   and   in   practice   the   following:  
acts  which  tend  to  bring  reproach  on  the  legal  profession  or  to   disrespectful,   abusive   and   abrasive   language,   offensive  
injure  it  in  the  favorable  opinion  of  the  public.   personalities,   unfounded   accusations   or   intemperate   words  
  tending   to   obstruct,   embarrass   or   influence   the   court   in  
Office  of  the  Court  Administrator  v.  Judge  Indar  –  This  is  an   administering  justice.  
administrative  complaint  for  gross  misconduct  and  dishonesty    
against   respondent   who   was   Presiding   Judge   of   RTC   Br.   14,   Want  of  intention:  not  an  excuse  for  the  disrespectful  language  
Cotabato…     used.  It  merely  extenuates  liability.  
       
Ruling:   CANON  9  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  directly  or  indirectly  assist  in  
1.  Public  office  is  a  Public  trust.    This  is  a  constitutional  principle   the  unauthorized  practice  of  law.  
that  requires  a  judge,  like  any  other  public  servant  to  exhibit  at    
all  times  the  highest  degree  of  honesty  and  integrity   Rule   9.01   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   delegate   to   any   unqualified  
  person  the  performance  of  any  task  which  by  law  may  only  
2.  The  court  defines  misconduct  as  a  “transgression  of  some   be  performed  by  a  member  of  the  bar  in  good  standing.  
established   and   definite   rule   of   action,   more   particularly,    
unlawful  behavior  or  gross  negligence  by  a  public  officer.   Rule  9.02  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  divide  or  stipulate  to  divide  a  
  fee   for   legal   services   with   persons   not   licensed   to   practice  
The   misconduct   is   grave   it   if   involves   any   of   the   additional   law,  except:  
elements  of  corruption,  willful  intent  to  violate  the  law,  or  to    
disregard   established   rules,   which   must   be   established   by   a.  Where  there  is  a  pre-­‐existing  agreement,  with  a  partner  or  
substantial  evidence.   associate   that   ,   upon   the   latter’s   death,   money   shall   be   paid  
  over   a   reasonable   period   of   time   to   his   estate   or   to   the  
In   this   case,   Judge   Indar   issued   decisions   on   numerous   persons  specified  in  the  agreement;  or  
annulment   of   marriage   cases   when   in   fact   he   did   not   conduct    
any  judicial  proceedings  on  the  cases.   b.  Where  a  lawyer  undertakes  to  complete  unfinished  legal  
  business  of  a  deceased  lawyer;  or  
The   administrative   case   was   converted   to   a   disbarment    
complaint   (ouch!)   in   accordance   with   A.M.   No   02-­‐9-­‐02-­‐SC   c.  Where  a  lawyer  or  law  firm  includes  non-­‐lawyer  employees  
entitled  “Automatic  Conversion  of  some  administrative  cases   in   a   retirement   plan,   even   if   the   plan   is   based   in   whole   or   in  
against   Justices   of   CA   and   Sandiganbayan:   Judge   of   Regular   part  of  a  profit  sharing  arrangements.  
and   Special   Court   and   Court   Officials   who   are   lawyers   as    
disciplinary  proceedings  against  them  both  as  such  officials  as   Lawyer   shall   not   negotiate   with   the   opposite   party   who   is  
members  of  the  Philippine  Bar.     represented  by  a  counsel.    Neither  should  lawyer  attempt  to  
  interview   the  opposite   party   and   question   him   as   to   the   facts  
Judge  Indar.  DISMISSED.  DISBARRED  for  violation  of  Canons  1,   of  the  case  even  if  the  adverse  party  is  willing  to  do  so.  
7,   and   Rule   1.01   of   the   CPR   and   his   name   is   ORDERED    
STRICKEN  from  the  Roll  of  Attorneys  (ouch!)   Lawyer   should   deal   only   with   counsel,   even   if   there’s   a   fair  
  agreement.  
   
CANON   8   –   A   lawyer   shall   conduct   himself   with   courtesy,   Lawyer   may   however   interview   any   witness   or   prospective  
fairness  and  candor  towards  his  professional  colleagues,  and   witness   for   the   opposing   side.   Limitation:   avoid   influencing  
shall  avoid  harassing  tactics  against  opposing  counsel.   witness  in  recital  and  conduct.  
   
Rule  8.01  –    A  lawyer  shall  not,  in  his  professional  dealings,    
use   language   which   is   abusive,   offensive   or   otherwise    
improper.    
   
A  lawyer  must  not  take  as  partner  or  associate  one  who:   Rule   10.03   –   A   lawyer   shall   observe   the   rules   of   procedure  
1.   is  not  a  lawyer   and  shall  not  misuse  them  to  defeat  the  ends  of  justice.  
2.   is  disbarred    
3.   has  been  suspended  from  the  practice  of  law   Judge-­‐lawyer  relationship:    based  on  independence  and  self-­‐
4.   foreign  lawyer,  unless  licensed  by  the  SC.   respect.  Lawyer’s  duty  to  the  court:  
  1.   respect  and  loyalty  
A  lawyer  cannot  delegate  his  authority  without  client’s  consent   2.   fairness,  truth  and  candor  
even  to  a  qualified  person.   3.   no  attempt  to  influence  courts  
   
Engr.   Tumbokon   v.   Atty.   Mariano   Pefianco-­‐   Violated   9.02,   CONTEMPT  (Sec.  1.  Rule  71  of  the  Rules  of  Court)    
1.01;  The  settled  rule  is  that  betrayal  of  marital  vow  of  fidelity   A  person  guilty  of  misbehavior  in  the  presence  of  or  so  near  a  
or  sexual  relations  outside  marriage  is  considered  disgraceful   court   as   to   obstruct   or   interrupt   the   proceedings   before   the  
and   immoral   as   it   manifests   deliberate   disregards   of   the   same   including   disrespect   toward   the   court,   offensive  
sanctity  of  marriage  and  other  marital  vows  protected  by  the   personalities   toward   others,   or   refusal   to   be   sworn   or   to  
Constitution  and  affirmed  by  our  laws.   answer  as  a  witness,  or  to  subscribe  an  affidavit  or  deposition  
  when  lawfully  required  to  do  so,  may  be  summarily  adjudged  
  in  contempt  by  such  court…  
DISTINCTION   BETWEENT   CONTEMPT   PROCEEDINGS   AND    
DISBARMENT  PROCEEDINGS:   Cases  of  falsehood:  
1.  A  contempt  proceeding  for  misbehavior  in  court  is  designed   1.   stating   in   the   Deed   of   Sale   that   property   is   free   from  
to  vindicate  the  authority  of  the  Court;  on  the  other  hand,  the   all  liens  and  encumbrances  when  not  so  
object  of  disciplinary  proceedings  is  to  deal  with  the  fitness  of   2.   encashing   check   payable   to   a   deceased   cousin   by  
the  Court’s  officer  to  continue  in  that  office,  to  preserve  and   signing  the  latter’s  name  on  the  check  
protect  the  Court  and  the  public  from  the  official  ministrations   3.   falsifying  a  power  of  attorney  and  using  it  in  collecting  
of  persons  unfit  or  unworthy  to  hold  such  office.   the  money  due  to  the  principal  
  4.   alleging   in   one   pleading   that   the   clients   were   mere  
2.  The  PRINCIPAL  PURPOSE  of  the  exercise  of  the  power  to  cite   lessees  and  in  another  pleading  that  the  same  clients  
for  contempt  is  to  SAFEGUARD  the  functions  of  the  Court  and   were  owners  
should   thus   be   used   sparingly   on   a   preservative   and   not,   on   5.   presenting   falsified   documents   in   court   which   he  
the  vindictive  principle.   knows  to  be  false  
  6.   filing  false  charges  on  groundless  suits  
The  principal  purpose  of  the  exercise  of  disciplinary  authority   7.   using  in  pleadings  the  IBP  number  of  another  lawyer  
by  the  SC  is  to  ASSURE  RESPECT  for  the  orders  of  such  court  by   8.   unsolicited  appearances  
attorneys   who,   as   much   as   judges,   are   responsible   for   the   9.   use  of  fictitious  residence  certificate  
orderly  administration  of  justice.   10.   misquotation/misrepresentation  
  11.   citing  a  repealed  or  amended  provision  
3.   Contempt   of   court   is   governed   by   the   procedure   laid   down   12.   asserting  a  fact  not  proved  
under   Rule   71   of   the   Rules   of   Court;   whereas   disciplinary   13.   verbatim   reproductions   down   to   the   last   word   and  
actions  in  the  practice  of  law  are  governed  by  Rule  138  of  the   punctuation  mark  
Rules  of  Court.   14.   slight   typo   mistake:   not   sufficient   to   place   him   in  
  contempt  
     
Chapter  III   CANON  11  –  A  lawyer  shall  observe  and  maintain  the  respect  
The  Lawyer  and  the  Courts   due  to  the  courts  and  to  judicial  officers  and  should  insist  on  
  similar  conduct  by  others.                                                                                                                      
CANON  10  –  A  Lawyer  owes  candor,  fairness  and  good  faith    
to  the  court.   Rule  11.01  –  A  lawyer  shall  appear  in  court  properly  attired.  
   
Rule  10.01  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  do  any  falsehood,  nor  consent   A   lawyer   may   NOT   wear   outlandish   or   colorful   clothing   to  
to   the   doing   of   any   in   court;   nor   shall   he   mislead   or   allow   the   court.  As  an  officer  of  the  court  and  in  order  to  maintain  the  
court  to  be  mislead  by  any  artifice.   dignity  and  respectability  of  the  legal  profession,  a  lawyer  who  
  appears  in  court  must  be  properly  attired.  Consequently,  the  
Rule   10.02   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   knowingly   misquote   or   court   can   hold   a   lawyer   IN   CONTEMPT   of   court   if   he   does   not  
misrepresent  the  contents  of  the  paper,  the  language  or  the   appear   in   proper   attire.   Any   deviation   from   the   commonly  
argument   of   opposing   counsel,   or   the   text   of   a   decision   of   accepted  norm  of  dressing  in  court  (barong  or  tie,  not  both)  is  
authority,   or   knowingly   cite   as   law   a   provision   already   enough  to  warrant  a  citing  for  contempt.  
rendered  inoperative  by  repeal  or  amendment,  or  assert  as  a    
fact  that  which  has  not  been  approved.    
What  is  the  proper  attire?  –  Males.  Should  either  be  a  barong   CANON  12  –  A  lawyer  shall  exert  every  effort  and  consider  it  
tagalog  or  the  suit  with  tie.  For  lady  lawyers,  the  appropriate   his  duty  to  assist  in  the  speedy  and  efficient  administration  
business   attire   would   be   proper.   In   general,   contemporary   of  justice.  
business   suit.   A   lawyer   not   in   proper   attire   may   be   held   in    
contempt  of  court.   Rule  12.01  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  appear  for  trial  unless  he  has  
  adequately  prepared  himself  with  the  law  and  the  facts  of  his  
Rule   11.02   –   A   lawyer   shall   punctually   appear   at   court   case,   the   evidence   he   will   adduce   and   the   order   of   its  
hearings.   preference.     He   should   also   be   ready   with   the   original  
  documents  for  comparison  with  the  copies.  
Rule  11.03  –  A  lawyer  shall  abstain  from  scandalous,  offensive,    
or  menacing  language  or  behavior  before  the  courts.   Newly   hired   counsel:   must   acquaint   himself   with   all   the  
  antecedent  proceedings  and  processes  that  have  transpired  in  
Rule  11.04  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  attribute  to  a  judge  motives  not   the  record  prior  to  his  takeover.  
supported  by  the  record  or  having  no  materiality  to  the  case.    
  If  presenting  documentary  exhibits,  he  must  be  ready  with  the  
Rule   11.05   –   A   lawyer   shall   submit   grievances   against   a   judge   originals  for  the  purpose  of  comparison  with  copies  thereof.  
to  the  proper  authorities  already.    
  Rule   12.02   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   file   multiple   actions   arising  
A  lawyer  is  an  officer  of  the  court.  He  occupies  a  quasi-­‐judicial   from  the  same  cause.  
office  with  a  tripartite  obligation  to  the  courts,  to  the  public    
and  to  his  clients.   Forum  shopping  –  omission  to  disclose  pendency  of  appeal  or  
  prior  dismissal  of  his  case  by  a  court  of  concurrent  jurisdiction.  
The   public   duties   of   the   attorney   take   precedence   over   his    
private   duties.     His   first   duty   is   to   the   courts.   Where   duties   to   Forum  shopping  exists  when  as  a  result  of  an  adverse  opinion  
the  courts  conflict  with  his  duties  to  his  clients,  the  latter  must   in  one  forum:  
yield   to   the   former.   Lawyers   must   be   respectful   not   only   in   1.   a  party  seeks  favorable  opinion  (other  than  by  appeal  
actions   but   also   in   the   use   of   language   whether   in   oral   or  certiorari)  in  another;  or  
arguments   or   in   pleadings.   Must   exert   efforts   that   others   2.   when   he   institutes   two   or   more   actions   or  
(including   clients,   witnesses)   shall   deal   with   the   courts   and   proceedings   grounded   on   the   same   cause,   on   the  
judicial   officers   with   respect.   Obedience   to   court   orders   and   gamble  that  one  or  the  other  would  make  a  favorable  
processes.   disposition   (Benguet   Electric   Corp.   vs.   Flores,   287  
  SCRA  449,  March  12,  1998).  
Criticisms  of  courts  must  not  spill  the  walls  of  decency.  There    
is   a   wide   difference   between   fair   criticism   and   abuse   and   The   most   important   factor   in   determining   the   existence   of  
slander  of  courts  and  judges.    Intemperate  and  unfair  criticism   forum-­‐shopping  is  the  VEXATION  caused  the  courts  and  party-­‐
is   a   gross   violation   of   the   duty   to   respect   the   courts.     It   litigants   by   a   party   who   asks   different   courts   to   rule   on   the  
amounts   to   misconduct   which   subjects   the   lawyer   to   same  related  causes,  asking  the  same  relief.  Forum  shopping  
disciplinary  action.   constitutes  DIRECT  CONTEMPT  of  court  and  may  subject  the  
  offending  lawyer  to  disciplinary  action.  
A  mere  disclaimer  of  any  intentional  disrespect  by  appellant  is    
not  a  ground  for  exoneration.    His  intent  must  be  determined   Elements  of  Forum-­‐Shopping:  
by  a  fair  interpretation  of  the  languages  employed  by  him.    He   ü   Identity  of  Parties  or  at  least  such  parties  as  represent  
cannot  escape  responsibility  by  claiming  that  his  words  did  not   the  same  interest  in  both  actions;  
mean  what  any  reader  must  have  understood  them  to  mean.   ü   Identity  of  rights  asserted  and  the  reliefs  prayed  for,  
  being  founded  on  the  same  facts  
Lawyer  can  demand  that  the  misbehavior  of  a  judge  be  put  on   ü   Identity   of   the   two   preceding   particulars,   such   that  
record.   Lawyers   must   be   courageous   enough   to   expose   any   judgment   rendered   in   the   other   action   will,  
arbitrariness   and   injustice   of   courts   and   judges.   A   lawyer   may   regardless   of   which   party   is   successful   amount   to  res  
submit   grievances   against   judges   in   the   Supreme   Court,   judicata  in  the  action  under  consideration.  
Ombudsman,   or   Congress   (for   impeachment   of   SC   judges    
only).   Three-­‐ways  Forum-­‐Shopping  may  be  committed:  
  ü   Cases  under  litis  pendentia.  
  ü   Cases  under  res  judicata.  
  ü   Filing   cases   with   the   same   cause   of   action   but  
  different  prayers.  
     
 
 
A  lawyer  may  violate  the  rule  on  forum-­‐shopping:   CANON   13   –   A   lawyer   shall   rely   upon   the   merits   of   his   cause  
1.  Failure  to  include  a  Certification  against  forum  shopping  in   and  refrain  from  any  impropriety  which  tends  to  influence,  or  
the  pleading.   gives  the  appearance  of  influencing  the  court.  
2.  committing  forum-­‐shopping  itself.    
  Rule   13.01   –   A   lawyer   shall   not   extend   extraordinary  
Rule  12.03  –  A  lawyer  shall  not,  after  obtaining  extensions  of   attention   or   hospitality   to,   nor   seek   opportunity   for,  
time   to   file   pleadings,   memoranda   or   briefs,   let   the   period   cultivating  familiarity  with  judges.  
lapse  without  submitting  the  same  or  offering  an  explanation    
for  his  failure  to  do  so.   Rule  13.02  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  make  public  statements  in  the  
  media   regarding   a   pending   case   tending   to   arouse   public  
Rule  12.04  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  unduly  delay  a  case,  impede   opinion  for  or  against  a  party.  
the  execution  of  a  judgment  or  misuse  court  processes.    
  Rule  13.03  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  brook  or  invite  interference  
Rule  12.05  –  A  lawyer  shall  refrain  from  talking  to  his  witness   by  another  branch  or  agency  of  the  government  in  the  normal  
during   a   break   or   recess   in   the   trial,   while   the   witness   is   still   course  of  judicial  proceedings.  
under  examination.    
  The  judge  has  the  corresponding  duty  not  to  convey  or  permit  
Witness   preparation   is   different   from   witness   coaching.   others   to   convey   the   impression   that   they   are   in   a   special  
Coaching  obfuscate  the  truth  or  instructing  the  witness  to  lie.   position  to  influence  the  judge.  Discussing  cases  with  the  judge  
  privately  should  be  avoided.  
Rule  12.06  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  knowingly  assist  a  witness  to    
misrepresent  himself  or  to  impersonate  another.   Test  when  public  statement  is  contemptuous:  The  character  
  of  the  act  done  and  its  direct  tendency  to  prevent  and  obstruct  
Rule  12.07  –  A  lawyer  shall  not  abuse,  browbeat  or  harass  a   the  discharge  of  official  duty.  
witness  nor  needlessly  inconvenience  him.    
  To  warrant  a  finding  of  “prejudicial  publicity”,  there  must  be  
Rights   and   obligations   of   a   witness   –     a   witness   must   answer   an   allegation   and   proof   that   the   judges   have   been   unduly  
questions,  although  his  answer  may  tend  to  establish  a  claim   influenced,  not  simply  that  they  might  be,  by  the  “barrage”  of  
against  him.    However,  it  is  the  right  of  a  witness:   publicity.  
1.   to   be   protected   from   irrelevant,   improper,   or    
insulting   questions   and   from   harsh   or   insulting   Lawyer  is  equally  guilty  as  the  client  if  he  induces  the  latter  to  
demeanor;   cause  the  publicity.  
2.   not  to  be  detained  longer  than  the  interest  of  justice    
requires;   The   Sub-­‐Judice   Rule   –   It   restricts   comments   and   disclosures  
3.   not   to   be   examined   except   only   as   to   matters   pertaining   to   pending   judicial   proceedings.   Its   violation   may  
pertinent  to  the  issue;   constitute   indirect   contempt.     Preserves   the   impartiality   of  
4.   not  to  give  any  answer  which  will  tend  to  subject  him   judicial  system  by  protecting  it  from  undue  influence.  
to  a  penalty  for  an  offense  unless  otherwise  provided    
by  law,  or   Indirect  Contempt  –  any  improper  conduct  tending,  directly  or  
5.   nor   to   give   answer   which   will   tend   to   degrade   his   indirectly,   to   impede,   obstruct,   or   degrade   the   administration  
reputation,   unless   it   be   to   the   very   fact   at   issue   or   to   of  justice.  
a   fact   from   which   the   fact   in   issue   would   be    
presumed.    But  a  witness  must  answer  to  the  fact  of   Two  classes  of  publicized  speech,  under  criminal  proceedings,  
his  previous  final  conviction  for  an  offense.  (Rule  132,   made  during  its  pendency,  considered  as  contemptuous:    
Sec.  3,  RRC)   ü   Comments  on  the  merits  of  the  case  
  ü   Intemperate   and   unreasonable   comments   on   the  
Rule   12.08   –   A   lawyer   shall   avoid   testifying   in   behalf   of   his   conduct  of  the  courts  with  respect  to  the  case.  
client,  except:    
a.  on  formal  matters,  such  as  the  mailing,  authentication  or   This  rule  excludes  from  its  coverage  fair  and  accurate  reports  
custody  of  an  instrument  and  the  like:   (without  comment)  of  what  have  actually  taken  place  in  court.  
b.   on   substantial   matters,   in   cases   where   his   testimony   is    
essential   to   the   ends   of   justice,   in   which   event   he   must,   The   Principle   of   Open   Justice   –   The   people’s   freedom   to  
during   his   testimony,   entrust   the   trial   of   the   case   to   another   criticize   the   government   includes   the   right   to   criticize   the  
counsel.   courts,   their   proceedings   and   decisions;   fundamental   in   a  
    democratic  society,  this  ensures  that:  
  (a)  there  is  a  safeguard  against  arbitrariness  and  idiosyncrasy  
(b)   the   public’s   confidence   in   the   administration   of   justice   is  
maintained