LEGAL & JUDICIAL ETHICS REVIEWER BY: RENE CALLANTA LAWYERS OATH: I, ______________________ of ___________, 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, nor 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. o help me !od." * Memorize this and thin that !o" #i$$ ta e this oath a%ter the Bar and it sha$$ &e so' (Sabi ng mga pumasa na ng BAR dito lang daw sa LAWYERS OATH umiikot ang mga tanong sa LEGAL ETHI S! Nature of a Lawyers Oath ! T"# law$#%s oat" is not a m#%# &o%malit$ %#'it#d &o% a &#w minut#s in t"# gla%# o& &las"ing 'am#%as and b#&o%# t"# p%#s#n'# o& s#l#'t witn#ss( ()n re: Arth"r M' C"e*as+ ,r' -./ SCRA /0+ ,an"ar! -1' 200.3' !T"# law$#%s oat" is not m#%# &a'il# wo%ds) d%i&t and "ollow) but a sa'%#d t%ust t"at must b# up"#ld and k#pt in*iolabl#( (Se&astian *' Ca$is+ Adm' Case No' /22.+ Se4t' 0+ 20003 Dut"es of Attor#eys a( to maintain all#gian'# to t"# R#publi' o& t"# +"ilippin#s and to suppo%t t"# laws o& t"# +"ilippin#s, onstitution and ob#$ t"#

b( obs#%*# and maintain t"# %#sp#'t du# to t"# 'ou%ts o& -usti'# and -udi'ial o&&i'#%s, '( to 'ouns#l o% maintain su'" a'tions o% p%o'##dings onl$ as app#a% to "im as -ust) and su'" d#&#ns#s onl$ as "# b#li#*#s to b# "on#stl$ d#batabl# und#% t"# laws,

d( to #mplo$) &o% t"# pu%pos# o& maintaining t"# 'aus#s 'on&id#d to "im) su'" m#ans as onl$ as a%# 'onsist#nt wit" t%ut" and "ono%) and n#*#% s##k to misl#ad t"# -udg# as an$ -udi'ial o&&i'#% b$ an a%ti&i'# o% &als# stat#m#nt o& &a't o% law, #( to maintain in*iolat# t"# 'on&id#n'#) and at #*#%$ p#%il to "ims#l&) to p%#s#%*# t"# s#'%#ts o& "is 'li#nt) and to a''#pt no 'omp#nsation in 'onn#'tion wit" "is 'li#nts busin#ss #.'#pt &%om "im o% wit" "is knowl#dg# and app%o*al, &( to abstain &%om all o&&#nsi*# p#%sonalit$ and to ad*an'# no &a't p%#-udi'ial to t"# "ono% o% %#putation o& a pa%t$ o% witn#ss) unl#ss %#/ui%#d b$ t"# -usti'# o& t"# 'aus# wit" w"i'" "# is '"a%g#d,

g( not to #n'ou%ag# #it"#% in t"# 'omm#n'#m#nt o% t"# 'ontinuan'# o& an a'tion o% p%o'##ding) o% d#la$ an$ mans 'aus# &o% an$ 'o%%upt moti*# o% int#%#st, "( n#*#% to %#-#'t) &o% an$ 'onsid#%ation p#%sonal to "ims#l&) t"# 'aus# o& t"# d#&#ns#l#ss o% opp%#ss#d, i( in t"# d#&#ns# o& a p#%son a''us#d o& a '%im#) b$ all &ai% and "ono%abl# m#ans) %#ga%dl#ss o& "is p#%sonal opinion as to t"# guilt o& t"# a''us#d) to p%#s#nt #*#%$ d#&#ns# t"at t"# law p#%mits) to t"# #nd t"at no p#%son ma$ b# d#p%i*#d o& li&# o% lib#%t$) but b$ du# p%o'#ss o& law( $RELI%INARIES

LEGAL ETHICS & It is a b%an'" o& mo%al s'i#n'# w"i'" t%#ats o& t"# duti#s w"i'" an atto%n#$ ow#s to t"# 'ou%t) to "is 'li#nt) to "is 'oll#agu#s in t"# p%o&#ssion and to t"# publi' as #mbodi#d in t"# onstitution) Rul#s o& ou%t) t"# od# o& +%o&#ssional R#sponsibiliti#s) anons o& +%o&#ssional Et"i's) -u%isp%ud#n'#) mo%al laws and sp#'ial laws(

Or"'"#a( )ases of Le'a( Eth"*s 0( 1( 3( 4( 5( anons o& +%o&#ssional Et"i's Sup%#m# ou%t 2#'isions Statisti's onstitution T%#ati#s and +ubli'ations

$rese#t )as"s of $h"("++"#e Le'a( Eth"*s & T"# Code of Professional Responsibility( It is t"# #mbodim#nt into t"# 'od# o& t"# *a%ious p#%tin#nt and subsisting %ul#s) guid#lin#s and standa%ds on t"# %ul# o& 'ondu't o& law$#%s w"i'" must b# obs#%*#d b$ all m#mb#%s o& t"# Ba% in t"# #.#%'is# o& "is p%o&#ssion w"#t"#% in o% out o& ou%t as w#ll as in t"#i% publi' and p%i*at# li*#s( TER%S TO RE%E%)ER )AR R#&#%s to t"# w"ol# bod$ o& atto%n#$s and 'ouns#lo%s) 'oll#'ti*#l$) t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion *s( )ENCH 2#not#s t"# w"ol# bod$ o& -udg#s

$ra*t"*e of Law , 6 An$ a'ti*it$) in o% out o& 'ou%t) w"i'" %#/ui%#s t"# appli'ation o& law) l#gal p%o'#du%#) knowl#dg#) t%aining and #.p#%i#n'#( To #ngag# in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law is to gi*# noti'# o% %#nd#% an$ kind o& s#%*i'#) w"i'" d#*i'# o% s#%*i'# %#/ui%#s t"# us# in an$ d#g%## o& l#gal knowl#dg# o% skill (Ca!etano *' Monsod+ -52 SCRA -253' )ar A-."ss"o# & a't b$ w"i'" on# is li'#ns#d to p%a'ti'# b#&o%# 'ou%ts o& a pa%ti'ula% stat# o% -u%isdi'tion a&t#% satis&$ing '#%tain %#/ui%#m#nts su'" as ba% #.aminations) p#%iod o& %#sid#n'$ o% admission on g%ounds o& %#'ip%o'it$ a&t#% p#%iod o& $#a%s as m#mb#% o& ba% o& anot"#% -u%isdi'tion (Bla'k Law 2i'tiona%$ Si.t" Edition) p(047!( Lawyer & T"is is t"# g#n#%al t#%m &o% a p#%son t%ain#d in t"# law and aut"o%i8#d to ad*is# o% %#p%#s#nt ot"#%s in l#gal matt#%s( Tr"a( Lawyer & A law$#% w"o p#%sonall$ "andl#s 'as#s in 'ou%t) administ%ati*# ag#n'i#s o% boa%ds w"i'" m#ans #ngaging in a'tual t%ial wo%k #it"#% &o% t"# p%os#'ution o% &o% t"# d#&#ns# o& 'as#s o& 'li#nts( $ra*t"s"#' Lawyer & On# #ngag#d in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( All t%ial law$#%s a%# p%a'ti'ing law$#%s) but not all p%a'ti'ing law$#%s a%# t%ial law$#%s( C("e#t & On# w"o #ngag#s t"# s#%*i'#s o& a law$#% &o% l#gal ad*i'# o% &o% pu%pos#s o& p%os#'uting o% d#&#nding a suit in "is b#"al& and usuall$ &o% a &##( Attor#ey,at,Law/Cou#se(or,at,(aw/(awyer/attor#ey/*ou#se(/a0o'a-o/0o*eros & t"at 'lass o& p#%sons w"o a%# b$ li'#ns# o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%ts) #mpow#%#d to app#a%) p%os#'ut# and d#&#nd) and upon w"om p#'ulia% duti#s) %#sponsibiliti#s and liabiliti#s a%# d#*#lop#d b$ law as a 'ons#/u#n'# (C"i *' C"i+ 2-5 6hi$' 1-03' Attor#ey,"#,fa*t & an ag#nt w"os# aut"o%it$ is st%i'tl$ limit#d b$ t"# inst%um#nt appointing "im) t"oug" "# ma$ do t"ings not m#ntion#d in "is appointm#nt n#'#ssa%$ to t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"# duti#s sp#'i&i'all$ %#/ui%#d o& "im b$ t"# pow#% o& atto%n#$ appointing "im) su'" aut"o%it$ b#ing n#'#ssa%il$ impli#d( H# is not n#'#ssa%$ a law$#%( Cou#se( de o%%i7io 8 a 'ouns#l) appoint#d o% assign#d b$ t"# 'ou%t) &%om among m#mb#%s o& t"# Ba% in good standing w"o) b$ %#ason o& t"#i% #.p#%i#n'# and abilit$) ma$ ad#/uat#l$ d#&#nd t"# a''us#d( Note: In lo'aliti#s w"#%# m#mb#%s o& t"# Ba% a%# not a*ailabl#) t"# 'ou%t ma$ appoint an$ p#%son) %#sid#nt o& t"# p%o*in'# and o& good %#put# &o% p%obit$ and abilit$) to d#&#nd t"# a''us#d( [Sec. 7 Rule 116, Rules of Court (1985 ! Attor#ey ad ho7 9 a p#%son nam#d and appoint#d b$ t"# 'ou%t to d#&#nd an abs#nt## d#&#ndant in t"# suit in w"i'" t"# appointm#nt is mad# ("ien#enu #. $actor%s &raders 'nsurance Corp., (( )a. *nn. +,9 Attor#ey of Re*or- & on# w"o "as &il#d a noti'# o& app#a%an'# and w"o "#n'# is &o%mall$ m#ntion#d in 'ou%t %#'o%ds as t"# atto%n#$ o& t"# pa%t$( +#%son w"om t"# 'li#nt "as nam#d as "is ag#nt upon w"om s#%*i'# o& pap#%s ma$ b# mad#( (Reynolds #. Reynolds. Cal. +d58, .

Of Cou#se( & to distinguis" t"#m &%om atto%n#$s o& %#'o%d) asso'iat# atto%n#$s a%# %#&#%%#d to as 9o& 'ouns#l: ( 5 *-. .ur. +61 Lea- Cou#se( & T"# 'ouns#l on t"#i% sid# o& a litigat#d a'tion w"o is '"a%g#d wit" t"# p%in'ipal manag#m#nt and di%#'tion o& a pa%t$s 'as#( House Cou#se( & Law$#% w"o a'ts as atto%n#$ &o% busin#ss t"oug" 'a%%i#d as an #mplo$## o& t"at busin#ss and not as an ind#p#nd#nt law$#%( A."*us *ur"ae & a &%i#nd o& t"# 'ou%t) not a pa%t$ to t"# a'tion, is an #.p#%i#n'#d and impa%tial atto%n#$ in*it#d b$ t"# 'ou%t to app#a% and "#lp in t"# disposition o& t"# issu#s submitt#d to it( It impli#s &%i#ndl$ int#%*#ntion o& 'ouns#l to 'all t"# att#ntion o& t"# 'ou%t to som# matt#%s o& law o% &a'ts w"i'" mig"t ot"#%wis# #s'ap# its noti'# and in %#ga%d to w"i'" it mig"t go w%ong( A."*us *ur"ae +ar e1*e((e#*e & ba% asso'iations w"o app#a% in 'ou%t as ami'i 'u%ia# o% &%i#nds o& t"# 'ou%t( A'ts m#%#l$ as a 'onsultant to guid# t"# 'ou%t in a doubt&ul /u#stion o% issu# p#nding b#&o%# it( )ar Asso*"at"o# & an asso'iation o& m#mb#%s o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( A-2o*ate & T"# g#n#%al and popula% nam# &o% a law$#% w"o pl#ads on b#"al& o& som#on# #ls#( )arrr"ster (England! & a p#%son #ntitl#d to p%a'ti'# law as an ad*o'at# o% 'ouns#l in sup#%io% 'ou%t( So("*"tor (England! ; A p#%son p%os#'uting o% d#&#nding suits in ou%ts o& "an'#%$(

So("*"tor (+"ilippin#s! ; A go*#%nm#nt law$#% atta'"#d wit" t"# O&&i'# o& t"# Soli'ito% G#n#%al( $ro*tor (England! & <o%m#%l$) an atto%n#$ in t"# admi%alt$ and #''l#siasti'al 'ou%ts w"os# duti#s and busin#ss 'o%%#spond to t"os# o& an atto%n#$ at law o% soli'ito% in "an'#%$( Tit"$o de A0o'a-o & it m#ans not m#%# poss#ssion o& t"# a'ad#mi' d#g%## o& Ba'"#lo% o& Laws but m#mb#%s"ip o& t"# Ba% a&t#% du# admission t"#%#to) /uali&$ing on# &o% t"# p%a'ti'# o& law(

A-."ss"o# to the $ra*t"*e of Law )n re Edi$$ion .: SCRA /;. T"# p%a'ti'# o& law is not a p%op#%t$ %ig"t but a m#%# p%i*il#g# and as su'" must bow to t"# in"#%#nt %#gulato%$ pow#% o& t"# ou%t to #.a't 'omplian'# wit" t"# law$#%s publi' %#sponsibiliti#s( &/e po0er of ad-ission to t/e practice of la0 is #ested by t/e Constitution in t/e Supre-e Court. ART3 VIII4 Se*3 5657 The Su+re.e Court s"all "a*# t"# &ollowing pow#%s= (5 Pro-ul1ate rules concernin1 t/e protection and enforce-ent pf constitutional ri1/ts, pleadin1, practice and procedure in all courts, t/e ad-ission to t/e practice of la0, t/e 'nte1rated "ar, and le1al assistance to t/e underpri#ile1ed. T"# 'onstitutional pow#% to admit 'andidat#s to t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion is a -udi'ial &un'tion and in*ol*#s #.#%'is# o& dis'%#tion ()n re: A$ma7en <2 SCRA /;-3' The +ower of the Su+re.e Court to re'u(ate the +ra*t"*e of (aw "#*(u-es 0( aut"o%it$ to d#&in# t"# t#%m 1( p%#s'%ib# t"# /uali&i'ations o& a 'andidat# to and t"# sub-#'ts o& t"# ba% #.aminations 3( d#'id# w"o will b# admitt#d to p%a'ti'# 4( dis'iplin#) susp#nd o% disba% an$ un&it and unwo%t"$ m#mb#% o& t"# ba% 5( %#instat# an$ disba%%#d o% ind#&init#l$ susp#nd#d atto%n#$ >( o%dain t"# int#g%ation o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba%

?( punis" &o% 'ont#mpt an$ p#%son &o% unaut"o%i8#d p%a'ti'# o& law and @( in g#n#%al) #.#%'is# o*#%all sup#%*ision o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( )n re C"nanan+ 0: 6hi$' /:< 888 T"# L#gislatu%#) in t"# #.#%'is# o& its poli'# pow#%) ma$ "ow#*#%) #na't laws %#gulating t"# p%a'ti'# o& law to p%ot#'t t"# publi' and p%omot# t"# publi' w#l&a%# 3 )ut t"# l#gislatu%# ma$ not pass a law t"at will 'ont%ol t"# Sup%#m# ou%t in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& its &un'tion to d#'id# w"o ma$ #n-o$ t"# p%i*il#g# o& p%a'ti'ing law) and an$ law o& t"at kind is un'onstitutional as an in*alid #.#%'is#( 888An$ l#gislati*# o% #.#'uti*# -udgm#nt substituting t"at o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t in matt#%s 'on'#%ning t"# admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law o% t"# susp#nsion) disba%m#nt o% %#instat#m#nt o& an atto%n#$ in&%ing#s upon and 'onstitut#s an in*alid #.#%'is# o& t"# l#gislati*# o% #.#'uti*# pow#%( 888 T"# l#gislatu%# ma$ pass a law p%#s'%ibing additional /uali&i'ations &o% 'andidat#s &o% admission to p%a'ti'# o% &illing up d#&i'i#n'i#s in t"# %#/ui%#m#nts &o% admission to t"# ba%( Su'" a law ma$ not) "ow#*#%) b# gi*#n %#t%oa'ti*# #&&#'t so as to #ntitl# a p#%son) not ot"#%wis# /uali&i#d) to b# admitt#d to t"# ba%) no% will su'" a law p%#'lud# t"# Sup%#m# ou%t &%om &i.ing ot"#% /uali&i'ations o% %#/ui%#m#nts &o% t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t a'ts t"%oug" a Ba% E.amination 'andidat#s to t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( of le1islati#e po0er. Notes o# the )ar E1a."#at"o# Co.."ttee ompos#d o& on# (0! m#mb#% o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t w"o a'ts as "ai%man and #ig"t (@! m#mb#%s o& t"# ba%( T"# @ m#mb#%s w"o a't as #.amin#%s &o% t"# @ ba% sub-#'ts wit" on# sub-#'t assign#d to #a'"( T"# Ba% on&idant a'ts as a so%t o& liason o&&i'#% b#tw##n t"# 'ou%t and t"# Ba% "ai%man on t"# ot"#% "and) and t"# indi*idual m#mb#%s o& t"# 'ommitt## on t"# ot"#%( H# is at t"# sam# tim# a d#put$ 'l#%k o& 'ou%t( Admission o& #.amin##s is alwa$s sub-#'t to t"# &inal app%o*al o& t"# 'ou%t( ommitt## to t"# E.#%'is# o& "is -udi'ial &un'tion to admit

Re9u"re.e#ts for a(( a++("*a#ts for a-."ss"o# to the )ar 0( 'iti8#n o& t"# +"ilippin#s, 1( at l#ast 10 $#a%s o& ag#, 3( o& good mo%al '"a%a't#%, Good mo%al '"a%a't#% is a 'ontinuing /uali&i'ation %#/ui%#d o& #*#%$ m#mb#% o& t"# Ba%) it is not onl$ a /uali&i'ation p%#'#d#nt to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( (Aa%ag) 170 S RA 450) Bun# 17) 077@! 4( +"ilippin# %#sid#nt, 5( +%odu'tion b#&o%# t"# Sup%#m# ou%t satis&a'to%$ #*id#n'# o& a( good mo%al '"a%a't#%, and b( no '"a%g#s against "im) in*ol*ing mo%al tu%pitud#) "a*# b##n &il#d o% a%# p#nding in an$ 'ou%t in t"# +"ilippin#s A*a-e."* Re9u"re.e#ts for Ca#-"-ates 0( a ba'"#lo%s d#g%## in a%ts o% s'i#n'#s (a(k(a +%#6law 'ou%s#! 1( 'ompl#t#d 'ou%s# on a( 'i*il law b( 'omm#%'ial law '( %#m#dial law d( publi' int#%national law #( p%i*at# int#%national law &( politi'al law g( labo% and so'ial l#gislation "( m#di'al -u%isp%ud#n'# i( ta.ation -( l#gal #t"i's Re9u"re.e#ts )efore a Ca#-"-ate *a# E#'a'e "# the $ra*t"*e of Law

I( H# must "a*# b##n admitt#d to t"# Ba% a( <u%nis"ing satis&$ing p%oo& o& #du'ational) mo%al and ot"#% /uali&i'ations b( +assing t"# ba% '( Taking t"# Law$#%s Oat" b#&o%# t"# S d( Signing t"# Atto%n#$s Roll and %#'#i*ing &%om t"# l#%k o& ou%t o& t"# S to p%a'ti'#

#%ti&i'at# o& t"# li'#ns#

II( A&t#% "is admission to t"# ba%) a law$#% must %#main in good and %#gula% standing) w"i'" is a 'ontinuing %#/ui%#m#nt to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( T"is m#ans t"at "# must= a( %#main a m#mb#% o& t"# IB+ b( %#gula%l$ pa$ all IB+ m#mb#%s"ip du#s and ot"#% law&ul ass#ssm#nts) as w#ll as t"# annual p%i*il#g# ta. '( &ait"&ull$ obs#%*# t"# %ul#s and #t"i's o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion and d( b# 'ontinuall$ sub-#'t to -udi'ial dis'iplina%$ 'ont%ol $r"2"(e'es of Attor#ey T"# law mak#s "is passing t"# ba% #.amination #/ui*al#nt to a &i%st g%ad# 'i*il s#%*i'# #ligibilit$ &o% a$ position in t"# 'lassi&i#d s#%*i'# in t"# go*#%nm#nt t"# duti#s o& w"i'" %#/ui%# knowl#dg# o& law) o% a s#'ond g%ad# 'i*il s#%*i'# #ligibilit$ &o% an$ ot"#% go*#%nm#nt position w"i'" do#s not p%#s'%ib# p%o&i'i#n'$ in law as a /uali&i'ation(

$RACTICE O: LAW Rul# 03@) S#'tion 0( Who ma! 4ra7ti7e $a# 6 An$ p#%son "#%#to&o%# dul$ admitt#d as a m#mb#% o& t"# ba%) o% "#%#a&t#% admitt#d as su'" in a''o%dan'# wit" t"# p%o*isions o& t"is %ul#) and w"o is in good and %#gula% standing) is #ntitl#d to p%a'ti'# law( Co#*e+t of the $ra*t"*e of Law G#n#%all$) to #ngag# in t"# p%a'ti'# is to do an$ o& t"os# a'ts w"i'" a%# '"a%a't#%isti' o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion ()n re: =a*id+ 0< 6hi$' :;3' It 'o*#%s an$ a'ti*it$) in o% out o& 'ou%t) w"i'" %#/ui%#s t"# appli'ation o& law) l#gal p%in'ipl#s) p%a'ti'# o% p%o'#du%# and 'alls &o% l#gal knowl#dg#) t%aining and #.p#%i#n'# (6LA *s' A>ra*a+ 25/ 6hi$' 21<3' Ca!etano *s' Monsod+ -52 SCRA -25 CCCPractice of )a0 m#ans an$ a'ti*it$ in o% out o& 'ou%t w"i'" %#/ui%#s t"# appli'ation o& law) l#gal p%o'#du%#) knowl#dg#) t%aining and #.p#%i#n'#( &o en1a1e in t/e practice of la0 is to p#%&o%m t"os# a'ts w"i'" a%# '"a%a't#%isti's o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( 2enerally) to p%a'ti'# law is to gi*# noti'# o% %#nd#% an$ kind o& s#%*i'#) w"i'" d#*is# o% s#%*i'# %#/ui%#s t"# us#) in an$ d#g%##) o& l#gal knowl#dg# o% skill( 6eo4$e *s' ?i$$an"e*a+ 2: SCRA 222 888St%i'tl$ sp#aking) t"# wo%d practice of la0 impli#s t"# 'ustoma%$ o% "abitual "olding o& on#s#l& to t"# publi' as a law$#% and d#manding 'omp#nsation &o% "is s#%*i'#s( 888Pri#ate practice in mo%# t"an an isolat#d app#a%an'# &o% it 'onsist o& &%#/u#nt 'ustoma%$ a'tions) a su''#ssion o& a'ts o& t"# sam# kind( An isolated appearance ma$) "ow#*#%) amount to p%a'ti'# in %#lation to t"# %ul# p%o"ibiting som# p#%sons &%om #ngaging in t"# #.#%'is# o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion(

@$e4 *s' Le>a$ C$ini7 )n7' --< SCRA <1. (200<3 888In t"# p%a'ti'# o& "is p%o&#ssion) a li'#ns#d atto%n#$6at6law g#n#%all$ #ngag#s in t/ree principal types of professional acti#ities3 0( l#gal ad*i'# and inst%u'tions to 'li#nts to in&o%m t"#m o& t"#i% %ig"ts and obligations

1( p%#pa%ation &o% 'li#nts o& do'um#nts %#/ui%ing knowl#dg# o& l#gal p%in'ipl#s not poss#ss#d b$ o%dina%$ la$man, and 3( app#a%an'# &o% 'li#nts b#&o%# publi' t%ibunals w"i'" poss#ss pow#% and aut"o%it$ to d#t#%min# %ig"ts o& li&#) lib#%t$ and p%op#%t$ a''o%ding to law) in o%d#% to assist in t"# p%op#% int#%p%#tation and #n&o%'#m#nt o& law( 888Essentia$ 7riteria en"merated &! the C'A' as determinati*e o% en>a>in> in the 4ra7ti7e o% $a#: 0!Habitualit$ 1! omp#nsation 3!Appli'ation o& law) l#gal p%in'ipl#) p%a'ti'#) o% p%o'#du%# 4!Atto%n#$6 li#nt %#lations"ip No#,Lawyers author";e- to a++ear "# *ourt 0( In 'as#s b#&o%# t"# DT ) a pa%t$ ma$ 'ondu't "is 'as# o% litigation in p#%son) wit" t"# aid o& an ag#nt o% &%i#nd appoint#d b$ "im &o% t"at pu%pos# (Sec. (4, Rule 1(8, RRC ( 1( B#&o%# an$ ot"#% 'ou%t) a pa%t$ ma$ 'ondu't "is litigation p#%sonall$ (Ibid! 3( In a '%iminal 'as# b#&o%# t"# DT in a lo'alit$ w"#%# a dul$ li'#ns#d m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% is not a*ailabl#) t"# -udg# ma$ appoint a non6law$#% w"o is a( %#sid#nt o& t"# p%o*in'#) and b( o& good %#put# &o% p%obit$ and abilit$ to aid t"# a''us#d in "is d#&#ns# (Rule 116, Sec. 7, RRC! 4( A s#nio% law stud#nt) w"o is #n%oll#d in a %#'ogni8#d law s'"ools 'lini'al #du'ation p%og%am app%o*#d b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t ma$ app#a% b#&o%# an$ 'ou%t wit"out 'omp#nsation) to %#p%#s#nt indig#nt 'li#nts a''#pt#d b$ t"# L#gal lini' o& t"# law s'"ool( T"# stud#nt s"all b# und#% t"# di%#'t sup#%*ision and 'ont%ol o& an IB+ m#mb#% dul$ a''%#dit#d b$ t"# law s'"ool( 5( End#% t"# Labo% od#) non6law$#%s ma$ app#a% b#&o%# t"# ALR o% an$ Labo% A%bit#%) i& (0! t"#$ %#p%#s#nt t"#ms#l*#s) o% i& (1! t"#$ %#p%#s#nt t"#i% o%gani8ation o% m#mb#%s t"#%#o& (*rt. +++, P5 44+, as a-ended!( >( End#% t"# Sec. 9 . adast%al A't) a non6law$#% 'an %#p%#s#nt a 'laimant b#&o%# t"# adast%al ou%t (*ct 6o. ++59,

?( An$ p#%son appoint#d to app#a% &o% t"# go*#%nm#nt o& t"# +"il( in a''o%dan'# wit" law (Sec. (( Rule 1(8 . L"."tat"o#s of A++eara#*e of #o#,(awyers 0( H# s"ould 'on&in# "is wo%k to non6ad*#%sa%$ 'ont#ntions( 1( H# s"ould not und#%tak# pu%#l$ l#gal wo%k) su'" as t"# #.amination o% '%oss6#.amination o& witn#ss#s) o% t"# p%#s#ntation o& #*id#n'#( 3( S#%*i'#s s"ould not b# "abituall$ %#nd#%#d( 4( S"ould not '"a%g# o% 'oll#'t atto%n#$s &##s (6AAL@ *s' Bina$&a>an )sa&e$a S">ar Co' :- SCRA <5-3 <3 A3 A and B w"o a%# law stud#nts #nt#%#d t"#i% app#a%an'#s b#&o%# t"# Duni'ipal ou%t as p%i*at# p%os#'uto%s in a '%iminal 'as#( T"is was disallow#d b$ t"# t%ial -udg#( Is t"is 'o%%#'tF

AO( A non6law$#% ma$ app#a% as a &%i#nd o& t"# pa%t$ b#&o%# t"# Duni'ipal ou%ts und#% S#'tion 34) Rul# 03@ Rul#s o& ou%t, "# ma$ mak# su'" app#a%an'#s #it"#% as d#&#ns# 'ouns#l o% p%i*at# p%os#'uto% und#% t"# 'ont%ol and sup#%*ision o& t"# &is'al( T"# p#%mission o& t"# &is'al is not n#'#ssa%$ &o% t"# app#a%an'# o& a p%i*at# p%os#'uto%) alt"oug" i& "# so wis"#s) t"# &is'al ma$ disallow pa%ti'ipation in t"# t%ial b$ "andling t"# 'as# p#%sonall$( (Catim&"han+ et a$' *s' Hon' Cr"z+ B'R' No' /2.2<82:+ No*'-0+ 20.<3 $u0("* Off"*"a(s who *a##ot e#'a'e "# the +r"2ate +ra*t"*e of (aw "# the $h"("++"#es 0( Budg#s and ot"#% o&&i'ials as #mplo$##s o& t"# Sup#%io% ou%t ( Rule 148, Sec. (5, RRC .

1( O&&i'ials and #mplo$##s o& t"# OSG ('bid . 3( Go*#%nm#nt p%os#'uto%s (6eo *' ?i$$an"e*a+ 2: SCRA 2503' 6 i& p#%mitt#d b$ t"#i% d#pa%tm#nt "#ad s"ould onl$ b# in isolat#d 'as#s in*ol*ing %#lati*#s o% 'los# &amil$ &%i#nds 4( +%#sid#nt) Gi'#6+%#sid#nt) m#mb#%s o& t"# 'abin#t) t"#i% d#puti#s and assistants) (*rt. 7''' Sec. 15, 1987 Constitution . 5( "ai%m#n and D#mb#%s o& t"# onstitutional ommissions (*rt. '89*, Sec. +, 1987 Constitution .

>( Ombudsman and "is d#puti#s (*rt. '8, Sec. 8 (+nd par. , 1987 Constitution . ?( All go*#%no%s) 'it$ and muni'ipal ma$o%s (R.*. 6o. 716,, Sec. 9, . @( T"os# w"o) b$ sp#'ial law) a%# p%o"ibit#d &%om #ngaging in t"# p%a'ti'# o& t"#i% l#gal p%o&#ssion <3 A3 an a 'i*il s#%*i'# #mplo$## #ngag# in t"# p%i*at# p%a'ti'# o& lawF A 'i*il s#%*i'# o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## w"os# dut$ o% %#sponsibilit$ do#s not %#/ui%# "is #nti%# tim# to b# at t"# disposal o& t"# go*#%nm#nt ma$ not #ngag# in p%i*at# p%a'ti'# o& law wit"out t"# w%itt#n p#%mit &%om t"# "#ad o& t"# d#pa%tm#nt 'on'#%n#d( How#*#%) go*#%nm#nt o&&i'ials w"o b$ #.p%#ss mandat# o& t"# law a%# p%o"ibit#d &%om p%a'ti'ing law ma$ not) #*#n wit" t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# d#pa%tm#nt "#ad) #ngag# in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( I& so aut"o%i8#d b$ t"# d#pa%tm#nt "#ad) "# ma$) in an isolat#d 'as#) a't as 'ouns#l &o% a %#lati*# o% 'los# &amil$ &%i#nd( A go*#%nm#nt o&&i'ial &o%bidd#n to p%a'ti'# law ma$ b# "#ld '%iminall$ liabl# &o% doing so( An o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& t"# 'i*il s#%*i'# w"o) as a law$#%) #ngag#s in t"# p%i*at# p%a'ti'# o& law wit"out a w%itt#n p#%mit &%om t"# d#pa%tm#nt "#ad 'on'#%n#d ma$ b# "#ld administ%ati*#l$ liabl# t"#%#&o%( T"# it$ o& Danila "i%#d t"# s#%*i'#s o& Att$( Bautista o& t"# AB Law O&&i'#s to %#p%#s#nt it in 'as# p#nding b#&o%# t"# RT ( an Att$( Bautista *alidl$ %#p%#s#nt itF AO( A lo'al go*#%nm#nt unit 'ould not "i%# a p%i*at# atto%n#$ to %#p%#s#nt( T"# p%o*isions o& S#'( 0>@3 'ompl#m#nt#d b$ S#'( 3 o& t"# Lo'al Autonom$ Law) is 'l#a% in p%o*iding t"at onl$ t"# p%o*in'ial p%os#'uto% and t"# muni'ipal atto%n#$ 'an %#p%#s#nt a p%o*in'# o% muni'ipalit$( T"# p%o*ision is mandato%$( T"# muni'ipalit$s aut"o%it$ to #mplo$ a p%i*at# law$#% is #.p%#ssl$ limit#d onl$ to situations w"#%# t"# p%o*in'ial p%os#'uto% is dis/uali&i#d to %#p%#s#nt it) as w"#n "# %#p%#s#nts t"at p%o*in'# against a muni'ipalit$(

<3 A3

$u0("* Off"*"a(s w"th Restr"*t"o#s "# the $ra*t"*e of Law 0( S#nato%s and m#mb#%s o& t"# Hous# o& R#p%#s#ntati*#s 1( D#mb#%s o& t"# Sanggunian 3( R#ti%#d Busti'# o% -udg# 4( i*il s#%*i'# o&&i'#%s o% #mplo$##s wit"out p#%mit &%om t"#i% %#sp#'ti*# d#pa%tm#nt "#ads (Norie>a *s' Sison 2-/ SCRA -0<3 Restr"*t"o#s "# the $ra*t"*e of Law of %e.0ers of the Le'"s(ature Ao s#nato% o% m#mb#% o& t"# Hous# o& R#p%#s#ntati*#s ma$ p#%sonall$ app#a% as 'ouns#l b#&o%# an$ 'ou%ts o& -usti'# o% b#&o%# t"# El#'to%al T%ibunals) o% /uasi6-udi'ial and ot"#% administ%ation bodi#s ... (*rt. 7', Sec. 14, 1987 Constitution . ! A law$#%6m#mb#% o& t"# l#gislatu%# is onl$ p%o"ibit#d &%om app#a%ing as 'ouns#l b#&o%# an$ 'ou%t o& -usti'#) #l#'to%al t%ibunals o% /uasi6-udi'ial and administ%ati*# bodi#s ! T"# wo%d 9app#a%an'#: in'lud#s not onl$ a%guing a 'as# b#&o%# an$ su'" bod$ but also &iling a pl#ading in b#"al& o& a 'li#nt as 9b$ simpl$ &iling a &o%mal motion) pl#a o% answ#%:( (Ramos *s' Mana$a7+ .0 6H)L' -153

! A#it"#% 'an "# allow "is nam# to app#a% in su'" pl#ading b$ its#l& o% as pa%t o& &i%m nam# und#% t"# signatu%# o& anot"#% /uali&i#d law$#% b#'aus# t"# signatu%# o& an ag#nt amounts to signing o& a non6/uali&i#d s#nato% o% 'ong%#ssman) t"# o&&i'# o& an atto%n#$ b#ing o%iginall$ an ag#n'$) and b#'aus# "# will) b$ su'" a't) b# app#a%ing in 'ou%t o% /uasi6-udi'ial o% administ%ati*# bod$ in *iolation o& t"# 'onstitutional %#st%i'tion( 9H# 'annot do indi%#'tl$ w"at t"# onstitution p%o"ibits di%#'tl$(: ()n re: =a*id 0< 6H)L' :;23 Restr"*t"o#s "# the +ra*t"*e of (aw of .e.0ers of the Sa##'u#"a# End#% t"# Lo'al Go*#%nm#nt od# (R.*. 718,, Sec. 9, ) Sanggunian m#mb#%s ma$ p%a'ti'# t"#i% p%o&#ssions p%o*id#d t"at if t/ey are -e-bers of t/e "ar, t/ey s/all not= a( app#a% as 'ouns#l b#&o%# an$ 'ou%t in an$ 'i*il 'as# w"#%#in a lo'al go*#%nm#nt unit o% an$ unit) ag#n'$) o% inst%um#ntalit$ o& t"# go*#%nm#nt is t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$, b( app#a% as 'ouns#l in an$ '%iminal 'as# w"#%#in an o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& t"# national o% lo'al go*#%nm#nt is a''us#d o& an o&&#ns# 'ommitt#d in %#lation to "is o&&i'#, '( 'oll#'t an$ &## &o% t"#i% app#a%an'# in administ%ati*# p%o'##dings in*ol*ing t"# lo'al go*#%nm#nt unit o& w"i'" "# is an o&&i'ial, and d( us# p%op#%t$ and p#%sonn#l o& t"# Go*#%nm#nt #.'#pt w"#n t"# Sanggunian m#mb#% 'on'#%n#d is d#&#nding t"# int#%#st o& t"# go*#%nm#nt(

Restr"*t"o#s "# the +ra*t"*e of (aw of .e.0ers of the Ju-"*"ary End#% R* 91,, Sec. 1, as am#nd#d) a %#ti%#d -usti'# o% -udg# %#'#i*ing a p#nsion &%om t"# go*#%nm#nt) 'annot a't as 'ouns#l in an$ 'i*il 'as# in w"i'" t"# Go*#%nm#nt) o% an$ o& its subdi*ision o% ag#n'i#s in t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ o% in '%iminal 'as# w"#%#in an o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& t"# Go*#%nm#nt is a''us#d o& an o&&#ns# in %#lation to "is o&&i'#( Re.e-"es A'a"#st U#author";e- $ra*t"*e 0( +#tition &o% In-un'tion 1( 2#'la%ato%$ R#li#& 3( ont#mpt o& ou%t 4( 2is/uali&i'ation and 'omplaints &o% disba%m#nt 5( %iminal 'omplaint &o% #sta&a w"o &als#l$ %#p%#s#nt#d to b# an atto%n#$ to t"# damag# pa%t$ A$a#i *s' A$a"!a+ A'M' S=C8018-86+ Ae&r"ar! -:+ 2001 <3 A%# p#%sons w"o pass t"# S"a%ia Ba% m#mb#%s o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba%F A3 +#%sons w"o pass t"# S"a%ia Ba% a%# not &ull6&l#dg#d m#mb#%s o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba%) "#n'# ma$ onl$ p%a'ti'# b#&o%# t"# S"a%ia 'ou%ts( T"#$ a%# also not #ntitl#d to us# t"# titl# 9atto%n#$: as su'" is %#s#%*#d to t"os# w"o) "a*ing obtain#d t"# n#'#ssa%$ d#g%## in t"# stud$ o& law and su''#ss&ull$ tak#n t"# Ba% E.aminations) "a*# b##n admitt#d to t"# Int#g%at#d Ba% o& t"# +"ilippin#s and %#main m#mb#%s t"#%#o& in good standing 2o#s 9s'%i*#ning: 'onstitut# p%a'ti'# o& lawF AO( S'%i*#ning o% t"# &illing o& blanks in a standa%d o% st#%#ot$p#d &o%ms w"i'" in*ol*#s pu%# 'l#%i'al wo%k wit"out n##d &o% an$ l#gal int#%p%#tation( T"is is not p%a'ti'# o& law(

<3 A3

)n re: ,oaC"in+ -:2 SCRA :5/ App#a%an'# :in propia persona: is app#a%an'# in 'ou%t b$ a non6law$#% &o% "ims#l& wit"out t"# assistan'# o& a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba%( T"is is som#tim#s %#&#%%#d to as 9pro se: p%a'ti'# W"il# p%o s# p%a'ti'# is allow#d) it is not ad*isabl# to do so( ou%t p%o'##dings a%# &ull o& t#'"ni'al pit&alls t"at ma$ #nt%ap a p#%son uns'"ool#d in substanti*# and p%o'#du%al law( Nee- for a#- R"'ht to Cou#se(

Ge#era( Ru(e A pa%t$ litigant n##ds t"# assistan'# o& 'ouns#l in all p%o'##dings) administ%ati*#) 'i*il o% '%iminal( E1*e+t"o#s 0( ;unicipal &rial Court ; A pa%t$ ma$ 'ondu't "is litigation in p#%son o% wit" t"# aid o& an ag#nt o% &%i#nd appoint#d b$ "im &o% t"at pu%pos# o% wit" t"# aid o& an atto%n#$( 1( Re1ional &rial Court and *ppellate Court ; A pa%t$ ma$ #it"#% 'ondu't "is litigation p#%sonall$ o% b$ atto%n#$ unl#ss t"# pa%t$ is a -u%idi'al p#%son in w"i'" 'as# it ma$ app#a% onl$ b$ atto%n#$( 888 T"# %ul# t"at app#a%an'# b$ 'ouns#l is not obligato%$ appli#s onl$ in 'i*il and administ%ati*# 'as#s( T"# %ul# do#s not appl$ in '%iminal 'as#s in*ol*ing g%a*# and l#ss g%a*# o&&#ns#s) w"#%# an a''us#d must b# %#p%#s#nt#d b$ 'ouns#l de parte o% 'ouns#l de officio and in w"i'" "is %ig"t is not wai*abl#( Duty of $u0("* $rose*utor T"# p%ima%$ dut$ o& a publi' p%os#'uto% is not to 'on*i't but to s## t"at -usti'# is don#( H# s"ould not "#sitat# to %#'omm#nd to t"# 'ou%t t"# a''us#d a'/uittal i& t"# #*id#n'# in "is poss#ssion s"ows t"at t"# a''us#d is inno'#nt( Ro(e of $r"2ate $rose*utor A p%i*at# p%os#'uto% ma$ int#%*#n# in t"# p%os#'ution o& a '%iminal a'tion w"#n t"# o&&#nd#d pa%t$ is #ntitl#d to ind#mnit$ and "as not wai*#d #.p%#ssl$) %#s#%*#d o% institut#d t"# 'i*il a'tion &o% damag#s( T"#%# is not"ing ob-#'tionabl# about it as long as t"# publi' p%os#'uto% is alwa$s p%#s#nt at #*#%$ "#a%ing) %#tains 'ont%ol t"#%#o&) and wit"out allowing t"# t%ial in t"# "ands o& a p%i*at# p%os#'uto%(

NOTAR= $U)LIC <a'ts= At$( H nota%i8#d a d##d o& sal# making it app#a% t"at som# o& t"# *#ndo%s w#%# signato%i#s and pa%ti#s w"#n in &a't t"#s# p#opl# w#%# al%#ad$ d#ad p%io% to t"# #.#'ution o& t"# do'um#nt( (Arrieta *' L$osa+ -.- SCRA -:.+ No*em&er -.+ 20013 Ruling= IAota%i8ation is not #mpt$) m#aningl#ss) %outina%$ a't, it is in&#st#d wit" substantial publi' int#%#st su'" t"at onl$ t"os# w"o a%# /uali&i#d o% aut"o%i8#d ma$ a't as nota%i#s publi'( I Aota%i#s publi' must obs#%*# wit" t"# utmost 'a%# t"# basi' %#/ui%#m#nts in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"#i% duti#s( Ot"#%wis#) t"# 'on&id#n'# o& t"# publi' in t"# int#g%it$ o& t"is &o%m o& 'on*#$an'# would b# und#%min#d( I <ait"&ul obs#%*an'# wit" utmost %#sp#'t o& t"# l#gal sol#mnit$ o& an oat" in an a'knowl#dgm#nt o% <urat is sa'%osan't( <a'ts= A a''us#d G o& nota%i8ing do'um#nts wit"out a 'ommission( In two s#pa%at# o''asions) "# nota%i8#d d##ds o& sal# o& p%op#%t$ b#tw##n t"# bank "# wo%ks &o% and "is mino% son( At t"os# tim#s "# was not 'ommission#d as a nota%$ publi'( (N"n>a *' ?ira!+ <5; SCRA+ A4ri$ <5+ 20003 Ruling= I Aota%i8ation is in*#st#d wit" publi' int#%#st b#'aus# it 'on*#%ts p%i*at# do'um#nts to publi' do'um#nts) making su'" do'um#nts admissibl# in #*id#n'# wit"out &u%t"#% p%oo& o& t"# aut"#nti'it$ t"#%#o&( I Aota%i8ing wit"out a 'ommission is a *iolation o& t"# law$#%s oat" to ob#$ t"# laws (Aota%ial Law! and b$ making it app#a% t"at "# is so aut"o%i8#d is a d#lib#%at# &als#"ood w"i'" *iolat#s t"# law$#%s oat" and Rul# 0(J0 ( +R! t"at a law$#% s"all not #ngag# in unlaw&ul) dis"on#st) immo%al o% d#'#it&ul 'ondu't( Remem&er: #%ti&i'ation o& a 2##d (is a p%o'lamation to t"# wo%ld t"at=! 0( all t"# pa%ti#s t"#%#in p#%sonall$ app#a%#d b#&o%# "im 1( t"#$ a%# all p#%sonall$ known to "im 3( t"at t"#$ w#%# t"# sam# p#%sons w"o #.#'ut#d t"# inst%um#nts 4( "# (nota%$ publi'! in/ui%#d into t"# *olunta%in#ss and du# #.#'ution o& t"# inst%um#nt, and 5( t"at t"#$ a'knowl#dg#d p#%sonall$ b#&o%# "im t"at t"#$ *olunta%il$ and &%##l$ #.#'ut#d t"# sam#(

<3 A3

W"at a%# t"# g%ounds &o% t"# *iolation o& t"# 'ommission o& a nota%$ publi'F &/e follo0in1 dereliction of duties on t/e part of a notary public s/all in t/e discretion of t/e proper R&C <ud1e, be sufficient 1round for t/e re#ocation of /is co--ission ( 0( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to k##p a nota%ial %#gist#% 1( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to mak# t"# p%op#% #nt%$ o% #nt%i#s in "is nota%ial %#gist#% tou'"ing "is nota%ial a'ts in a mann#% %#/ui%#d b$ law 3( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to s#nd a 'op$ o& t"# #nt%i#s to t"# p%op#% 'l#%k o& t"# RT wit"in t"# &i%st 0J da$s o& t"# mont" n#.t &ollowing 4( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to a&&i. to a'knowl#dgm#nts t"# dat# o& #.pi%ation o& "is 'ommission) as %#/ui%#d b$ law 5( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to &o%wa%d "is nota%ial %#gist#% w"#n &ill#d) to t"# p%op#% 'l#%k o& 'ou%t >( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ publi' to mak# t"# p%op#% notation %#ga%ding 'ommunit$ ta. '#%ti&i'at#s ?( <ailu%# o& t"# nota%$ to mak# %#po%t) wit"in a %#asonabl# tim#) to t"# p%op#% RT -udg# 'on'#%ning t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s) as ma$ b# %#/ui%#d b$ said -udg#) and @( An$ ot"#% d#%#li'tion o% a't w"i'" s"all app#a% to t"# -udg# to 'onstitut# good 'aus# &o% %#mo*al(

A$ores *s' Ch"a+ <5; SCRA :;/ K( Att$( Rod%igo) a nota%$ publi') nota%i8#d a &o%g#d d##d o& sal#( In t"at nota%i8#d do'um#nt "# sol#mnl$ d#'la%#d t"at t"# all#g#d *#ndo% app#a%#d b#&o%# "im and a'knowl#dg#d to "im t"at t"# do'um#nt was t"# *#ndo%s &%## a't and d##d d#spit# t"# &a't t"at t"# *#ndo% did not do so as "is signatu%# was &o%g#d( A( AO( A nota%$ publi' 'annot pl#ad good &ait" w"#n nota%i8ing do'um#nts wit"out t"# p%#s#n'# o& signato%i#s t"#%#to as t"is would b# a mo'k#%$ o& w"at t"# Bu%at and A'knowl#dgm#nt %#/ui%#s( W"#%# t"# nota%$ publi' is a law$#%) a g%a*#% %#sponsibilit$ is pla'#d upon "is s"ould#% b$ %#ason o& "is sol#mn oat" to ob#$ t"# laws and to do no &als#"ood o% 'ons#nt to t"# doing o& an$( T"# (+(R( also 'ommands "im not to #ngag# in unlaw&ul) dis"on#st) immo%al) d#'#it&ul 'ondu't and to up"old at all tim#s t"# int#g%it$ and dignit$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( INTEGRATED )AR O: THE $HILI$$INES I Aational o%gani8ation o& law$#%s '%#at#d on Banua%$ 0>) 07?3 und#% Rul# 0376A) Rul#s o& ou%t and 'onstitut#d on Da$ 4) 07?3 into a bod$ 'o%po%at# b$ +(2( Ao(0@0

)n re: Edi$$on+ .: SCRA //: (201.3 T"# Int#g%ation o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba% m#ans t"# uni&i'ation o& t"# #nti%# law$#% population( T"is %#/ui%#s (0! m#mb#%s"ip and (1! &inan'ial suppo%t o& #*#%$ atto%n#$ as 'ondition sine =ua non to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law and t"# %#t#ntion o& "is nam# in t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( )n re: )nte>ration o% the 6hi$i44ines+ :0 SCRA -- (201<3 W"il# R#publi' A't Ao( >37? p%o*id#s t"at t"# 9Sup%#m# ou%t: ma$ adopt %ul#s o& 'ou%ts to #&&#'t t"# int#g%ation o& t"# +"ilippin# ba%) said law n#it"#% 'on&#%s a n#w pow#% no% %#st%i'ts t"# ou%ts in"#%#nt pow#% but is

10

m#%# l#gislati*# d#'la%ation o& t"# int#g%ation o& t"# ba% will p%omot# publi' int#%#st o% will 9%ais# t"# standa%d o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion) imp%o*# t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# and #nabl# t"# ba% to dis'"a%g# its publi' %#sponsibilit$ mo%# #&&#'ti*#l$(: Se7tion 2.+ B!8La#s o% the )B6 &/e follo0in1 persons are -e-bers of t/e 'nte1rated "ar of t/e P/ilippines = (a! All law$#%s w"os# nam#s w#%# in t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s o& t"# S on Banua%$ 0>) 07?3, and (b! All law$#%s w"os# nam#s w#%# in'lud#d o% a%# #nt#%#d t"#%#in a&t#% t"# said dat#( What are the o0>e*t"2es of the "#te'rat"o# of the )ar? El#*at# standa%ds o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion Imp%o*# t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# To #nabl# t"# ba% to dis'"a%g# its %#sponsibilit$ mo%# #&&#'ti*#l$

T"# Int#g%at#d Ba% is st%i'tl$ non6politi'al( To maintain its non6politi'al 'olo%) no law$#% "olding an #l#'ti*#) -udi'ial) /uasi6-udi'ial o% p%os#'uto%$ o&&i'# in t"# Go*#%nm#nt o% an$ politi'al subdi*ision o% inst%um#ntalit$ t"#%#o& s"all b# #ligibl# &o% #l#'tion o% appointm#nt to an$ position in t"# Int#g%at#d Ba% o% an$ '"apt#% t"#%#o&( A d#l#gat#) go*#%no%) o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& t"# Int#g%at#d Ba% o% an o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& an$ '"apt#% t"#%#o& s"all b# 'onsid#%#d ipso facto %#sign#d &%om "is position as o& t"# mom#nt "# &il#s "is '#%ti&i'at# o& 'andida'$ &o% an$ #l#'ti*# publi' o&&i'# o% a''#pts appointm#nt to an$ -udi'ial) /uasi6-udi'ial o% p%os#'uto%$ o&&i'# in t"# Go*#%nm#nt o% an$ politi'al subdi*ision o% inst%um#ntalit$ t"#%#o&( T"# d#lib#%ati*# bod$ o& t"# Int#g%at#d Ba% is t"# Hous# o& 2#l#gat#s( It is 'ompos#d o& not mo%# t"an on# "und%#d and tw#nt$ m#mb#%s appo%tion#d among all t"# '"apt#%s b$ t"# Boa%d o& Go*#%no%s a''o%ding to t"# numb#% o& t"#i% %#sp#'ti*# m#mb#%s) but #a'" '"apt#% s"all "a*# at l#ast on# 2#l#gat#( I T"# Boa%d o& go*#%no%s s"all p%o*id# t"# B$6Laws &o% g%i#*an'# p%o'#du%# &o% t"# #n&o%'#m#nt and maint#nan'# o& dis'iplin# among all m#mb#%s o& t"# IB+) but no a'tion in*ol*ing t"# susp#nsion o% disba%m#nt o& a m#mb#% o& t"# %#mo*al o& "is nam# &%om t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s s"all b# #&&#'ti*# wit"out t"# &inal app%o*al o& t"# S( (

<3 A3

Is t"# 'ompulso%$ m#mb#%s"ip in t"# IB+ *iolati*# o& t"# law$#%s 'onstitutional &%##dom to asso'iat# o% 'o%olla%$ %ig"t not to asso'iat#F AO( Int#g%ation do#s not mak# a law$#% a m#mb#% o& an$ g%oup o& w"i'" "# is al%#ad$ a m#mb#%( H# b#'am# a m#mb#% o& t"# ba% w"#n "# pass#d t"# Ba% #.aminations( All t"at int#g%ation a'tuall$ do#s in p%o*id# an o&&i'ial national o%gani8ation &o% t"# w#ll6d#&in#d but uno%gani8#d and in'o"#si*# g%oup o& w"i'" #*#%$ law$#% is al%#ad$ a m#mb#%( ()n re: Edi$$ion A'M' 20-.3

<3 A3

Da$ a m#mb#% o& t"# IB+ *olunta%il$ t#%minat# "is m#mb#%s"ip t"#%#inF YES) b$ &iling a *#%i&i#d noti'# to t"at #&&#'t wit" t"# S#'%#ta%$ o& IB+ w"o s"all imm#diat#l$ b%ing t"# matt#% to t"# att#ntion o& t"# S ( <o%t"wit") "# s"all '#as# to b# a m#mb#% and "is nam# s"all b# st%i'k#n &%om t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s(

<3 A3

W"at is t"# #&&#'t o& &ailu%# to pa$ annual m#mb#%s"ip to t"# IB+F T"# &ailu%# o& an$ atto%n#$ to pa$ "is annual m#mb#%s"ip du#s &o% si. mont"s s"all wa%%ant susp#nsion o& "is m#mb#%s"ip in t"# IB+ and d#&ault o& su'" pa$m#nt &o% on# $#a% s"all b# g%ound &o% t"# %#mo*al o& "is nam# &%om t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s(

<3

Da$ a law$#% b# dis'iplin#d #it"#% b$ t"# IB+ o% t"#

ou%t &o% &ailing to pa$ "#% obligation to

11

'omplainantF A3 AO( A law$#% ma$ not b# dis'iplin#d #it"#% b$ t"# IB+ o% t"# ou%t &o% &ailing to pa$ "#% obligation) a matt#% in "#% p%o&#ssional o% p%i*at# 'apa'it$( (To$edo *s' A&a$os3

<3 A3

Is wanton dis%#ga%d o& t"# law&ul o%d#%s o& t"# IB+ ommission on Ba% 2is'iplin# a g%ound &o% susp#nsion o& a law$#% &%om t"# p%a'ti'# o& lawF YES( A law$#% was susp#nd#d &%om t"# p%a'ti'# o& law &o% on# mont" du# to "#% wanton dis%#ga%d o& t"# law&ul o%d#%s o& t"# IB+ ommission on Ba% 2is'iplin#( (To$edo *s' A&a$os3

CODE O: $RO:ESSIONAL RES$ONSI)ILIT= CHA$TER I & THE LAW=ER AND SOCIET= CANON @ A (awyer sha(( u+ho(- the Co#st"tut"o#4 o0ey the (aws of the (a#- a#- +ro.ote res+e*t for (aw a#- for (e'a( +ro*esses3 888 Law$#%s must not onl$ up"old and ob#$ t"# Ru(e @3A@ onstitution and t"# laws but also L#gal o%d#%s o% p%o'#ss#s o& 'ou%ts

A (awyer sha(( #ot e#'a'e "# u#(awfu(4 -"sho#est4 "..ora( or -e*e"tfu( *o#-u*t3

6eo4$e *s' T"anda+ Adm' Case No' <<;5 (,an' <5+ 2005 ! T"# natu%# o& t"# o&&i'# o& an atto%n#$ at law %#/ui%#s t"at s"# s"all b# a p#%son o& good mo%al '"a%a't#%( T"is /uali&i'ation is not onl$ a 'ondition p%#'#d#nt to an admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law, its 'ontinu#d poss#ssion is also #ss#ntial &o% %#maining in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( R"$e 2<.+ Se7tion -1+ ROC T"# 'ommission o& unlaw&ul a'ts) sp#'iall$ '%im#s in*ol*ing mo%al tu%pitud#) a'ts o& dis"on#st$ in *iolation o& t"# atto%n#$s oat") g%ossl$ immo%al 'ondu't and d#'#it a%# g%ounds &o% susp#nsion o% disba%m#nt o& law$#%s( %ora("ty as u#-erstoo- "# (aw T"is is a "uman standa%d bas#d on t"# natu%al mo%al law w"i'" is #mbodi#d in mans 'ons'i#n'# and w"i'" guid#s "im to do good and a*oid #*il( %ora( tur+"tu-e #*#%$t"ing w"i'" is don# 'ont%a%$ to -usti'#) "on#st$) mod#st$ o% good mo%als( I..ora( *o#-u*t "as b##n d#&in#d as 9t"at 'ondu't w"i'" is will&ul) &lag%ant o% s"am#l#ss and w"i'" s"ows a mo%al indi&&#%#n'# to t"# opinion o& t"# good and %#sp#'tabl# m#mb#%s o& t"# 'ommunit$ (Ar7i>a *' Mani#an>+ 25; SCRA /023' W"at 'onstitut#s 'ross(y "..ora( *o#-u*t/a*t? & on# t"at is so 'o%%upt and &als# as to 'onstitut# a '%iminal a't so unp%in'ipl#d o% disg%a'#&ul as to b# %#p%#"#nsibl# to a "ig" d#g%##( (Ai>"eroa *' Barran7a+ -1/ SCRA ::/+ ,"$! <2+ 20013 Co#2"*t"o# for *r".e "#2o(2"#' .ora( tur+"tu-e & a numb#% o& law$#%s "a*# b##n susp#nd#d o% disba%%#d &o% 'on*i'tion o& '%im#s in*ol*ing mo%al tu%pitud# su'" as= 0( #sta&a 1( b%ib#%$ 3( mu%d#% 4( s#du'tion 5( abdu'tion >( smuggling ?( &alsi&i'ation o& publi' do'um#nt

12

To$osa *s' Car>o+ 212 SCRA -2(20.03 As o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t) law$#%s must onl$ in &a't b# o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% but must also b# s##n to b# o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% and li*ing li*#s in a''o%dan'# wit" t"# "ig"#st mo%al standa%ds o& t"# 'ommunit$( A m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% and o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t is not onl$ %#/ui%#d to %#&%ain &%om adult#%ous %#lations"ips o% t"# k##ping o& mist%#ss) but must also b#"a*# as to a*oid s'andali8ing t"# publi' b$ '%#ating t"# b#li#& t"at "# is &louting su'" mo%al standa%d( NON,$RO:ESISONAL %ISCONDUCT Lizaso *s' Amante+ 20. SCRA (2002! . . . mis'ondu't indi'ati*# o& mo%al un&itn#ss) w"#t"#% %#lating to p%o&#ssional o% non6p%o&#ssional matt#%s) -usti&i#s susp#nsion o% disba%m#nt( . . . an atto%n#$ ma$ b# %#mo*#d o% ot"#%wis# dis'iplin#d 9not onl$ &o% malp%a'ti'# and dis"on#st$ in "is p%o&#ssion) but also &o% g%oss mis'ondu't not 'onn#'t#d wit" "is p%o&#ssional duti#s) w"i'" s"ow#d "im un&it &o% t"# o&&i'# and unwo%t"$ o& t"# p%i*il#g#s w"i'" "is li'#ns# and t"# law 'on&#% to "im(: Constantino *' Sa$"dares+ --. SCRA -<< (200<3 W"il# it is t%u# t"at t"#%# was no atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip b#tw##n %#spond#nt and 'omplainant) it is w#ll s#ttl#d t"at an atto%n#$ ma$ b# %#mo*#d o% ot"#%wis# dis'iplin#d not onl$ &o% malp%a'ti'# and dis"on#st$ in t"# p%o&#ssion) but also &o% g%oss mis'ondu't not 'onn#'t#d wit" "is p%o&#ssional duti#s) s"owing "im to b# un&it &o% t"# o&&i'# and unwo%t"$ o& t"# p%i*il#g#s w"i'" "is li'#ns# and t"# law 'on&#% upon "im( So.e *ases of D"sho#esty a#- De*e"t wh"*h %er"te- D"s*"+("#e 0y the Su+re.e Court3 0( Disapp%op%iation o& 'li#nts &unds 1( A't o& &%audul#ntl$ 'on'#aling dutiabl# impo%tation o% smuggling 3( Gi*ing &als# stat#m#nts und#% oat" in an In&o%mation S"##t submitt#d in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# law$#%s appli'ation &o% t"# position o& "i#& o& +oli'# 4( Wanton &als#"ood mad# in an e> parte p#tition in 'ou%t w"#%#in t"# law$#% atta'"#d a&&ida*it o& "is g%and&at"#% and w"i'" a&&ida*it "# nota%i8#d knowing t"at t"# suppos#d a&&iant is al%#ad$ d#ad 5( Dan#u*#%ing %#'on*#$an'# o& p%op#%t$ in t"# nam# o& a law$#% inst#ad o& t"# 'li#nt ; in a 'as# in*ol*ing sal# wit" pacto de retro >( Submission o% p%#s#ntation o& mutilat#d 'opi#s o& '#%tain do'um#nts to 'ou%t &o% t"# pu%pos# o& d#'#i*ing and misl#ading it ?( <alsi&i'ation o& g%ad#s in t"# Ba% E.aminations @( oll#'ting s#*#%al t"ousand p#sos on t"# p%#t#ns# t"at 'ouns#l would all#g#dl$ app#al t"# 'omplaints 'as# to t"# Sup%#m# ou%t o& t"# Enit#d Stat#s) and t"at it was n#'#ssa%$ to "im to go to Was"ington) 2( ( w"i'" "# did) knowing t"at t"# d#'ision 'ould no long#% b# app#al#d b#'aus# it is al%#ad$ &inal

7( Int%odu'ing som#on# to bu$ a pi#'# o& land knowing t"at it is not &o% sal# 0J( 2#la$#d &ailu%# to a''ount mon#$ 'oll#'t#d &o% t"# 'li#nt 00( St#aling #*id#n'# atta'"#d to t"# 'ou%t %#'o%ds I#sta#*es of Gross I..ora("ty a#- the Resu(t"#' Co#se9ue#*es 0( Abandonm#nt o& wi&# and 'o"abiting wit" anot"#% woman( ?isbarred. 1( Bigam$ p#%p#t%at#d b$ t"# law$#%( ?is=ualified fro- ad-ission to t/e "ar 3( A law$#% w"o "ad 'a%nal knowl#dg# wit" a woman t"%oug" a p%omis# o& ma%%iag# w"i'" "# did not &ul&ill( ?isbarred(

13

4( S#du'tion o& a woman w"o is t"# ni#'# o& a ma%%i#d woman wit" w"om t"# %#spond#nt law$#% "ad adult#%ous %#lations. ?isbarred( 5( Law$#% a%%anging t"# ma%%iag# o& "is son to a woman wit" w"om t"# law$#% "ad illi'it %#lations( A&t#% t"# ma%%iag# o& t"# woman to t"# %#spond#nts son) "# 'ontinu#d "is adult#%ous %#lations wit" "#% . ?isbarred >( Law$#% in*#igling a woman into b#li#*ing t"at t"#$ "ad b##n ma%%i#d 'i*ill$ to satis&$ "is 'a%nal d#si%#s . ?isbarred ?( Law$#% taking ad*antag# o& "is position as '"ai%man o& t"# 'oll#g# o& m#di'in# and ask#d a lad$ stud#nt to go wit" "im to manila w"#%# "# "ad 'a%nal knowl#dg# o& "#% und#% t"%#at t"at i& s"# %#&us#d ) s"# would &lunk in all "#% sub-#'ts( ?isbarred @( on'ubinag# 'oupl#d wit" &ailu%# to suppo%t ill#gitimat# '"ild%#n . Suspended indefinitely

7( Daintaining adult#%ous %#lation s"ip wit" a ma%%i#d woman( Suspended indefinitely

Ru(e @3AB3

A (awyer sha(( #ot *ou#se( or a0et a*t"2"t"es a".e- at -ef"a#*e of the (aw or at (esse#"#' *o#f"-e#*e "# the (e'a( syste.3

Canon <-+ C6E A law$#% s"ould not %#nd#% an$ s#%*i'# o% ad*i'# to an$ 'li#nt ; no matt#% "ow pow#%&ul o% impo%tant is t"# 'aus# ; w"i'" will in*ol*# dislo$alt$ to t"# laws o& t"# 'ount%$ w"i'" "# is bound to up"old and ob#$( Canon 2/+ C6E T"# g%#at t%ust o& t"# law$#% is to b# p#%&o%m#d wit"in and wit"out t"# bounds o& t"# law( T"# o&&i'# o& atto%n#$ do#s not p#%mit) mu'" l#ss do#s it d#mand o& "im an$ 'li#nt) *iolation o& law o% an$ mann#% o& &%aud o% '"i'an#%$( H# must ob#$ "is own 'ons'i#n'# and not t"at o& "is 'li#nt( Cosmos Ao"ndr! Sho4 Wor ers @nion *s' Lo B"+ ;< SCRA <-2 H# was o& 'ou%s# #.p#'t#d to d#&#nd "is 'li#nts 'aus# wit" 8#al) but not at t"# dis%#ga%d o& t"# t%ut" and in d#&ian'# o& t"# 'l#a% pu%pos# o& labo% statut#s( )n re:20.0 )B6 E$e7tions+ 21. SCRA <0. R#sp#'t &o% law is g%a*#l$ #%od#d w"#n law$#%s t"#ms#l*#s) w"o a%# suppos#d to b# minions o& t"# law) #ngag# in unlaw&ul p%a'ti'#s and 'a*ali#%l$ b%us" asid# t"# *#%$ %ul#s t"at t"# IB+ &o%mulat#d &o% t"#i% obs#%*an'#( Ru(e @3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 for a#y *orru+t .ot"2e or "#terest4 e#*oura'e a#y su"t or +ro*ee-"#' or -e(ay "# a .a#s *ause3

)arratry is t"# o&&#ns# o& &%#/u#ntl$ #.'iting and sti%%ing up /ua%%#ls and suits) #it"#% at law o% ot"#%wis#( It is t"# law$#%s a't o& &om#nting suits among indi*iduals and o&&#%ing "is l#gal s#%*i'#s to on# o& t"#m( Canon -.+ C6E It is unp%o&#ssional &o% a law$#% to *olunt##% ad*i'# to b%ing a lawsuit) #.'#pt in %a%# 'as#s w"#%# ti#s o& blood) %#lations"ip o% t%ust mak# "is dut$ to do so( T"# pu%pos# o& t"# p%o"ibition is to pre#ent a-bulance c/asin1) w"i'" %#&#%s to soli'itation o& almost an$ kind o& l#gal busin#ss b$ la$m#n #mplo$#d b$ an atto%n#$ &o% t"# pu%pos# o% b$ t"# atto%n#$ "ims#l&( <o% ambulan'# '"asing "as spawn#d %#'ogni8#d #*ils su'" as= a( &om#nting o& litigation wit" %#sulting bu%d#ns on t"# 'ou%ts and t"# publi', b( subo%nation o& p#%-u%$, '( mul'ting o& inno'#nt p#%sons b$ -udgm#nts) upon manu&a'tu%#d 'aus#s o& a'tions) and d( d#&%auding o& in-u%#d p#%sons "a*ing p%op#% 'aus#s a'tions but igno%ant o& l#gal %ig"ts and 'ou%t p%o'#du%# b$ m#ans o& 'ont%a'ts w"i'" %#tain #.o%bitant p#%'#ntag#s o& %#'o*#%$ and ill#gal '"a%g#s &o% 'ou%t 'osts and #.p#ns#s and b$ s#ttl#m#nt mad# &o% /ui'k %#tu%ns o& &##s and against t"# -ust %ig"ts o& t"# in-u%#d p#%sons( Co&&86erez *s' Lantin+ -: SCRA -02

14

Law$#%s dut$ is to %#sist t"# w"ims and 'ap%i'#s o& "is 'li#nt and to t#mp#% "is 'li#nts p%op#nsit$ to litigat#( Castaneda *s' A>o+ ;/ SCRA /2It is t"# dut$ o& a 'ouns#l to ad*is# "is 'li#nt o%dina%il$ a la$man to t"# int%i'a'i#s and *aga%i#s o& t"# law) on t"# m#%it o% la'k o& m#%it o& "is 'as#( I& "# &inds t"at "is 'li#nts 'aus# is d#&#ns#l#ss) it is "is boud#n dut$ to ad*is# t"# latt#% to a'/ui#s'# and submit) %at"#% t"an t%a*#%s# t"# in'on*#%tibl#( A law$#% must %#sist t"# w"ims and 'ap%i'#s o& "is 'li#nt) and t#mp#% "is p%op#nsit$ to litigat#( A law$#%s oat" to up"old t"# 'aus# o& -usti'# is sup#%io% to "is dut$ to "is 'li#nt, its p%ima'$ indisputabl#( Signi&i'an'# o& an Atto%n#$s Signatu%# on a +l#ading R"$e 1 Se7'/ H.. T"# signatu%# o& an atto%n#$ 'onstitut#s '#%ti&i'at# b$ "im t"at "# "as %#ad t"# pl#ading, t"at to t"# b#st o& "is knowl#dg#) in&o%mation and b#li#& t"#%# is good g%ound to suppo%t it, and t"at it is not int#%pos#d &o% d#la$( H.. <o% a will&ul *iolation o& t"is %ul# an atto%n#$ ma$ b# sub-#'t#d to app%op%iat# dis'iplina%$ a'tion( Ru(e @3AD3 A (awyer sha(( e#*oura'e h"s *("e#ts to a2o"-4 e#- or sett(e a *o#tro2ersy "f "t w"(( a-."t of a fa"r sett(e.e#t3

A 9'omp%omis# is as o&t#n t"# b#tt#% pa%t o& -usti'# as p%ud#n'# is t"# b#tt#% pa%t o& *alo%: and a law$#% w"o #n'ou%ag#s 'omp%omis# is no l#ss t"# 'li#nts 9'"ampion in s#ttl#m#nt out o& 'ou%t: t"an "# is t"# 'li#nts 9'"ampion in t"# battl# o& 'ou%t(: =e Yaasi ))) *' NLRC+ -<2 SCRA 21< (200:3 T"# us#&ul &un'tion o& a law$#% is not onl$ to 'ondu't litigation but also to a*oid it w"#n#*#% possibl# b$ ad*ising s#ttl#m#nt o% wit""olding suit( ... H# s"ould b# a m#diato% &o% 'on'o%d and 'on'iliato% &o% 'omp%omis#) %at"#% t"an a *i%tuoso o& t#'"ni'alit$ in t"# 'ondu't o& litigation( Me$endrez *s' =e7ena+ 21; SCRA ;;A law$#% 'annot) wit"out sp#'ial aut"o%it$) 'omp%omis# "is 'li#nts litigation o% %#'#i*# an$t"ing in dis'"a%g# o& t"# 'li#nts 'laim but t"# &ull amount in 'as"( A 'omp%omis# #nt#%#d into wit"out aut"o%it$ is m#%#l$ un#n&o%'#abl#( How#*#%) a law$#% "as t"# #.'lusi*# manag#m#nt o& t"# p%o'#du%al asp#'t o& t"# litigation in'luding t"# #n&o%'#m#nt o& %ig"ts and %#m#di#s o& t"# 'li#nt( CANON B A (awyer sha(( .aEe h"s (e'a( ser2"*es a2a"(a0(e "# a# eff"*"e#t a#- *o#2e#"e#t .a##er *o.+at"0(e w"th the "#-e+e#-e#*e4 "#te'r"ty a#- effe*t"2e#ess of the +rofess"o#3 L#gal s#%*i'#s s"ould not onl$ b# #&&i'i#nt but s"ould also b# a*ailabl# and a''#ssibl# to t"os# w"o n##d t"#m in a mann#% 'ompatibl# wit" t"# #t"i's o& t"# p%o&#ssion( A law$#% w"o a''#pts p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt s"ould b# in a position to %#nd#% #&&i'i#nt and #&&#'ti*# l#gal assistan'#) ot"#%wis# "# s"ould "#lp &ind anot"#% law$#% w"o is /uali&i#d and abl# to do so( Ru(e B3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot re>e*t4 e1*e+t for 2a("- reaso#s4 the *ause of the -efe#se(ess or the o++resse-3

Canon :+ C6E A law$#% assign#d as 'ouns#l &o% an indig#nt p%ison#% must not ask to b# #.'us#d &o% an$ t%i*ial %#ason and s"ould alwa$s #.#%t "is b#st #&&o%ts in "is b#"al&( 6eo4$e *s' Ho$>ado+ ./ 6hi$' 1/T"# dut$ o& a law$#% to a''#pt t"# 'aus# o& t"# d#&#ns#l#ss and t"# opp%#ss#d #mpow#%s t"# 'ou%t to %#/ui%# "im to %#nd#% p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s to an$ pa%t$ in a 'as#) i& t"# pa%t$ is wit"out m#ans to #mplo$ an atto%n#$ and t"# s#%*i'#s o& a law$#% a%# n#'#ssa%$ to p%ot#'t t"# %ig"ts o& su'" pa%t$ o% s#'u%# t"# #nds o& -usti'# o% to d#signat# "im as 'ouns#l de officio &o% an a''us#d i& t"# latt#% is unabl# to #mplo$ a 'ouns#l de parte( Ru(e B3AB3 I# su*h *ases4 e2e# "f the (awyer -oes #ot a**e+t a *ase4 he sha(( #ot refuse to re#-er (e'a( a-2"*e to the +erso# *o#*er#e- "f o#(y to the #e*essary to safe'uar- the (atters r"'hts3

15

I& t"# %#ason &o% non6a''#ptan'# o& a 'as# is 'on&li't o& int#%#st) a law$#% must %#&%ain &%om gi*ing l#gal ad*i'# b#'aus# a law$#%6'li#nt %#lations"ip is #stablis"#d and ma$ l#ad to *iolation o& t"# %ul# against %#p%#s#nting 'on&li'ting int#%#sts( Ru(e B3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot -o or +er."t to 0e -o#e a#y a*t -es"'#e- +r".ar"(y to so("*"t (e'a( 0us"#ess3

T"# soli'itation o& #mplo$m#nt b$ an atto%n#$ is a g%ound &o% disba%m#nt o% susp#nsion( T"# b#st ad*#%tis#m#nt &o% a law$#% is a w#ll6d#s#%*#d %#putation &o% 'omp#t#n'#) "on#st$ and &id#lit$ to p%i*at# t%ust and publi' dut$( R"$e 2<.+ Se7' -1+ R"$es o% Co"rt T"# law p%o"ibits law$#%s &%om soli'iting 'as#s &o% t"# pu%pos# o& gain) #it"#% p#%sonall$ o% t"%oug" paid ag#nts o% b%ok#%s) and mak#s t"# a't malp%a'ti'#( A law$#% w"o ag%##s wit" a non6law$#% to di*id# atto%n#$s &##s paid b$ 'li#nts suppli#d o% soli'it#d b$ t"# non6law$#% is guilt$ o& malp%a'ti'#) t"# sam# b#ing a &o%m o& soli'itation o& 'as#s( Chara*ter"st"*s wh"*h -"st"#'u"shes the (e'a( +rofess"o# fro. 0us"#ess 0( a dut$ o& publi' s#%*i'#) o& w"i'" t"# #molum#nt is a b$6p%odu't) and in w"i'" on# ma$ sustain t"# "ig"#st #min#n'# wit"out making mu'" mon#$, 1( a %#lation as an 9o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t: to t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# in*ol*ing t"o%oug" sin'#%it$) int#g%it$) and %#liabilit$, 3( a %#lation to 'li#nts in t"# "ig"#st d#g%## o& &idu'ia%$, 4( a %#lation to 'oll#agu#s at t"# ba% '"a%a't#%i8#d b$ 'ando%) &ai%n#ss) and unwillingn#ss to %#so%t to 'u%%#nt busin#ss m#t"ods o& ad*#%tising and #n'%oa'"m#nt on t"#i% p%a'ti'# o% d#aling di%#'tl$ wit" t"#i% 'li#nts( Ty+es of a-2ert"s"#' or so("*"tat"o#s #ot +roh"0"te- (@$e4 *s' Le>a$ C$ini7 --< SCRA <1.3 0( +ubli'ation o& %#putabl# law lists) in a mann#% 'onsist#nt wit" t"# standa%ds o& 'ondu't impos#d b$ t"# 'anons) o% b%i#& biog%ap"i'al and in&o%mati*# data( 1( T"# us# o& o%dina%$ simpl# p%o&#ssional 'a%d( T"# 'a%d 'ontain onl$ a stat#m#nt o& "is nam#) t"# nam# o& t"# law &i%m w"i'" "# is 'onn#'t#d wit") add%#ss) t#l#p"on# no() and sp#'ial b%an'" o& law p%a'ti'#d( 3( +ubli'ation o% a publi' announ'#m#nt o& t"# op#ning o& a law &i%m o% o& '"ang#s in t"# pa%tn#%s"ip) asso'iat#s) &i%m nam# o% o&&i'# add%#ss) b#ing &o% t"# 'on*#ni#n'# o& t"# p%o&#ssion( )n re: Ta>orda+ /< 6hi$' <1 (20-03 To allow a law$#% to ad*#%tis# "is tal#nt o% skill is to 'omm#%'iali8# t"# p%a'ti'# o& law) low#% t"# p%o&#ssion in publi' 'on&id#n'# and l#ss#n "is abilit$ to %#nd#% #&&i'i#ntl$ t"at "ig" '"a%a't#% o& s#%*i'# to w"i'" #*#%$ m#mb#% o& t"# ba% is 'all#d( It d#st%u'ti*# o& t"# "ono% o& a g%#at p%o&#ssion( It low#%s t"# standa%ds o& t"at p%o&#ssion( It wo%ks against t"# 'on&id#n'# o& t"# 'ommunit$ in t"# int#g%it$ o& t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# ba%( It %#sults in n##dl#ss litigation and in in'#nting to st%i&# ot"#%wis# p#a'#&ull$ in'lin#d 'iti8#ns( Ru(e B3AD3 A (awyer sha(( #ot *har'e rates (ower tha# those *usto.ar"(y +res*r"0e-4 u#(ess the *"r*u.sta#*es so warra#t3

CCCW"at t"# %ul# p%o"ibits is t"# 'omp#tition in t"# matt#% o& '"a%ging &##s &o% p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s &o% t"# pu%pos# o& att%a'ting p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nts in &a*o% o& t"# law$#% w"o o&&#%s low#% %at#s( T"# %ul# do#s not p%o"ibit a law$#% &%om 'oll#'ting a %#du'#d o% no &## at all &%om a p#%son w"o would "a*# di&&i'ult$ in pa$ing t"# &## usuall$ '"a%g#d &o% t"# s#%*i'#'(A>4a$o3 CANON C A (awyer "# .aE"#' E#ow# h"s (e'a( ser2"*es sha(( use o#(y true4 ho#est4 fa"r4 -"'#"f"e- a#- o0>e*t"2e "#for.at"o# or state.e#t of fa*ts3

16

Ru(e C3A@3

A (awyer sha(( #ot use or +er."t the use of a#y fa(se4 frau-u(e#t4 ."s(ea-"#'4 -e*e+t"2e4 u#-"'#"f"e-4 se(f,(au-atory or u#fa"r state.e#t or *(a". re'ar-"#' h"s 9ua("f"*at"o#s or (e'a( ser2"*es3

Canon -1 o% the Canon o% 6ro%essiona$ Ethi7s T"# 'anons o& t"# p%o&#ssion t"at t#ll t"# b#st ad*#%tising possibl# &o% a law$#% is w#ll6m#%it#d %#putation &o% p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ and &id#lit$ to t%ust) w"i'" must b# #a%n#d as t"# out'om# o& '"a%a't#% and 'ondu't( An$ &als# p%#t#ns# t"#%#&o%# b$ a law$#% int#nd#d to d#&%aud) misl#ad o% d#'#i*# to tout on "is /uali&i'ations o% /ualit$ o& "is l#gal s#%*i'#s is un#t"i'al ; w"#t"#% don# b$ "im p#%sonall$ o% t"%oug" anot"#% wit" "is p#%mission( T"# p%o&&#% o& &%## l#gal s#%*i'#s to t"# indig#nt) #*#n w"#n b%oad'ast o*#% t"# %adio o% t#nd#%#d t"%oug" 'i%'ulations o& p%int#d matt#% to t"# g#n#%al publi') o&&#nds no #t"i'al %ul#( Ru(e C3AB3 I# the *ho"*e of a f"r. #a.e4 #o fa(se4 ."s(ea-"#' or assu.e- #a.e sha(( 0e use-3 The *o#t"#ue- use of the #a.e of a -e*ease- +art#er "s +er."ss"0(e +ro2"-e- that the f"r. "#-"*ates "# a(( "ts *o..u#"*at"o#s that sa"- +art#er "s -e*ease-3

A g%oup o& law$#%s w"o d#s#%*# to #stablis" a pa%tn#%s"ip &o% g#n#%al p%a'ti'# o& law ma$ adopt a &i%m nam#( How#*#%) no &als# nam# o% misl#ading o% assum#d nam# s"all b# us#d in t"# &i%m nam# adopt#d( Ao nam# not b#longing to an$ o& t"# pa%tn#%s o% asso'iat#s ma$ b# us#d in t"# &i%m nam# &o% an$ pu%pos#( I& a pa%tn#% di#d) and 'ontinu#d us# o& t"# nam# is d#si%#d b$ t"# su%*i*ing pa%tn#%s) t"# nam# o& t"# d#'#as#d ma$ still b# us#d) in all t"# 'ommuni'ations o& t"# law &i%m) p%o*id#d t"#%# is an indi'ation t"at said pa%tn#% is al%#ad$ d#ad( T"# us# o& a '%oss a&t#% t"# nam# o& t"# d#'#as#d pa%tn#% is su&&i'i#nt indi'ation( It is ad*isabl# t"oug" t"at t"# $#a% o& t"# d#at" b# also indi'at#d( Canon <<+ C6E In t"# &o%mation o& su'" pa%tn#%s"ip) no p#%son s"ould b# admitt#d o% "#ld out as a m#mb#% w"o is not a law$#%( Ao% ma$ a g%oup o& law$#%s "old t"#ms#l*#s out as pa%tn#%s w"#n) in &a't) t"#$ a%# not o% w"#n no pa%tn#%s"ip a'tuall$ #.ists( B'R' Se&astian Enter4rises )n7' *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ -5; SCRA -. 2#at" o& a pa%tn#% do#s not #.tinguis" t"# 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip wit" t"# law &i%m( Antonio *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2/< SCRA /0A#glig#n'# o& a m#mb#% in t"# law &i%m is n#glig#n'# o& t"# &i%m( W"#n t"# 'ouns#l o& %#'o%ds is t"# Law <i%m) t"# n#glig#n'# o& t"# law$#% assign#d to t"# 'as# 'onsisting in "is l#a*ing &o% ab%oad wit"out noti&$ing "is 'oll#agu#s is n#glig#n'# o& t"# Law <i%m( =a7ana! *s' Ba er D M7 enzie <ilipino law$#%s 'annot p%a'ti'# law und#% t"# nam# o& a &o%#ign law &i%m( Ru(e C3AC Where a +art#er a**e+ts +u0("* off"*e4 he sha(( w"th-raw fro. the f"r. a#h"s #a.e sha(( 0e -ro++e- fro. the f"r. #a.e u#(ess the (aw a((ows h". to +ra*t"*e (aw *o#*urre#t(y3

RA 12;5+ Se7tion 05 Aam# o& pa%tn#% s"ould b# d%opp#d &%om t"# &i%m nam# w"#n "# a''#pts publi' o&&i'#( I& a pa%tn#% in a law &i%m "as a''#pt#d a publi' o&&i'#) "is nam# s"all b# %#mo*#d &%om t"# &i%m nam#( @>ception= I& t"# law allows "im to p%a'ti'# law 'on'u%%#ntl$ w"il# "olding t"# position su'" as Sanggunian m#mb#%s a%# sub-#'t to '#%tain %#st%i'tions( Ru(e C3AD3 A (awyer sha(( #ot +ay or '"2e a#yth"#' of 2a(ue to re+rese#tat"2es of the .ass .e-"a "# a#t"*"+at"o# of4 or "# retur# for4 +u0("*"ty to attra*t (e'a( 0us"#ess3

17

A law$#% w"o s##ks publi'it$ to att%a't l#gal busin#ss is d#basing t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion) sp#'iall$ so) i& "# pa$s som#t"ing o& *alu# &o% it( CANON D A (awyer sha(( +art"*"+ate "# the -e2e(o+.e#t of the Le'a( Syste. 0y "#"t"at"#' or su++ort"#' efforts "# (aw refor. a#- "# the ".+ro2e.e#t of the a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*e3 Canon :5+ C6E An atto%n#$ 9ma$ wit" p%op%i#t$ w%it# a%ti'l#s &o% publi'ations in w"i'" "# gi*#s in&o%mation upon t"# law, but "# s"ould not a''#pt #mplo$m#nt &%om su'" publi'ations to ad*is# in/ui%i#s in %#sp#'t to t"#i% indi*idual %ig"ts(: CANON 5 A (awyer sha(( Eee+ a0reast of (e'a( -e2e(o+.e#t4 +art"*"+ate "# *o#t"#u"#' (e'a( e-u*at"o# +ro'ra.s4 su++ort efforts to a*h"e2e h"'h sta#-ar-s "# (aw s*hoo( as we(( as "# the +ra*t"*a( tra"#"#' of (aw stu-e#ts a#- ass"st "# -"sse."#at"#' "#for.at"o# re'ar-"#' the (aw a#- >ur"s+ru-e#*e3 What "s the threefo(- o0("'at"o# of a (awyer? $irst, "# ow#s it to "ims#l& to 'ontinu# imp%o*ing "is knowl#dg# o& t"# laws, Second) "# ow#s it to "is p%o&#ssion to tak# an a'ti*# int#%#st in t"# maint#nan'# o& "ig" standa%ds o& "ig" #du'ation( &/ird, "# ow#s it to t"# law publi' to mak# t"# law a pa%t o& t"#i% so'ial 'ons'iousn#ss( =e Ro! *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2/1 SCRA 1/1 It is t"# bound#n dut$ o& 'ouns#l as law$#% in a'ti*# law p%a'ti'# to k##p upb%#ast o& d#'isions o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t pa%ti'ula%l$ w"#%# issu#s "a*# b##n 'la%i&i#d) 'onsist#ntl$ %#it#%at#d) and publis"#d in t"# ad*an'# %#po%t o& Sup%#m# ou%t d#'isions (G(R(s! and in su'" publi'ations as t"# Sup%#m# ou%t R#po%ts Annotat#d (S RA! and law -ou%nals( E"a$o *s' CA) o% Ce&"+ CA8B'R' No' -112.8R+ ,"$! 1+ 20;2 Atto%n#$s s"ould &amilia%i8# t"#ms#l*#s wit" t"# %ul#s and 'ompl$ wit" t"#i% %#/ui%#m#nts( T"#$ a%# also '"a%g#abl# wit" noti'# o& '"ang#s in t"# %ul#s w"i'" "a*# b##n "#ld as in'luding not onl$ #.p%#ss %#gl#m#nta%$ p%o*isions but also a %#gula% p%a'ti'# und#% t"# Rul#s o& ou%t( CANON F These *a#o#s sha(( a++(y to (awyers "# 'o2er#.e#t ser2"*e "# the -"s*har'e of the"r off"*"a( tasEs3 Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4'<5 A law$#% do#s not s"#d "is p%o&#ssional obligations upon "is assuming publi' o&&i'#( Ao0e#er) law$#%s w"o a%# in'umb#nt -udg#s and magist%at#s s"all b# go*#%n#d in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"#i% o&&i'ial &un'tions b$ t"# od# o& Budi'ial ondu't w"i'" b#'am# #&&#'ti*# on O'tob#% 1J) 07@7( $u0("* off"*e , in'lud# #l#'ti*# and appointi*# o&&i'ials and #mplo$##s) p#%man#nt o% t#mpo%a%$) w"#t"#% in t"# 'a%##% o% non6'a%##% s#%*i'#) in'luding milita%$ and poli'# p#%sonn#l) w"#t"#% o% not t"#$ %#'#i*# 'omp#nsation) %#ga%dl#ss o& amount( (Se7' <(&3+ RA ;21<3' T"# law %#/ui%#s t"# obs#%*an'# o& t"# &ollowing no%ms o& 'ondu't b$ #*#%$ publi' o&&i'ial in t"# dis'"a%g# and #.#'ution o& t"#i% o&&i'ial duti#s= a( 'ommitm#nt to publi' int#%#st b( p%o&#ssionalism '( -ustn#ss and sin'#%it$ d( politi'al n#ut%alit$ #( %#sponsi*#n#ss to t"# publi' &( nationalism and pat%iotism g( 'ommitm#nt to d#mo'%a'$ "( simpl# li*ing (Sec. 4, R* 671( Co$$antes *s' Renomeron+ -55 SCRA /.: I& t"# law$#%s mis'ondu't in t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s as go*#%nm#nt o&&i'ial is o& su'" a '"a%a't#% as to a&&#'t "is /uali&i'ations as a law$#% o% to s"ow mo%al d#lin/u#n'$) "# ma$ b# dis'iplin#d as a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% on su'" g%ound(

18

Ru(e F3A@3

The +r".ary -uty of a (awyer e#'a'e- "# +u0("* +rose*ut"o# "s #ot to *o#2"*t 0ut to see that >ust"*e "s -o#e3 The su++ress"o# of fa*ts or the *o#*ea(.e#t of w"t#esses *a+a0(e of esta0("sh"#' the "##o*e#*e of the a**use- "s h"'h(y re+rehe#s"0(e a#- "s *ause for -"s*"+("#ary a*t"o#3

State *s' 6$aton+ :5 O'B' ;th S"44' -</ A p%os#'uto% is a /uasi6-udi'ial o&&i'#% and as su'") "# s"ould s##k #/ual and i-partial -usti'#( H# s"ould b# as mu'" 'on'#%n#d wit" s##ing t"at no man inno'#nt su&&#%s as in s##ing t"at no guilt$ man #s'ap#s( @'S' *s' Barredo+ <- 6hi$' ::0 A 'ons'ious p%os#'uting o&&i'ial) w"os# in*#stigations "a*# satis&i#d "im as to t"# inno'#n'# o& p#%sons '"a%g#d wit" t"# 'ommission o& '%im#) s"ould not institut# '%iminal p%o'##dings against su'" p#%sons( In t"# #*#nt t"at t"# '%iminal p%o'##dings "a*# b##n institut#d) and t"# in*#stigations o& t"# p%o*in'ial &is'al "a*# satis&i#d "im t"at t"# a''us#d p#%son is inno'#nt) o% t"at #*id#n'# su&&i'i#nt to s#'u%# 'on*i'tion will not b# &o%t"'oming at t"# t%ial d#spit# t"# #.#%'is# o& du# dilig#n'# to t"at #nd( It t"#n b#'om#s "is dut$ to ad*is# t"# 'ou%t w"#%#in t"# p%o'##dings a%# p#nding as to t"# %#sult o& "is in*#stigations) and to mo*# t"# 'ou%t to dismiss t"# p%o'##dings( S"arez *s' 6$aton+ ;0 6hi$' //; T"# int#%#st o& a p%os#'uto% in a '%iminal p%os#'ution is not to win a 'as# but to s## t"at -usti'# is don#( H# s"ould s## to it t"at t"# a''us#d is gi*#n a &ai% and impa%tial t%ial and not d#p%i*#d o& an$ o& "is statuto%$ o% 'onstitutional %ig"ts( C A publi' p%os#'uto% s"ould %#'omm#nd t"# a'/uittal o& t"# a''us#d w"os# 'on*i'tion is on app#al) i& "# &inds no l#gal basis to sustain t"# 'on*i'tion( Triente *s' Sandi>an&a!an+ 2:/ SCRA /5. Its %ol# as t"# +#opl#s Ad*o'at# in t"# Administ%ation o& Busti'# to t"# #nd t"at t"# inno'#nt b# #/uall$ d#&#nd#d and s#t &%## -ust as it "as t"# task o& "a*ing t"# guilt$ punis"#d( Ru(e F3AB3 A (awyer "# the 'o2er#.e#t sha(( #ot use h"s +u0("* +os"t"o# to +ro.ote or a-2a#*e h"s +r"2ate "#terests4 #or a((ow the (atter to "#terfere w"th h"s +u0("* -ut"es3

I& t"# law allows a publi' o&&i'ial to p%a'ti'# law 'on'u%%#ntl$) "# must us# "is publi' position to &#at"#% "is law p%a'ti'#( I& t"# law do#s not allow "im to p%a'ti'# "is p%o&#ssion) "# s"ould not do so indi%#'tl$ b$ b#ing a sil#nt pa%tn#% in a law &i%m o% b$ s#'u%ing l#gal busin#ss &o% a &%i#nd o% &o%m#% asso'iat# in t"# a'ti*# p%a'ti'# o& law %#'#i*ing a s"a%# in t"# atto%n#$s &##s &o% "is #&&o%ts( Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4'<5 Go*#%nm#nt law$#%s) w"o a%# publi' s#%*ants ow# utmost &id#lit$ to t"# publi' s#%*i'#( +ubli' o&&i'# is a publi' t%ust( T"#$ do not s"#d t"#i% p%o&#ssional obligation in assuming publi' positions( T"#$ s"ould b# mo%# s#nsiti*# to t"#i% p%o&#ssional obligations as t"#i% dis%#putabl# 'ondu't is mo%# lik#l$ to b# magni&i#d in t"# publi' #$#( +ubli' o&&i'ials a%# %#/ui%#d to up"old t"# publi' int#%#st o*#% and abo*# p#%sonal int#%#st, must dis'"a%g# t"#i% duti#s wit" t"# "ig"#st d#g%## o& #.'#ll#n'#) p%o&#ssionalism) int#llig#n'#) and skill, p%o*id# s#%*i'# wit"out dis'%imination, #.t#nd p%ompt) 'ou%t#ous and ad#/uat# s#%*i'# to t"# publi', b# lo$al to t"# R#publi', 'ommit t"#ms#l*#s to t"# d#mo'%ati' wa$ o& li&# and *alu#s, and l#ad mod#st li*#s( It is un#t"i'al &o% a go*#%nm#nt law$#% to %#main s#'%#tl$ 'onn#'t#d to a law <i%m and soli'it 'as#s &o% t"# said &i%m wit" %#&#%%al &##s o% mont"l$ %#tain#%s &o% t"# pu%pos#( Bonza$es8A"stria+ et a$' *s' A&a!a+ 21; SCRA ;<: A law$#% w"o "olds a go*#%nm#nt o&&i'# ma$ not b# dis'iplin#d as a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% &o% mis'ondu't in t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is duti#s as a go*#%nm#nt o&&i'ial( How#*#%) i& t"# mis'ondu't o& a go*#%nm#nt o&&i'ial is o& su'" a '"a%a't#% as to a&&#'t "is /uali&i'ation as a law$#% o% to s"ow mo%al d#lin/u#n'$) t"#n "# ma$ b# dis'iplin#d as a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% upon su'" g%ound( EnriC"ez Sr' *s' Hon' Bimenez+ 251 6hi$' 0<< Enlik# a p%a'ti'ing law$#% w"o "as t"# %ig"t to d#'lin# #mplo$m#nt) a &is'al 'annot %#&us# t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is &un'tions on g%ounds not p%o*id#d &o% b$ law wit"out *iolating "is oat" o& o&&i'#( Ru(e F3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 after (ea2"#' 'o2er#.e#t ser2"*e4 a**e+t e#'a'e.e#t or e.+(oy.e#t "# *o##e*t"o# w"th a#y .atter "# wh"*h he ha- "#ter2e#e- wh"(e

19

"# sa"- ser2"*e3 Var"ous ways a 'o2er#.e#t (awyer (ea2es 'o2er#.e#t ser2"*e 0( %#ti%#m#nt 1( %#signation 3( #.pi%ation o& t"# t#%m o& o&&i'# 4( dismissal 5( abandonm#nt W"at a%# t"# p#%tin#nt statuto%$ p%o*isions %#ga%ding t"is Rul#F Sec. ( (d R* (,19 as a-ended and Sec. 7 (b R* 671(. Section (. o%%upt p%a'ti'# o& publi' o&&i'#%s( In addition to a'ts o% omission o& publi' o&&i'#%s al%#ad$ p#nali8#d b$ #.isting law) t"# &ollowing s"all 'onstitut# 'o%%upt p%a'ti'#s o& an$ publi' o&&i'#% and a%# "#%#b$ d#'la%#d to b# unlaw&ul, . . . (d! a''#pting o% "a*ing an$ m#mb#% o& "is &amil$ a''#pt #mplo$m#nt in a p%i*at# #nt#%p%is# w"i'" "as p#nding o&&i'ial busin#ss wit" "im du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ t"#%#o& wit"in on# $#a% a&t#% its t#%mination, Section 7 (b R* 671( p%o"ibits publi' o&&i'ial &%om doing an$ o& t"# &ollowing a'ts= 0( own ) 'ont%ol) manag# o% a''#pt #mplo$m#nt as o&&i'#%) #mplo$##) 'onsultant) 'ouns#l) b%ok#%) ag#nt) t%ust## o% nomin## in an$ p%i*at# #nt#%p%is# %#gulat#d) sup#%*is#d o% li'#ns#d b$ t"#i% o&&i'# unl#ss #.p%#ssl$ allow#d b$ law, T"#s# p%o"ibitions s"all 'ontinu# to appl$ &o% a p#%iod o& on# (0! $#a% a&t#% %#signation) %#ti%#m#nt) o% s#pa%ation &%om publi' o&&i'#) #.'#pt in t"# 'as# o& subpa%ag%ap" (1! abo*#) but t"# p%o&#ssional 'on'#%n#d 'annot p%a'ti'# "is p%o&#ssion in 'onn#'tion wit" an$ matt#% b#&o%# t"# o&&i'# "# us#d to b# wit") in w"i'" 'as# t"# on# $#a% p%o"ibition s"all lik#wis# appl$( Se7tion 2+ Re4"&$i7 A7t 025 9it is a 'ondition o& t"# p#nsion p%o*id#d "#%#in t"at no %#ti%ing -usti'# o% -udg# o& a 'ou%t o& %#'o%d o% 'it$ o% muni'ipal -udg# du%ing t"# tim# t"at "# is %#'#i*ing said p#nsions s"all app#a% as 'ouns#l in an$ 'ou%t in an$ 'i*il 'as# w"#%#in t"# Go*#%nm#nt o% an$ subdi*ision o% inst%um#ntalit$ t"#%#o& is t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$) o% in an$ '%iminal 'as# w"#%#in an o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o& t"# Go*#%nm#nt is a''us#d o& an o&&#ns# 'ommitt#d in %#lation to "is o&&i'#) o% 'oll#'t an$ &## &o% "is app#a%an'# in an$ administ%ati*# p%o'##dings to maintain an int#%#st ad*#%s# to t"# Go*#%nm#nt) national) p%o*in'ial o% muni'ipal) o% an$ o& its l#gall$ 'onstitut#d o&&i'#%s(: CHA$TER II & THE LAW=ER AND THE LEGAL $RO:ESSION CANON G A (awyer sha(( at a(( t".es u+ho(- the "#te'r"ty a#- -"'#"ty of the (e'a( +rofess"o# a#- su++ort the a*t"2"t"es of the I#te'rate- )ar3 $acts3 A d##d o& absolut# sal# was nota%i8#d b$ t"# &at"#% o& t"# bu$#%6mino% w"o is also t"# sto'k"old#% and l#gal 'ouns#l &o% t"# *#ndo% and was not dul$ 'ommission#d as nota%$ publi' o& t"at dat#( (N"n>a *s' ?ira!+ Adm' Case No' :1/.+ A4ri$ <5+ 20003 Rulin13 I A law$#% b%ings "ono% and int#g%it$ to t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion b$ &ait"&ull$ p#%&o%ming "is duti#s to so'i#t$) to t"# Ba%) to t"# 'ou%ts and to "is 'li#nts( I A m#mb#% o& t"# l#gal &%at#%nit$ s"ould %#&%ain &%om doing an$ a't w"i'" mig"t l#ss#n in an$ d#g%## t"# 'on&id#n'# and t%ust %#pos#d b$ t"# publi' in t"# &id#lit$) "on#st$ and int#g%it$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( Canon -0+ C6E H# s"ould #.pos# wit"out &#a% o% &a*o% b#&o%# t"# Sup%#m# ou%t 'o%%upt o% dis"on#st 'ondu't in t"# p%o&#ssion and s"ould a''#pt wit"out "#sitation #mplo$m#nt against a law$#% w"o "as w%ong#d "is 'li#nt( Ru(e G3A@3 A (awyer sha(( 0e a#swera0(e for E#ow"#'(y .aE"#' a fa(se state.e#t or su++ress"#' a .ater"a( fa*t4 "# *o##e*t"o# w"th h"s a++("*at"o# for a-."ss"o# to the 0ar3

20

)n re Ramon Ba$an>+ ;; SCRA -.T"at t"# 'on'#alm#nt o& an atto%n#$ in "is appli'ation to tak# t"# Ba% #.aminations o& t"# &a't t"at "# "ad b##n '"a%g#d wit") o% indi't#d &o% an all#g#d '%im#) as a g%ound &o% %#*o'ation o& "is li'#ns# to p%a'ti'# law) is w#ll s#ttl#d( R"$e 2<.+ Se7' 2<+ RRC Ao 'andidat# s"all #nd#a*o% to in&lu#n'# an$ m#mb#% o& t"# 'ommitt##) and du%ing #.aminations t"# 'andidat#s s"all not 'ommuni'at# wit" #a'" ot"#% no% s"all t"#$ gi*# o% %#'#i*# an$ assistan'#( T"# 'andidat#s w"o *iolat#s t"is p%o"ibition o% an$ ot"#% p%o*ision o& t"is %ul#) s"all b# ba%%#d &%om t"# #.amination) and t"# sam# to 'ount as a &ailu%# against "im) and &u%t"#% dis'iplina%$ a'tion) in'luding p#%man#nt dis/uali&i'ation) ma$ b# tak#n in t"# dis'%#tion o& t"# 'ou%t( Ru(e G3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot su++ort the a++("*at"o# for a-."ss"o# to the 0ar of a#y +erso# E#ow# 0y h". to 0e u#9ua("f"e- "# res+e*t to *hara*ter4 e-u*at"o#4 or other re(e2a#t attr"0ute3

Canon -0+ C6E A law$#% s"ould aid in gua%ding t"# Ba% against admission to t"# p%o&#ssion o& 'andidat#s un&it o% un/uali&i#d &o% b#ing d#&i'i#nt in #it"#% mo%al '"a%a't#% o% #du'ation( +ubli' poli'$ %#/ui%#s t"at t"# p%a'ti'# o& law b# limit#d to t"os# indi*iduals &ound dul$ /uali&i#d in #du'ation and '"a%a't#%( T"# p#%missi*# %ig"t 'on&#%%#d on t"# law$#% is an indi*idual and limit#d p%i*il#g# sub-#'t to wit"d%awal i& "# &ails to maintain p%op#% standa%ds o& mo%al and p%o&#ssional 'ondu't( Ru(e G3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot e#'a'e- "# *o#-u*t that a-2erse(y ref(e*ts o# h"s f"t#ess to +ra*t"*e (aw4 #or sha(( he4 whether "# +u0("* or +r"2ate ("fe4 0eha2e "# a s*a#-a(ous .a##er to the -"s*re-"t of the (e'a( +rofess"o#3

Me$endrez *s' =e7ena+ 21; SCRA ;;A law$#% w"o 'ommits an unlaw&ul a't t"oug" not %#lat#d to t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is p%o&#ssional duti#s as a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba%) w"i'" puts "is mo%al '"a%a't#% is s#%ious doubt) %#nd#%s "im un&it to 'ontinu# in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law( )n re: 6e$aez+ :: 6hi$' /;1 T"# g%ounds &o% dis'iplina%$ a'tions #num#%at#d und#% t"# Rul#s o& ou%t a%# not #.'lusi*# and a%# so b%oad as to 'o*#% p%a'ti'all$ an$ mis'ondu't o& a law$#% in "is p%o&#ssional o% p%i*at# 'apa'it$( To$oza *s' Car>o+ 212 SCRA -2 As o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t) law$#%s must not onl$ in &a't b# o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% but also b# s##n o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% and l#ading li*#s in a''o%dan'# wit" t"# "ig"#st mo%al standa%ds o& t"# 'ommunit$( CANON H A (awyer sha(( *o#-u*t h".se(f w"th *ourtesy4 fa"r#ess a#- *a#-or towar- h"s +rofess"o#a( *o((ea'ues4 a#sha(( a2o"- harass"#' ta*t"*s a'a"#st o++os"#' *ou#se(3 T"# gold#n %ul# is mu'" mo%# n##d#d in t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion t"an in an$ ot"#% p%o&#ssion &o% a b#tt#% administ%ation o& -usti'#( Y"$o *s' Yan> Chiao Sen>+ 25; 6hi$' 225 (20/03 H# s"ould not tak# ad*antag# o& t"# #.'usabl# unp%#pa%#dn#ss o% abs#n'# o& 'ouns#l du%ing t"# t%ial o& a 'as#(

Canon 0+ C6E A law$#% s"ould not in an$ wa$ 'ommuni'at# upon t"# sub-#'t o& 'ont%o*#%s$ wit" a pa%t$ %#p%#s#nt#d b$ 'ouns#l) mu'" l#ss s"ould "# und#%tak# to n#gotiat# o% 'omp%omis# t"# matt#% wit" "im) but s"ould d#al onl$ wit" "is 'ouns#l( Ru(e H3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 "# h"s +rofess"o#a( -ea("#'s4 use (a#'ua'e wh"*h "s

21

a0us"2e4 offe#s"2e or otherw"se ".+ro+er3 A'B'A' O4' 21 (,an' -<+ 20<53 T"# &a't t"at on# o& t"#m 'ondu'ts "ims#l& imp%op#%l$ do#s not %#li#*# t"# ot"#% &%om t"# p%o&#ssional obligation in "is %#lation wit" "im( Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' :2 An$ kind o& languag# w"i'" atta'ks wit"out &oundation and int#g%it$ o& t"# opposing 'ouns#l o% t"# dignit$ o& t"# 'ou%t ma$ b# st%i'k#n o&& t"# %#'o%ds o% ma$ sub-#'t a law$#% to dis'iplina%$ a'tion( S"ri>ao Minera$ Reser*ation Board *s' C$ori&e$+ <2 SCRA 2 2is%#sp#'t&ul) abusi*# and ab%asi*# languag#) o&&#nsi*# p#%sonalit$) un&ound#d a''usations o% int#mp#%at# wo%ds t#nding to obst%u't) #mba%%ass o% in&lu#n'# t"# 'ou%t in administ#%ing -usti'#) o% to b%ing it into dis%#put# "a*# no pla'# in a pl#ading( T"#i% #mplo$m#nt s#%*#s no us#&ul pu%pos# and on t"# 'ont%a%$ 'onstitut#s di%#'t 'ont#mpt o% 'ont#mpt in facie 'u%ia#( )n re: Bomez+ :< 6hi$' <1; A law$#% w"o us#s int#mp#%at#) abusi*#) ab%asi*# o% t"%#at#ning languag# po%t%a$s dis%#sp#'t to t"# 'ou%t) disg%a'#s t"# Ba% and in*it#s t"# #.#%'is# b$ t"# 'ou%t o& its dis'iplina%$ pow#%( )n re: C$ima7o+ // SCRA 251 A law$#%s languag# s"ould b# &o%'#&ul but digni&i#d) #mp"ati' but %#sp#'t&ul as b#&itting an ad*o'at# and in k##ping wit" t"# dignit$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( Nationa$ Se7"rit! Co' *s' ,ar*is T"# law$#%s a%gum#nts) w"#t"#% w%itt#n o% o%al) s"ould b# g%a'ious to bot" t"# 'ou%t and opposing 'ouns#l and b# o& su'" wo%ds as ma$ b# p%op#%l$ add%#ss#d b$ on# g#ntl#man to anot"#%( Rheem o% the 6hi$i44ines *s' Aerrer+ -5 SCRA ::2 La'k o& want o& int#ntion is no #.'us# &o% t"# dis%#sp#'t&ul languag# #mplo$#d( ouns#l 'annot #s'ap# %#sponsibilit$ b$ 'laiming t"at "is wo%ds did not m#an w"at an$ %#ad#% must "a*# und#%stood t"#m as m#aning( Ru(e H3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 -"re*t(y or "#-"re*t(y4 e#*roa*h u+o# the +rofess"o#a( e.+(oy.e#t of a#other (awyerI howe2er4 "t "s the r"'ht of the (awyer4 w"thout fear or fa2or4 to '"2e +ro+er a-2"*e a#- ass"sta#*e to those seeE"#' re("ef a'a"#st u#fa"thfu( or #e'(e*tfu( *ou#se(3

A law$#% s"ould not st#al t"# ot"#% law$#%s 'li#nt no% indu'# t"# latt#% to %#tain "im b$ a p%omis# o& b#tt#% s#%*i'#) good %#sult o% %#du'#d &##s &o% "is s#%*i'#s( A#it"#% s"ould "# dispa%ag# anot"#%) mak# 'ompa%isons o% publi'i8# "is tal#nt as a m#ans to &#at"#% "is law p%a'ti'#( La4"t *s' Remoti>"e+ ; SCRA :/ (20;-3 It is) "ow#*#%) t"# %ig"t o& a law$#%) wit"out &#a% o% &a*o%) to gi*# p%op#% ad*i'# to t"os# s##king %#li#& against un&ait"&ul o% n#gl#'t&ul 'ouns#l( H# ma$ p%op#%l$ a''#pt #mplo$m#nt to "andl# a matt#% w"i'" "as b##n p%#*iousl$ "andl#d b$ anot"#% law$#%) p%o*id#d t"at t"# ot"#% law$#% "as b##n gi*#n noti'# b$ t"# 'li#nt t"at "is s#%*i'#s "a*# b##n t#%minat#d( )n re: Soriano+ << SCRA .52 (20153 . . . B#&o%# taking o*#% a 'as# "andl#d b$ a p##% in t"# Ba%) a law$#% is #n-oin#d to obtain t"# 'on&o%mit$ o& t"# 'ouns#l w"om "# would substitut#( And i& t"is 'annot b# "ad) t"#n "# s"ould) at t"# *#%$ l#ast) gi*# noti'# to su'" law$#% o& t"# 'ont#mplat#d substitution( His #nt%$ o& app#a%an'# in t"# 'as# wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# &i%st law$#% amounts to an imp%op#% #n'%oa'"m#nt upon t"# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt o& t"# o%iginal 'ouns#l( )n re: C$emente M' Soriano+ << SCRA .52 (20153 A law$#% w"o "as a'/ui%#d knowl#dg# o& t"# malp%a'ti'#s o& a m#mb#% o& a Ba%) "as t"# dut$ to t"# publi' and to t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion to in&o%m t"# Sup%#m# ou%t o% t"# IB+ o& su'" malp%a'ti'#s to t"# #nd t"at t"# malp%a'tition#% b# p%op#%l$ dis'iplin#d(

22

Canon 1+ C6E A 'li#nts p%o&&#% o& assistan'# o& additional 'ouns#l s"ould not b# %#ga%d#d as #*id#n'# o& want o& 'on&id#n'#) but t"# matt#% s"ould b# l#&t to t"# d#t#%mination o& t"# 'li#nt( H# s"ould d#'lin# asso'iation as a 'oll#agu# i& it is ob-#'tionabl# to t"# o%iginal 'ouns#l) but i& t"# law$#% &i%st %#tain#d is %#li#*#d) "# ma$ 'om# into t"# 'as#( CANON J A (awyer sha(( #ot4 -"re*t(y or "#-"re*t(y4 ass"st "# the u#author";e- +ra*t"*e of (aw3 R"$e 12+ se7'< (e3+ Re*ised R"$es o% Co"rt T"# a't o& p%#t#nding o% assuming to b# an atto%n#$ o% an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t and a'ting as su'" wit"out aut"o%it$ is punis"abl# wit" 'ont#mpt o& 'ou%t( T"# law$#% w"o assists in an unaut"o%i8#d p%a'ti'# o& law w"#t"#% di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ is sub-#'t to dis'iplina%$ a'tion( Ru(e J3A@ A (awyer sha(( #ot -e(e'ate to a#y u#9ua("f"e- +erso# the +erfor.a#*e of a#y tasE wh"*h 0y (aw .ay o#(y 0e +erfor.e- 0y a .e.0er of the )ar "# 'oo- sta#-"#'3

B"&a$$a *s' Ca>"ioa+ 1. SCRA <5A law$#% is p%o"ibit#d &%om taking as pa%tn#% o% asso'iat# an$ p#%son w"o is not aut"o%i8#d to p%a'ti'# law ; to app#a% in 'ou%t o% to sign pl#adings( A law$#%) w"o is und#% susp#nsion &%om p%a'ti'# o& law is not a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% in good standing( A law$#% w"os# aut"o%it$ to p%a'ti'# "as b##n wit"d%awn du# to a '"ang# in 'iti8#ns"ip o% all#gian'# to t"# 'ount%$ 'annot app#a% b#&o%# t"# 'ou%ts( Comments o% )B6 Committee+ 44' :18:. A law$#% 'an #mplo$ la$ s#'%#ta%i#s) la$ in*#stigato%s) la$ d#t#'ti*#s) la$ %#s#a%'"#%s) a''ountants o% non6 law$#% d%a&tsm#n) to und#%tak# an$ task not in*ol*ing p%a'ti'# o& law( H# ma$ also a*ail "ims#l& o& t"# assistan'# o& law stud#nts in man$ o& t"# &i#lds o& t"# law$#%s wo%k) su'" as t"# #.amination o& a 'as# law) &inding and int#%*i#wing witn#ss) #.amining 'ou%t %#'o%ds) d#li*#%ing pap#%s) and simila% matt#%s( Ru(e J3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot -"2"-e or st"+u(ate a fee for (e'a( ser2"*e w"th +erso#s #ot ("*e#se- to +ra*t"*e (aw4 e1*e+t a3 where there "s a +re,e1"st"#' a'ree.e#t w"th the +art#er or asso*"ate that4 u+o# the (atters -eath4 .o#ey sha(( 0e +a"o2er a reaso#a0(e +er"o- of t".e to h"s estate or to +erso#s s+e*"f"e- "# the a'ree.e#tI or 03 where a (awyer u#-ertaEes to *o.+(ete u#f"#"she- (e'a( 0us"#ess of a -e*ease- (awyerI or *3 where the (awyer or (aw f"r. "#*(u-es #o#,(awyer e.+(oyees "# a ret"re.e#t +(a#4 e2e# "f the +(a# "s 0ase- "# who(e as "# +art4 o# a +rof"t,shar"#' arra#'e.e#t3

Ai*e , TaFi *' NLRC As a non6law$#%) +ulia is not #ntitl#d to atto%n#$s &##s #*#n t"oug" "# is t"# aut"o%i8#d %#p%#s#ntati*# o& t"# %#spond#nts to t"# ALR ( T"# #.ist#n'# o& an atto%n#$s &## imput#s an atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip( T"is 'annot "app#n b#tw##n +ulia and %#spond#nts( CHA$TER III & THE LAW=ER AND THE COURTS CANON @A A (awyer owes *a#-or4 fa"r#ess a#- 'oo- fa"th to the *ourt3 Lan>en *s' Bor o#s i+ 2.. Wis -11+ :< ALR ;-- (20-/3 A law$#% ow#s t"# 'ou%t t"# dut$ to %#nd#% no s#%*i'# o% to do no a't 0( w"i'" in*ol*#s dis%#sp#'t to t"# -udi'ial o&&i'# 1( adoption o& l#gal p%oposition w"i'" is not "on#stl$ d#batabl# 3( a%ti&i'# o% &als# stat#m#nt o& &a't o% law to misl#ad t"# 'ou%t 4( unlaw&ul 'onspi%a'$ wit" "is 'li#nt) a t"i%d p#%son o% a -udg# t#nding to &%ust%at# o% d#la$ t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# o% to s#'u%# &o% "is 'li#nt t"at w"i'" is not l#gall$ o% -ustl$ du# "im A'B'A' O4' -.5 G Canon /+ 2/ o% C6E

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A law$#%) "ow#*#%) t"oug" an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t and '"a%g#d wit" t"# dut$ o& 'ando% and &ai%n#ss) is not an umpi%# but an ad*o'at#( H# is und#% no dut$ to %#&%ain &%om making #*#%$ p%op#% a%gum#nt in suppo%t o& an$ l#gal point b#'aus# "# is not 'on*in'#d o& its in"#%#nt soundn#ss( His p#%sonal b#li#& in t"# soundn#ss o& "is 'aus# o% o& t"# aut"o%iti#s suppo%ting it is i%%#l#*ant( M"Hoz *s' 6eo4$e+ /< SCRA 205 T"# bu%d#n 'ast on t"# -udi'ia%$ would b# intol#%abl# i& it 'ould not tak# at &a'# *alu# w"at is ass#%t#d b$ 'ouns#l( T"# tim# t"at will "a*# to b# d#*ot#d -ust to t"# task o& *#%i&i'ation o& all#gations submitt#d 'ould #asil$ b# imagin#d( E*#n wit" du# %#'ognition t"#n t"at 'ouns#l is #.p#'t#d to displa$ t"# utmost 8#al in d#&#ns# o& a 'li#nts 'aus#) it must n#*#% b# at t"# #.p#ns# o& d#*iation &%om t"# t%ut"( Ru(e @A3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot -o a#y fa(sehoo-4 #or *o#se#t to the -o"#' of a#y "# *ourtI #or sha(( he ."s(ea- or a((ow the Court to 0e ."s(ea- 0y a#y art"f"*e3

6eo4$e *s' Mano&o+ 2. SCRA <5 (200;3 A law$#% s"ould not) in t"# d#&#ns# o& "is 'li#nt) put a witn#ss on t"# stand w"om "# knows will gi*# a &als# t#stimon$( H# s"ould not disto%t t"# &a'ts in dis%#ga%d o& t"# t%ut" and t"# law no% mak# imp%o*id#nt a%gum#nts bas#d t"#%#on o% on t"# &a'ts on %#'o%d( So.e Cases of :a(sehoo-s Wh"*h %er"te- D"s*"+("#e 0( Law$#%s &als#l$ stating in a d##d o& sal# t"at p%op#%t$ is &%## &%om all li#ns and #n'umb%an'#s w"#n it is not so (Se*i$$a *s' Eo$eta+ 0; 6hi$' 0103I 1( Law$#%s making it app#a% t"at a p#%son) long d#ad) #.#'ut#d a d##d o& sal# in "is &a*o% (Montere! *s' Ara!ata+ ;2 6hi$' .-5!, 3( Law$#%) #n'as"ing a '"#'k pa$abl# to a d#'#as#d 'ousin b$ signing t"# latt#%s nam# on t"# '"#'k ()n re: Samanie>o+ 05 6hi$' <.-3I 4( Law$#% &alsi&$ing a pow#% o& atto%n#$ and us#d it in 'oll#'ting t"# mon#$ du# to t"# p%in'ipal app%op%iating t"# mon#$ &o% "is own b#n#&it ()n re: R"sina+ 25/ 6hi$' 2<-.3I and

5( Law$#% all#ging in on# pl#ading t"at "is 'li#nts w#%# m#%#l$ l#ss##s o& t"# p%op#%t$ in*ol*#d) and all#g#d in a lat#% pl#ading t"at t"# sam# 'li#nts w#%# t"# own#%s o& t"# sam# p%op#%t$ (Cha*ez *s' ?io$a+ B'R' -2/-+ 20 A4ri$ 2002! w"#%# t"#%# a%# &als# all#gations in p#adlings( >( Law$#% utt#%ing &als#"ood in a Dotion to 2ismiss (Martin *s' Moreno+ 2-0 SCRA <2/3' ?( Law$#% d#n$ing "a*ing %#'#i*#d t"# noti'# to &il# b%i#& w"i'" is b#li#d b$ t"# %#tu%n 'a%d (Ra>a7eJo *s' )AC+ 2/< SCRA :;-3' @( Law$#% p%#s#nting &alsi&i#d do'um#nts in 'ou%t w"i'" "# knows to b# &als# (Ba"tista *s' Bonza$es+ 2.SCRA 2/23 o% int%odu'ing &als# #*id#n'# (Berren>"er *s' Carranza+ -; SCRA ;1<3' 7( Law$#% &iling &als# '"a%g#s o% g%oundl#ss suits (Ret"!a *s' Bord"iz+ 0; SCRA /-;3' Art' 2.:+ Re*ised 6ena$ Code An$ p#%son w"o s"all knowingl$ o&&#% in #*id#n'# a &als# witn#ss o% t#stimon$ in an$ -udi'ial o% o&&i'ial p%o'##ding) s"all b# punis"#d as guilt$ o& &als# t#stimon$ and s"all su&&#% t"# %#sp#'ti*# p#nalti#s p%o*id#d in t"is s#'tion( Ru(e @A3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot E#ow"#'(y ."s9uote or ."sre+rese#t the *o#te#ts of a +a+er4 the (a#'ua'e or the ar'u.e#t of o++os"#' *ou#se(4 or the te1t of the -e*"s"o# or author"ty4 or E#ow"#'(y *"te as (aw a +ro2"s"o# a(rea-y re#-ere- "#o+erat"2e 0y re+ea( or a.e#-.e#t4 or assert as a fa*t that wh"*h has #ot 0ee# +ro2e-3

)ns"$ar Li%e Ass"ran7e Co' Em4$o!ees Asso7iation *' )ns"$ar Li%e Ass"ran7e Co'+ <1 SCRA -:: (20123 . . . in 'iting t"# ou%ts d#'ision and %ulings) it is t"# dut$ o& 'ou%ts) -udg#s and law$#%s to %#p%odu'# o% 'op$ t"# sam# wo%d6&o%6wo%d and pun'tuation ma%k6&o%6pun'tuation ma%k( ...( A%ti'l# @ o& i*il od# %#ads= 9Budi'ial

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d#'isions appl$ing o% int#%p%#ting t"# laws o% t"# onstitution s"all &o%m pa%t o& t"# l#gal s$st#m o& t"# +"ilippin#s(: E*#% p%#s#nt is t"# dang#% t"at i& not &ait"&ull$ and #.a'tl$ /uot#d) t"# d#'isions and %ulings o& t"# S ma$ los# t"#i% p%op#% and 'o%%#'t m#aning) to t"# d#t%im#nt o& ot"#% 'ou%ts) law$#%s and publi' w"o ma$ t"#%#b$ b# misl#d( Adez Rea$t! *' CA+ -2/ SCRA <52 (200-3 . . . T"# l#gal p%o&#ssion d#mands t"at law$#%s t"o%oug"l$ go o*#% pl#adings) motions) and ot"#% do'um#nts di'tat#d o% p%#pa%#d b$ t"#m) t$p#d o% t%ans'%ib#d b$ t"#i% s#'%#ta%i#s o% 'l#%ks) b#&o%# &iling t"#m wit" t"# 'ou%t( I& a 'li#nt is bound b$ t"# a'ts o& "is 'ouns#l) wit" mo%# %#ason s"ould 'ouns#l b# bound b$ t"# a'ts o& "is s#'%#ta%$ w"o m#%#l$ &ollows "is o%d#%s( Bano>on *s' Eerna+ 2/: SCRA /0< Law$#%s must not int#ntionall$ mis%#ad o% int#%p%#t t"# law to t"# point o& disto%tion in 'unning #&&o%t to a'"i#*# t"#i% pu%pos#s( Ru(e @A3AC3 A (awyer sha(( o0ser2e the ru(es of +ro*e-ure a#- sha(( #ot ."suse the. to -efeat the e#-s of >ust"*e3

A>"ina$do *s' A>"ina$do+ <; SCRA 2<1 T"# aim o& t"# lawsuit is to %#nd#% -usti'# to t"# pa%ti#s a''o%ding to law( +%o'#du%al %ul#s a%# p%#'is#l$ d#sign#d to a''ompli'# su'" a wo%t"$ ob-#'ti*#( A#'#ssa%il$) t"#%#&o%#) an$ att#mpt p#%*#%t t"# #nds &o% w"i'" t"#$ a%# int#nd#d d#s#%*#s 'ond#mnation( Can$as *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2;: SCRA 2;5 A litigation is not a gam# o& t#'"ni'aliti#s o& w"i'" on#) mo%# d##pl$ s'"ool#d and skill#d in t"# subtl# a%t o& mo*#m#nt and position) #nt%aps and d#st%o$s t"# ot"#%( It is %at"#%) a 'ont#st in w"i'" #a'" 'ont#nding pa%t$ &ull$ and &ai%l$ la$s b#&o%# t"# 'ou%t t"# &a'ts in issu# and t"#n) b%us"ing asid# as w"oll$ t%i*ial and ind#'isi*# all imp#%&#'tions o& &o%m and t#'"ni'aliti#s o& p%o'#du%#) asks t"at -usti'# b# don# upon m#%its( Ma7ias *s' @! Kim+ :/ SCRA -/2 +%o'#du%al %ul#s a%# inst%um#nts in t"# sp##d$ and #&&i'i#nt administ%ation o& -usti'#( T"#$ s"ould b# us#d to a'"i#*# su'" #nd and not to d#%ail it( T"us) t"# &iling b$ a law$#% b$ a multipl# p#titions %#ga%ding t"# sam# sub-#'t matt#% 'onstitut#s abus# o& t"# 'ou%ts p%o'#ss#s and imp%op#% 'ondu't t"at t#nds to obst%u't and d#g%ad# t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Bar7ia *s' Aran7is7o+ --5 SCRA /2- (200<3 A law$#% s"ould not abus# "is %ig"t o& %#'ou%s# to t"# 'ou%ts &o% t"# pu%pos# o& a%guing a 'aus# t"at "ad b##n %#p#at#dl$ %#bu&&#d( A#it"#% s"ould "# us# "is knowl#dg# o& law as an inst%um#nt to "a%ass a pa%t$ no% to misus# -udi'ial p%o'#ss#s) as t"# sam# 'onstitut#s s#%ious t%ansg%#ssion o& t"# od# o& +%o&#ssional R#sponsibilit$( <o% w"il# "# ow#s &id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& "is 'li#nt) it s"ould not b# at t"# #.p#ns# o& t%ut" and t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Bomez *s' 6residin> ,"d>e+ -:0 SCRA :<- (200/3 As an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t) a law$#% s"ould not misus# t"# %ul#s o& p%o'#du%# to d#&#at t"# #nds o& -usti'# o% undul$ d#la$ o% imp#d# t"# #.#'ution o& &inal -udgm#nt) ot"#%wis# "# ma$ b# sub-#'t#d to dis'iplina%$ san'tions( CANON @@ A (awyer sha(( o0ser2e a#- .a"#ta"# the res+e*t -ue to the *ourts a#- to >u-"*"a( off"*ers a#- shou(- "#s"st o# s"."(ar *o#-u*t 0y others3 A law$#% is an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t (Sa$7edo *s' Hernandez+ ;2 6hi$' 1-:3' H# o''upi#s a /uasi6-udi'ial o&&i'# wit" a t%ipa%tit# obligation to t"# 'ou%ts) to t"# publi' and to "is 'li#nts '(Cantorne *s' ="7osin+ /1 6hi$' -<3' T"# publi' duti#s o& t"# atto%n#$ tak#s p%#'#d#n'# o*#% "is p%i*at# duti#s( His &i%st dut$ is to t"# 'ou%ts( W"#%# duti#s to t"# 'ou%ts 'on&li't wit" "is duti#s to "is 'li#nts) t"# latt#% must $i#ld to t"# &o%m#% (Lan>en *s' Bor o#s i+ :< ALR ;--3' T"# %#sp#'t is not onl$ towa%d t"# Busti'#s and Budg#s but also to ot"#% o&&i'#%s o& t"# ou%t) S"#%i&&s and ot"#% -udi'ial o&&i'#%s w"o tak# pa%t in t"# -udi'ial wo%k( ou%ts lik# l#%k o&

$acts3 A law$#% &il#s g%oundl#ss administ%ati*# '"a%g#s against a -udg# w"o "as %#nd#%#d an un&a*o%abl# -udgm#nt against "im &o% pu%pos#s o& "a%assing said -udg# and in "op#s t"at su'" administ%ati*# '"a%g#s will s#'u%# a &a*o%abl# -udgm#nt &%om t"# app#llat# 'ou%ts w"i'" "a*# tak#n 'ogni8an'# o& t"# latt#%s app#al( (Choa *s' Chion>son+ -;5 SCRA :11+ A">"st 0+ 200;3'

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Rulin13 I An$ '%iti'ism against a -udg# mad# in t"# guis# o& an administ%ati*# 'omplaint w"i'" is 'l#a%l$ un&ound#d and impli#d b$ ult#%io% moti*# will not #.'us# t"# law$#% %#sponsibl# t"#%#&o%# und#% "is dut$ o& &id#lit$ to "is 'li#nt( I Law$#%s) as o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t) s"ould not #n'ou%ag# g%oundl#ss administ%ati*# 'as#s against 'ou%t o&&i'#%s and #mplo$##s( B"errero *' ?i$$amor+ 210 SCRA <// (20.03 . . . T"# pow#% to punis" &o% 'ont#mpt s"ould b# us#d spa%ingl$) so mu'" so t"at -udg#s s"ould alwa$s b#a% in mind t"at t"# pow#% o& t"# 'ou%t to punis" &o% 'ont#mpt s"ould b# #.#%'is#d &o% pu%pos#s t"at a%# imp#%sonal( It is int#nd#d as a sa&#gua%d not &o% -udg#s as p#%sons but &o% t"# &un'tions t"at t"#$ #.#%'is#( . . . B# t"at as it ma$) law$#%s) on t"# ot"#% "and) s"ould b#a% in mind t"#i% basi' dut$ 9to obs#%*# and maintain t"# %#sp#'t du# to t"# 'ou%ts o& -usti'# and -udi'ial o&&i'#%s and ... to insist on simila% 'ondu't b$ ot"#%s( A&iera *' Ma7eda+ -<< SCRA /-5 (200:3 . . . omplainant s"ould b# %#mind#d o& "is p%ima%$ dut$ to assist t"# 'ou%t in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( It b#a%s st%#ssing t"at t"# %#lations b#tw##n 'ouns#l and -udg# s"ould b# bas#d on mutual %#sp#'t and on a d##p app%#'iation b$ on# o& t"# duti#s o& t"# ot"#%( It is upon t"#i% 'o%dial %#lations"ip and mutual 'oop#%ation t"at t"# "op# o& ou% p#opl# &o% sp##d$ and #&&i'i#nt -usti'# %#sts( =e Leon *s' Torres+ 00 6hi$':;< How#*#% #%%on#ous t"#$ ma$ b#) 'ou%t o%d#%s must b# %#sp#'t#d b$ law$#%s w"o a%# t"#ms#l*#s o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t( Ru(e @@3A@3 A (awyer sha(( a++ear "# *ourt +ro+er(y att"re-3

Law$#%s w"o app#a% in 'ou%t must b# p%op#%l$ atti%#d( T"# t%aditional atti%#s &o% mal# law$#%s in t"# +"ilippin#s a%# t"# long6sl##*# Ba%ong Tagalog o% 'oat and ti#( <#mal# law$#%s app#a% in a s#mi6&o%mal atti%#s( Budg#s also app#a% in t"# sam# atti%# in addition to bla'k %ob#s( T"# ou%t 'an "old t"# law$#% in 'ont#mpt o& 'ou%t i& "# app#a%s not in p%op#% atti%#( Ru(e @@3AB3 A (awyer sha(( +u#*tua((y a++ear at *ourt hear"#'s3

ouns#l ma$ #*#n b# "#ld in 'ont#mpt in 'oming lat# in t"# "#a%ing o% t%ial o& 'as# (R"$e 12+ Se7tion < (a3 RRC3 o% &o% &ailing to app#a% in a t%ial (6eo4$e *s' Ba>"$+ - SCRA 1/-3' Cante$an> *s' Medina+ 02 SCRA :5< (20103 H# ow#s it not onl$ to "is 'li#nt but to t"# 'ou%t and t"# publi' as w#ll to b# pun'tual in att#ndan'# and to b# 'on'is# and di%#'t in t"# t%ial and disposition o& 'aus#s( Ru(e @@3AC3 A (awyer sha(( a0sta"# fro. s*a#-a(ous4 offe#s"2e or .e#a*"#' (a#'ua'e or 0eha2"or 0efore the Courts3

S"ri>ao Minera$ Reser*ation Board *s' C$ori&e$+ <2 SCRA 2 (2015 ! A law$#%s languag# s"ould b# &o%'#&ul but digni&i#d) #mp"ati' but %#sp#'t&ul as b#&itting an ad*o'at# and in k##ping wit" t"# dignit$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( A law$#% w"o us#s int#mp#%at#) abusi*#) ab%asi*# o% t"%#at#ning languag# s"ows dis%#sp#'t to t"# 'ou%t) disg%a'#s t"# ba% and in*it#s t"# #.#%'is# b$ t"# 'ou%t o& its dis'iplina%$ pow#%( B"enaseda *s' A$a*ier+ --; SCRA ;:/+ 115 (200<3 T"# languag# o& a law$#%) bot" o%al and w%itt#n) must b# %#sp#'t&ul and %#st%ain#d in k##ping wit" t"# dignit$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion and wit" "is b#"a*io%al attitud# towa%d "is b%#t"%#n in t"# p%o&#ssion( T"# us# o& abusi*# languag# b$ 'ouns#l against t"# opposing 'ouns#l 'onstitut#s at t"# sam# tim# a dis%#sp#'t to t"# dignit$ o& t"# 'ou%t -usti'#( Do%#o*#%) t"# us# o& impassion#d languag# in pl#adings) mo%# o&t#n t"an not) '%#at#s mo%# "#at t"an lig"t( BaJa *s' Ma7ando>+ 2/. SCRA <02 (20..3

26

It must not) "ow#*#%) &o%gott#n t"at a law$#% pl#ads, "# do#s not di'tat#( H# s"ould b# 'ou%ag#ous) &ai% and 'i%'umsp#'t) not p#tulant o% 'ombati*# o% b#lli'os# in "is d#alings wit" t"# 'ou%t( San>a$an> *' )AC+ 211 SCRA .1 (20.03 . . . Att$( Sang'o is #ntitl#d to "is opinion) but not to a li'#ns# to insult t"# ou%t wit" d#%ogato%$ stat#m#nts and %#'ou%s#s to 9a%gum#nta ad "omin#m:( . . . O& 'ou%s#) t"# ou%t is not un%#'#pti*# to 'omm#nts and '%iti/u# o& its d#'isions) p%o*id#d t"at t"#$ a%# &ai% and digni&i#d( 6ara>as *s' Cr"z+ 2: SCRA .50 A m#%# dis'laim#% o& an$ int#ntional dis%#sp#'t b$ app#llant is no g%ound &o% #.on#%ation( His int#nt must b# d#t#%min#d b$ a &ai% int#%p%#tation o& t"# languag#s b$ "im #mplo$#d( H# 'annot #s'ap# %#sponsibilit$ b$ 'laiming t"at "is wo%ds did not m#an w"at an$ %#ad#% must "a*# und#%stood t"#m as m#aning( Ea$di*ar *s' Bonza$es+ 2;; SCRA <2; T"# law$#%s dut$ to %#nd#% %#sp#'t&ul subo%dination to t"# 'ou%ts is #ss#ntial to t"# o%d#%l$ administ%ation o& -usti'#( H#n'#) in t"# ass#%tion o& t"# 'li#nts %ig"ts) law$#%s ; #*#n t"os# gi&t#d wit" sup#%io% int#ll#'t) a%# #n-oin#d to %#in up t"#i% t#mp#%s( Ru(e @@3AD3 A (awyer sha(( #ot attr"0ute to a Ju-'e .ot"2es #ot su++orte- 0y the re*or- or ha2e #o .ater"a("ty to the *ase3

Ma7eda *s' Om&"dsman+ B'R' No' 25-1.2+ A4ri$ --+ 200< A law$#% "as t"# dut$ to d#&#nd a -udg# &%om un&ound#d '%iti'ism o% g%oundl#ss p#%sonal atta'k( T"is is i%%#sp#'ti*# o& w"#t"#% "# los#s o% wins "is 'as#s in t"# sala o& a -udg#( How#*#%) su'" dut$ do#s not p%#*#nt a law$#% &%om &iling administ%ati*# 'omplaints against #%%ing -udg#s o% &%om a''#pting 'as#s o& 'li#nts w"o "a*# l#gitimat# g%i#*an'#s against t"#m( In doing so) t"# 'omplaint must b# &il#d wit" p%op#% aut"o%iti#s onl$) t"at is) wit" t"# Sup%#m# ou%t (t"%oug" t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato%!) i& t"# 'as# is administ%ati*# in natu%#) o% wit" t"# O&&i'# o& t"# Ombudsman i& t"# 'omplaint is '%iminal and not pu%#l$ administ%ati*# in natu%#( )n re: A>"as+ 2 6hi$' 2 T"#%# a%# tim#s w"#n it is t"# -udg# w"o misb#"a*#d du%ing a 'ou%t p%o'##ding( T"# a&&#'t#d law$#% ma$ d#mand t"at t"# in'id#nt b# mad# o& %#'o%d( T"is a't o& t"# law$#% is not 'ont#mptuous( 6eo4$e *s' Cari$$o+ 11 6hi$' /.< ouns#l must b# 'ou%ag#ous #noug" to point out #%%o%s) a%bit%a%in#ss) and in-usti'#s o& 'ou%ts and -udg#s( T"# &#a% o& p%o*oking displ#asu%# o& t"# a&&#'t#d -udg#s must not d#t#% t"#m &%om 'ompl$ing wit" t"#i% 'i*il and l#gal dut$ to ob-#'t to) oppos#) and p%ot#st against ill#gal o% #%%on#ous -udi'ial d#'isions) %#solutions) a'ts o% 'ondu't( Budg#s and t%ibunals a%# not in&allibl#( )n re: A$ma7en+ <2 SCRA /;- (20153 H . . E*#%$ 'iti8#n "as t"# %ig"t to 'omm#nt upon and '%iti'i8# t"# a'tuations o& publi' o&&i'#%s( T"is %ig"t is not dismiss#d b$ t"# &a't t"at t"# '%iti'ism is aim#d at a -udi'ial aut"o%it$) o% t"at it is a%ti'ulat#d b$ a law$#%( Su'" %ig"t is #sp#'iall$ %#'ogni8#d w"#%# t"# '%iti'ism 'on'#%ns a 'on'lud#d litigation) b#'aus# t"#n t"# 'ou%ts a'tuations a%# t"%own op#n to publi' 'onsumption( ou%ts t"us t%#ats wit" &o%b#a%an'# and %#st%aint a law$#% w"o *igo%ousl$ assails t"#i% a'tuations &o% 'ou%ag#ous and &#a%l#ss ad*o'at#s a%# t"# st%ands t"at w#a*# du%abilit$ into t"# tap#st%$ o& -usti'#( H#n'# as 'iti8#n and o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t) #*#%$ law$#% is #.p#'t#d not onl$ to #.#%'is# t"# %ig"t) but also to 'onsid#% it "is dut$ to #.pos# t"# s"o%t'omings and indis'%#tions o& 'ou%ts and -udg#s( But it is t"# 'a%dinal 'ondition o& all su'" '%iti'ism t"at it s"all b# bona &id#) and s"all not spill o*#% t"# walls o& d#'#n'$ and p%op%i#t$( +ost litigation utt#%an'#s o% publi'ations mad# b$ law$#%s) '%iti'al o& t"# 'ou%ts and t"#i% -udi'ial a'tuations) w"#t"#% amounting to a '%im# o% not) w"i'" t%ans'#nd t"# p#%missibl# bounds o& &ai% 'omm#nt and l#gitimat# '%iti'ism and t"#%#b$ t#nd to b%ing t"#m into disput# o% to sub*#%t publi' 'on&id#n'# in t"#i% int#g%it$ and in t"# o%d#%l$ administ%ation o& -usti'#) 'onstitut# g%a*# p%o&#ssional mis'ondu't w"i'" ma$ b# *isit#d wit" disba%m#nt o% ot"#% l#ss#% app%op%iat# dis'iplina%$ san'tions b$ t"# S in t"# #.#%'is# o& t"# p%#%ogati*#s in"#%#nt in it as t"# dul$ 'onstitut#d gua%dian o& t"# mo%als and #t"i's o& t"# l#gal &%at#%nit$( . . . It is not a''u%at# to sa$) no% is it an obsta'l# to t"# #.#%'is# o& t"# ou%ts aut"o%it$ in t"# p%#mis#s) t"at) as Att$( Alma'#n would "a*# app#a%) t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# ou%t a%# t"# 9'omplainants) p%os#'uto%s and -udg#s: all %oll#d up into on# in t"is instan'#( T"is is an utt#% misapp%#"#nsion) i& not a total disto%tion) not onl$ o& t"# natu%# o& t"# p%o'##ding at "and but also o& t"# ou%ts %ol# t"#%#in( A''#nt s"ould b# laid on t"# &a't t"at dis'iplina%$

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p%o'##dings lik# t"# p%#s#nt a%# sui g#n#%is( A#it"#% pu%#l$ 'i*il no% '%iminal) t"is p%o'##ding is not and do#s not in*ol*# a t%ial o& an a'tion o% a suit) but is %at"#% an in*#stigation b$ t"# ou%t into t"# 'ondu't o& its o&&i'#%s( Aot b#ing int#nd#d to in&li't punis"m#nt) it is in no s#ns# a '%iminal p%os#'ution( A''o%dingl$) t"#%# is n#it"#% a plainti&& no% a p%os#'uto% t"#%#in( It ma$ b# initiat#d b$ t"# 'ou%t motu p%op%io( +ubli' int#%#st is its p%ima%$ ob-#'ti*#) and t"# %#al /u#stion &o% d#t#%mination is w"#t"#% o% not t"# atto%n#$ is still a &it p#%son to b# allow#d t"# p%i*il#g#s as su'"( H#n'#) in t"# #.#%'is# o& its dis'iplina%$ a'tuations as an o&&i'#% o& t"# ou%t wit" t"# #nd in *i#w o& p%#s#%*ing t"# pu%it$ o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion and t"# p%op#% and "on#st administ%ation o& -usti'# b$ pu%ging t"# p%o&#ssion o& m#mb#%s w"o b$ t"#i% mis'ondu't "a*# p%o*#d t"#ms#l*#s no long#% wo%t"$ to b# #nt%ust#d wit" t"# duti#s and %#sponsibiliti#s p#%taining to t"# o&&i'# o& t"# atto%n#$( In su'" postu%#) t"#%# 'an t"us b# no o''asion to sp#ak o& a 'omplainant o% a p%os#'uto%( Choa *s' Chion>son+ -;5 SCRA :11 (200;3 T"# %ig"t o& a law$#% to 'omm#nt on a p#nding litigation o% to impugn t"# impa%tialit$ o& a -udg# to d#'id# it is mu'" 'i%'ums'%ib#d( W"at "# 'an o%dina%il$ sa$ against a 'on'lud#d litigation and t"# mann#% t"# -udg# "and#d down t"# d#'ision t"#%#in ma$ not g#n#%all$ b# said to a p#nding a'tion( T"# 'ou%t) in a p#nding litigation) must b# s"i#ld#d &%om #mba%%assm#nt o% in&lu#n'# in its all impo%tant dut$ o& d#'iding t"# 'as#( )n re: Lozano+ /: 6hi$' .52 A law$#% #n*o$s a wid#% latitud# o& 'omm#nt on '%isis o% '%iti'ism o& t"# -udg#s d#'ision o% "is a'tuation( It "as b##n "#ld t"at a n#wspap#% publi'ation t#nding to imp#d#) obst%u't) #mba%%ass o% in&lu#n'# t"# 'ou%ts in administ#%ing -usti'# in a p#nding 'as# 'onstitut#s '%iminal 'ont#mpt) but t"# %ul# is ot"#%wis# a&t#% t"# litigation is #nd#d( $acts3 Att$( H) w"il# t%$ing "is 'li#nts 'as#) &il#d s#*#%al mani&#stations w"i'" 'ontain#d *#il#d t"%#ats against 'ou%t( H# also imput#d t"at t"# 'ou%t s"ould d#'id# in "is &a*o% to "#lp disp#l t"# imag# o& t"# 'ou%t as b#ing 'ompos#d o& onl$ t"# #lit# but w"o a%# non#t"#l#ss igno%ant( ()n re: 6on7iano B' ,a7into+ 2/0 SCRA :12+ A4ri$ ;+ 200.3 Rulin13 I R#p#at#dl$ insulting and t"%#at#ning t"# ou%t in a most boo%is" and insol#nt mann#%) making i%%#sponsibl# '"a%g#s and insinuations t"at b#smi%'" t"# "ig"#st t%ibunal and und#%min# popula% &ait" in its int#g%it$) %#&l#'ts a sup#%'ilious and 'ont#mptuous %#ga%d &o% t"# ou%t) w"i'" 'annot b# l#&t unnoti'#d and unpunis"#d( Ru(e @@3A53 A (awyer sha(( su0."t 'r"e2a#*es a'a"#st a Ju-'e to the +ro+er author"t"es o#(y3

Const'+ Art' ?))) Se7' ; T"# Sup%#m# ou%t s"all "a*# administ%ati*# sup#%*ision o*#% all 'ou%ts and p#%sonn#l t"#%#o&( Ma7eda *' ?asC"ez+ --2 SCRA :;: (200<3 . . . A%t( GII S#'( > o& t"# 07@? onstitution #.'lusi*#l$ *#sts in t"# Sup%#m# ou%t administ%ati*# sup#%*ision o*#% all 'ou%ts and 'ou%t p#%sonn#l) &%om t"# +%#siding Busti'# o& t"# ou%t o& App#als down to t"# low#st muni'ipal 'ou%t 'l#%k( B$ *i%tu# o& t"is pow#%) it is onl$ t"# S t"at 'an o*#%s## t"# -udg#s and 'ou%t p#%sonn#ls 'omplian'# wit" all laws) and tak# t"# p%op#% administ%ati*# a'tion against t"#m i& t"#$ 'ommit an$ *iolation t"#%#o&( Ao ot"#% b%an'" o& t"# go*#%nm#nt ma$ int%ud# into t"is pow#%) wit"out %unning a&oul o& t"# do't%in# o& t"# s#pa%ation o& pow#%s( T"# Ombudsman 'annot -usti&$ its in*#stigation o& p#tition#% on t"# pow#%s g%ant#d to it b$ t"# onstitution) &o% su'" a -usti&i'ation not onl$ %uns 'ount#% to t"# sp#'i&i' mandat# o& t"# onstitution g%anting sup#%*iso%$ pow#%s to t"# S ) but lik#wis# und#%min#s t"# ind#p#nd#n'# o& t"# -udi'ia%$( ... ... w"#%# a '%iminal 'omplaint against a -udg# o% ot"#% 'ou%t #mplo$## a%is#s &%om t"#i% administ%ati*# duti#s) t"# Ombudsman must d#&#% a'tion on said 'omplaint and %#&#% t"# sam# to t"# ou%t &o% d#t#%mination w"#t"#% said -udg# o% 'ou%t #mplo$## "ad a't#d wit"in t"# s'op# o& t"#i% administ%ati*# duti#s( Ma>$asan> *' 6eo4$e+ 205 SCRA <5; (20053 H . . T"# Sup%#m# ou%t is sup%#m# ; t"# t"i%d g%#at d#pa%tm#nt o& go*#%nm#nt #nt%ust#d #.'lusi*#l$ wit" t"# -udi'ial pow#% to ad-udi'at# wit" &inalit$ all -usti'iabl# disput#s) publi' and p%i*at#( Ao ot"#% d#pa%tm#nt o% ag#n'$ ma$ pass upon its -udgm#nt o% d#'la%# t"#m 9un-ust:( ons#/u#ntl$ and owing to t"# &o%#going) not #*#n t"# +%#sid#nt o& t"# +"ilippin#s as "i#& E.#'uti*# ma$ pass -udgm#nt on an$ o& t"# ou%ts A'ts( @r&ina *s' Ma7eren+ /1 SCRA :5< (201:3 T"# dut$ o& t"# ba% to suppo%t t"# -udg# against un-ust '%iti'ism and 'lamo% do#s not) "ow#*#%) p%#'lud# a law$#% &%om &iling administ%ati*# 'omplaints against #%%ing -udg#s o% &%om a'ting as 'ouns#l &o% 'li#nts w"o "a*#

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l#gitimat# g%i#*an'#s against t"#m( But t"# law$#% s"ould &il# '"a%g#s against t"# -udg# b#&o%# t"# p%op#% aut"o%iti#s onl$ and onl$ a&t#% p%op#% 'i%'umsp#'tion and wit"out t"# us# o& dis%#sp#'t&ul languag# and o&&#nsi*# p#%sonaliti#s so as not to undul$ bu%d#n t"# 'ou%t in t"# dis'"a%g# o& its &un'tions( CANON @B A (awyer sha(( e1ert e2ery effort a#- *o#s"-er "t h"s -uty to ass"st "# the s+ee-y a#- eff"*"e#t a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*e3 R"$e 2<.+ S' -5 (>3 It is t"# dut$ o& atto%n#$s not to #n'ou%ag# suits o% d#la$ an$ mans 'aus# &%om an$ 'o%%upt moti*# o% int#%#st( Const'+ Art' )))+ Se7' 2; All p#%sons "a*# t"# %ig"t to sp##d$ disposition o& t"#i% 'as#s b#&o%# all -udi'ial) /uasi6-udi'ial o% administ%ati*# bodi#s( 6eo4$e *s' ,ardin+ 2-: SCRA 2;1 T"# dilato%$ ta'ti's o& t"# d#&#ns# 'ouns#l and t"# &ailu%# o& bot" t"# -udg# and t"# &is'al to tak# #&&#'ti*# 'ount#% m#asu%#s to ob*iat# t"# d#la$ing a'ts 'onstitut# obst%u'tion o& -usti'#( Cantorne *s' ="7osin+ /1 6hi$' -< (20<-3 An$ a't on t"# pa%t o& a law$#% t"at obst%u'ts) p#%*#%ts o% imp#d#s t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# 'onstitut#s mis'ondu't and -usti&i#s dis'iplina%$ a'tion against "im Ru(e @B3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot a++ear for tr"a( u#(ess he has a-e9uate(y +re+areh".se(f o# the (aw a#- the fa*ts of h"s *ase4 a#- the e2"-e#*e he w"(( a--u*e a#- the or-er of "ts +roffere#*e3 He shou(- a(so 0e rea-y w"th the or"'"#a( -o*u.e#ts for *o.+ar"so# w"th the *o+"es3

A law$#% is not ad#/uat#l$ p%#pa%#d unl#ss "# "as a mast#%$ o& t"# &a'ts o& "is 'as#) t"# law and -u%isp%ud#n'# appli'abl# t"#%#to and upon w"i'" "# 'an app%op%iat#l$ an'"o% "is t"#o%$ o% instan'#( H# must "a*# 'ollat#d #*#%$ pi#'# o& #*id#n'# #ss#ntial to #stablis" "is 'as# and #ss#ntial to d#molis" t"# p%#t#ns# o& t"# oppon#nts t"#o%$ and 'apabl# o& p%#s#nting and o&&#%ing "is #*id#n'# in an o%d#%l$ and smoot" mann#% wit"out p%o*oking *alid ob-#'tions( ?i$$asis *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ ;5 SCRA 2-5 A n#wl$ "i%#d 'ouns#l w"o app#a%s in a 'as# in t"# midst%#am is p%#sum#d and oblig#d to a'/uaint "ims#l& wit" all t"# ant#'#d#nt p%o'#ss#s and p%o'##dings t"at "a*# t%anspi%#d in t"# %#'o%d p%io% to "is tak#o*#%( Martins Le>a$ Ethi7s+ 4' :1+ 20.. ed' Hal& o& t"# wo%k o& t"# law$#% is don# in t"# o&&i'#( It is sp#nt in t"# stud$ and %#s#a%'"( Inad#/uat# p%#pa%ation obst%u'ts t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Ru(e @B3AB A (awyer sha(( #ot f"(e .u(t"+(e a*t"o#s ar"s"#' fro. the sa.e *ause3

R#st%i'tions a%# int#nd#d to p%#*#nt %or"m8sho44in>L (w"i'" is t"# imp%op#% p%a'ti'# o& going &%om on# 'ou%t to anot"#% in t"# "op# o& s#'u%ing a &a*o%abl# %#li#& in on# 'ou%t w"i'" anot"#% 'ou%t "as d#ni#d!( :oru. Sho++"#' #.ists w"#n as a %#sult o& an ad*#%s# opinion in on# &o%um= a( a pa%t$ s##ks &a*o%abl# opinion (ot"#% t"an b$ app#al o% '#%tio%a%i! in anot"#%) o% b( w"#n "# institut#s two o% mo%# a'tions o% p%o'##dings g%ound#d on t"# sam# 'aus#) on t"# gambl# t"at on# o% t"# ot"#% would mak# a &a*o%abl# disposition (Ben>"et E$e7tri7 Cor4' *s' A$ores -.1 SCRA ::0+ Mar7h 2-+ 200.3' Airst 6hi$' )nternationa$ Ban *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ -/- SCRA -/0 (200;3 &/e test in deter-inin1 0/et/er a party /as #iolated t/e rule a1ainst foru- s/oppin1 is3 0( w"#t"#% t"# #l#m#nts o& litis pendentia a%# p%#s#nt, o% 1( w"#t"#% a &inal -udgm#nt in on# 'as# will amount to res <udicata in t"# ot"#%( 6aredes *s' Sandi>an&a!an+ -/- SCRA ;:2 (200;3

29

T"# m#%# &iling o& s#*#%al 'as#s bas#d on t"# sam# in'id#nt do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ 'onstitut# &o%um s"opping( T"# /u#stion is w"#t"#% t"# s#*#%al a'tions &il#d in*ol*# t"# sam# t%ansa'tions) #ss#ntial &a'ts and 'i%'umstan'#s( I& t"#$ in*ol*# #ss#ntiall$ di&&#%#nt &a'ts) 'i%'umstan'#s and 'aus#s o& a'tion) t"#%# is no &o%um s"opping( Bar7ia *s' Aran7is7o+ AC No' <0-<+ Mar7h <5+ 200< A law$#% ow#s &id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& "is 'li#nt but not at t"# #.p#ns# o& t%ut" and t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( B$ g%ossl$ abusing "is %ig"t o& %#'ou%s# to t"# 'ou%ts &o% t"# pu%pos# o& a%guing a 'aus# t"at "ad b##n %#p#at#dl$ %#bu&&#d) "# was disdaining t"# obligation o& t"# law$#% to maintain onl$ su'" a'tions o% p%o'##dings) as app#a% to "im to b# -ust and su'" d#&#ns#s onl$ as "# b#li#*#s to b# "on#stl$ d#batabl# und#% t"# law( B$ *iolating "is oat" not to d#la$ an$ man &o% mon#$ o% mali'#) "# "as b#smi%'"#d t"# nam# o& an "ono%abl# p%o&#ssion and "as p%o*#d "ims#l& unwo%t"$ o& t"# t%ust %#pos#d to "im b$ law as an o&&i'#% o& t"# ou%t( Three Ways "# wh"*h the :oru. Sho++"#' "s Co.."tte0( Going &%om on# 'ou%t to anot"#% in t"# "op# o& s#'u%ing a &a*o%abl# %#li#& in on# 'ou%t) w"i'" anot"#% 'ou%t "as d#ni#d( 1( <iling %#p#titious suits o% p%o'##ding in di&&#%#nt 'ou%ts 'on'#%ning t"# sam# sub-#'t matt#% a&t#% on# 'ou%t "as d#'id#d t"# suit wit" &inalit$( 3( <iling a simila% 'as# in a -udi'ial 'ou%t a&t#% %#'#i*ing an un&a*o%abl# -udgm#nt &%om an administ%ati*# t%ibunal( Last 4ar'+ Se7' /+ R"$e 1+ ROC <ailu%# to 'ompl$ wit" t"# %#/ui%#m#nts &o%) t"# submission o& a '#%ti&i'ation against &o%um s"opping in initiato%$ pl#adings s"all not b# 'u%abl# b$ m#%# am#ndm#nt o& t"# 'omplaint o% ot"#% initiato%$ pl#ading) but s"all b# 'aus# &o% t"# dismissal o& t"# 'as# wit"out p%#-udi'#) unl#ss ot"#%wis# p%o*id#d) upon motion and a&t#% "#a%ing( &/e sub-ission of a false certification or non9co-pliance 0it/ any of t/e undertaBin1s in a certification of no foru- s/oppin1 0( s"all 'onstitut# indi%#'t 'ont#mpt o& 'ou%t 1( wit"out p%#-udi'# to t"# 'o%%#sponding administ%ati*# and '%iminal a'tions 'f t/e acts of t/e party or /is counsel clearly constitute 0illful and deliberate foru- s/oppin1, t/e sa-e s/all be3 0( g%ound &o% summa%$ dismissal wit" p%#-udi'#, and s"all 1( 'onstitut# di%#'t 'ont#mpt) as w#ll as 3( 'aus# &o% administ%ati*# san'tions( <3 T"#%#sa ga*# bi%t" to a bab$ bo$ b$ 'a#sa%ian op#%ation( A w##k a&t#% "#% dis'"a%g# &%om t"# "ospital) s"# &#lt in'#ssant pain in "#% abdom#n and) upon 'onsultation wit" an obst#t%i'ian) it was dis'o*#%#d t"at a m#di'al inst%um#nt and a swab o& 'otton w#%# l#&t insid# "#% abdom#n b$ t"# do'to% w"o 'ondu't#d t"# 'a#sa%ian op#%ation( T"#%#sa t"#n &il#d a '%iminal 'as# against t"# do'to% in t"# RT and an administ%ati*# 'as# wit" t"# +%o&#ssional R#gulations ommissions( Ha*ing b##n in&o%m#d o& t"# &iling o& t"# 'as# in t"# RT o& w"i'" $ou w#%# t"# p%#siding -udg# and b#&o%# t"# +R almost simultan#ousl$) "ow would $ou dispos# o& t"# '%iminal 'as# in $ou% 'ou%tF A3 I would p%o'##d wit" t"# "#a%ing o& t"# '%iminal 'as#( T"#%# is no &o%um s"opping in t"is 'as# b#'aus# t"# two a'tions a%# bas#d on di&&#%#nt 'aus#s o& a'tion( T"# 'as# b#&o%# t"# +R is bas#d on malp%a'ti'# w"il# t"# '%iminal 'as# in t"# RT is bas#d on n#glig#n'#( H sustain#d p"$si'al in-u%i#s du# to a moto% *#"i'l# 'ollision b#tw##n t"# 'a% "# was d%i*ing and t"# publi' utilit$ bus) %#/ui%ing "#% 'on&in#m#nt &o% 3J da$s at AB "ospital( A&t#% "#% %#l#as# &%om t"# "ospital) s"# &il#d a '%minal 'omplaint against t"# bus d%i*#% &o% s#%ious p"$si'al in-u%i#s t"%oug" %#'kl#ss imp%ud#n'# b#&o%# t"# Dakati +%os#'uto%s O&&i'#( S"# also &il#d 'i*il 'omplaint b#&o%# t"# +a%aLa/u# RT against t"# bus d%i*#% and op#%ato% &o% 'omp#nsato%$) mo%al) #.#mpla%$ and ot"#% damag#s( Asid# &%om t"# two 'omplaints) s"# additionall$ &il#d an administ%ati*# 'omplaint against t"# bus op#%ato% wit" t"# LT<RB &o% 'an'#llation o% susp#nsion o& t"# op#%ato%s &%an'"is#( Would $ou sa$ t"at s"# and "#% law$#% w#%# guilt$ o& &o%um6s"oppingF

<3

30

A3

AO( T"#%# is no &o%um6s"opping in t"# simultan#ous &iling o& '%iminal 'as# and a 'i*il 'as# in t"is instan'#( A%t( 33 o& t"# i*il od# allows t"# &iling o& an in-u%#d pa%t$ o& a 'i*il a'tion &o% damag#s #nti%#l$ s#pa%at# and distin't &%om t"# '%iminal a'tion in 'as#s o& d#&amation) &%aud and p"$si'al in-u%i#s( T"#%# is also no &o%um6s"opping in*ol*#d in &iling administ%ati*# 'omplaint against t"# op#%ato% o& LT<RB( It is &o% a di&&#%#nt 'aus# o& a'tion) t"# 'an'#llation o% susp#nsion o& op#%ato%s &%an'"is#( A (awyer sha(( #ot4 after o0ta"#"#' e1te#s"o#s to f"(e +(ea-"#'s4 .e.ora#-a or 0r"efs4 (et the +er"o- (a+se w"thout su0."tt"#' the sa.e or offer"#' a# e1+(a#at"o# for h"s fa"(ure to -o so3

Ru(e @B3AC3

A7ha7oso *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ /2 SCRA :-: T"# 'ou%t '#nsu%#s t"# p%a'ti'# o& 'ouns#ls w"o s#'u%#s %#p#at#d #.t#nsions o& tim# to &il# t"#i% pl#adings and t"#%#a&t#% simpl$ l#t t"# p#%iod laps# wit"out submitting t"# pl#ading on #*#n an #.planation o% mani&#station o& t"#i% &ailu%# to do so( T"#%# #.ists a b%#a'" o& dut$ not onl$ to t"# 'ou%t but also to t"# 'li#nt( Ru(e @B3AD3 A (awyer sha(( #ot u#-u(y -e(ay a *ase4 ".+e-e the e1e*ut"o# of a >u-'.e#t or ."suse Court +ro*esses3

T"# aim o& a suit is to %#nd#% -usti'# to t"# pa%ti#s a''o%ding to law and &%## &%om t"# laws d#la$( Rul#s o& p%o'#du%# a%# d#sign#d to a''omplis" su'" ob-#'ti*#( A law$#% s"ould us# t"# %ul#s &o% t"is pu%pos# and not &o% its &%ust%ation( T"# law$#% "as t"# dut$ to t#mp#% "is 'li#nts p%op#nsit$ to litigat#( I& a law$#% is "on#stl$ 'on*in'#d o& t"# &utilit$ o& an app#llat# %#*i#w o% app#al in a 'i*il suit "# s"ould not "#sitat# to in&o%m "is 'li#nt t"at most lik#l$ t"# *#%di't would not b# alt#%#d( Bar7ia *' Aran7is7o+ --5 SCRA /2- (200<3 H . . A law$#% ow#s &id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& "is 'li#nt but not at t"# #.p#ns# o& t%ut" and t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( H . . B$ g%ossl$ abusing t"# %ig"t o& %#'ou%s# to t"# 'ou%ts &o% t"# pu%pos# o& a%guing a 'aus# t"at "ad b##n %#p#at#dl$ %#bu&&#d) "# was disdaining t"# obligation o& t"# law$#% to maintain onl$ su'" a'tions o% p%o'##dings as app#a% to "im to b# -ust and su'" d#&#ns#s onl$ as "# b#li#*#s to b# "on#stl$ d#batabl# und#% t"# law( B$ *iolating "is oat" not to d#la$ a man &o% mon#$ o% mali'#) "# "as b#smi%'"#d t"# nam# o& an "ono%abl# p%o&#ssion and "as p%o*#d "ims#l& unwo%t"$ o& t"# t%ust %#pos#d in "im b$ law as an o&&i'#% o& t"# ou%t( 6erez *s' Lazatin+ -< SCRA ;:/ Law$#%s s"ould not %#so%t to no% ab#t t"# %#so%t o& t"#i% 'li#nts) to a s#%i#s o& a'tions and p#titions &o% t"# pu%pos# o& t"wa%ting t"# #.#'ution o& a -udgm#nt t"at "as long b#'om# &inal and #.#'uto%$( 6eo4$e *s' ,ardin+ 2-: SCRA 2;1 A -udg# s"ould b# /ui'k #noug" to p%#*#nt a law$#% &%om %#so%ting to dilato%$ ta'ti's w"i'" obst%u't t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Ru(e @B3A53 A (awyer sha(( refra"# fro. ta(E"#' to h"s w"t#ess -ur"#' a 0reaE or re*ess "# the tr"a(4 wh"(e the w"t#ess "s st"(( u#-er e1a."#at"o#3

+u%pos# is to p%#*#nt t"# suspi'ion t"at "# is 'oa'"ing t"# witn#ss w"at to sa$ du%ing t"# %#sumption o& t"# #.amination( T"# %ational# t"#%#&o%# o& t"is %ul# is to up"old and maintain &ai% pla$ wit" t"# ot"#% pa%t$ and to p%#*#nt t"# #.amining law$#% &%om b#ing t#mpt#d to 'oa'" "is own witn#ss to suit "is pu%pos#( Ru(e @B3AF3 A (awyer sha(( #ot E#ow"#'(y ass"st a w"t#ess to ."sre+rese#t h".se(f or to ".+erso#ate a#other3

A law$#% ma$ law&ull$ and #t"i'all$ int#%*i#w witn#ss#s in ad*an'# o& t%ial as in &a't it is "is dut$ as pa%t o& "is p%#pa%ation &o% t%ial( Canon <0+ C6E

31

A law$#% ma$ p%op#%l$ int#%*i#w an$ witn#ss o% p%osp#'ti*# witn#ss &o% t"# opposing sid# in an$ 'i*il o% '%iminal a'tion wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& opposing 'ouns#l o% pa%t$( H# s"ould s'%upulousl$ a*oid an$ sugg#stion 'al'ulat#d to indu'# t"# witn#ss to supp%#ss o% d#*iat# &%om t"# t%ut") o% in an$ d#g%## to a&&#'t "is &%## and unt%amm#l#d 'ondu't w"#n app#a%ing at a t%ial o% on t"# witn#ss stand( T"# witn#ss w"o 'ommits t"# mis%#p%#s#ntation is '%iminall$ liabl# &o% :$alse &esti-ony: #it"#% und#% A%t( 0@0) 0@1 o% 0@3) R#*is#d +#nal od# d#p#nding upon t"# natu%# o& t"# 'as#( T"# law$#% w"o indu'#s a witn#ss to 'ommit &als# t#stimon$ is #/uall$ guilt$ as t"# witn#ss( Art' 2.:+ Re*ised 6ena$ Code T"# law$#% w"o p%#s#nt#d a witn#ss knowing "im to b# a &als# witn#ss is '%iminall$ liabl# &o% 9O&&#%ing <als# T#stimon$ In E*id#n'#: T"# law$#% w"o is guilt$ o& t"# abo*# is bot" '%iminall$ and administ%ati*#l$ liabl#( S"&ornation o% 4erJ"r! Subo%nation o& p#%-u%$ is 'ommitt#d b$ a p#%son w"o knowingl$ and will&ull$ procures anot"#% to sw#a% &als#l$ and t"# witn#ss subo%nat#d do#s t#sti&$ und#% 'i%'umstan'#s renderin1 /i- 1uilty of per<ury (@'S' *s' Ba$$ena+ 2. 6hi$' <.-3' 6eo4$e *s' Ba"tista+ 1; 6hi$' 2.: (20:;3 Asid# &%om t"# &a't t"at t"# t#stimon$ o& a witn#ss w"o admits "a*ing b##n inst%u't#d w"at to sa$ ma$ not b# %#li#d upon b$ t"# 'ou%t) a law$#% w"o p%#s#nts a witn#ss w"om "# knows will gi*# a &als# t#stimon$ ma$ b# sub-#'t#d to dis'iplina%$ a'tion( <3 A3 Ba-a t#sti&i#d as a witn#ss in 'as# t"at Att$( Isip is "andling( W"#n t"# 'as# t#%minat#d) Ba-a ask#d &o% "#% &##s &%om Att$( Isip( an Ba-a 'omp#l said 'ouns#l to pa$ "#%F

AO( A law$#% ma$ not pa$ (o% gua%ant##) o% allow t"# 'li#nt to pa$! t"# amount to witn#ss ot"#% t"an %#asonabl# %#imbu%s#m#nt &o% t"#i% #.p#ns#s and loss o& tim#( O& 'ou%s# an #.p#%t witn#ss ma$ b# paid a %#asonabl# &## &o% s#%*i'#s) bot" in t#sti&$ing and p%#6t%ial p%#pa%ation( How#*#%) und#% no 'i%'umstan'#s ma$ t"# law$#% ag%## to pa$ #*#n an #.p#%t witn#ss a &## 'onting#nt upon t"# 'ont#nt o& t"# witn#ss t#stimon$ andMo% t"# out'om# o& t"# p%o'##ding( Ru(e @B3AG3 A (awyer sha(( #ot a0use4 0row0eat or harass a w"t#ess #or #ee-(ess(y "#*o#2e#"e#*e h".3

Sec. (. Ri1/ts and obli1ations of a 0itness C a witn#ss must answ#% /u#stions) alt"oug" "is answ#% ma$ t#nd to #stablis" a 'laim against "im( How#*#%) it is t"# %ig"t o& a witn#ss= 0( to b# p%ot#'t#d &%om i%%#l#*ant) imp%op#%) o% insulting /u#stions) and &%om "a%s" o% insulting d#m#ano%, 1( not to b# d#tain#d long#% t"an t"# int#%#st o& -usti'# %#/ui%#s, 3( not to b# #.amin#d #.'#pt onl$ as to matt#%s p#%tin#nt to t"# issu#, 4( not to gi*# an answ#% w"i'" will t#nd to b# sub-#'t "im to p#nalt$ &o% an o&&#nsi*# unl#ss ot"#%wis# p%o*id#d b$ law, 5( not to gi*# an answ#% w"i'" will t#nd to d#g%ad# "is %#putation) unl#ss it b# to t"# *#%$ &a't at issu# o% to a &a't &%om w"i'" t"# &a't in issu# would b# p%#sum#d( But a witn#ss must answ#% to t"# &a't o& "is p%#*ious &inal 'on*i'tion &o% an o&&#ns#( (R"$e 2<-+ Se7' <+ ROC3 Ru(e @B3AH3 A (awyer sha(( a2o"- test"fy"#' "# 0eha(f of h"s *("e#t4 e1*e+t a3 o# %orma$ matters4 su*h as .a"("#'4 authe#t"*at"o# or *usto-y of a# "#stru.e#t a#- the ("EeI or 03 o# s"&stantia$ matters4 "# *ases where h"s test".o#y "s esse#t"a( to the e#- of >ust"*e4 "# wh"*h e2e# he .ust4 -ur"#' h" test".o#y4 e#trust the tr"a( of the *ase to a#other *ou#se(3

6NB *'Tien> 6iao+ /1 6hi$ <<1 (20<-3

32

. . . alt"oug" t"# law do#s not &o%bid an atto%n#$ to b# a witn#ss and at t"# sam# tim# an atto%n#$ in a 'as#) t"# 'ou%ts p%#&#% t"at 'ouns#l s"ould not t#sti&$ as a witn#ss unl#ss it is n#'#ssa%$) and t"at t"#$ s"ould wit"d%aw &%om t"# a'ti*# manag#m#nt o& t"# 'as#( CANON @C A (awyer sha(( re(y u+o# the .er"ts of h"s *ause a#- refra"# fro. a#y ".+ro+r"ety wh"*h te#-s to "#f(ue#*e4 or '"2es the a++eara#*e or "#f(ue#*"#' the Court3 In p%os#'uting o% d#&#nding 'as#s) t"# law$#% must b# guid#d b$ t"# p%in'ipl#s o& -usti'#( H# must %#l$ on t"# m#%its o& "is 'as#s and s"ould a*oid using in&lu#n'# and 'onn#'tions to win "is 'as#s( His 'as#s must b# won b#'aus# t"#$ a%# m#%ito%ious and not b#'aus# o& 'onn#'tions) 'lout) dominan'# o% in&lu#n'#( Ru(e @C3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot e1te#- e1traor-"#ary atte#t"o# or hos+"ta("ty to4 #or seeE o++ortu#"ty for4 *u(t"2at"#' fa."("ar"ty w"th Ju-'es3

Canon <+ C6E A law$#% s"ould a*oid ma%k#d att#ntion and unusual "ospitalit$ to a -udg#) un'all#d &o% b$ t"# p#%sonal %#lations o& t"# pa%ti#s) b#'aus# t"#$ sub-#'t "im and t"# -udg# to mis'on'#ptions o& moti*#s( Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' 15 In o%d#% not to sub-#'t bot" t"# -udg# and t"# law$#% to suspi'ion) t"# 'ommon p%a'ti'# o& som# law$#%s o& making -udg#s and p%os#'uto%s god&at"#%s o& t"#i% '"ild%#n to #n"an'# t"#i% in&lu#n'# and t"#i% law p%a'ti'# s"ould b# a*oid#d b$ -udg#s and law$#%s alik#( A"stria *s' MasaC"e$+ -5 SCRA 2-:1 It is imp%op#% &o% a litigant o% 'ouns#l to s## a -udg# in '"amb#%s and talk to "im about a matt#% %#lat#d to t"# 'as# p#nding in t"# 'ou%t o& said -udg#( Ru(e @C3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot .aEe +u0("* state.e#ts "# the .e-"a re'ar-"#' a +e#-"#' *ase te#-"#' to arouse +u0("* o+"#"o# for or a'a"#st a +arty3

Cr"z *' Sa$*a+ 25/ 6hi$ 22/2 (20/23 H . . D#mb#%s o& t"# 'ou%t w#%# g%#atl$ distu%b#d and anno$#d b$ su'" s#nsationalism) w"i'" ma$ b# laid at t"# doo% o& Sal*a( In t"is) "# 'ommitt#d a g%i#*ous #%%o% and poo% -udgm#nt( His a'tuations in t"is %#ga%d w#nt w#ll b#$ond t"# bounds o& p%ud#n'#) dis'%#tion) and good tast#( It is bad #noug" to "a*# su'" undu# publi'it$ w"#n a '%iminal 'as# is b#ing in*#stigat#d b$ t"# aut"o%iti#s) #*#n w"#n it is b#ing t%i#d in 'ou%t, but w"#n said publi'it$ is #n'ou%ag#d w"#n t"# 'as# is on app#al and is p#nding 'onsid#%ation b$ t"is 'ou%t) t"# w"ol# t"ing b#'om#s in#.'usabl#) #*#n ab"o%%#nt( Mar7e$ino *s' A$eJandro+ <- SCRA 25; In o%d#% to wa%%ant a &inding o& :pre<udicial publicityD) t"#%# must b# an all#gation and p%oo& t"at t"# -udg#s "a*# b##n undul$ in&lu#n'#d) not simpl$ t"at t"#$ mig"t b#) b$ t"# 9ba%%ag#: o& publi'it$( )n re: Bomez+ :< 6hi$' <1; I& t"# 'ouns#l instigat#d o% indu'#d "is 'li#nt to mak# t"# publi' stat#m#nt o% publi'it$ in t"# m#dia in*ol*ing a p#nding 'as# to a%ous# publi' opinion and to in&lu#n'# t"# -udg#) bot" t"# 'li#nt and t"# law$#% ma$b# sub-#'t#d to 'ont#mpt o& 'ou%t( A&t#% t"# 'as# "ad al%#ad$ b##n &inis"#d) t"# %ul# in p%og%#ssi*# -u%isdi'tions is t"at) 'ou%ts a%# sub-#'t to t"# sam# '%iti'ism as ot"#% p#opl#( )n re: Lozano+ /: 6hi$' .52 In a 'on'lud#d litigation) a law$#% #n-o$s a wid#% latitud# o& 'omm#nt on o% '%iti'i8# t"# d#'ision o& s -udg# o% "is a'tuation( T"us) it "as b##n "#ld t"at a n#wspap#% publi'ation t#nding to imp#d#) obst%u't) #mba%%ass o% in&lu#n'# t"# 'ou%ts in administ#%ing -usti'# in a p#nding 'as# 'onstitut#s '%iminal 'ont#mpt) but t"# %ul# is ot"#%wis# a&t#% t"# litigation is #nd#d( Ru(e @C3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot 0rooE #or "#2"te "#terfere#*e 0y a#other 0ra#*h or a'e#*y "# the 'o2er#.e#t "# the #or.a( *ourse of >u-"*"a( +ro*ee-"#'s3 B"man>$a> *s' B"man>$a>+ 1: SCRA 0W"#n a 'as# is al%#ad$ wit"in t"# -u%isdi'tion o& a 'ou%t) t"# law$#% s"ould not 'aus# o% s##k t"# int#%&#%#n'# o& anot"#% ag#n'$ o& t"# Go*#%nm#nt in t"# no%mal 'ou%s# o& -udi'ial p%o'##dings(

33

CHA$TER IV & THE LAW=ER AND THE CLIENT Re>a$a *s' Sandi>an&a!an+ B'R' No' 25/0<. (Se4t' -5+ 200;3 Histo%i'all$) t"# natu%# o& t"# law$#%6'li#nt %#lations"ip is p%#mis#d on t"# Roman Law 'on'#pts= 0( locatio conduction operaru- ('ont%a't o& l#as# o& s#%*i'#s! w"#%# on# l#ts "is s#%*i'#s &o% 'omp#nsation and anot"#% "i%#s t"#m wit"out %#&#%#n'# to t"# ob-#'t w"i'" t"# s#%*i'#s a%# to b# p#%&o%m#d, and 1( -andato ('ont%a't o& ag#n'$! w"#%#b$ a &%i#nd on w"om %#lian'# 'ould b# pla'#d mak#s a 'ont%a't in "is nam# but gi*#s up all t"at "# gain#d b$ t"# 'ont%a't to t"# p#%son w"o %#/u#st#d "im( In a mod#%n da$ und#%standing o& t"# law$#%6'li#nt %#lations"ip) an atto%n#$ is mo%# t"an a m#%# ag#nt o% s#%*ant b#'aus# "# poss#ss#s sp#'ial pow#%s o& t%ust and 'on&id#n'# %#pos#d on "im b$ "is 'li#nt( H# is also as ind#p#nd#nt as a -udg#) wit" pow#%s #nti%#l$ di&&#%#nt &%om and sup#%io% to t"os# o& an o%dina%$ ag#nt( R"$e 2<.+ Se7tion -2+ R"$es o% Co"rt T"# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt b#gins &%om t"# tim# an atto%n#$ is %#tain#d( T"# t#%m 9 retainer: ma$ %#&#% #it"#% o& two 'on'#pts( It ma$ %#&#% to t"# a't o& a 'li#nt b$ w"i'" #ngag#s t"# s#%*i'#s o& t"# atto%n#$= 0( to %#nd#% l#gal ad*i'#) o% 1( to d#&#nd o% p%os#'ut# "is 'aus# in 'ou%t( It is g#n#%al o% sp#'ial( A 1eneral retainer is on# t"# pu%pos# o& w"i'" is to s#'u%# b#&o%# "and t"# s#%*i'#s o& an atto%n#$ &o% an$ l#gal p%obl#m t"at ma$ a&t#%wa%d a%is#( A special retainer "as %#&#%#n'# to a pa%ti'ula% 'as# o% s#%*i'#( T"# wo%d 9retainer: ma$ also %#&#% to t"# &## w"i'" a 'li#nt pa$s to an atto%n#$ w"#n t"# latt#% is %#tain#d known as %#taining &##( A retainin1 fee is a p%#limina%$ &## paid to insu%# and s#'u%# "is &utu%# s#%*i'#s) to %#mun#%at# "im &o% b#ing d#p%i*#d) b$ b#ing %#tain#d b$ on# pa%t$) o& t"# oppo%tunit$ o& %#nd#%ing s#%*i'#s to t"# ot"#% pa%t$ and o& %#'#i*ing pa$ &%om "im) and t"# pa$m#nt o& su'" &##) in t"# abs#n'# o& an ag%##m#nt on t"# 'ont%a%$) is n#it"#% mad# no% %#'#i*#d in 'onsid#%ation o& t"# s#%*i'#s 'ont#mplat#d, it is apa%t &%om w"at t"# 'li#nt "as ag%##d to pa$ &o% t"# s#%*i'#s w"i'" "# "as %#tain#d "im to p#%&o%m( Its pu%pos# is to p%#*#nt undu# "a%ds"ip on t"# pa%t o& t"# atto%n#$ %#sulting &%om t"# %igid obs#%*an'# o& t"# %ul# &o%bidding "im &%om a'ting as 'ouns#l &o% t"# ot"#% pa%t$ "as b##n %#tain#d b$ o% "as gi*#n p%o&#ssional ad*i'# to t"# opposit# pa%t$( E1"ste#*e of Attor#ey,C("e#t Re(at"o#sh"+ a( ?ocu-entary $or-alis- ; AOT an #ss#ntial #l#m#nt in t"# #mplo$m#nt o& an atto%n#$) 'ont%a't ma$ b# EH+RESSE2 OR ID+LIE2( b( '-plied acceptance ; it is su&&i'i#nt t"at ad*i'# and assistan'# o& an atto%n#$ is soug"t and %#'#i*#d in an$ matt#% p#%tin#nt to "is p%o&#ssion, it is #noug" t"at a law$#% a''#d#d to a 'li#nts %#/u#st(

R"$e 2<.+ Se7tion -2+ R"$es o% Co"rt An atto%n#$ "as no pow#% to a't as 'ouns#l o% l#gal %#p%#s#ntati*# &o% a p#%son wit"out b#ing %#tain#d no% ma$ "# app#a% in 'ou%t &o% a pa%t$ wit"out b#ing #mplo$#d unl#ss b$ l#a*# o& 'ou%t( T"#%# must b# a 'ont%a't o& #mplo$m#nt) #.p%#ss o% impli#d) b#tw##n "im and t"# pa%t$ "# pu%po%ts to %#p%#s#nt o% t"# latt#%s aut"o%i8#d ag#nt( I& "# 'o%%upt o% will&ull$ app#a%s as an atto%n#$ &o% a pa%t$ to a 'as# wit"out aut"o%it$) "# ma$ b# dis'iplin#d o% punis"#d &o% 'ont#mpt as an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t w"o "as misb#"a*#d in "is o&&i'ial t%ansa'tion( Do%#o*#%) n#it"#% t"# litigant w"om "# pu%po%ts to %#p%#s#nt no% t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ ma$ b# bound o% a&&#'t#d b$ "is app#a%an'# unl#ss t"# pu%po%t#d 'li#nt %ati&i#s o% is #stopp#d to d#n$ "is assum#d aut"o%it$( =ee *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 21; SCRA ;/2 (20.0! T"# abs#n'# o& a w%itt#n 'ont%a't will not p%#'lud# a &inding t"at t"#%# is a p%o&#ssional %#lations"ip( 2o'um#nta%$ &o%malism is not an #ss#ntial #l#m#nt in t"# #mplo$m#nt o& an atto%n#$, t"# 'ont%a't ma$ b# #.p%#ss o% impli#d( It is su&&i'i#nt) to #stablis" t"# p%o&#ssional %#lation) t"at t"# ad*i'# and assistan'# o& an atto%n#$ is soug"t and %#'#i*#d in an$ matt#% p#%tin#nt to "is p%o&#ssion( An a''#ptan'# o& t"# %#lation is impli#d on t"# pa%t o& t"# atto%n#$ &%om "is a'ting on b#"al& o& "is 'li#nt in pu%suan'# o& a %#/u#st &%om t"# latt#%( I& a p#%son) in %#sp#'t to "is busin#ss a&&ai%s o% an$ t%oubl#s o& an$ kind) 'onsults wit" "is atto%n#$ in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ wit" t"# *i#w to obtaining p%o&#ssional ad*i'# o% assistan'# and t"# atto%n#$ *olunta%il$ p#%mits o% a'/ui#s'# in su'" 'onsultation) as w"#n "# list#ns to "is 'li#nts p%#limina%$ stat#m#nt o& "is 'as# o% gi*#s ad*i'# t"#%#on) t"#n t"# p%o&#ssional

34

#mplo$m#nt is %#ga%d#d as #stablis"#d -ust as #&&#'ti*# as w"#n "# d%aws "is 'li#nts pl#ading o% ad*o'at#s "is 'li#nts 'aus# in 'ou%t( Ter."#at"o# of a Cou#se(s Ser2"*es 0( T"# wit"d%awal as 'ouns#l o& a 'li#nt o% t"# dismissal b$ t"# 'li#nt o& "is 'ouns#l must b# mad# in a <ORDAL +ETITIOA &il#d in t"# 'as# (WITH2RAWAL O< RE OR2! 1( 3( Att$6'li#nt %#lations"ip do#s not t#%minat# &o%mall$ until t"#%# is wit"d%awal mad# o& %#'o%d( Enl#ss p%op#%l$ %#li#*#d) 'ouns#l is %#sponsibl# &o% t"# 'ondu't o& t"# 'as#(

Hi$ado *s' =a*id+ .: 6hi$' /;0 (20:03 T"# #mplo$m#nt o& a law &i%m is #/ui*al#nt to t"# %#tain#% o& t"# m#mb#% t"#%#o& #*#n t"oug" onl$ on# o& t"#m is 'onsult#d, 'on*#%s#l$) t"# #mplo$m#nt o& on# m#mb#% is g#n#%all$ 'onsid#%#d as #mplo$m#nt o& t"# law &i%m( B'R' Se&astian Enter4rises+ )n7' *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ -5; SCRA -. (200-3 T"# d#at" o& a pa%tn#%) w"o was t"# on# "andling t"# 'as# &o% t"# law &i%m) did not #.tinguis" t"# law$#%6 'li#nt %#lations"ip, t"# %#sponsibilit$ to 'ontinu# %#p%#s#ntation and &il# %#/ui%#d pl#ading d#*ol*# upon t"# %#maining law$#%s o& t"# &i%m) until t"#$ "a*# wit"d%awn &%om t"# 'as#) t"# n#glig#n'# o& t"# latt#% binds t"# 'li#nt( Se*a *s' No$an+ ;: 6hi$' <1: (20<13 A wi&# in an$ o& t"# instan'#s w"#%# s"# ma$ p%os#'ut# o% d#&#nd an a'tion wit"out t"# n#'#ssit$ o& -oining "#% "usband as a pa%t$ litigant "as t"# aut"o%it$ to #ngag# t"# s#%*i'#s o& 'ouns#l #*#n wit"out "#% "usbands 'ons#nt( S"# 'annot) "ow#*#%) bind t"# 'on-ugal pa%tn#%s"ip &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& t"# &##s o& "#% law$#% wit"out t"# "usbands aut"o%it$) #.'#pt in a suit b#tw##n "#% and "#% "usband w"i'" s"# is 'omp#ll#d to institut# o% %#sist to p%ot#'t "#% %ig"ts) to a su''#ss&ul 'on'lusion( CANON @D A (awyer sha(( #ot refuse h"s ser2"*es to the #ee-y3 T"# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt ma$ b# '%#at#d not onl$ b$ t"# *olunta%$ ag%##m#nt b#tw##n t"#m but also b$ t"# appointm#nt o& an atto%n#$ as 'ouns#l de oficio &o% a poo% o% indig#nt litigant) and t"# atto%n#$ so appoint#d "as as "ig" a dut$ to t"# indig#nt as to "is pa$ing 'li#nt( Ru(e @D3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot -e*("#e to re+rese#t a +erso# so(e(y o# a**ou#t of the (atters @3 ra*e B3 se1 C3 *ree-4 or D3 status of ("fe4 or 53 0e*ause of h"s ow# o+"#"o# re'ar-"#' the 'u"(t of sa"- +erso#3

R"$e 22<.+ S' -5(h3' ?uty of attorneys= . . . n#*#% to %#-#'t) &o% an$ 'onsid#%ation p#%sonal to "ims#l&) t"# 'aus# o& t"# d#&#ns#l#ss o% opp%#ss#d( R"$e 2<.+ s'-5 (i3' In t"# d#&#ns# o& a p#%son a''us#d o& a '%im#) b$ all &ai% and "ono%abl# m#ans) %#ga%dl#ss o& "is p#%sonal opinion to t"# guilt o& t"# a''us#d to p%#s#nt #*#%$ #*id#n'# t"at t"# law p#%mits) to t"# #nd t"at no p#%son ma$ b# d#p%i*#d o& li&# o% lib#%t$) but b$ du# p%o'#ss o& law( R"$e 2:'52 ho#e*er is not a44$i7a&$e in 7i*i$ 7ases because of ob#ious reasons. 't is t/e la0yer%s duty ; 9('! To 'ouns#l o% maintain su'" a'tions o% p%o'##dings onl$ as app#a% o "im to b# -ust) and su'" d#&#ns#s onl$ as "# b#li#*#s to b# "on#stl$ d#batabl# und#% t"# law(: (R"$e 2<.+ se7tion -5 (73+ RRC3 w"#n t"# law$#% signs a 'omplaint o% answ#%) "is signatu%# is d##m#d a '#%ti&i'ation b$ "im 9t"at "# "as %#ad t"# pl#ading, t"at to t"# b#st o& "is knowl#dg#) in&o%mation and b#li#&) t"#%# is 1ood 1round to suppo%t ...: (R"$e 1+ Se7tion /+ ROC3( <o% *iolating t"is %ul#) t"# law$#% ma$ b# sub-#'t#d to dis'iplina%$ a'tion( Ru(e @D3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot -e*("#e4 e1*e+t for ser"ous a#- suff"*"e#t *ause4 a#

35

a++o"#t.e#t as *ou#se( de o%%i7io or as ami7"s 7"riae+ or a re9uest fro. the I#te'rate- )ar of the $h"("++"#es or a#y of "ts *ha+ters for re#-"t"o# of free (e'a( a"-3 I3 COUNSEL DE O::ICIO

R"$e 2<.+ s' <2. *ttorneys for destitute liti1ants= A 'ou%t ma$ assign an atto%n#$ to %#nd#% p%o&#ssional aid &%## o& '"a%g# to an$ pa%t$ in 'as#) i& upon in*#stigation it app#a%s t"at t"# pa%t$ is d#stitut# and unabl# to #mplo$ an atto%n#$) and t"at t"# s#%*i'#s o& 'ouns#l a%# n#'#ssa%$ to s#'u%# t"# #nds o& -usti'# and to p%ot#'t t"# %ig"ts o& t"# pa%t$( It s"all b# t"# dut$ o& t"# atto%n#$ so assign#d to %#nd#% t"# %#/ui%#d s#%*i'#) unl#ss "# is #.'us#d t"#%#&%om b$ t"# 'ou%t &o% su&&i'i#nt 'aus# s"own( R"$e 22;+ s'1 C *ppoint-ent of counsel de oficio WHO= 0( m#mb#%s o& t"# ba% in good standing, 1( an$ p#%son) %#sid#nt o& t"# p%o*in'# and o& good %#put# &o% p%obit$ and abilit$) in lo'aliti#s wit"out law$#%s WHAT OASI2ERE2= 0( g%a*it$ o& o&&#ns# 1( di&&i'ult$ o& /u#stions t"at ma$ a%is# 3( #.p#%i#n'# and abilit$ o& appoint## II3 A%ICUS CURIAE

R"$e 2<.+ s' <; E.p#%i#n'#d and impa%tial atto%n#$s ma$ b# in*it#d b$ t"# 'ou%t to app#a% as ami'i 'u%ia# to "#lp in t"# disposition o& issu#s submitt#d to it( Def"#"t"o# b$stand#%, 9&%i#nd o& t"# 'ou%t: w"os# &un'tion is 9to %#mind t"# 'ou%t o% t%ibunal o& som# matt#% w"i'" ot"#%wis# mig"t #s'ap# its noti'# and in %#ga%d to w"i'" it mig"t b# w%ong( On# w"o gi*#s in&o%mation upon som# /u#stion o& law in %#ga%d to w"i'" t"# -udg# is doubt&ul o% mistak#n) o% upon a matt#% o& w"i'" t"# 'ou%t ma$ tak# -udi'ial 'ogni8an'#( Ru(e @D3AC3 A (awyer .ay #ot refuse to a**e+t re+rese#tat"o# of a# "#-"'e#t *("e#t u#(ess a3 he "s #o +os"t"o# to *arry out the worE effe*t"2e(y or *o.+ete#t(yI 03 he (a0ors u#-er a *o#f("*t of "#terest 0etwee# h". a#- the +ros+e*t"2e *("e#t or 0etwee# a +rese#t *("e#t a#- the +ros+e*t"2e *("e#tI

T"# %ul# in*ol*#s indi1ent 'li#nts w"o 'om# to a law$#% &o% l#gal s#%*i'#s( End#% Rul# 03@) S#'tion 30 o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t) a -udg# ma$ assign a law$#% to %#nd#% a p%o&#ssional s#%*i'# &%## o& '"a%g# to an$ pa%t$ in a 'as#) i& upon in*#stigation) it app#a%s t"at t"# pa%t$ is destitute and unabl# to #mplo$ an atto%n#$( T"# law$#% assign#d must %#nd#% t"# %#/ui%#d l#gal s#%*i'# unl#ss "# is #.'us#d t"#%#&%om b$ t"# 'ou%t &o% su&&i'i#nt o& 'aus# s"own( Ru(e @D3AD3 A (awyer who a**e+ts the *ause of a +erso# u#a0(e to +ay h"s +rofess"o#a( fees sha(( o0ser2e the sa.e sta#-ar- of *o#-u*t 'o2er#"#' h"s re(at"o#s w"th +ay"#' *("e#ts3 B$anza *s' Ar7an>e$+ -2 SCRA 2 I& a law$#% *olunt##%s "is s#%*i'#s to a 'li#nt) and t"#%#&o%# not #ntitl#d to atto%n#$s &##s) n#*#%t"#l#ss) "# is bound to att#nd to a 'li#nts 'as# wit" all du# dilig#n'# and 8#al( B$ *olunt##%ing "is s#%*i'#s) "# "as #stablis"#d a 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip( CANON @5 A (awyer sha(( o0ser2e *a#-or4 fa"r#ess a#- (oya(ty "# a(( h"s -ea("#'s a#- tra#sa*t"o#s w"th h"s *("e#ts3 As a 1eneral rule) a 'li#nt is bound b$ "is 'ouns#ls 'ondu't e>cept w"#n in'omp#t#n'# o& 'ouns#l is so g%#at t"at t"# d#&#ndant is p%#-udi'#d and p%#*#nt#d &%om &ai%l$ p%#s#nting "is d#&#ns#(

36

S"arez *s' CA A law$#% ow#s absolut# &id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& "is 'li#nt( H# ow#s "is 'li#nt &ull d#*otion to "is int#%#st) wa%m 8#al in t"# maint#nan'# and d#&#ns# o& "is %ig"ts( In t"# instant 'as#) Att$( San Luis was un/u#stionabl$ n#glig#nt( His n#glig#n'# 'onsist#d in "is &ailu%# to att#nd t"# "#a%ings) "is &ailu%# to ad*is# p#tition#% t"at "# was going ab%oad and "is &ailu%# to wit"d%aw p%op#%l$ as 'ouns#l &o% p#tition#%( O4are$+ Sr' *s' A&ara+ :5 SCRA 2-. (20123 It d#mands o& an atto%n#$ an undi*id#d all#gian'#) a 'onspi'uous and "ig" d#g%## o& good &ait") disint#%#st#dn#ss) 'ando%) &ai%n#ss) lo$alt$) &id#lit$ and absolut# int#g%it$ in all "is d#alings and t%ansa'tions wit" "is 'li#nts and an utt#% %#nun'iation o& #*#%$ p#%sonal ad*antag# 'on&li'ting in an$ wa$) di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$) wit" t"# int#%#st o& "is 'li#nt( Ru(e @53A@3 A (awyer4 "# *o#ferr"#' w"th a +ros+e*t"2e *("e#t4 sha(( as*erta"# as soo# as +ra*t"*a0(e whether the .atter wou(- "#2o(2e a *o#f("*t or h"s ow# "#terest4 a#- "f so4 sha(( forthw"th "#for. the +ros+e*t"2e *("e#t3

A law$#% "as t"# dut$ to dis'los# and #.plain to t"# p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nt all 'i%'umstan'#s o& "is %#lation to t"# pa%ti#s and an$ int#%#st in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# 'ont%o*#%s$) w"i'" in "is -udgm#nt mig"t in&lu#n'# "is 'li#nt) in so &a% as will #nabl# "im to d#'id# w"#t"#% to a''#pt t"# 'as#( It is "is dut$ to d#'lin# #mplo$m#nt in an$ matt#%) w"i'" ma$ in*ol*# 'on&li'ting int#%#sts( Sta' Maria *s' T"azon+ 22 SCRA /;T"# &a't t"at t"# %#spond#nt "as pla'#d "is p%i*at# p#%sonal int#%#st o*#% and abo*# t"at o& "is 'li#nts 'onstitut#s a b%#a'" o& a law$#%s oat") to sa$ at l#ast( Ru(e @53AB3 A (awyer sha(( 0e 0ou#- 0y the ru(e o# +r"2"(e'e- *o..u#"*at"o# "# res+e*t of .atters -"s*(ose- to h". 0y a +ros+e*t"2e *("e#t3

T"is %ul# appli#s #*#n i& t"# p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nt do#s not t"#%#a&t#% %#tain t"# law$#% o& t"# latt#% d#'lin#s t"# #mplo$m#nt( T"# %#ason &o% t"# %ul# is to mak# p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nt &##l &%## to dis'uss w"at#*#% wis"#s wit" t"# law$#% wit"out &#a% t"at w"at "# t#lls t"# law$#% will not b# di*ulg#d no% us#d against "im and t"# law$#% to b# #/uall$ &%## to obtain in&o%mation &%om t"# p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nt(

Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' .2 &/e purpose of t/e attorney9client relations/ip is t0o9fold = (a! $irst) to #n'ou%ag# a 'li#nt to mak# a &ull dis'losu%# o& t"# &a'ts o& t"# 'as# to "is 'ouns#l wit"out &#a%) and (b! second) to allow t"# law$#% to obtain &ull in&o%mation &%om "is 'li#nt( Canon -2+ C6R A law$#% s"all p%#s#%*# t"# 'on&id#n'#s and s#'%#ts o& "is 'li#nt #*#n a&t#% t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lation is t#%minat#d( R"$e 2<5+ Se7tion -: (&3 RRC 9An atto%n#$ 'annot) wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& "is 'li#nt) b# #.amin#d as to an$ 'ommuni'ation mad# b$ t"# 'li#nt to "im o% "is ad*i'# gi*#n t"#%#on in t"# 'ou%s# o& p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt, no% 'an an atto%n#$s s#'%#ta%$) st#nog%ap"#%) o% 'l#%k b# #.amin#d) wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# 'li#nt and "is #mplo$#%) 'on'#%ning an$ &a't t"# knowl#dg# o& w"i'" "as b##n a'/ui%#d in su'" 'apa'it$( Re9u"s"tes of $r"2"(e'e- Co..u#"*at"o# a( T"#%# is an atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip o% a kind o& 'onsultan'$ %#/ui%#m#nt wit" a p%osp#'ti*# 'li#nt, b( T"# 'ommuni'ation was mad# b$ t"# 'li#nt to t"# law$#% in t"# 'ou%s# o& t"# law$#%s p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt, '( T"# 'ommuni'ation must b# int#nd#d to b# 'on&id#ntial( Ba$d#in *s' Comm' O% )nterna$ Re*en"e+ 2-/ A -d .2-+ 2:2 LRA /:. T"# p%i*il#g# 'ontinu#s to #.ist #*#n a&t#% t"# t#%mination o& t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip( It outlasts t"# law$#%s #ngag#m#nt( T"# p%i*il#g#d '"a%a't#% o& t"# 'ommuni'ation '#as#s onl$ w"#n wai*#d b$ t"# 'li#nt "ims#l& o% a&t#% "is d#at") b$ t"# "#i% o% l#gal %#p%#s#ntati*#(

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6eo4$e *s' S$ee4er+ :; 6hi$' ;-/ T"# pa%t$ w"o a*#%s t"at t"# 'ommuni'ation is p%i*il#g#d "as t"# bu%d#n o& p%oo& to #stablis" t"# #.ist#n'# o& t"# p%i*il#g# unl#ss &%om t"# &a'# o& t"# do'um#nt its#l&) it 'l#a%l$ app#a%s t"at it is p%i*il#g#d( T"# m#%# all#gation t"at t"# matt#% is p%i*il#g#d is not su&&i'i#nt( T"# 'ommuni'ation (knowl#dg# o% in&o%mation! o% t"# p"$si'al ob-#'t must "a*# b##n t%ansmitt#d to t"# 'ouns#l b$ t"# 'li#nt &o% t"# pu%pos# o& s##king l#gal ad*is#( Ot"#%wis#) t"#%# is no p%i*il#g#d 'ommuni'ation( Canon <1+ C6E T"# p%i*il#g# is limit#d o% "as %#&#%#n'# onl$ to 'ommuni'ations w"i'" a%# wit"in t"# ambit o& law&ul #mplo$m#nt and do#s not #.t#nd to t"os# t%ansmitt#d in 'ont#mplation o& &utu%# '%im#s o% &%auds( How#*#%) t"# in&o%mation on '%im#s o% &%auds al%#ad$ 'ommitt#d &alls wit"in t"# p%i*il#g# and t"# law$#% 'annot %#*#al o% b# 'omp#ll#d to %#*#al t"# 'on&id#n'#s o& t"# 'li#nt( Chara*ter"st"*s of the Attor#ey,C("e#t $r"2"(e'e 0( A6 p%i*il#g# w"#%# l#gal ad*i'# is p%o&#ssionall$ soug"t &%om an atto%n#$( 1( T"# 'li#nt must int#nd t"# abo*# 'ommuni'ation to b# 'on&id#ntial( 3( A6 p%i*il#g# #mb%a'#s all &o%ms o& 'ommuni'ation and a'tion( 4( As a g#n#%al %ul#) A6 p%i*il#g# also #.t#nds to t"# atto%n#$s s#'%#ta%$) st#nog%ap"#%) 'l#%k o% ag#nt wit" %#&#%#n'# to an$ &a't %#/ui%#d in su'" 'apa'it$( 5( T"# abo*# dut$ is p#%p#tual and is absolut#l$ p%i*il#g#d &%om dis'losu%#( E1*e+t"o#s to A,C $r"2"(e'e 0( T"#%# is 'ons#nt o% wai*#% o% 'li#nt( 1( Su'" is %#/ui%#d b$ law( 3( Su'" is mad# to p%ot#'t t"# law$#%s %ig"ts (i(#( to 'oll#'t "is &##s o% asso'iat#s o% b$ -udi'ial a'tion!( 4( W"#n su'" 'ommuni'ation a%# mad# in 'ont#mplation o& a '%im# o% t"# p#%p#tuation o& a &%aud( Do*tr"#e of ".+ute- E#ow(e-'e is bas#d on t"# assumption t"at an atto%n#$) w"o "as noti'# o& matt#% a&&#'ting "is 'li#nt) "as 'ommuni'at#d t"# sam# to "is p%in'ipal in t"# 'ou%s# o& p%o&#ssional d#alings( T"# do't%in# appli#s %#ga%dl#ss o& w"#t"#% o% not t"# law$#% a'tuall$ 'ommuni'at#d to t"# 'li#nt w"at "# l#a%n#d in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$) t"# atto%n#$ and "is 'li#nt b#ing on# -udi'ial p#%son( Ru(e @53AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot re+rese#t *o#f("*t"#' "#terests e1*e+t 0y wr"tte# *o#se#t of a(( *o#*er#e- '"2e# after a fu(( -"s*(osure of fa*ts3

2enerally) a law$#% ma$ at '#%tain stag# o& t"# 'ont%o*#%s$ and b#&o%# it %#a'"#s t"# 'ou%t %#p%#s#nt 'on&li'ting int#%#sts wit" t"# #.p%#ss w%itt#n 'ons#nt o& all pa%ti#s 'on'#%n#d gi*#n a&t#% dis'losu%# o& t"# &a'ts( T"# dis'losu%# s"ould in'lud# an #.planation o& t"# #&&#'ts o& t"# dual %#p%#s#ntation) su'" as t"# possibl# %#*#lation o% us# o& 'on&id#ntial in&o%mation( * la0yer -ay not properly represent conflictin1 interests e#en t/ou1/ t/e parties concerned a1ree to t/e dual representation 0/ere3 0( t"# 'on&li't is b#tw##n t"# atto%n#$s int#%#st and t"at o& a 'li#nt) o% 1( b#tw##n a p%i*at# 'li#nts int#%#sts and t"at o& t"# go*#%nm#nt o% an$ o& its inst%um#ntaliti#s( @' S' *s' LaranJa+ -2 6hi$' /55 (202-3 H# ma$ not) wit"out b#ing guilt$ o& p%o&#ssional mis'ondu't) a't as 'ouns#l &o% a p#%son w"os# int#%#st 'on&li'ts wit" t"at o& "is p%#s#nt o% &o%m#% 'li#nt no% ma$ "# a''#pt #mplo$m#nt &%om a pa%t$ in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& w"i'" "# ma$ b# &o%'#d to a't in a doubl# 'apa'it$ o% b# susp#'t#d o& di*id#d lo$alt$( T"#%# a%# three tests to determine 7on%$i7tin> interests ( T"# &i%st is w"#n) on b#"al& o& on# 'li#nt) it is t"# atto%n#$s dut$ to 'ont#st &o% t"at w"i'" "is dut$ to anot"#% 'li#nt %#/ui%#s "im to oppos# o% w"#n t"is possibilit$ o& su'" situation will d#*#lop (conflictin1 duties ( T"# s#'ond t#st is w"#t"#% t"# a''#ptan'# o& t"# n#w %#lation will p%#*#nt a law$#% &%om t"# &ull dis'"a%g# o& "is dut$ o& undi*id#d &id#lit$ and lo$alt$ to "is 'li#nt o% will in*it# suspi'ion o& un&ait"&uln#ss o% doubl#6d#aling in t"# p#%&o%man'# t"#%#o& ('n#itation of suspicion ( T"# t"i%d t#st is w"#t"#% a

38

law$#% will b# 'all#d upon in "is n#w %#lation to us# against t"# &i%st 'li#nt an$ knowl#dg# a'/ui%#d in t"# p%#*ious #mplo$m#nt (use of prior Bno0led1e obtained ( T"# ba%# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip wit" a 'li#nt p%#'lud#s an atto%n#$ &%om a''#pting p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt &%om t"# 'li#nts ad*#%sa%$ #it"#% in t"# sam# 'as# o% in a di&&#%#nt but %#lat#d a'tion( It is also imp%op#% &o% a law$#% to app#a% as 'ouns#l &o% on# pa%t$ against t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ w"o is "is 'li#nt in anot"#% totall$ un%#lat#d a'tion( T"# p%o"ibition appli#s i%%#sp#'ti*# o& w"#t"#% t"# law$#% a'/ui%#d 'on&id#ntial in&o%mation( It also appli#s to t"# law &i%m o& w"i'" "# is a m#mb#% as w#ll as an$ m#mb#%) asso'iat#) o% assistant t"#%#in( T"# t#%mination o& t"# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt p%o*id#s no -usti&i'ation &o% a law$#% to %#p%#s#nt an int#%#st ad*#%s# to o% in 'on&li't wit" t"at o& t"# &o%m#% 'li#nt( T"# %#ason is t"at t"# 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# on'# %#pos#d 'annot b# di*#st#d b$ t"# t#%mination o& p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt( T"# atto%n#$s s#'%#ta%$) st#nog%ap"#% o% 'l#%k w"o) in su'" 'apa'it$) "as a'/ui%#d 'on&id#ntial in&o%mation &%om t"# atto%n#$s 'li#nt ma$ not a''#pt #mplo$m#nt o%) a&t#% b#'oming a m#mb#% o& t"# ba%) %#p%#s#nt an int#%#st ad*#%s# to t"at o& t"# atto%n#$s 'li#nt( Ru(e o# Co#f("*t"#' I#terests It is g#n#%all$ t"# %ul# bas#d on sound publi' poli'$ t"at atto%n#$ 'annot %#p%#s#nt di*#%s# int#%#st( It is "ig"l$ imp%op#% to %#p%#s#nt bot" sid#s o& an issu#( T"# p%os'%iption against %#p%#s#ntation o& 'on&li'ting int#%#st &inds appli'ation w"#%# t"# 'on&li'ting int#%#st a%is# wit" %#sp#'t to t"# sam# g#n#%al matt#% and is appli'abl# "ow#*#% slig"t su'" ad*#%s# int#%#st ma$ b#( It appli#s alt"oug" t"# atto%n#$s int#ntion and moti*#s w#%# "on#st and "# a't#d in good &ait"( How#*#%) %#p%#s#ntation o& 'on&li'ting int#%#st ma$ b# allow#d w"#%# t"# pa%ti#s 'ons#nts to t"# %#p%#s#ntation a&t#% &ull dis'losu%# o& &a'ts( (Na 4i$ *s' ?a$dez+ -;; SCRA 1/.+ Mar7h :+ 200.3 Re-e-ber3 T"# t#st to d#t#%min# w"#t"#% t"#%# is a 'on&li't o& int#%#st in t"# %#p%#s#ntation is +ROBABILITY) not '#%taint$ o& 'on&li't( 6ard! *s' Ernst+ 2:< 6 :-0 (202:3 A law$#% is &o%bidd#n &%om %#p%#s#nting a subs#/u#nt 'li#nt against a &o%m#% 'li#nt onl$ w"#n t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# p%#s#nt 'ont%o*#%s$ is %#lat#d) di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$) to t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# p%#*ious litigation in w"i'" "# app#a%#d &o% t"# &o%m#% 'li#nt( Con#ersely) "# ma$ p%op#%l$ a't as 'ouns#l &o% a n#w 'li#nt) wit" &ull dis'losu%# to t"# latt#%) against a &o%m#% 'li#nt in a matt#% w"oll$ un%#lat#d to t"at o& t"# p%#*ious #mplo$m#nt) t"#%# b#ing in t"at instan'# to 'on&li't o& int#%#sts( Hi$ado *s' =a*id+ .: 6hi$' /12 To 'onstitut# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt it is not #ss#ntial t"at t"# 'li#nt s"ould "a*# #mplo$#d atto%n#$ p%o&#ssionall$ on an$ p%#*ious o''asion CCC It is not n#'#ssa%$ t"at an$ %#tain#% s"ould "a*# b##n paid) p%omis#d) o% '"a%g#d &o%, n#it"#% is it mat#%ial t"at t"# atto%n#$ 'onsult#d did not a&t#%wa%d und#%tak# t"# 'as# about w"i'" t"# 'onsultation was "ad( I& a p#%son in %#sp#'t to "is busin#ss a&&ai%s o% t%oubl#s o& an$ kind) 'onsult wit" "is atto%n#$ in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ wit" t"# *i#w to obtaining p%o&#ssional ad*i'# o% assistan'#) and t"# atto%n#$ *olunta%il$ p#%mits o% a'/ui#s'#s in su'" 'onsultation) t"#n t"# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt must b# %#ga%d#d as #stablis"#d( ... T"# m#%# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt oug"t to p%#'lud# t"# atto%n#$ &%om a''#pting t"# opposit# pa%t$s %#tain#% in t"# sam# litigation %#ga%dl#ss o& w"at in&o%mation was %#'#i*#d b$ "im &%om "is 'li#nt( W"#%# a law$#% is dis/uali&i#d o% &o%bidd#n &%om app#a%ing as 'ouns#l in a 'as# b#'aus# o& 'on&li't o& int#%#sts) t"# law &i%m o& w"i'" "# is a m#mb#% as w#ll as an$ m#mb#%) asso'iat# o% assistant t"#%#in is simila%l$ dis/uali&i#d o% p%o"ibit#d &%om so a'ting( Nathan *s' Ca4"$e+ 02 6hi$' ;:5 An atto%n#$ w"o a''#pts p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt in t"# *#%$ 'as# in w"i'" "is &o%m#% 'li#nt is t"# ad*#%s# law$#%) and utili8ing against t"# latt#% pap#%s) knowl#dg# and in&o%mation obtain#d in t"# 'ou%s# o& "is p%#*ious #mplo$m#nt is guilt$ o& mis'ondu't( T"# &a't t"at "# "ad %#ti%#d &%om t"# &i%st 'as# p%io% to a''#pting t"# s#'ond 'as# against t"# &o%m#% 'li#nt) do#s not %#li#*# "im &%om "is obligation o& &id#lit$ and lo$alt$ to t"# latt#%( )n re: =e $a Rosa E*#n t"oug" t"# opposing 'li#nts) a&t#% &ull dis'losu%# o& t"# &a't) 'ons#nt to t"# atto%n#$s dual %#p%#s#ntation) t"# law$#% s"ould) w"#n "is 'li#nts 'annot s## t"#i% wa$ 'l#a% to s#ttling t"# 'ont%o*#%s$ ami'abl$) %#ti%# t"# 'as#( I#sta#*es whe# a Lawyer "s Co#s"-ere- ha2"#' Co#f("*t"#' I#terests 0( As an #mplo$## o& a 'o%po%ation w"os# dut$ is to att#nd l#gal a&&ai%s) "# 'annot -oin a labo%

39

1( 3( 4( 5(

union o& #mplo$##s in t"at 'o%po%ation( As a law$#% w"o in*#stigat#d an a''id#nt as 'ouns#l &o% an insu%an'#) "# 'annot %#p%#s#nt t"# in-u%#d p#%son( As a %#'#i*#% o& a 'o%po%ation) "# 'annot %#p%#s#nt t"# '%#dito%( As a %#p%#s#ntati*# o& t"# obligo%) "# 'annot %#p%#s#nt t"# oblig##( As a law$#% %#p%#s#nting a pa%t$ in a 'omp%omis# ag%##m#nt) "# 'annot b# subs#/u#nt law$#% %#p%#s#nting anot"#% 'li#nt w"o s##ks to nulli&$ t"# ag%##m#nt(

Effe*ts of Re+rese#t"#' A-2erse I#terests 0( 2is/uali&i'ation as 'ouns#l o& n#w 'li#nt on p#tition o& &o%m#% 'li#nt( 1( W"#%# su'" is unknown to) b#'om#s p%#-udi'ial int#%#sts o& t"# n#w 'li#nt) a -udgm#nt against su'" ma$) on t"at g%ound b# s#t asid#( 3( A law$#% 'an b# "#ld administ%ati*#l$ liabl# t"%oug" dis'iplina%$ a'tion and ma$ b# "#ld '%iminall$ liabl# &o% b#t%a$al o& t%ust( 4( T"# atto%n#$s %ig"t to &##s ma$ b# d#&#at#d i& &ound to b# %#lat#d to su'" 'on&li't and su'" was ob-#'t#d to b$ t"# &o%m#% 'li#nt) o% i& t"#%# was a 'on'#alm#nt and p%#-udi'# b$ %#ason o& t"# atto%n#$s p%#*ious p%o&#ssional %#lations"ip wit" t"# opposit# pa%t$( Ru(e @53AD3 A (awyer .ay4 w"th the wr"tte# *o#se#t of a(( *o#*er#e-4 a*t as .e-"ator4 *o#*"("ator or ar0"trator "# sett("#' -"s+utes3

A law$#%s knowl#dg# o& t"# law and "is %#putation &o% &id#lit$ ma$ mak# it #as$ &o% t"# disputants to s#ttl# t"#i% di&&#%#n'#s ami'abl$( How#*#%) t"# law$#% s"ould not a't as 'ouns#l to an$ o& t"#m( Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' .ons#nt in w%iting is %#/ui%#d to p%#*#nt &utu%# 'ont%o*#%s$ on t"# aut"o%it$ o& t"# law$#% to a't as m#diato% o% a%bit%ato%( Ao0e#er) a law$#% w"o a'ts as m#diato%) 'on'iliato% o% a%bit%ato% o% a%bit%ato% in s#ttling a disput#) 'annot %#p%#s#nt an$ o& t"# pa%ti#s to it( Ru(e @53A53 A (awyer4 whe# a-2"s"#' h"s *("e#t4 sha(( '"2e a *a#-"- a#- ho#est o+"#"o# o# the .er"ts a#- +ro0a0(e resu(ts of the *("e#ts *ase4 #e"ther o2erstat"#' #or u#-erstat"#' the +ros+e*ts of the *ase3

Canon .+ C6E B#&o%# answ#%ing "is 'li#nts /u#stion) a law$#% s"ould #nd#a*o% to obtain &ull knowl#dg# o& "is 'li#nts 'aus#( It is onl$ a&t#% "# s"all "a*# studi#d t"# 'as# t"at "# s"ould ad*is# "is 'li#nt on t"# matt#%( I& a law$#% &inds t"at "is 'li#nts suit is totall$ d#*oid o& m#%it o% t"at o& t"# p#nding 'i*il a'tion against "im is w"oll$ d#&#ns#l#ss) w"i'" is "is &un'tion and dut$ to &ind out) "# s"ould so in&o%m "is 'li#nt and dissuad# "im) in t"# &i%st instan'#) &%om &iling t"# 'as# o% ad*is# "im) in t"# s#'ond instan'#) to 'omp%omis# o% submit %at"#% t"an t%a*#%s# t"# in'ont%o*#%tibl#( I& on t"# ot"#% "and) "# &inds t"at "is 'li#nts 'aus# is &ai%l$ m#%ito%ious) "# s"ould %#&%ain &%om making bold and 'on&id#nt assu%an'#s o& su''#ss( A 'a%#&ul in*#stigation and #.amination o& t"# &a'ts must &i%st b# "ad b#&o%# an$ l#gal opinion b# *#ntu%#d b$ t"# law$#% to t"# 'li#nt( CastaHeda *s' A>o+ ;/ SCRA /51 9It is t"# dut$ o& a 'ouns#l to ad*is# "is 'li#nt) o%dina%il$ a la$man to t"# int%i'a'i#s and *aga%i#s o& t"# law) on t"# m#%it o% la'k o& m#%it o& "is 'as#( I& "# &inds t"at "is 'li#nts 'aus# is d#&#ns#l#ss) t"#n it is "is bound#n dut$ to ad*is# t"# latt#% to a'/ui#s'# and submit) %at"#% t"an t%a*#%s# t"# in'on*#%tibl#( A law$#% must %#sist t"# w"ims and 'ap%i'#s o& "is 'li#nt) and t#mp#% "is 'li#nts p%op#nsit$ to litigat#( A law$#%s oat" to up"old t"# 'aus# o& -usti'# is sup#%io% to "is dut$ to "is 'li#nt, its p%ima'$ is indisputabl#(: Choa *s' Chion>son+ -/< SCRA <12 (200;3 His 'li#nt is #ntitl#d to and "# is bound to gi*# a 'andid and "on#st opinion on t"# m#%it o% la'k o& m#%it o& "is 'li#nts 'as#) n#it"#% o*#%stating no% und#%stating t"# p%osp#'t o& t"# 'as#( It is lik#wis# in'umb#nt upon "im to gi*# "is 'li#nt an "on#st opinion on t"# p%obabl# %#sults o& t"# 'as#) wit" t"# #nd in *i#w o& p%omoting %#sp#'t &o% t"# law and t"# l#gal p%o'#ss#s( 6eriC"et *s' NLRC+ 2.; SCRA (20053 As o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t) 'ouns#ls a%# und#% obligation to ad*is# t"#i% 'li#nts against making unt#nabl# and in'onsist#nt 'laims( Law$#%s a%# not m#%#l$ "i%#d #mplo$##s w"o must un/u#stionabl$ do t"# bidding o& t"# 'li#nt)

40

"ow#*#% un%#asonabl# t"is ma$ b# w"#n t#st#d b$ t"#i% own #.p#%t app%#'iation o& t"# &a'ts and appli'abl# law and -u%isp%ud#n'#( Counsel -ust counsel. Ru(e @53AF3 A (awyer sha(( #ot state or ".+(y that he "s a0(e to "#f(ue#*e a#y +u0("* off"*"a(4 tr"0u#a( or (e'"s(at"2e 0o-y3

It is imp%op#% &o% a law$#% to s"ow in an$ wa$ t"at "# "as 'onn#'tions and 'an in&lu#n'# an$ t%ibunal o% publi' o&&i'ial) -udg#s) p%os#'uto%s) 'ong%#ssm#n and ot"#%s) sp#'iall$ so i& t"# pu%pos# is to #n"an'# "is l#gal standing and to #nt%#n'" t"# 'on&id#n'# o& t"# 'li#nt t"at "is 'as# o% 'as#s a%# assu%#d o& *i'to%$( Ru(e @53AG3 A (awyer sha(( ".+ress u+o# h"s *("e#t *o.+("a#*e w"th the (aws a#- the +r"#*"+(es of fa"r#ess3

A law$#% s"ould us# "is b#st #&&o%ts to %#st%ain and p%#*#nt "is 'li#nt &%om doing t"os# t"ings) w"i'" "# "ims#l& oug"t not to do, and i& t"# 'li#nt p#%sists in su'" w%ong doing) t"# law$#% s"ould t#%minat# t"#i% %#lation( Art' 20 o% the Ci*i$ Code 9#*#%$ p#%son must) in t"# #.#%'is# o& "is %ig"ts and in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s) a't wit" -usti'#) gi*# #*#%$on# "is du# and obs#%*# "on#st$ and good &ait"(: Con>e *s' =eret+ C'A'8B'R' No' 5..:.8CR'+ Mar7h -/+ 201: A law$#% w"o ad*is# "is 'li#nt not to ob#$ t"# o%d#% o& t"# 'ou%ts is guilt$ o& 'ont#mpt and mis'ondu't( Ca&i$an *s' Ramo$ete+ 20- SCRA ;1: As 'ouns#l o& %#'o%d) a law$#% "as 'ont%ol o& t"# p%o'##dings and w"at#*#% st#ps "is 'li#nt tak#s s"ould b# wit"in "is knowl#dg# and %#sponsibilit$( Ru(e @53AH A (awyer who "s e#'a'e- "# a#other +rofess"o# or o**u+at"o# *o#*urre#t(y w"th the +ra*t"*e of (aw sha(( .aEe *(ear to h"s *("e#t whether he "s a*t"#' as a (awyer or "# a#other *a+a*"ty3

Re4ort o% the )B6 Committee+ 4' .: 9T"# law$#% s"ould in&o%m t"# 'li#nt w"#n "# is a'ting as a law$#% and w"#n "# is not) b#'aus# '#%tain #t"i'al 'onsid#%ations go*#%ning t"# 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip ma$ b# op#%ati*# in on# 'as# and not in t"# ot"#%(: CANON @F A (awyer sha(( ho(- "# trust a(( .o#eys a#- +ro+ert"es of h"s *("e#t that .ay *o.e "#to h"s +ossess"o#3 Art3 @DJ@4 C"2"( Co-e T"# &ollowing p#%sons 'annot a'/ui%# o% pu%'"as#) #*#n at publi' o% -udi'ial au'tion) #it"#% in p#%son o% t"%oug" t"# m#diation o& anot"#%( (5! law$#%s) wit" %#sp#'t to t"# p%op#%t$ and %ig"ts w"i'" ma$ b# t"# ob-#'t o& an$ litigation in w"i'" t"#$ tak# pa%t b$ *i%tu# o& t"#i% p%o&#ssion(: E(e.e#ts of Art3 @DJ@ 0( Atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip 1( +%op#%t$ o% int#%#st is in litigation 3( Atto%n#$ tak#s pa%t as 'ouns#l in t"# 'as# 4( +u%'"as#) a'/uisition b$ atto%n#$) b$ "ims#l& o% t"%oug" anot"#%) du%ing p#nd#n'$ o& litigation C in'lud#s mo%tgag# o& p%op#%t$ in litigation to law$#%( In t"is 'as#) a'/uisition is m#%#l$ postpon#d until &o%#'losu%# but #&&#'t is t"# sam#( It also in'lud#s assignm#nt o& p%op#%t$ (Ordonio *' Ed"arte+ -51 SCRA --03 TaEe #ote of the fo((ow"#' "#sta#*es whe# Art3@DJ@ "s #ot a++("*a0(e 0( W"#n atto%n#$ is not 'ouns#l in 'as# in*ol*ing t"# sam# p%op#%t$ at t"# tim# o& a'/uisition( B3 W"#n pu%'"as#% is a 'o%po%ation) #*#n i& t"# atto%n#$ was an o&&i'#% t"#%#o&( (T"azon *' T"azon+ .. 6hi$' :-3 3( W"#n sal# took pla'# a&t#% t#%mination o& litigation) e>cept i& t"#%# was &%aud o% abus# o& 'on&id#ntial in&o%mation o% w"#%# law$#% #.#%'is#d undu# in&lu#n'#( 4( W"#%# p%op#%t$ in /u#stion is stipulat#d as pa%t o& atto%n#$s &##s) pro#ided t/at) t"# sam# is 'onting#nt upon t"# &a*o%abl# out'om# o& litigation and) p%o*id#d &u%t"#%) t"at t"# &## must b# %#asonabl#(

41

A!a *s' Bi>ornia+ /1 6hi$' -5 T"# mon#$s 'oll#'t#d b$ an atto%n#$ &o% "is 'li#nt b#long to t"# 'li#nt( ons#/u#ntl$) t"# law$#% is und#% obligation to "old in t%ust all mon#$s and p%op#%ti#s o& "is 'li#nt t"at ma$ 'om# into "is poss#ssion( T"# mon#$s 'oll#'t#d b$ a law$#% in pu%suan'# o& a -udgm#nt in &a*o% o& "is 'li#nt a%# "#ld in t%ust &o% t"# 'li#nt( MaFiom *s' Mani$a Rai$road Co'+ :: 6hi$' /01 (20-.3 A law$#% ma$ not a''umulat# distin't 'aus#s o& a'tion in "ims#l& b$ assignm#nt &%om "und%#ds o& small 'laimants and su# in "is nam# &o% t"# b#n#&it o& t"# 'li#nts di%#'tl$ int#%#st#d( A' B' A' O4' --/ (,"$! 2-+ 20:23 An atto%n#$ ma$) "ow#*#%) p%op#%l$ a'/ui%# c/oses in action not in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ but as a l#gitimat# in*#stm#nt( <3 Att$( H is a law$#% in a &alsi&i'ation 'as# &il#d against t"# latt#%( W"il# und#%going t%ial in t"# said '%iminal 'as#) +AB &o%#'los#d t"# two6"#'ta%# Ri'#land b#longing to A( T"# land was sold at publi' au'tion to Att$( H as t"# "ig"#st bidd#%( 2id Att$( H *iolat# t"# p%o*ision und#% t"# i*il od# %#ga%ding pu%'"as# o& p%op#%t$ und#% litigationF AO( In t"# abs#n'# o& t"# %#/uisit#s und#% A%t( 0470 o& t"# i*il od#) t"# p%o"ibition will not op#%at#( In t"is 'as#) t"# %i'#land was not t"# sub-#'t o& litigation( Att$( H app#a%#d as 'ouns#l &o% plainti&& in a damag# suit( Budgm#nt was %#nd#%#d in &a*o% o& t"# plainti&&) and to satis&$ t"# awa%d) a pa%'#l o& land was l#*i#d upon w"i'" was sold at au'tion sal#( +lainti&& assign#d on#6"al& o& "is int#%#st to Att$( H in a''o%dan'# wit" t"#i% 'onting#nt 'ont%a't o& atto%n#$s &##s( Is t"# assignm#nt a *iolation o& A%t( 0470 o& t"# i*il od# and anon 01 p%o"ibiting pu%'"as# b$ law$#% o& p%op#%t$ und#% litigationF AO( T"# lot was not t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# litigation( It was a'/ui%#d b$ t"# 'li#nt in t"# #.#'ution sal# (B"e*arra *s' Ca$a$an>+ 221 SCRA3 A (awyer sha(( a**ou#t for a(( .o#ey or +ro+erty *o((e*te- or re*e"2e- for or fro. the *("e#t3

A3 <3

A3

Ru(e @F3A@3

Notes 0( Law$#%s a%# bound to p%omptl$ a''ount &o% mon#$ %#'#i*#d b$ t"#m on b#"al& o& t"#i% 'li#nts and &ailu%# to do so 'onstitut#s p%o&#ssional mis'ondu't( 1( T"# &a't t"at a law$#% "as a li#n &o% &##s on mon#$ on "is "ands 'oll#'t#d &o% "is 'li#nts do#s not %#li#*# "im &%om t"# dut$ o& p%omptl$ a''ounting &o% t"# &unds %#'#i*#d( 3( How#*#%) d#li*#%$ o& &unds is sub-#'t to law$#%s li#n( A>4a$o 6 w"#n t"# law$#% wit""olds and %#&us#s to d#li*#% t"# &unds and p%op#%t$ %#'#i*#d b$ "im &o% "is 'li#nt) "# b%#a'"#s t"# t%ust %#pos#d to "im( 6 T"at a law$#% "as a li#n do#s not %#li#*# "im &%om t"# obligation to mak# a p%ompt a''ounting( 6 6 annot unilat#%all$ app%op%iat# 'li#nts mon#$ to pa$ "is att$(s &##s(

Da$ not in t"# abs#n'# o& aut"o%it$ &%om "is 'li#nt) disbu%s# t"# mon#$ 'oll#'t#d &o% "is 'li#nt in &a*o% o& p#%sons w"o ma$ b# #ntitl#d t"#%#to( )n re: T"azon+ 22 SCRA /;- (20;:3 His a't o& 'oll#'ting un%#asonabl# &##s ma$ amount to a %#t#ntion o& "is 'li#nts &unds and 'onstitut# p%o&#ssional indis'%#tion and mis'ondu't( Ru(e @F3AB3 6 A (awyer sha(( Eee+ the fu#-s of ea*h *("e#t se+arate a#- a+art fro. h"s ow# a#- those of others Ee+t 0y h".3

S"ould not 'ommingl# a 'li#nts mon#$ wit" t"at o& ot"#% 'li#nts and wit" "is p%i*at# &unds) no% us# t"# 'li#nts mon#$ &o% "is p#%sonal pu%pos#s wit"out t"# 'li#nts 'ons#nt(

)n re: Bam&er>er+ :0 6hi$' 0;-

42

T"# "ig" &idu'ia%$ and 'on&id#ntial %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt %#/ui%#s t"at t"# law$#% s"ould p%omptl$ a''ount &o% all t"# &unds %#'#i*#d o% "#ld b$ "im &o% t"# 'li#nts b#n#&its( T"# law$#% is not %#li#*#d o& t"# obligation to mak# a p%op#% a''ounting #*#n i& "# "as an atto%n#$s li#n o*#% t"# 'li#nts mon#$s o% &unds in "is poss#ssion( CBA+ Code o% 6ro%essiona$ Cond"7t+ Commentar! 2+ 4' -: T"# law$#% in und#% st%i't obligation to lab#l and id#nti&$ "is 'li#nts p%op#%t$ and k##p it s#pa%at# and apa%t &%om "is own( Ru(e @F3AC3 A (awyer sha(( -e("2er the fu#-s a#- +ro+erty of h"s *("e#t whe# -ue or u+o# -e.a#-3 Ho#e*er4 he sha(( ha2e a ("e# o# the fu#-s a#- .ay a++(y so .u*h thereof as .ay 0e #e*essary to sat"sfy h"s (awfu( fees a#-"s0urse.e#ts4 '"2"#' #ot"*e +ro.+t(y thereafter to h"s *("e#t3 He sha(( a(so ha2e a ("e# to the sa.e e1te#t o# a(( >u-'.e#ts a#- the e1e*ut"o# he has se*ure- for h"s *("e#t as +ro2"-e- for "# the Ru(es of Court3

Ru(e @CF Se7' <1' *ttorney%s )iens.3 *n attorney s/all /a#e a lien upon t/e funds, docu-ents and papers of /is client 0/ic/ /a#e la0fully co-e into /is possession and -ay retain t/e sa-e until t/is la0ful fees and disburse-ents /a#e been paid, and -ay apply suc/ funds to t/e satisfaction t/ereof. Ae s/all also /a#e a lien to t/e sa-e e>tent upon all <ud1-ents for t/e pay-ent of -oney, and e>ecutions issued in pursuance of suc/ <ud1-ents, 0/ic/ /e /as secured in a liti1ation of /is client, fro- and after t/e sa-e 0/en /e s/all /a#e caused a state-ent of /is clai- of suc/ lien to be entered upon t/e records of t/e court renderin1 <ud1-ent, or issuin1 suc/ e>ecutions, and s/all /a#e caused 0ritten client and 0ould /a#e to enforce /is lien and secure t/e pay-ent of /is fees and disburse-ents. La#!ers retainin> $ien A law$#% s"all "a*# a li#n o*#% t"# 'li#nts &unds and ma$ appl$ so mu'" t"#%#o& to satis&$ "is law&ul &##s and disbu%s#m#nts but must gi*# p%ompt noti'# to "is 'li#nt &o% t"# latt#%s ad*#%tis#m#nt( Char>in> $iens <o% t"# &u%t"#% p%ot#'tion o& t"# law$#%) "# s"all also "a*# a li#n to t"# #.t#nt o& "is atto%n#$s &##s and l#gal disbu%s#m#nts on all -udgm#nts and #.#'utions "# "as s#'u%#d &o% "is 'li#nt as p%o*id#d &o% in t"# Rul#s (R"$e 2<.+ Se7' <1+ Re*ised R"$es o% Co"rt3' )n re: =a*id+ .: 6hi$' ;-1 T"# law$#%s &ailu%# to d#li*#% upon d#mand gi*#s %is# to t"# p%#sumption t"at "# "as misapp%op%iat#d t"# &unds &o% "is own us# to t"# p%#-udi'# o& t"# 'li#nt and in *iolation o& t"# t%ust %#pos#d in "im( 6 Imm#diat# %#pa$m#nt b$ t"# law$#% o& t"# 'li#nts mon#$ o& p%op#%t$ a&t#% d#mand and b#&o%# t"# institution b$ t"# 'li#nt o& disba%m#nt p%o'##dings will s"ow good &ait" and n#gat# &%audul#nt int#nt(

Mat"te *s' Mat"te+ << SCRA </ 9End#% Rul# 03@) S#'tion 3? o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t) t"# atto%n#$ 'annot b# 'omp#ll#d to su%%#nd#% t"# do'um#nts in "is poss#ssion wit"out p%io% p%oo& t"at "is &##s "a*# b##n dul$ satis&i#d( But i& it b# #nti%#l$ indisp#nsabl# &o% t"# 'ou%t to gain poss#ssion a%# "#ld b$ "im in t"# 'ou%s# o& "is #mplo$m#nt as 'ouns#l) it can re=uire surrender t/ereof by re=uirin1 t/e client or clai-ant to first file proper and ade=uate security for t/e la0yer%s co-pensation.D L$amas *s' En7arna7ion+ CA8B'R' No' <20-58R+ A">"st 2.+ 20;/ W"#n a law$#% #n&o%'#s a '"a%ging li#n against "is 'li#nt) t"# 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip is t#%minat#d( ="manda> *s' L"ma!a+ 201 SCRA <5< (20023 A law$#% w"o &ails to a''ount "is 'li#nts mon#$ ma$ b# disba%%#d o% susp#nd#d ind#&init#l$ &%om p%a'ti'# o& law( Ru(e @F3AD3 A (awyer sha(( #ot 0orrow .o#ey fro. h"s *("e#t "n$ess the *("e#ts "#terests are fu((y +rote*te- 0y the #ature of the *ase or 0y "#-e+e#-e#t a-2"*e3 Ne"ther sha(( a (awyer (e#- .o#ey to a *("e#t eF7e4t4 whe# "# the "#terest of >ust"*e4 he has to a-2a#*e #e*essary e1+e#ses "# a (e'a( .atter

43

he "s ha#-("#' for the *("e#t3 6 6 W"il# a law$#% ma$ bo%%ow mon#$ &%om "is 'li#nt w"#%# t"# latt#%s int#%#sts a%# &ull$ p%ot#'t#d) "# s"ould not abus# 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# b$ d#la$ing pa$m#nt I& t"# law$#% l#nds mon#$ to t"# 'li#nt in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# 'li#nts 'as# t"# law$#% in #&&#'t a'/ui%#s an int#%#st in t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# 'as# o% an additional stak# in its out'om#) #it"#% o& w"i'" ma$ l#ad t"# law$#% to 'onsid#% "is own %#'o*#%$ %at"#% t"an t"at o& t"# 'li#nt o% to a''#pt a s#ttl#m#nt w"i'" mig"t tak# 'a%# o& "is int#%#st in t"# *#%di't to t"# sa'%i&i'# o& t"at 'li#nt(

Aot p%o"ibit#d= ad*an'#s &o% n#'#ssa%$ #.p#ns#s +%o"ibit#d= Cham4erto"s 7ontra7ts ; law$#% assum#s all #.p#ns#s and %#imbu%s#m#nt in 'onting#nt on out'om# o& 'as#( (lik# gambling! Ba"tista *s' Bonza$es+ 2.- SCRA 2// T"# law$#% ma$ l#nd mon#$ to a 'li#nt) w"#n it is n#'#ssa%$ in t"# int#%#st o& -usti'# to ad*an'# n#'#ssa%$ #.p#ns#s in a l#gal matt#% "# is "andling &o% t"# 'li#nt( T"# ad*an'#s mad# s"all b# sub-#'t to %#imbu%s#m#nt( Ot"#%wis#) i& t"# law$#% sp#nds &o% all l#gal #.p#ns#s) "is 'ont%a't o& l#gal #mplo$m#nt mig"t b#'om# '"amp#%tous) i& "is atto%n#$s &##s will b# pa$abl# in kind( C/a-pertous contracts are #oid. CANON @G A (awyer owes f"-e("ty to the *ause of h"s *("e#t a#- he sha(( 0e ."#-fu( of the trust a#- *o#f"-e#*e re+ose- "# h".3 Santia>o *s' AoJas+ -:. SCRA ;. (200/3 Ao law$#% is oblig#d to a't #it"#% as ad*is#% o% ad*o'at# &o% #*#%$ p#%son w"o ma$ wis" to b#'om# "is 'li#nt( H# "as t"# %ig"t to d#'lin# #mplo$m#nt) #.'#pt as p%#s'%ib#d in anon 04 o& t"# od# o& +%o&#ssional R#sponsibilit$( But on'# "# ag%##s to tak# up t"# 'aus# o& t"# 'li#nt) t"# law$#% ow#s &id#lit$ to su'" 'aus# and must alwa$s b# mind&ul o& t"# t%ust and 'on&id#n'# %#pos#d in "im( H# ow#s "is 'li#nt #nti%# d#*otion to "is g#nuin# int#%#st) wa%m 8#al in t"# maint#nan'# and d#&#ns# o& "is %ig"ts and t"# #.#%tion o& "is utmost l#a%ning and abilit$( Ao &#a% o% -udi'ial dis&a*o% o% publi' unpopula%it$ s"ould %#st%ain "im &%om t"# &ull dis'"a%g# o& "is dut$( In t"# -udi'ial &o%um) t"# 'li#nt is #ntitl#d to t"# b#n#&it o& an$ and #*#%$ %#m#d$ and d#&#ns# t"at is aut"o%i8#d b$ law) and "# ma$ #.p#'t "is law$#% to ass#%t #*#%$ su'" %#m#d$ o% d#&#ns#( Canti$$$er *' 6oten7iano+ 2.5 SCRA -:; (20.03 . . . . . . W"#n a law$#% tak#s a 'li#nts 'aus#) "# t"#%#b$ 'o*#nants t"at "# will #.#%t all #&&o%t &o% its p%ot#'tion until its &inal 'on'lusion( T"# &ailu%# to #.#%'is# du# dilig#n'# and t"# abandonm#nt o& a 'li#nts 'aus# mak# su'" a law$#% unwo%t"$ o& t"# t%ust w"i'" t"# 'li#nt "as %#pos#d on "im( <id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& t"# 'li#nt is t"# #ss#n'# o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion( As su'"( T"# dut$ o& &id#lit$ %#/ui%#s t"# #.ist#n'# o& t"# atto%n#$ and 'li#nt %#lations"ip( On'# t"# %#lations"ip #.ists) t"# Sup%#m# ou%t will not "#sitat# to #n&o%'# 'omplian'# wit" standa%ds o& "ono%abl# d#aling s#t b$ law) b$ m#ans o& %#p%imands) &in#s) susp#nsion) disba%m#nt) and ot"#% dis'iplina%$ m#asu%#s( Lorenzana Aood Cor4oration *s' =aria+ Adm' Case No' -1<;+ Ma! -1+ 2002 An atto%n#$ ow#s lo$alt$ to "is 'li#nt not onl$ in t"# 'as# in w"i'" "# "as %#p%#s#nt#d "im but also a&t#% t"# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt "as t#%minat#d( CANON @H A (awyer sha(( ser2e h"s *("e#t w"th *o.+ete#*e a#- -"("'e#*e3 It is t"# law$#%s dut$ to sa&#gua%d 'li#nts int#%#sts( It b#gins &%om %#tain#% until #&&#'ti*# dis'"a%g# &%om 'as# o% &inal disposition o& t"# w"ol# sub-#'t matt#% o& litigation( S"arez *' CA+ --5 SCRA -1: (200<3 ... ... A 'li#nt ma$ %#asonabl$ #.p#'t t"at "is 'ouns#l will mak# good "is %#p%#s#ntations ... ... and "as t"# %ig"t to #.p#'t t"at "is law$#% will p%ot#'t "is int#%#sts du%ing t"# t%ial o& t"# 'as#( <o% t"# g#n#%al #mplo$m#nt o& an atto%n#$ to p%os#'ut# o% d#&#nd a 'aus# o% p%o'##ding o%dina%il$ *#sts in a plainti&&s atto%n#$ t"# impli#d aut"o%it$ to tak# all st#ps o% do all a'ts n#'#ssa%$ o% in'id#ntal to t"# %#gula% and o%d#%l$ p%os#'ution o% manag#m#nt o& t"#

44

suit) and in a d#&#ndants atto%n#$ t"# pow#% to tak# su'" st#ps as it d##ms n#'#ssa%$ to d#&#nd t"# suit and p%ot#'t t"# int#%#sts o& t"# d#&#ndant ... ...( B$aza *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2.- SCRA :;2 T"# l#gal p%o&#ssion d#mands a law$#% t"at d#g%## o& *igilan'# and att#ntion #.p#'t#d o& a good &at"#% o& a &amil$ and s"ould adopt 9t"# no%m o& p%a'ti'# #.p#'t#d o& m#n o& good int#ntions( Ru(e @H3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot u#-ertaEe a (e'a( ser2"*e wh"*h he E#ows or shou(E#ow that he "s #ot 9ua("f"e- to re#-er3 Howe2er4 he .ay re#-er su*h ser2"*e "f4 w"th the *o#se#t of h"s *("e#t4 he *a# o0ta"# as *o((a0orat"#' *ou#se( a (awyer who "s *o.+ete#t o# the .atter3

)s$as *s' 6$aton+ :1 6hi$' 2;E/en a la0yer accepts a case, 0/et/er for a fee or not, /is acceptance is an i-plied representation3 0( t"at "# poss#ss t"# %#/uisit# d#g%## o& a'ad#mi' l#a%ning) skill and abilit$ in t"# p%a'ti'# o& "is p%o&#ssion, 1( t"at "# will #.#%t "is b#st -udgm#nt in t"# p%os#'ution o% d#&#ns# o& t"# litigation #nt%ust#d to "im, 3( t"at "# will #.#%'is# %#asonabl# and o%dina%$ 'a%# and dilig#n'# in t"# pu%suit o% d#&#ns# o& t"# 'as#, and 4( t"at "# will tak# st#ps as will ad#/uat#l$ sa&#gua%d "is 'li#nts int#%#sts( How#*#% w#ll m#aning "# ma$ b#) a law$#% 'annot ask anot"#% law$#% to 'ollabo%at# wit" "im in a pa%ti'ula% 'as# wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# 'li#nt( T"# &idu'ia%$ natu%# o& atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip p%o"ibits t"is( Bar7ia *s' A$ores+ 252 6hi$' 1.2 (20/23 It s"ould b# st%#ss#d t"at w"at a law$#% ma$ not d#l#gat# in t"# abs#n'# o& "# 'li#nts 'ons#nt is t"# 'on&id#n'# %#pos#d in "im) as distinguis"#d &%om t"# wo%k in*ol*#d t"#%#in( A law$#% "as t"# impli#d pow#% to d#l#gat# to "is asso'iat# o% assistant atto%n#$) und#% "is sup#%*ision and %#sponsibilit$) pa%t o% t"# w"ol# o& t"# l#gal wo%k %#/ui%#d to b# p#%&o%m#d in t"# p%os#'ution o% d#&#ns# o& t"# 'li#nts 'aus#( Ro&inson *s' ?i$$a%"erte+ 2. 6hi$' 2-2 (20223 A law$#% ma$ not) "ow#*#%) d#l#gat# to an$ la$man an$ wo%k w"i'" in*ol*#s a stud$ o& t"# law o% its appli'ation) su'" as t"# 'omputation and d#t#%mination o& t"# p#%iod wit"in w"i'" to app#al an ad*#%s# -udgm#nt) t"# #.amination o& witn#ss#s o% t"# p%#s#ntation o& #*id#n'#( Ru(e @H3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot ha#-(e a#y (e'a( .atter w"thout a-e9uate +re+arat"o#3

Ba"tista *s' Re&"eno+ .2 SCRA /</ A law$#% must k##p "ims#l& 'onstantl$ ab%#ast wit" t"# t%#nd o& aut"o%itati*# p%onoun'#m#nts and d#*#lopm#nts in all b%an'"#s o& t"# law( ,a*e$$ana *s' L"tero+ -5 SCRA 121 (20;13 T"# &ull p%ot#'tion o& t"# 'li#nts int#%#sts %#/ui%#s no l#ss t"an a mast#%$ o& t"# appli'abl# law and &a'ts in*ol*#d in a 'as#) %#ga%dl#ss o& t"# natu%# o& t"# assignm#nt and k##ping 'onstantl$ ab%#ast o& t"# lat#st -u%isp%ud#n'# and d#*#lopm#nts in all b%an'"#s o& t"# law( Le>arda *s' CA+ B' R' No' 0::/1+ Mar7h 2.+ 2002 A law$#% s"ould gi*# ad#/uat# att#ntion) 'a%# and tim# to "is 'as#s( T"is is t"# %#ason w"$ a p%a'ti'ing law$#% s"ould a''#pt onl$ so man$ 'as#s "# 'an "andl#( On'# "# ag%##s to "andl# a 'as#) "# s"ould und#%tak# t"# task wit" d#di'ation and 'a%#( I& "# s"ould do an$ l#ss t"#n "# is not t%u# to "is oat" as a law$#%( Ru(e @H3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot #e'(e*t a (e'a( .atter e#truste- to h".4 a#- h"s #e'("'e#*e "# *o##e*t"o# therew"th sha(( re#-er h". ("a0(e3

I& b$ %#ason o& t"# law$#%s n#glig#n'#) a'tual loss "as b##n 'aus#d to "is 'li#nt) t"# latt#% "as a 'aus# o& a'tion against "im &o% damag#s( How#*#%) &o% t"# law$#% to b# "#ld liabl#) "is &ailu%# to #.#%'is# %#asonabl# 'a%#) skill and dilig#n'# must b# p%o.imat# 'aus# o& t"# loss( S"arez *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ --5 SCRA -1: (200<3 B$ ag%##ing to b# "is 'li#nts 'ouns#l) "# %#p%#s#nts t"at "# will #.#%'is# ordinary dili1ence o% t"at %#asonabl# d#g%## o& 'a%# and skill "a*ing %#&#%#n'# to t"# '"a%a't#% o& t"# busin#ss "# und#%tak#s to do) to p%ot#'t t"# 'li#nts int#%#sts and tak# all st#ps o% do all a'ts n#'#ssa%$ t"#%#&o%#) and "is 'li#nt ma$ %#asonabl$ #.p#'t "im to dis'"a%g# "is obligations dilig#ntl$(

45

6hi$' Ban o% Commer7e *s' Ar"e>o+ C'A'8B'R' No' -.-1:+ ,"ne 2.+ 20;/ T"# l#gal p%o&#ssion is a -#alous mist%#ss w"i'" d#mands o& a law$#% t"at d#g%## o& *igilan'# and att#ntion #.p#'t#d o& a good &at"#% o& a &amil$( A law$#% is %#/ui%#d to #.#%'is# o%dina%$ dilig#n'# o% t"at a %#asonabl# d#g%## o& 'a%# and skill "a*ing %#&#%#n'# to t"# '"a%a't#% o& t"# busin#ss "# und#%tak#s to do) as an$ m#mb#% o& t"# ba% simila%l$ situat#d 'ommonl$ poss#ss#s and #.#%'is#s( Adarne *s' A$da&a+ .< SCRA 1</ An atto%n#$ is not %#/ui%#d to #.#%'is# #.t%ao%dina%$ dilig#n'# but onl$ a %#asonabl# d#g%## o& 'a%# and skill) "a*ing %#&#%#n'# to t"# '"a%a't#% o& t"# busin#ss "# und#%tak#s to do( )n re: Ai$art+ :5 6hi$' -5/ An atto%n#$ is not #.p#'t#d to know all t"# laws( H# is not liabl# &o% disba%m#nt &o% an "on#st mistak# o% #%%o%( H# is not an insu%#% o& t"# %#sult in a 'as# w"#%# "# is #ngag#d in as a 'ouns#l( Onl$ o%dina%$ 'a%# and dilig#n'# a%# %#/ui%#d o& "im( La#e$$ *s' Boroman+ /1 Am' St'+ re4' ;;T"# d#g%## o& 'a%# and skill %#/ui%#d o& t"# law$#% is not a&&#'t#d "ow#*#% b$ t"# &a't t"at t"# law$#%s s#%*i'#s a%# %#nd#%#d g%atuitousl$( ?i*ero *s' Santos+ 0. 6hi$' /55 (20/;3 T"# 'li#nt is bound b$ "is 'ouns#ls 'ondu't) n#glig#n'# and mistak# in "andling t"# 'as#) o% in t"# manag#m#nt o& t"# litigation and in t"# p%o'#du%al t#'"ni/u#) and "# 'annot b# "#a%d to 'omplain t"at t"# %#sult mig"t "a*# b##n di&&#%#nt "ad "is law$#% p%o'##d#d di&&#%#ntl$( Cr"z *s' H">o+ ;; 6hi$' 25- (20<.3 T"# %ul# p%#suppos#s t"# #.ist#n'# o& an atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip and o& a p#nding 'as#) and %#&#%s onl$ to matt#%s p#%taining to t"# 'ondu't o& su'" 'as#( ?isita7ion *s' Manit+ -1 SCRA /-< (20;03 T"# atto%n#$s dut$ to sa&#gua%d t"# 'li#nts int#%#sts 'omm#n'#s &%om "is %#tain#% until "is d#&#'ti*# %#l#as# &%om t"# 'as# o% t"# &inal disposition o& t"# w"ol# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# litigation( I#sta#*es of Ne'("'e#*e of Attor#eys 0( <ailu%# o& 'ouns#l to ask &o% additional tim# to answ#% a 'omplaint %#sulting in a d#&ault -udgm#nt against "is 'li#nt (;apua #s. ;endoFa, 45 P/il. 4+4 . 1( <ailu%# to b%ing suit imm#diat#l$( W"#n t"# b#lat#d suit was &il#d) t"# d#&#ndant "ad al%#ad$ b#'om# insol*#nt and %#'o*#%$ 'ould no long#% b# "ad( T"# law$#% was d#'la%#d liabl# to t"# 'li#nt ($ilin#est )and #s. C*, 18+ SCR* 664 . 3( <ailu%# to as'#%tain dat# o& %#'#ipt &%om post o&&i'# o& noti'# o& d#'ision %#sulting in t"# non6p#%&#'tion o& t"# app#llants app#al (.o#en9?e .esus #s. P6", 1+ SCR* 447 . 4( <ailu%# to &il# b%i#&s wit"in t"# %#gl#m#nta%$ p#%iod (People #s. Ca0ili, (4 SCR* 7+8 . 5( <ailu%# to att#nd to t%ial wit"out &iling a motion &o% postpon#m#nt o% wit"out %#/u#sting #it"#% o& "is two pa%tn#%s in t"# law o&&i'# to tak# "is pla'# and app#a% &o% t"# d#&#ndants (2aerlan #s. "ernal, 2.R. 6o. )9 4,49, .an. +8, 195+ . <ailu%# to app#a% at p%#6t%ial (*1ra#ante #s. Patriarca, 18( SCR* 11( . >( <ailu%# o& 'ouns#l to noti&$ 'li#nts o& t"# s'"#dul#d t%ial w"i'" p%#*#nt#d t"# latt#% to look to anot"#% law$#% to %#p%#s#nt t"#m w"il# 'ouns#l was in t"# "ospital (7entura #s. Santos, 59 P/il. 1+( . ?( <ailu%# to app#a% simpl$ b#'aus# t"# 'li#nt did not go to 'ouns#ls o&&i'# on t"# dat# o& t"# t%ial as was ag%##d upon (*lcoriFa #s. )u-aBan1, *d-. Case 6o. +49, 6o#e-ber +1, 1978 . @( <ailu%# to pa$ t"# app#llat# do'k#t &## a&t#% %#'#i*ing t"# amount &o% t"# pu%pos# (Capulon1 #s. *lino, ++ SCR* 491 . 7( <ailu%# to tak# a'tion to "a*# ad*#%s# d#'ision %#'onsid#%#d (PAAC #s. &ion1co, +,7 SCR* 15( o% &ailu%# to app#al t"# ad*#%s# d#'ision (<rancisco, .r. #s. "osa and "andon1, +,5 SCR* 7++ .

46

0J( <ailu%# to noti&$ t"# 'ou%t o& 'ouns#ls '"ang# o& add%#ss %#sulting in &ailu%# to %#'#i*# -udi'ial o%d#%s to t"# p%#-udi'# o& t"# 'li#nt (.uane #s. 2arcia, +5 SCR* 8,1 00( <ailu%# to tak# n#'#ssa%$ p%#'aution to insu%# t"at "# %#'#i*#s all 'ou%t noti'#s and p%o'#ss#s p%omptl$ (.a#ier #s. ;ada-ba, .r., 174 SCR* 495 . 01( <ailu%# to p%#s#nt #*id#n'# (2onFales #s. Presidin1 .ud1e of "ranc/ ', R&C of "o/ol, 186 SCR* 1,1 ( 03( <ailu%# to &il# t"# %#/ui%#d position pap#% w"i'" p%#-udi'#d 'li#nts 'aus# ()orenFana $ood Corp. #s. ?aria, 197 SCR* +49 . I#sta#*es where the *("e#t "s #ot 0ou#- 0y *ou#se(s #e'("'e#*e (a! In t"# 'as# o& an i%%#sponsibl# law$#% w"o totall$ &o%got about t"# 'as# and &ail#d to in&o%m "is 'li#nt o& t"# d#'ision) t"# Sup%#m# ou%t "#ld t"at t"# 'li#nt s"ould not b# bound b$ t"# n#glig#n'# o& t"# 'ouns#l( (Republic #s. *rro, 15, SCR* 6(, (b! A pa%t$ is not bound b$ t"# a'tions o& "is 'ouns#l in 'as# t"# g%oss n#glig#n'# o& t"# 'ouns#l %#sult#d in t"# 'li#nts d#p%i*ation o& "is p%op#%t$ wit"out du# p%o'#ss ()e1arda #s. Court of *ppeals, 195 SCR* 418 . ('! 9W"#%# t"#%# is som#t"ing &is"$ and suspi'ious about t"# a'tuations o& t"# &o%m#% 'ouns#l o& p#tition#%s in t"# 'as# at ba%) in t"# 'as# "# did not gi*# an$ signi&i'an'# at all to t"# p%o'#ss#s o& t"# 'ou%t) w"i'" "as p%o*#n p%#-udi'ial to t"# %ig"ts o& said 'li#nts) und#% a lam# and &lims$ #.planation t"at t"# 'ou%ts p%o'#ss#s -ust #s'ap#d "is att#ntion) it is "#ld t"at t"# said law$#% d#p%i*#d "is 'li#nts o& t"#i% da$ in 'ou%t (PAAC #s. &ion1co, 1+ SCR* 471 . (d! Appli'ation o& t"# %ul#) 9%#sults in t"# out%ig"t d#p%i*ation o& on#s p%op#%t$ t"%oug" a t#'"ni'alit$(: (@scudero #s. ?ulay, 158 SCR* 69, 78 (#! In t"# 'as# o& an i%%#sponsibl# law$#% w"o totall$ &o%got about t"# 'as# and &ail#d to in&o%m "is 'li#nt o& t"# d#'ision) t"# Sup%#m# ou%t "#ld t"at t"# 'li#nt s"ould not b# bound b$ t"# n#glig#n'# o& t"# 'ouns#l( (Republic #s. *rro, et al., 15, SCR* 6(, (&! A pa%t$ is not bound b$ t"# a'tions o& "is 'ouns#l in 'as# t"# g%oss n#glig#n'# o& t"# 'ouns#l %#sult#d in t"# 'li#nts d#p%i*ation o& "is p%op#%t$ wit"out du# p%o'#ss( ()e1arda #s. Court of *ppeals, 195 SCR* 418 (g! T"# Sup%#m# ou%t s#t asid# t"# dismissal o& t"# app#al &o% t"# &ailu%# to &il# t"# app#llants b%i#& on tim#) it app#a%ing t"at t"# app#llants &o%m#% 'ouns#l "ad abandon#d "im and 'ould not b# 'onta't#d d#spit# #a%n#st #&&o%ts( (*1uilar #s. Court of *ppeals, et al.,+5, SCR* (71 ("! T"# Sup%#m# ou%t s#t asid# t"# t%ial 'ou%ts o%d#%) t"# sam# b#ing du# to t"# t%ial 'ouns#ls blund#% in p%o'#du%# and g%oss n#glig#n'# o& #.isting -u%isp%ud#n'#( (@scudero #s. ?ulay, 158 SCR* 69 (i! IT was on'# %ul#d t"at t"# un'ons'ionabl# &ailu%# o& a law$#% to in&o%m "is 'li#nt o& t"# %#'#ipt o& t"# 'ou%t o%d#% and t"# motion &o% #.#'ution and to tak# t"# app%op%iat# a'tion against #it"#% o% bot" to p%ot#'t "is 'li#nts %ig"ts amount#d to 'onni*an'# wit" t"# p%#*ailing pa%t$ w"i'" 'onstitut#d #.t%insi' &%aud( ("ayo1 #s. 6atino, +58 SCR* (78 Ru(e @H3AD3 A (awyer sha(( Eee+ the *("e#t "#for.e- of the status of h"s *ase a#- sha(( res+o#- w"th"# a reaso#a0(e t".e to the *("e#ts re9uest for "#for.at"o#3

Ba er *s' H"m4rhe!+ 252 @S :0:+ -/ L ed 25;/ (2.103 It is t"# dut$ o& an atto%n#$ to ad*is# "is 'li#nt p%omptl$ w"#n#*#% "# "as an$ in&o%mation to gi*# w"i'" is impo%tant t"at t"# 'li#nt %#'#i*#( O4are$ *s' A&aria+ :5 SCRA 2-. (20123 T"# 'li#nt is #ntitl#d to t"# &ull#st dis'losu%# o& t"# mod# o% mann#% b$ w"i'" "is int#%#st is d#&#nd#d o% w"$ '#%tain st#ps a%# tak#n o% omitt#d( A$7a$a *s' =e ?era+ /; SCRA <5 In &ailing to in&o%m "is 'li#nt o& t"# d#'ision in t"# 'i*il 'as# "andl#d b$ "im) t"# law$#% &ail#d to #.#%'is# su'" skill) 'a%# and dilig#n'# as m#n o& t"# l#gal p%o&#ssion 'ommonl$ poss#ss and #.#%'is# in su'" matt#%s o& p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt( T"# %#lations"ip o& law$#%6'li#nt b#ing on# o& 'on&id#n'#) t"#%# is #*#% p%#s#nt t"# n##d &o%

47

t"# 'li#nts b#ing ad#/uat#l$ and &ull$ in&o%m#d and s"ould not b# l#&t in t"# da%k as to t"# mod# and mann#% in w"i'" "is int#%#sts a%# b#ing d#&#nd#d( CANON @J A (awyer sha(( re+rese#t h"s *("e#t w"th ;ea( w"th"# the 0ou#-s of the (aw3 T"# law$#% ow#s 9#nti%# d#*otion to t"# int#%#st o& t"# 'li#nt) wa%m 8#al in t"# maint#nan'# and d#&#ns# o& "is %ig"ts and t"# #.#%tion o& "is utmost l#a%ning and abilit$): to t"# #nd t"at not"ing b# tak#n o% b# wit""#ld &%om "im) sa*# t"# %ul#s o& law) l#gall$ appli#d( In t"# -udi'ial &o%um t"# 'li#nt is #ntitl#d to t"# b#n#&it o& an$ and #*#%$ %#m#d$ and d#&#ns# t"at is aut"o%i8#d b$ t"# law) and "# ma$ #.p#'t "is law$#% to ass#%t #*#%$ su'" %#m#d$ o% d#&#ns#( Le>arda *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 20/ SCRA :2. (20023 In t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is dut$ o& #nti%# d#*otion to t"# 'li#nts 'aus#) a law$#% s"ould p%#s#nt #*#%$ %#m#d$ o% d#&#ns# aut"o%i8#d b$ law in suppo%t o& "is 'li#nts 'aus#) %#ga%dl#ss o& "is p#%sonal *i#ws( Choa *s' Chion>son+ -;5 SCRA :11 (200;3 W"il# a law$#% ow#s absolut# &id#lit$ to t"# 'aus# o& "is 'li#nt) &ull d#*otion to "is g#nuin# int#%#st) and wa%m 8#al in t"# maint#nan'# and d#&#ns# o& "is %ig"ts) "# must do so onl$ wit"in t"# bounds o& law( Ma>$asan> *s' 6eo4$e+ 205 SCRA <5; A law$#%s dut$ is not to "is 'li#nt but to t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#, to t/at end, /is client%s success is 0/olly subordinateG and "is 'ondu't oug"t to and must alwa$s b# s'%upulousl$ obs#%*ant o& law and #t"i's( 6eo4$e *s' )ris"i$$o+ .- 6hi$' 2 (20:.3 W"il# a law$#% ma$) in a''o%dan'# wit" t"# 'anons o& t"# p%o&#ssion and "is dut$ to aid in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#) p%op#%l$ d#'lin# to "andl# a ci#il suit w"#n "# is 'on*in'#d t"at it is int#nd#d to "a%ass o% in-u%# t"# opposit# pa%t$ o% to wo%k opp%#ssion o% w%ong) an atto%n#$ &o% t"# d#&#ns# in a cri-inal action "as t"# %ig"t and t"# dut$ to %#nd#% #&&#'ti*# l#gal assistan'# to t"# a''us#d) i%%#sp#'ti*# o& "is p#%sonal opinion as to t"# guilt o& "is 'li#nt( Ru(e @J3A@3 A (awyer sha(( e.+(oy o#(y fa"r a#- ho#est .ea#s to atta"# the (awfu( o0>e*t"2es of h"s *("e#t a#- sha(( #ot +rese#t4 +art"*"+ate "# +rese#t"#' or threate# to +rese#t u#fou#-e- *r"."#a( *har'es to o0ta"# a# ".+ro+er a-2a#ta'e "# a#y *ase or +ro*ee-"#'3 R"$e 2<.+ s'-5 (d3: >>> to e-ploy, for t/e purposes of -aintainin1 t/e causes confided to /i-, suc/ -eans only as are consistent 0it/ trut/ or /onor, and ne#er seeB to -islead t/e <ud1e or any <udicial officer by an artifice or false state-ent of fact or la0. S"ri>ao Minera$ Rese*ation Board *s' C$ori&e$+ <2 SCRA 2 (20153 A law$#% s"ould us# "is b#st #&&o%ts to %#st%ain and to p%#*#nt "is 'li#nt &%om t"os# t"ings w"i'" "# "ims#l& oug"t not to do) pa%ti'ula%l$ wit" %#&#%#n'# to t"# 'ondu't towa%d t"# 'ou%t) -udi'ial o&&i'#%) witn#ss and suito%, and I< t"# 'li#nt p#%sists in su'" w%ongdoing) t"# law$#% s"ould t#%minat# t"#i% %#lation( La7samana *s' de$a 6eHa+ /. SCRA -A law$#% s"all #mplo$ su'" m#ans onl$ as a%# 'onsist#nt wit" t%ut" and "ono%( T"us) "# s"ould not o&&#% #*id#n'# an$ do'um#nt w"i'" "# knows is &als# no% p%#s#nt an$ witn#ss w"om "# knows will p#%-u%#( H# s"ould mak# su'" d#&#ns# onl$ as "# b#li#*#s to b# "on#stl$ d#batabl# und#% t"# law( Ru(e @J3AB3 A (awyer who has re*e"2e- "#for.at"o# that h"s *("e#t has4 "# the *ourse of the re+rese#tat"o#4 +er+etrate- a frau- u+o# a +erso# or tr"0u#a(4 sha(( +ro.+t(y *a(( u+o# the *("e#t to re*t"fy the sa.e4 a#- fa"("#' wh"*h he sha(( ter."#ate the re(at"o#sh"+ w"th su*h *("e#t "# a**or-a#*e w"th the Ru(es of Court3

Canon -2+ C6R A law$#% s"ould not allow "is 'li#nt to p#%p#tuat# &%aud( Ao0e#er) t"# law$#% s"all not *olunt##% t"# in&o%mation about t"# 'li#nts 'ommission o& t"# &%aud to an$on# &o% t"at will %un 'ount#% to "is dut$ to maintain at all tim#s t"# 'li#nts 'on&id#n'#s and s#'%#ts( Ru(e @J3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot a((ow h"s *("e#t to -"*tate the +ro*e-ure "# ha#-("#' the *ase3

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T"# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt o& an atto%n#$ m#%#l$ 'on&#%s upon "im t"# g#n#%al aut"o%it$ to do on b#"al& o& "is 'li#nt su'" a'ts as a%# n#'#ssa%$ o% in'id#ntal to t"# p%os#'ution o% manag#m#nt o& t"# suit #nt%ust#d to "im OR t"# a''omplis"m#nt o& its pu%pos# &o% w"i'" "# was %#tain#d( T"# #mplo$m#nt its#l& 'on&#%s upon t"# atto%n#$ no impli#d o% appa%#nt aut"o%it$ to bind t"# 'li#nt on substantial matt#%s= 0( t"# 'aus# o& a'tion) 1( t"# 'laim o% d#mand su#d upon) and 3( t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# litigation a%# substantial matt#%s w"i'" t"# atto%n#$ ma$ not impai%) no*at#) 'omp%omis#) s#ttl#) su%%#nd#% o% d#st%o$ wit"out t"# 'li#nts 'ons#nt o% aut"o%it$( ont%ol o& +%o'##dings In t"# -atters of la0) it is t"# 'li#nt w"o $i#lds to t"# law$#% and not t"# law$#% $i#lding to t"# 'li#nt( T"# basis o& t"is %ul# is t"at t"# law$#% is b#tt#% t%ain#d and skill#d in law( Cause of action, clai- or de-and, and sub<ect of liti1ation are 0it/in client%s control( H#n'#) t"# atto%n#$ ma$ not impai%) s#ttl# o% 'omp%omis# wit"out 'li#nts knowl#dg# and 'ons#nt( How#*#%) p%o'##dings to #n&o%'# t"# %#m#d$ a%# wit"in t"# #.'lusi*# 'ont%ol o& t"# atto%n#$( In &in#) in t"# -atters of procedure) law$#% in 'ont%ol) and as to t"# sub-#'t matt#%) t"# 'li#nt is in 'ont%ol( Ca&a$$ero *s' =ei4arine+ ;5 SCRA 2<; (201:3 A law$#% s"ould #nd#a*o% to s##k inst%u'tion &%om "is 'li#nt on an$ substantial matt#% 'on'#%ning t"# litigation) w"i'" ma$ %#/ui%# d#'ision on t"# pa%t o& t"# 'li#nt) su'" as w"#t"#% to 'omp%omis# t"# 'as# o% to app#al an un&a*o%abl# -udgm#nt( H# s"ould) mo%#o*#%) gi*# "is 'li#nt t"# b#n#&it o& sound ad*i'# on an$ su'" simila% matt#%s and 'ompl$ wit" t"# 'li#nts law&ul inst%u'tions %#lati*# t"#%#to( Canon .+ C6E W"il# it is a law$#%s dut$ to 'ompl$ wit" t"# 'li#nts law&ul %#/u#st) "# s"ould %#sist and s"ould n#*#% &ollow an$ unlaw&ul inst%u'tion o& "is 'li#nt( In t"# matt#%s o& law) it is t"# 'li#nt w"o s"ould $i#ld t"# law$#% and not t"# ot"#% wa$ a%ound( Cosmos Ao"ndr! Sho4 Wor ers @nion *' Lo B"+ ;< SCRA <2< (201/3 ... ... Att$( Bustamant# was #.p#'t#d to d#&#nd "is 'li#nts 'aus# wit" 8#al) but not at t"# dis%#ga%d o& t"# t%ut" and in d#&ian'# o& t"# 'l#a% pu%pos# o& t"# labo% statut#s( H# oug"t to %#m#mb#% t"at "is obligation as an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t) no l#ss t"an t"# dignit$ o& t"# p%o&#ssion) %#/ui%#s t"at "# s"ould not a't lik# an #%%and6bo$ at t"# b#'k and 'all o& "is 'li#nt) %#ad$ and #ag#% to do "is bidding( I& "# &ails to k##p t"# admonition in mind) "# puts into s#%ious /u#stion "is good standing in t"# ba%( =i7 *s' @'S'+ 15 ALR 05 T"# %ul# sp#aks o& p%o'#du%# onl$( T"# law$#% 'an &o% instan'# 0( '"oos# t"# p%o'##dings "# will institut# in t"# pu%suit o& "is 'li#nts 'as#, 1( "# will d#t#%min# t"# witn#ss#s to b# p%#s#nt#d in 'ou%t 3( "# 'an #nt#% into stipulations o& &a't) t"oug" not o& law 4( "# 'an ag%## to ad*an'# t"# dat# o& "#a%ing o% to 'ontinu# t"# 'as# 5( "# 'an wai*# ob-#'tions to #*id#n'# as "# ma$ d##m &it( In b%i#&) in matt#%s o& p%o'#du%#) w"#%# "# is skill#d) "# is in 'ont%ol but not as to t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# 'as#( Ba>sa *s' Na>ramada+ 22 6hi$' 21: (205.3 2enerally) t"# aut"o%it$ o& an atto%n#$ to mak# admissions is limit#d to t"# a'tion in w"i'" "# is %#tain#d, conse=uently) admissions mad# b$ "im on b#"al& o& a 'li#nt in on# 'as# a%# not binding upon t"# sam# 'li#nt in anot"#% suit) e>cept w"#n t"# atto%n#$ "as b##n #.p%#ssl$ aut"o%i8#d to mak# t"# admission o% t"# subs#/u#nt litigation is %#lat#d to t"# p%#*ious 'ont%o*#%s$( CCC A law$#% 'annot) wit"out sp#'ial aut"o%it$) 'omp%omis# "is 'li#nts litigation o% %#'#i*# an$t"ing in dis'"a%g# o& t"# 'li#nts 'laim but t"# &ull amount t"#%#o& in 'as" (Me$endrez *s' =e7ena+ 21; SCRA ;;-3 ( A 'omp%omis# #nt#%#d into wit"out aut"o%it$ is m#%#l$ un#n&o%'#abl#( It 'an b# %ati&i#d b$ t"# 'li#nt) i& "# so d#si%#s( How#*#%) a law$#% "as t"# #.'lusi*# manag#m#nt o& t"# p%o'#du%al asp#'t o& t"# litigation in'luding t"# #n&o%'#m#nt o& %ig"ts and %#m#di#s o& t"# 'li#nt( T"us) w"#n a 'as# is submitt#d &o% d#'ision on t"# #*id#n'# so &a% p%#s#nt#d) t"# 'ouns#l &o% p%i*at# %#spond#nts a't#d wit"in t"# s'op# o& "is aut"o%it$ as ag#nt and law$#% in n#gotiating &o% &a*o%abl# t#%ms &o% "is 'li#nt( (Mo&i$ Oi$ 6hi$i44ines *s' Ya&"t+ -5. SCRA /-<3

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CANON BA A (awyer sha(( *har'e o#(y fa"r a#- reaso#a0(e fees3 Ru(e @CH s3BD= An atto%n#$ s"all b# #ntitl#d to "a*# and %#'o*#% &%om "is 'li#nts no mo%# t"an a %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation &o% "is s#%*i'#s) wit" a *i#w to t"# impo%tan'# o& t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# 'ont%o*#%s$) t"# #.t#nt o& t"# s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d) and t"# p%o&#ssional standing o& t"# atto%n#$( 0( Ri>ht to 7om4ensation C In t"# abs#n'# o& an #.p%#ss 'ont%a't N&o% atto%n#$s &##O) pa$m#nt o& atto%n#$s &##s ma$ b# -usti&i#d b$ *i%tu# o& t"# innominat# 'ont%a't o& facio ut des (I do and $ou gi*#! w"i'" is bas#d on t"# p%in'ipl# t"at 9no on# s"all #n%i'" "ims#l& at t"# #.p#ns# o& anot"#%: MCor4"z *' CA+ B'R' No' L8:5:-:+ ,"ne <5+ 20.5N Attorne!s %ees as 7ontra7t and as items o% dama>es 6 T"#s# a%# two 'ommonl$ a''#pt#d 'on'#pts o& atto%n#$s &##s) t"# so6'all#d o%dina%$ and #.t%ao%dina%$( In its ordinary concept) an atto%n#$s &## is t"# %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation paid to a law$#% b$ "is 'li#nt &o% t"# l#gal s#%*i'#s "# "as %#nd#%#d to t"# latt#%( T"# basis o& t"# 'omp#nsation is t"# &a't o& "is #mplo$m#nt b$ and "is ag%##m#nt wit" t"# 'li#nt( In its e>traordinary concept, an atto%n#$s &## is an ind#mnit$ &o% damag#s o%d#%#d b$ t"# 'ou%t to b# paid b$ t"# losing pa%t$ in a litigation( T"# basis o& t"is is an$ o& t"# 'as#s p%o*id#d b$ law ... ... NA%t( 11J@) i*il od#O) and is pa$abl# not to t"# law$#% as additional 'omp#nsation o% as pa%t t"#%#o& NTraders Ro!a$ Ban Em4$o!ees @nion8)nde4endent *'NLRC+ B'R' No' 2-5/0-+ Mar7h 2:+ 2001N' Char>in> Lien C t"# %ig"t w"i'" t"# atto%n#$ "as upon all -udgm#nts &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& mon#$) and #.#'ution in pu%suan'# o& su'" -udgm#nts) obtain#d in &a*o% o& t"# 'li#nt) to s#'u%# %#imbu%s#m#nt &o% ad*an'#s mad# and pa$m#nt o& atto%n#$s &##s( Retainin> Aees 9 a p%#limina%$ &## paid to #nsu%# and s#'u%# a law$#%s &utu%# s#%*i'#s) to %#mun#%at# "im &o% b#ing d#p%i*#d) b$ b#ing %#tain#d b$ on# pa%t$) o& t"# oppo%tunit$ o& %#nd#%ing s#%*i'#s to t"# ot"#% pa%t$) and o& %#'#i*ing pa$ &%om "im(

1(

3(

4(

,esa$*a *s' Ba"tista+ 25/ SCRA 6hi$' <:. (20/03 T"# %ig"t o& a law$#% to b# paid a %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation &o% "is s#%*i'#s do#s not gi*# "im su'" a sup#%io% int#%#st in t"# a'tion as to p%#'lud# t"# 'li#nt &%om s#ttling "is 'as#( Boros4e *s' Bo7han>7o+ 25; 6hi$' :-/ (201:3 B#ing p%ima%il$ an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t '"a%g#d o& t"# dut$ o& assisting t"# 'ou%t to %#nd#% impa%tial -usti'# w"at a law$#% ma$ 'oll#'t as "is &##s is alwa$s sub-#'t to -udi'ial 'ont%ol(

A$&ano *' Co$oma+ -2 SCRA :22 (20;13 ... ... ouns#l w"o is wo%t"$ o& "is "i%# is #ntitl#d to b# &ull$ 'omp#nsat#d &o% "is s#%*i'#s( Wit" "is 'apital 'onsisting sol#l$ o& "is b%ains and wit" "is skill) a'/ui%#d at t%#m#ndous 'ost not onl$ in mon#$ but in t"# #.p#nditu%# o& tim# and #n#%g$) "# is #ntitl#d to t"# p%ot#'tion o& an$ -udi'ial t%ibunal against an$ att#mpt on t"# pa%t o& a 'li#nt to #s'ap# pa$m#nt o& &##s( O"irante *' )AC+ SCRA 1;0 (20.03 ... ... T"# 'ouns#ls 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s ma$ b# ass#%t#d #it"#% in t"# *#%$ a'tion in w"i'" t"# s#%*i'#s in /u#stion "a*# b##n %#nd#%#d) o% in a s#pa%at# a'tion( I& t"# first alternati#e is '"os#n) t"# 'ou%t ma$ pass upon said 'laim) #*#n i& its amount w#%# l#ss t"an t"# minimum p%#s'%ib#d b$ law &o% t"# -u%isdi'tion o& said 'ou%t) upon t"# t"#o%$ t"at t"# %ig"t to %#'o*#% att$(s &##s is but an in'id#nt o& t"# 'as# in w"i'" t"# s#%*i'#s o& 'ouns#l "a*# b##n %#nd#%#d( It also %#sts on t"# assumption t"at t"# 'ou%t t%$ing t"# 'as# is to a '#%tain d#g%## al%#ad$ &amilia% wit" t"# natu%# and #.t#nt o& t"# law$#%s s#%*i'#s( T"# %ul# against multipli'it$ o& suits will in #&&#'t b# subs#%*#d( W"at is b#ing 'laim#d "#%# as atto%n#$s &##s b$ p#tition#% "ow#*#% di&&#%#nt &o%m att$(s &##s as an it#m o& damag#s p%o*id#d &o% und#% A%t( 11J@ o& t"# ) w"#%#in t"# awa%d is mad# in &a*o% o& t"# litigant) not o& "is 'ouns#l) and t"# litigants) not "is 'ouns#l is t"# -udgm#nt '%#dito% w"o ma$ #n&o%'# t"# -udgm#nt &o% att$(s &##s b$ #.#'ution( H#%# t"# p#tition#%s 'laims a%# bas#d on all#g#d 'ont%a't &o% p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s) wit" t"#m as t"# '%#dito%s and t"# p%i*at# %#spond#nts as t"# d#bto%s( In &iling motion &o% 'on&i%mation o& att$(s &##s) p#tition#%s '"os# to ass#%t t"#i% 'laims in t"# sam# a'tion( T"is is also a p%op#% %#m#d$ und#% ou% -u%isp%ud#n'#(

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Tanh"e7o *' =e ="mo+ 21- SCRA 11: (20.03 ... ... Don#$ is 'oll#'t#d b$ an atto%n#$ &o% "is 'li#nt 'onstitut# t%ust &unds and must b# imm#diat#l$ paid o*#% to t"# 'li#nt( T"# &a't t"at law$#% "as a li#n &##s on mon#$ in "is "and 'oll#'t#d &o% "is 'li#nt do#s not %#li#*# "im &%om "is dut$ p%omptl$ to a''ount &o% t"# mon#$s %#'#i*#d= "is &ailu%# to do so 'onstitut#s p%o&#ssional mis'ondu't( T"# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip "as alwa$s b##n %#ga%d#d as o& sp#'ial t%ust and 'on&id#n'#( An atto%n#$ must #.#%'is# utmost &ood &ait" and &ai%n#ss in all "is %#lations"ips *is6P6*is 'li#nt( R#spond#nt &#ll s"o%t o& t"is standa%d w"#n "# &ail#d to %#nd#% an a''ounting &o% t"# amount a'tuall$ %#'#i*#d b$ "im and w"#n "# %#&us#d to tu%n o*#% an$ po%tion o& su'" amount %#'#i*#d b$ "im on b#"al& o& "is 'li#nt upon t"# p%#t#.t t"at "is atto%n#$ upon "is 'li#nt) t"# 'ou%t must and will p%ot#'t t"# agg%i#*#d pa%t$( Mendoza86ar er *' CA+ -<2 SCRA -/5 (200:3 ... ... T"# A) in t"# #.#%'is# o& its -u%isdi'tion to %#*i#w t"# d#'isions o& low#% 'ou%ts &i.ing t"# atto%n#$s &##s) 'an and did d#t#%min# w"#t"#% t"# atto%n#$s &##s &i.#d b$ said 'ou%ts a%# %#asonabl# und#% t"# 'i%'umstan'#s( A&t#% taking into 'onsid#%ation t"# *a%ious &a'to%s to guid# t"# 'ou%ts in t"# &i.ing o& su'" &##s) an app#llat# 'ou%t 'an %#du'# t"# atto%n#$s &##s stipulat#d b$ t"# pa%ti#s in a 'ont%a't &o% p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s o% awa%d#d b$ t"# low#% 'ou%t to l#*#ls w"i'" it d##ms %#asonabl#( In t"# abs#n'# o& an$ ag%##m#nt as to t"# amount o& atto%n#$s &##s) t"# 'ou%ts a%# aut"o%i8#d to d#t#%min# su'" amount to b# paid to t"# atto%n#$ as a %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation &o% "is p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s( A law$#%) b#ing an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t) is pla'#d und#% -udi'ial 'ont%ol wit" %#ga%d to t"# %#asonabl#n#ss o& t"# amount o& t"# atto%n#$s &##s d#mand#d b$ "im &%om "is 'li#nt( Cor4"z *' CA+ 0. SCRA :-: (20.53 ... ... T"# abs#n'# o& an #.p%#ss 'ont%a't &o% atto%n#$s &##s is no a%gum#nt against t"# pa$m#nt o& su'" &## 'onsid#%ing t"#i% 'los# %#lation w"i'" signi&i#s mutual t%ust and 'on&id#n'# b#tw##n t"#m( Do%#o*#%) t"# pa$m#nt o& atto%n#$s &##s to 2a*id ma$ also b# -usti&i#d b$ *it%tu# o& t"# innominat# 'ont%a't o& 9 facio ut des: (I do $ou gi*#! w"i'" is bas#d on t"# p%in'ipl# t"at 9no on# s"all un-ustl$ #n%i'" "ims#l& at t"# #.p#ns# o& anot"#%(: Metro4o$itan Ban and Tr"st Com4an! *' CA+ 2.2 SCRA <;1 (20053 0( A c/ar1in1 lien, to b# #n&o%'#abl# as s#'u%it$ &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& atto%n#$s &##s) %#/ui%#s as a 'ondition sin# /ua non a -udgm#nt &o% mon#$ and #.#'ution in pu%suan'# o& su'" -udgm#nt s#'u%#d in t"# main a'tion o& t"# atto%n#$ in &a*o% o& "is 'li#nt( A law$#% ma$ #n&o%'# "is %ig"t to &##s b$ &iling t"# n#'#ssa%$ p#tition as an in'id#nt in t"# main a'tion in w"i'" "is s#%*i'#s w#%# %#nd#%#d w"#n som#t"ing dismiss#d upon t"# initiati*# o& t"# plainti&&( T"# dismissal o%d#% n#it"#% p%o*id#d &o% an$ mon#$ -udgm#nt no% mad# an$ mon#ta%$ awa%d to an$ litigant) mu'" l#ss in &a*o% o& p#tition#% w"o was a d#&#ndant t"#%#in( T"is b#ing so) p%i*at# %#spond#nts suppos#d '"a%ging li#n is wit"out an$ l#gal basis( 1( A p#tition &o% %#'o*#%$ o& atto%n#$s &##s) #it"#% as a s#pa%at# 'i*il suit o% as an in'id#nt in t"# main a'tion) "as to b# p%os#'ut#d and t"# all#gations #stablis"#d as an$ ot"#% mon#$ 'laim( H#n'#) t"# ob*ious n#'#ssit$ o& a "#a%ing is b#$ond 'a*il( But) as in t"# #.#%'is# o& an$ ot"#% %ig"t 'on&#%%#d b$ law) t"# p%op#% l#gal %#m#d$ s"ould b# a*ail#d o& and t"# p%o'#du%al %ul#s dul$ obs#%*#d to &o%#stall t"# possibilit$ o& abus# o% p%#-udi'#( Cada$in *' 6OEA+ -<. SCRA 1-2 (200:3 ... ... A stat#m#nt o& 'laim &o% a '"a%ging li#n s"all b# &il#d wit" t"# 'ou%t o% administ%ati*# ag#n'$ w"i'" %#nd#%s and #.#'ut#s t"# mon#$ -udgm#nt s#'u%#d b$ t"# law$#% &o% "is 'li#nts( T"# law$#% s"all 'aus# w%itt#n noti'# to b# d#li*#%#d to "is 'li#nts and to t"# ad*#%s# pa%ti#s( Ru(e BA3A@3 A (awyer sha(( 0e 'u"-e- 0y the fo((ow"#' fa*tors "# -eter."#"#' h"s fees a3 The t".e s+e#t a#- the e1te#t of the ser2"*es re#-ere- or re9u"re-I 03 The #o2e(ty a#- -"ff"*u(ty of the 9uest"o#s "#2o(2e-I *3 The ".+orta#*e of the su0>e*t .atterI -3 The sE"(( -e.a#-e-I e3 The +ro0a0"("ty of (os"#' other e.+(oy.e#t as a resu(t of a**e+ta#*e of the +roffere- *aseI f3 The *usto.ary *har'es for s"."(ar ser2"*es a#- the s*he-u(e of fees of the I)$ *ha+ter to wh"*h he 0e(o#'sI '3 The a.ou#t "#2o(2e- "# the *o#tro2ersy a#- the 0e#ef"ts resu(t"#' to the *("e#t fro. the ser2"*esI h3 The *o#t"#'e#*y of *erta"#ty of *o.+e#sat"o#I "3 The *hara*ter of the e.+(oy.e#t4 whether o**as"o#a( or esta0("she-I a#>3 The +rofess"o#a( sta#-"#' of the (awyer3

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Two Co#*e+ts of Attor#eys :ees In its or-"#ary *o#*e+t) an atto%n#$s &## is t"# %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation paid to a law$#% &o% t"# l#gal s#%*i'#s "# "as %#nd#%#d to a 'li#nt( T"# basis o& t"is 'omp#nsation is t"# &a't o& #mplo$m#nt b$ t"# 'li#nt( In its e1traor-"#ary *o#*e+t) an atto%n#$s &## is an ind#mnit$ &o% damag#s o%d#%#d b$ t"# 'ou%t to b# paid b$ t"# losing pa%t$ to t"# p%#*ailing pa%t$ in a litigation( T"# basis o& t"is is an$ o& t"# 'as#s aut"o%i8#d b$ law and is pa$abl# not to t"# law$#% but to t"# 'li#nt ; unl#ss t"#$ "a*# ag%##d t"at t"# awa%d s"all p#%tain to t"# law$#% as additional 'omp#nsation o% as pa%t t"#%#o&( &/e Rules of Court pro#ides under Rule 1(8, s.+4 only t/ree factors3 a( t"# impo%tan'# o& t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& 'ont%o*#%s$, b( t"# #.t#nt o& t"# s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d, and '( t"# p%o&#ssional standing o& t"# atto%n#$( End#% Rul# 03@) s(14 it is also p%o*id#d t"at t"# 'ou%t is not bound b$ t"# opinion o& atto%n#$s as #.p#%t witn#ss as to p%op#% 'omp#nsation and t"at w%itt#n 'ont%a't s"all 'ont%ol t"# amount paid unl#ss &ound b$ t"# 'ou%t to b# un'ons'ionabl# o% %#asonabl#( A''o%ding to -u%isp%ud#n'#) t"# 'ou%t ma$ also tak# into 'onsid#%ation t"# 'li#nts 'apa'it$ to pa$( K"#-s of $ay.e#t wh"*h .ay 0e st"+u(ate- u+o# a( A &i.#d o% absolut# &## w"i'" is pa$abl# %#ga%dl#ss o& t"# %#sult o& t"# 'as#, b( A 'onting#nt &## t"at is 'ondition#d to t"# s#'u%ing o& a &a*o%abl# -udgm#nt and %#'o*#%$ o& mon#$ o% p%op#%t$ and t"# amount o& w"i'" ma$ b# on a p#%'#ntag# basis, '( A &i.#d &## pa$abl# p#% app#a%an'#, d( A &i.#d &## 'omput#d b$ t"# numb#% o& "ou%s sp#nt, #( A &i.#d &## bas#d on a pi#'# o& wo%k, &( A 'ombination o& an$ o& t"# abo*# stipulat#d &##s( K"#-s of Reta"#er A'ree.e#t o# Attor#eys fees 0( 2eneral Retainer or Retainin1 $ee C It is paid to a law$#% to s#'u%# "is &utu%# s#%*i'#s as g#n#%al 'ouns#l &o% an$ o%dina%$ l#gal p%obl#m t"at ma$ a%is# in t"# o%dina%$ busin#ss o& t"# 'li#nt and %#&#%%#d to "im &o% l#gal a'tion 1( Special Retainer C T"at is a &## &o% a sp#'i&i' 'as# o% s#%*i'# %#nd#%#d b$ t"# law$#% &o% a 'li#nt

Co.+e#sat"o# to wh"*h Lawyer "s E#t"t(e- De+e#-"#' o# H"s Ca+a*"ty 0( Counsel de Parte ; H# is #ntitl#d to a %#asonabl# atto%n#$s &##s ag%##d upon o% in t"# abs#n'# t"#%#o&) on /uantum m#%uit basis( 1( Counsel de 5ficio ; T"# 'ouns#l ma$ not d#mand &%om t"# a''us#d atto%n#$s &##s #*#n i& "# wins t"# 'as#( H# ma$ "ow#*#% 'oll#'t &%om t"# go*#%nm#nt &unds i& a*ailabl# bas#d on t"# amount &i.#d b$ t"# 'ou%t( *-icus Curiae ; H# is not #ntitl#d to atto%n#$s &##s(

3(

<UANTU% %ERUIT (AS M@CH AS HE =ESER?ES3 ! T"# basis o& d#t#%mining t"# law$#%s p%o&#ssional &##s in t"# abs#n'# o& a 'ont%a't) but %#'o*#%abl# b$ "im &%om t"# 'li#nt ! Ae s/all be entitled to recei#e 0/at /e -erits for /is ser#ices O@ANT@M MER@)T IS AUTHORILED WHERE a( t"#%# is no #.p%#ss 'ont%a't &o% atto%n#$s &##s ag%##d upon b#tw##n t"# law$#% and t"# 'li#nt, b( w"#n alt"oug" t"#%# is a &o%mal 'ont%a't o& atto%n#$s &##s) t"# stipulat#d &##s a%# &ound un'ons'ionabl# o% un%#asonabl# b$ t"# 'ou%t, '( w"#n t"# 'ont%a't &o% atto%n#$s &##s is *oid du# to pu%#l$ &o%mal matt#%s o% d#&#'ts o& #.#'ution, d( w"#n t"# 'ouns#l) &o% -usti&iabl# 'aus#) was not abl# to &inis" t"# 'as# to its 'on'lusion, #( w"#n law$#% and 'li#nt dis%#ga%d t"# 'ont%a't o& atto%n#$s &##s &( w"#n t"#%# is a 'ont%a't but no stipulation as to atto%n#$s &##s

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Gu"-es "# Deter."#"#' Attor#eys :ees "# <ua#tu. %eru"t )as"s a( &i-e spent and @>tent of t/e Ser#ices Rendered ; A law$#% is -usti&i#d in &i.ing "ig"#% &##s w"#n t"# 'as# is so 'ompli'at#d and %#/ui%#s mo%# tim# and #&&o%ts to &inis" it( b( 6o#elty and ?ifficulty of Huestions 'n#ol#ed ; W"#n t"# /u#stions in a 'as# a%# no*#l and di&&i'ult) g%#at#% #&&o%ts) d##p#% stud$ and %#s#a%'") a%# bound to bu%n t"# law$#%s tim# and stamina 'onsid#%ing t"at t"#%# a%# no lo'al p%#'#d#nts to %#l$ upon( '-portance of Sub<ect ;atter ; T"# mo%# impo%tant t"# sub-#'t matt#% o% t"# bigg#% *alu# o& t"# int#%#st o% p%op#%t$ in litigation) t"# "ig"#% is t"# atto%n#$s &##( SBill de-anded of t/e )a0yer ; T"# totalit$ o& t"# law$#%s #.p#%i#n'# p%o*id#s "im t"# skill and 'omp#t#n'# admi%#d in law$#%s(

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BermeJo *s' Sia+ /00:58C?+ Se4tem&er <5+ 20.<+ )AC I& t"# 'li#nt p%#*#nts t"# su''#ss&ul p%os#'ution o% d#&#ns# o& t"# a'tion) t"# law$#% will b# #ntitl#d to %#'o*#% on a /uantum m#%uit basis o% to t"# &ull amount as &i.#d in a *alid w%itt#n ag%##m#nt i& t"# 'li#nt a't#d in bad &ait"( Cha.+ertous Co#tra*ts (*oid! ; Law$#% stipulat#s wit" "is 'li#nt t"at in t"# p%os#'ution o& t"# 'as#) "# will b#a% all t"# #.p#ns#s &o% t"# %#'o*#%$ o& t"ings o% p%op#%t$ b#ing 'laim#d b$ t"# 'li#nt and t"# latt#% ag%##s to pa$ t"# &o%m#% a po%tion o& t"# t"ingMp%op#%t$ %#'o*#%#d as 'omp#nsation( CONT)NBENT CONTRACT onting#nt &## is pa$abl# in 'as"( Law$#%s do not und#%tak# to pa$ all #.p#ns#s o& litigation Aot p%o"ibit#d CHAM6ERTO@S CONTRACT +a$abl# in kind onl$ Law$#%s und#%tak# to pa$ all #.p#ns#s o& litigation Goid

0( 1( 3(

0( 1( 3(

A-2a#ta'es of a Wr"tte# Co#tra*t 0( It is 'on'lusi*# as to t"# amount o& 'omp#nsation( 1( In 'as# o& un-usti&i#d dismissal o& an atto%n#$) "# s"all b# #ntitl#d to %#'o*#% &%om t"# 'li#nt &ull 'omp#nsation stipulat#d in t"# 'ont%a't (R* 6(6 . S"tuat"o#s whe# Cou#se( *a##ot Re*o2er the :u(( A.ou#t -es+"te Wr"tte# Co#tra*t for Attor#eys :ees 0( W"#n t"# s#%*i'#s 'all#d &o% w#%# not p#%&o%m#d as w"#n t"# law$#% wit"d%#w b#&o%# t"# 'as# was &inis"#d( H# will b# allow#d onl$ b$ %#asonabl# &##s( 1( 3( 4( 5( >( ?( @( W"#n t"#%# is a -usti&i#d dismissal o& t"# atto%n#$) t"# 'ont%a't will b# nulli&i#d and pa$m#nt will b# on t"# basis o& /uantum m#%uit onl$( A 'ont%a%$ stipulation will b# in*alid( W"#n t"# stipulat#d atto%n#$s &##s a%# un'ons'ionabl# i(#( w"#n it is disp%opo%tionat# 'ompa%#d to t"# *alu# o& s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d and is %#*olting to "uman 'ons'i#n'#( W"#n t"# stipulat#d atto%n#$s &##s a%# in #.'#ss o& w"at is #.p%#ssl$ p%o*id#d b$ law( W"#n t"# law$#% is guilt$ o& &%aud o% bad &ait" towa%d "is 'li#nt in t"# matt#% o& "is #mplo$m#nt( W"#n t"# 'ouns#ls s#%*i'#s a%# wo%t"l#ss b#'aus# o& "is n#glig#n'#( W"#n 'ont%a't is ill#gal) against mo%als o% publi' poli'$( S#%*ing ad*#%s# int#%#st unl#ss law$#% p%o*#s t"at it was wit" t"# 'ons#nt o& bot" pa%ti#s(

ATTORNE=S :EES AS DA%AGES Ge#era( Ru(e Atto%n#$s &##s as damag#s a%# not %#'o*#%abl#( An ad*#%s# d#'ision do#s not ipso facto -usti&$ t"#i% awa%d in &a*o% o& t"# winning pa%t$(

53

E1*e+t"o#s Atto%n#$s &##s in t"# 'on'#pt o& damag#s ma$ b# awa%d#d in an$ o& t"# &ollowing 'i%'umstan'#s= 0( w"#n t"#%# is no ag%##m#nt, 1( w"#n #.#mpla%$ damag#s a%# awa%d#d, 3( w"#n d#&#ndants a'tion o% omission 'omp#ll#d plainti&& to litigat#, 4( in '%iminal 'as#s o& mali'ious p%os#'ution, 5( w"#n t"# a'tion is 'l#a%l$ un&ound#d, >( w"#n d#&#ndant a't#d in g%oss and #*id#nt bad &ait", ?( in a'tions &o% suppo%t, @( in 'as#s o& %#'o*#%$ o& wag#s, 7( in a'tions &o% ind#mnit$ und#% wo%km#ns 'omp#nsation and #mplo$##s liabilit$ laws, 0J( in a s#pa%at# 'i*il a'tion a%ising &%om a '%im#, 00( w"#n at l#ast doubl# 'osts a%# awa%d#d (costs of suit does not include attorney%s fees!, 01( w"#n t"# 'ou%t d##ms it -ust and #/uitabl#, and 03( w"#n a sp#'ial law so aut"o%i8#s( ,ones *s' Horti>"e$a+ ;: 6hi$' 210 (20<13 As a g#n#%al %ul#) t"# p#%son w"o "ad no knowl#dg# o&) o% ob-#'t#d to) t"# law$#%s %#p%#s#ntation ma$ not b# "#ld liabl# &o% atto%n#$s &##s #*#n t"oug" su'" %#p%#s#ntation %#dound#d to "is b#n#&it( T"# ob-#'tion to t"# law$#%s app#a%an'# s"ould) "ow#*#%) b# %ais#d b#&o%# and not a&t#% b#n#&i'ial s#%*i'#s s"all "a*# b##n %#nd#%#d b$ t"# law$#%) ot"#%wis# t"# pa%t$ w"o b#n#&it#d &%om t"# law$#%s %#p%#s#ntation ma$ b# %#/ui%#d to pa$ 'ouns#l &##s( Oroso *s' Hernaez+ 2 6hi$' 11 A law$#% w"o %#nd#%#d s#%*i'#s to a pa%t$ w"o did not #mplo$ "im no% aut"o%i8# "is #mplo$m#nt) 'annot %#'o*#% 'omp#nsation #*#n i& "is s#%*i'#s %#dound#d to t"# b#n#&it o& su'" pa%t$( Aernandez *s' Be$$o+ 251 SCRA 22:5 T"# dut$ o& 'ou%ts is not alon# to s## t"at law$#%s a't in a p%op#% and law&ul mann#%, it is also t"#i% dut$ to s## t"at law$#%s a%# paid t"#i% -ust and law&ul &##s( T"#%# s"ould b# a p%o&#ssional 'ont%a't) #.p%#ss o% impli#d) b#tw##n a law$#% and "is 'li#nt and t"# law$#% s"ould "a*# %#nd#%#d s#%*i'#s pu%suant t"#%#to b#&o%# "# ma$ b# #ntitl#d to 'ouns#l &##s( 6erez *s' S7ottish @nion Nat' )ns' Co'' 1; 6hi$' <-5 T"# in'om# o& t"# law$#% is not a sa&# '%it#%ion o& "is p%o&#ssional abilit$( Dan$ *#%$ good law$#%s #a%n but small in'om#s w"il# law$#%s o& in&#%io% abilit$ ma$ p%osp#% &inan'iall$( A#it"#% is t"# l#ngt" o& tim# a law$#% "as p%a'ti'#d a %#liabl# m#asu%# o& "is abilit$, "is 'omp#t#n'$ must b# -udg#d b$ t"# '"a%a't#% o& "is wo%k( Ba7a *s' 6adi$$a+ 205 6' 1<5+ 22 ALR 22.. (20-53 T"# nullit$ o& a p%o&#ssional 'ont%a't w"i'" %#sults &%om t"# ill#galit$ o& t"# ob-#'t soug"t to b# a'"i#*#d b$ t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"# p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s p%#'lud#s a law$#% &%om %#'o*#%ing "is &##s &o% su'" s#%*i'#s( Boros4e *s' Bo7han>7o+ 25; 6hi$' :-/ (20/03 T"# un'ons'ionabilit$ o& t"# amount o& &##s stipulat#d in a p%o&#ssional 'ont%a't %#nd#%s t"# 'ont%a't in*alid( T"# 'i%'umstan'# t"at t"# 'li#nt knowingl$ #nt#%#d into su'" 'ont%a't do#s not #stop "im &%om /u#stioning its *alidit$) &o% #stopp#l do#s not *alidat# a 'ont%a't t"at is p%o"ibit#d b$ law o% is against publi' poli'$( Medina *s' Ba"tista+ 2- SCRA 2 (20;:3 T"# simultan#ous %#p%#s#ntation b$ a law$#% o& opposing pa%ti#s to a 'ont%o*#%s$) in t"# abs#n'# o& a 'li#nts 'ons#nt to t"# dual %#p%#s#ntation mad# a&t#% &ull dis'losu%# o& t"# &a'ts) n#gat#s t"# law$#%s %ig"t to %#'#i*# 'omp#nsation &%om bot" o& t"#m( I& t"# dual %#p%#s#ntation is imp%op#%) t"#n t"# 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s &o% s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d b$ t"# law$#% in t"at dual 'apa'it$ is also imp%op#%( CONTINGENT :EE Ae$i7er *s' Madri$eJos+ /2 6hi$' -: A 7ontin>ent %ee 7ontra7t is on# w"i'" stipulat#s t"at t"# law$#% will b# paid &o% "is l#gal s#%*i'#s onl$ i& t"# suit o% litigation #nds &a*o%abl$ to t"# 'li#nt(

54

Mi$es *s' Che!anne Co"ntr! + 0; Ne& 15< A 'ont%a't &o% a 'onting#nt &## is an ag%##m#nt in w%iting in w"i'" t"# &##) usuall$ a &i.#d p#%'#ntag# o& w"at ma$ b# %#'o*#%#d in t"# a'tion) and is mad# to d#p#nd upon t"# su''#ss in t"# #&&o%t to #n&o%'# o% d#&#nd a suppos#d %ig"t( @$anda! *s' Mani$a Rai$road Co'+ :/ 6hi$' /:5 (20-<3 A 'onting#nt &## 'ont%a't is g#n#%all$ *alid and binding) unl#ss it is obtain#d b$ &%aud) imposition o% supp%#ssion o& &a'ts) o% t"# &## is so 'l#a%l$ #.'#ssi*# as to amount to an #.to%tion( Li7"dan *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 20< SCRA -0< 9... W"#n it is s"own t"at a 'ont%a't &o% a 'onting#nt &## was obtain#d b$ undu# in&lu#n'# #.#%'is#d b$ t"# atto%n#$ upon "is 'li#nt o% b$ an$ &%aud o% imposition) o% t"at t"# 'omp#nsation is 'l#a%l$ #.'#ssi*#) t"# ou%t must and will p%ot#'t t"# agg%i#*#d pa%t$ Aran7is7o *s' Matias+ 25 SCRA .0 A''#ptan'# o& an initial &## b#&o%# o% du%ing t"# p%og%#ss o& t"# litigation do#s not d#t%a't &%om t"# 'onting#nt natu%# o& t"# &##s) as long as t"# bulk t"#%#o& is mad# d#p#nd#nt upon t"# su''#ss&ul out'om# o& t"# a'tion( =ire7tor o% Lands *s' A&a&a+ .. SCRA /2< A%t( 0470 p%o"ibits onl$ t"# sal# o% assignm#nt b#tw##n t"# law$#% and "is 'li#nt) o& p%op#%t$ w"i'" is t"# sub-#'t o& litigation( 9A 'ont%a't &o% a 'onting#nt &## is not 'o*#%#d b$ A%t( 0470 b#'aus# t"# t%ans&#% o% assignm#nt o& t"# p%op#%t$ must tak# pla'# du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ o& t"# litigation tak#s #&&#'t onl$ a&t#% t"# &inalit$ o& a &a*o%abl# -udgm#nt( Co"nse$s not entit$ed to %ees3 a( 'ouns#l d# o&&i'io unl#ss 'ou%t o%d#%s 'omp#nsation (%ul# 03@) s(31!, b( +AO law$#%s ; 'annot 'oll#'t &%om litigants, '( Lo'al #l#'ti*# o&&i'ials app#a%ing in a p%o*in'ialM'it$Mmuni'ipal t%ibunals o% administ%ati*# ag#n'i#s o& p%o*in'#M'it$Mmuni'ipalit$ o& w"i'" "# is an #l#'ti*# o&&i'ial (RA 50@5) s(>! Ledesma *s' C$ima7o+ /1 SCRA :1< (201:3 In t"# abs#n'# o& law allowing 'omp#nsation) t"# law$#% d#signat#d as 'ouns#l de oficio n#it"#% *iolat#s t"# 'onstitutional %#st%i'tion against t"# taking o& p%op#%t$ wit"out %#mun#%ation o% t"# du# p%o'#ss o& law no% impos#s upon t"# go*#%nm#nt t"# obligation to pa$ "im "is &##s( R"$e 2<.+ Se7tion <-+ R"$es o% Co"rt T"# Rul#s o& ou%t p%o*id#s a tok#n 'omp#nsation &o% atto%n#$ de oficio( Sub-#'t to t"# a*ailabilit$ o& &unds as ma$ b# p%o*id#d b$ law) t"# 'ou%t ma$) in its dis'%#tion) o%d#% an atto%n#$ #mplo$#d as 'ouns#l de oficio to b# 'omp#nsat#d in su'" sum as t"# 'ou%t ma$ %#asonabl$ &i.) w"i'" s"all not b# l#ss t"an t"i%t$ p#sos in an$ 'as# no% mo%# t"an &i&t$ p#sos in lig"t &#loni#s, on# "und%#d p#sos in l#ss g%a*# &#loni#s, two "und%#d p#sos in g%a*# &#loni#s ot"#% t"an 'apital o&&#ns#s, and &i*# "und%#d p#sos in 'apital o&&#ns#s Ru(e BA3AB3 A (awyer sha((4 "# *ases of referra(4 w"th the *o#se#t of the *("e#t4 0e e#t"t(e- to a -"2"s"o# of fees "# +ro+ort"o# to the worE +erfor.e- a#res+o#s"0"("ty assu.e-3

Aot#= T"is is not in t"# natu%# o& a b%ok#%s 'ommission( Ama$>amated La&orers Assn' ?s' C)R+ -- SCRA 2--; W"#n two o% mo%# law$#%s %#p%#s#nting 'ommon 'li#nts "a*# a p%o&#ssional b%#ak6up du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ o& t"# 'as#) t"#i% atto%n#$s &##s s"all b# s"a%#d in amounts to b# d#t#%min#d b$ t"# 'ou%t( Ru(e BA3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 w"th the fu(( E#ow(e-'e a#- *o#se#t of the *("e#t4 a**e+t a#y fee4 rewar-4 *osts4 *o.."ss"o#4 "#terest4 re0ate or forwar-"#' a((owa#*e or other *o.+e#sat"o# whatsoe2er re(ate- to h"s +rofess"o#a( e.+(oy.e#t fro. a#yo#e other tha# the *("e#t3

(Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' 229(T!"#%# s"ould b# no %oom &o% suspi'ion on t"# pa%t o& t"# 'li#nt t"at "is law$#% is %#'#i*ing 'omp#nsation in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# 'as# &%om t"i%d p#%sons wit" "ostil# int#%#sts(:

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R"$e 2<.+ Se7' -5 (e3+ ROC T"# onl$ #.'#ption w"#%#b$ a law$#% ma$ %#'#i*# %#lati*# 'omp#nsation &%om a p#%son ot"#% t"an "is 'li#nt is w"#n t"# latt#% "as &ull knowl#dg# and app%o*al t"#%#o&( =iaz *s' Ka4"nan+ :/ 6hi$' .:. (20<-3 W"at#*#% a law$#% %#'#i*#s &%om t"# opposit# pa%t$ in t"# s#%*i'# o& "is 'li#nt b#longs to t"# 'li#nt) in t"# abs#n'# o& "is 'li#nts 'ons#nt mad# a&t#% &ull dis'losu%# o& t"# &a'ts( Re7to *s' Harden+ 255 6hi$' :-1 (20/;3 A law$#% ma$ not 'laim t"# atto%n#$s &##s in t"# 'on'#pt o& damag#s awa%d#d b$ t"# 'ou%t in &a*o% o& "is 'li#nt) e>cept w"#n "# and "is 'li#nt "a*# ag%##d t"at w"at#*#% amount t"# 'ou%t ma$ awa%d as atto%n#$s &##s would &o%m pa%t o& "is 'omp#nsation( Ru(e BA3AD3 A (awyer shou(- a2o"- the f"("#' of a#y *ase a'a"#st *("e#ts for the e#for*e.e#t of h"s attor#eys fees e1*e+t to +re2e#t a3 ".+os"t"o# 03 "#>u#*t"o# *3 frau-

Ju-"*"a( a*t"o#s to re*o2er attor#eys fees a( &il# an app%op%iat# motion o% p#tition as an in'id#nt in t"# main a'tion w"#%# "# %#nd#%#d l#gal s#%*i'#s, b( &il# a s#pa%at# 'i*il a'tion &o% 'oll#'tion o& atto%n#$s &##s( Otto *s' Bm"r+ )n7'+ // 6hi$' ;-1 (20<23 * la0yer -ay enforce /is ri1/t to fees by filin1 t/e necessary petition as an incident of t/e -ain action in 0/ic/ /is ser#ices 0ere rendered only3 0( w"#n som#t"ing is du# t"# 'li#nt in t"# a'tion &%om w"i'" t"# &## is to b# paid, o% 1( w"#n t"# 'li#nt s#ttl#s o% wai*#s "is 'aus# in &a*o% o& t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ in &%aud o& t"# law$#%s 'laim &o% 'omp#nsation( La7son *s' Re!es+ 2.- SCRA 1-0 (20053 Sin'# t"# p#tition is in t"# natu%# o& an a'tion b$ 'ouns#l against "is 'li#nt &o% atto%n#$s &##s) "# s"ould pa$ t"# do'k#t o% &iling &##s t"#%#&o% to #nabl# t"# 'ou%t to a'/ui%# -u%isdi'tion o*#% t"# 'laim( Ret"!a *s' Bord"iz+ 0; SCRA /-0 9 ont%o*#%si#s wit" 'li#nts 'on'#%ning 'omp#nsation a%# to b# a*oid#d b$ t"# law$#% so &a% as s"all b# 'ompatibl# wit" "is s#l&6%#sp#'t and wit" "is %ig"t to %#'#i*# %#asonabl# %#'omp#ns# &o% "is s#%*i'#s, and lawsuits wit" 'li#nts s"ould b# %#so%t#d to onl$ to p%#*#nt in-usti'#) imposition o% &%aud(: W"#n p%op#%) t"# law$#% 'an pu%su# -udi'ial a'tions to p%ot#'t o% 'oll#'t atto%n#$s &##s du# to "im( Ae /as t0o options= #( 'n t/e sa-e case( H# ma$ #n&o%'# "is atto%n#$s &##s b$ &iling an app%op%iat# motion o% p#tition as an in'id#nt in t"# main a'tion w"#%# "# %#nd#%#d l#gal s#%*i'#s( T"is is also to a*oid multipli'it$ o& suits( <u%t"#%) t"# 'ou%t t%$ing t"# main 'as# is t"# b#st position to d#t#%min# t"# natu%# and #.t#nt o& t"# law$#%s s#%*i'#s( Su'" a'tion "ow#*#% is not p%op#% i& t"# 'li#nt %#'o*#%#d not"ing in t"# main 'as#( T"# motion o% t"# p#tition must b# &il#d wit" t"# 'ou%t before t"# -udgm#nt "ad b##n satis&i#d o% b#&o%# t"# p%o'##ds w#%# d#li*#%#d to t"# 'li#nt( &( 'n a separate ci#il action= T"# law$#% ma$ also #n&o%'# "is atto%n#$s &##s b$ &iling an ind#p#nd#nt s#pa%at# a'tion &o% 'oll#'tion o& atto%n#$s &##s(

Ca&a$$ero *s' =ei4arine+ ;5 SCRA 2<; (201:3 T"# %ig"t o& a law$#% to %#'o*#% &%om "is 'li#nt a %#asonabl# 'omp#nsation &o% s#%*i'#s al%#ad$ p#%&o%m#d ma$ b# a&&#'t#d o% n#gat#d b$ mis'ondu't on "is pa%t) su'" as 'a%#l#ssn#ss o% n#glig#n'# in t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is duti#s) mis%#p%#s#ntation o% abus# o& t"# 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# o% un&ait"&uln#ss in %#p%#s#nting "is 'li#nts 'aus#( An inde4endent 7i*i$ a7tion to re7o*er attorne!s %ees is ne7essar! #here: 0( T"# main a'tion is dismiss#d o% not"ing is awa%d#d 1( T"# 'ou%t "as d#'id#d t"at it "as no -u%isdi'tion o*#% t"# a'tion o% "as al%#ad$ lost it

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3( 4( 5( >(

T"# p#%son liabl# &o% atto%n#$s &##s is not a pa%t$ to t"# main a'tion T"# 'ou%t %#s#%*#d to t"# law$#% t"# %ig"t to &il# a s#pa%at# 'i*il suit &o% %#'o*#%$ o& atto%n#$s &##s T"# sub-#'t s#%*i'#s a%# not 'onn#'t#d wit" t"# sub-#'t litigation T"# -udgm#nt d#bto% "as &ull$ paid t"# -udgm#nt '%#dito% and t"# law$#% "as not tak#n an$ l#gal st#p to "a*# "is &##s paid di%#'tl$ to "im &%om t"# -udgm#nt p%o'##ds(

The $a# 4rohi&its the 7har>in> o% attorne!s %ees in the %o$$o#in> 7ir7"mstan7es: (a! 9W"#n t"# #.#'uto% o% administ%ato% is an atto%n#$) "# s"all not '"a%g# against t"# #stat# an$ p%o&#ssional &##s &o% l#gal s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d b$ "im(: (Sec. 7, Rule 85, Rules of Court (b! 9Ao atto%n#$s &##s) n#gotiation &##s o% simila% '"a%g#s o& an$ kind a%ising &%om an$ 'oll#'ti*# ba%gaining n#gotiations o% 'on'lusions o& a 'oll#'ti*# ag%##m#nt s"all b# impos#d on an$ m#mb#% o& t"# 'ont%a'ting union( An$ 'ont%a't) ag%##m#nt o% a%%ang#m#nts o& an$ so%t to t"# 'ont%a%$ s"all b# null and *oid(: (par. ", *rt. +++G )abor Code, as a-ended Ao atto%n#$ pu%suing o% in '"a%g# o& t"# p%#pa%ation o& &iling o& an$ 'laim &o% b#n#&it und#% t"# p%o*isions o& t"# Labo% od# o& t"# +"ilippin#s %#lati*# to Emplo$##s omp#nsation s"all d#mand o% '"a%g# &o% "is s#%*i'# an$ &##) and an$ stipulation to t"# 'ont%a%$ s"all b# null and *oid( (*rt. +,(, )abor Code, as a-ended CANON B@ A (awyer sha(( +reser2e the *o#f"-e#*e a#- se*rets of h"s *("e#t e2e# after the attor#ey,*("e#t re(at"o# "s ter."#ate-3 Co#f"-e#*e & %#&#%s to in&o%mation b$ t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt p%i*il#g# ( Se*ret & %#&#%s to t"# ot"#% in&o%mation gain#d in t"# p%o&#ssional %#lations"ip t"at t"# 'li#nt "as %#gulat#d to b# "#ld in*iolat# o% t"# dis'losu%# o& w"i'" would b# #mba%%assing o% would lik#l$ b# d#t%im#ntal to t"# 'li#nt( R"$e 2<5+ Se7' -2 (&3+ RRC 9An atto%n#$ 'annot) wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& "is 'li#nt) b# #.amin#d as to an$ 'ommuni'ation mad# b$ t"# 'li#nt to "im) o% "is ad*is# gi*#n t"#%#on in t"# 'ou%s# o& p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt) no% 'an an atto%n#$s s#'%#ta%$) st#nog%ap"#%) o% 'l#%k "# #.amin#d) wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# 'li#nt and "is #mplo$##s) 'on'#%ning an$ &a't t"# knowl#dg# o& w"i'" "# "as b##n a'/ui%#d in su'" 'apa'it$(: 2is'losu%# o& 'li#nts id#ntit$) w"#n 'o*#%#d b$ t"# p%i*il#g# As a matt#% o& publi' poli'$) a 'li#nts id#ntit$ is not p%i*il#g#d( How#*#%) t"#%# a%# #.#mptions o& t"# %ul#) su'" as= 3( w"#%# a st%ong p%obabilit$ #.ists t"at %#*#aling t"# 'li#nts nam# would impli'at# t"at 'li#nt in t"# *#%$ a'ti*it$ &o% w"i'" soug"t t"# law$#%s ad*i'# 4( w"#%# dis'losu%# would op#n t"# 'li#nt to 'i*il liabilit$ 5( w"#%# t"# go*#%nm#nts law$#%s "a*# no 'as# against t"# 'li#nt unl#ss) b$ %#*#aling t"# 'li#nts nam#) t"# said nam# would &u%nis" t"# onl$ link t"at would &o%m t"# '"ain o& t#stimon$ n#'#ssa%$ to 'on*i't t"# 'li#nt T"# dut$ to p%#s#%*# t"# 'li#nts s#'%#ts a%is#s &%om t"# mom#nt t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt #stablis"#d( A 'li#nts 'ommuni'ation int#nd#d &o% a t"i%d pa%t$ is not p%i*il#g#d( Canon <1+ C6E It is t"# dut$ o& an atto%n#$ to di*ulg# t"# 'ommuni'ation o& "is 'li#nt as to "is announ'#d int#ntion to 'ommit a '%im# to t"# p%op#% aut"o%iti#s to p%#*#nt t"# a't o% to p%ot#'t t"# p#%son against w"om it is t"%#at#n#d( C$ar *s' @nited States+ -. 0 @'S' 2+ 11 L ed 00< (20<<3 %#lations"ip is

('!

57

W"il# a 'ommuni'ation %#lating to a &%aud al%#ad$ 'ommitt#d is p%i*il#g#d) a 'ommuni'ation s##king ad*i'# as to t"# 'ommission o& a &%aud o% t"# #stablis"m#nt o& a &als# 'laim is an #.'#ption to t"# p%i*il#g#( Hi$ado *' =a*id+ .: 6hi$'/;0 (20:03 ... ... T"#%# is al%#ad$ an atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip b#tw##n D%s( Hilado and Att$( <%an'is'o w"#n D%s( Hilado submitt#d "#% do'um#nts and ask#d &o% ad*is# and w"#n Att$( <%an'is'o ga*# "#% su'" ad*is#( D#%# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt oug"t to p%#'lud# t"# atto%n#$ &%om a''#pting t"# opposit# pa%t$s %#tain#% in t"# sam# litigation %#ga%dl#ss o& w"at in&o%mation was %#'#i*#d b$ "im &%om "is &i%st 'li#nt( @! Chi7o *' @nion Li%e+ -0 6hi$'2;< (202/3 ... ... T"# t#stimon$ o& plainti&&s 'ouns#l is not p%i*il#g#d( It in &a't 'on'#%ns t"# d#alings o& t"# plainti&&s atto%n#$ wit" a t"i%d p#%son( T"# *#%$ #ss#n'# o& t"# *#il o& s#'%#'$ is t"at su'" 'ommuni'ations a%# not int#nd#d &o% t"# in&o%mation o& t"i%d p#%sons o% to b# a't#d upon b$ t"#m) but &o% t"# pu%pos# o& ad*ising t"# 'li#nt as to "is %ig"ts( T"us) 'ommuni'ation mad# b$ a 'li#nt to "is atto%n#$ &o% t"# pu%pos# o& its b#ing 'ommuni'at#d to a t"i%d p#%son is #ss#ntiall$ in'onsist#nt wit" t"# 'on&id#ntial %#lation( )n re: Hami$ton+ -: 6hi$' 255 (202<3 A l#tt#% s#nt b$ law$#% to a p#%son soli'iting p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt &%om "im and *olunt##%ing in&o%mation is not a 'on&id#ntial 'ommuni'ation wit"in t"# m#aning o& t"# p%i*il#g#( Barton *s' Le!te As4ha$t Minera$ Oi$ CO'+ ;: 6hi$' 0<. (20-:3 Atto%n#$6'li#nt p%i*il#g# is not d#st%o$#d b$ t"# &a't t"at a t"i%d p#%son ma$ "a*# o*#%"#a%d a 'ommuni'ation int#nd#d to b# 'on&id#ntial no% b$ t"# 'i%'umstan'# t"at ot"#% atto%n#$s %#p%#s#nt#d t"# 'li#nt( "ut as to a t"i%d p#%son w"o ma$ "a*# o*#%"#a%d a 'on&id#ntial 'ommuni'ation) t"# p%i*il#g# do#s not as a %ul# appl$( @nited States *s' Ko*e$+ -0; A-d 02.+ ALR -d 22; (20;23 An #.p#%t su'" as an a''ountant) a s'i#ntist) an #ngin##% o% a p"$si'ian) w"o "as b##n "i%#d #it"#% b$ a 'li#nt o% an atto%n#$ &o% an #&&#'ti*# 'onsultation o% 'ommuni'ation b#tw##n atto%n#$ and 'li#nt) is 'o*#%#d b$ t"# p%i*il#g# and is p%#'lud#d &%om t#sti&$ing as to #*#n an$ in&o%mation a'/ui%#d in t"# 'ou%s# o& "is #mplo$m#nt( Bro#n *s' Saint 6a"$ Cit! R' Co'+ ;- NW-d ;.. (20;<3 T"# atto%n#$6'li#nt p%i*il#g# is int#nd#d p%ima%il$ &o% t"# p%ot#'tion o& t"# 'li#nt and in'id#ntall$ in 'onsid#%ation &o% t"# oat" and "ono% o& t"# atto%n#$( H#n'#) t"# 'li#nt is #ntitl#d p%ima%il$ to ass#%t t"# p%i*il#g#) and an$ ot"#% p#%son to w"om t"# p%i*il#g# #.t#nds 'annot b# 'omp#ll#d to dis'los# an$ 'on&id#ntial 'ommuni'ation wit"out 'ons#nt( A$eFander *s' @nited States+ 2<. C'S' </<+ <: L ed 0/: (2.023 A distin'tion s"ould b# d%awn b#tw##n a '%im# o% &%aud al%#ad$ 'ommitt#d b$ a 'li#nt on t"# on# "and and a '%im# o% &%aud b#ing 'ommitt#d o% is about to b# 'ommitt#d on t"# ot"#% "and( An$ 'ommuni'ation b$ a 'li#nt to "is 'ouns#l in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ wit" %#sp#'t to &o%m#% 'om#s wit"in t"# p%i*il#g# but not wit" %#&#%#n'# to t"# latt#%( Radiant B"rners *s' Ameri7an Bas Assn'+ s"4ra' T"# 'ommuni'ation must "a*# b##n t%ansmitt#d b$ a 'li#nt to an atto%n#$ &o% t"# pu%pos# o& s##king l#gal ad*i'#( Conse=uently) pap#%s and do'um#nts "and#d to an atto%n#$ &o% 'ustodial pu%pos#s onl$ o% &o% som# busin#ss o% p#%sonal s#%*i'#s and assistan'# do not %#/ui%# t"# '"a%a't#% o& a p%i*il#g#d 'ommuni'ation) and n#it"#% t"# 'li#nt no% t"# atto%n#$ 'an in*ok# t"# p%i*il#g# to p%#*#nt t"#i% dis'losu%#( Natam *s' Ca4"$e+ 02 6hi$' ;::+ (20/-3 T"# law$#%s dut$ to maintain in*iolat# "is 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# is p#%p#tual( It outlasts "is p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt and 'ontinu#s #*#n a&t#% t"# 'li#nts d#at" &o% p%o&#ssional 'on&id#n'# on'# %#pos#d 'annot b# di*#st#d b$ t"# #.pi%ation o& t"# p%o&#ssional %#lations"ip o% b$ t"# d#at" o& t"# 'li#nt( An atto%n#$ is &o%bidd#n a&t#% t"# s#*#%an'# o& t"# %#lation to do #it"#% o& two t"ings "# ma$ not do an$t"ing w"i'" will in-u%iousl$ a&&#'t "is &o%m#% 'li#nt no% ma$ "# at an$ tim# dis'los# o% us# against "im an$ knowl#dg# o% in&o%mation a'/ui%#d b$ *i%tu# o& t"# p%o&#ssional %#lations"ip( Ru(e B@3A@3 A (awyer sha(( #ot re2ea( the *o#f"-e#*e or se*rets of h"s *("e#ts e1*e+t a3 whe# author";e- 0y the *("e#t after a*9ua"#t"#' h". of the *o#se9ue#*es of the -"s*(osureI 03 whe# re9u"re- 0y (awI

58

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whe# #e*essary to *o((e*t h"s fees as to -efe#- h".se(f4 h"s e.+(oyees or asso*"ates or 0y >u-"*"a( a*t"o#

Art' -50' Betra!a$ o% Tr"st &! an attorne! or so$i7itor' Re*e$ation o% se7rets' In addition to t"# p%op#% administ%ati*# a'tion) t"# p#nalt$ o& prision correccional in its minimum p#%iod) o& a &in# %anging &%om +1JJ to +0JJJ) o% bot") s"all b# impos#d upon an atto%n#$ at law o% soli'ito% w"o) b$ an$ mali'ious b%#ak o& p%o&#ssional dut$ as an in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#) s"all p%#-udi'# "is 'li#nt) o% %#*#al an$ o& t"# s#'%#ts o& t"# alt#% l#a%n#d b$ "im in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$( T"# sam# p#nalt$ s"all b# impos#d upon an atto%n#$ at law o% soli'ito% w"o) "a*ing und#%tak#n t"# d#&#ns# o& a 'li#nt) o% "a*ing %#'#i*#d 'on&id#ntial in&o%mation &%om said 'li#nt in a 'as#) s"all und#%tak# t"# d#&#ns# o& t"# opposing pa%t$ in t"# sam# 'as#) wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# &i%st 'li#nt (*rt. +,9, RPC . A'B'A' O4' -5- Ma! -/+ 20:5 A law$#% w"o a'/ui%#d 'on&id#ntial 'ommuni'ation &%om a 'o%po%at# 'li#nt 'on'#%ning past w%ong&ul a'ts o& its 'o%po%at# o&&i'#%s ma$ dis'los# t"#m to its di%#'to%s but not to ot"#%s #.'#pt to p%#*#nt t"# 'ommission o& &%aud to d#&#nd "ims#l& against un-ust '"a%g#s( Sin'# a 'o%po%at# 'li#nt a'ts t"%oug" its boa%d o& di%#'to%s) dis'losu%# o& t"# latt#% would b# to t"# 'li#nt its#l& and not to a t"i%d pa%t$( Hami$ D Co' *s' En>$and+ /5 Mo' A44' <<. T"# 'li#nt 'annot also in*ok# t"# p%i*il#g#) i& t"# 'ommuni'ation %#la$#d to t"# law$#% in*ol*#s t"# 'ommission o& future &%aud o% '%im#( Canon <1+ C6E Enl#ss t"# %#*#lation b$ a law$#% o& "is 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# &alls und#% an$ o& t"# #.'#ptions) t"# dis'losu%# b$ a law$#% o& "is 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# o% its us# to "is ad*antag# o% to t"# disad*antag# o& t"# 'li#nt wit"out t"# latt#%s 'ons#nt 'onstitut#s b%#a'" o& t%ust su&&i'i#nt to wa%%ant imposition o& dis'iplina%$ san'tion against "im( A'B'A' O4s' 20 (,an' -<+ 20<53 and -/5 (,"ne -;+ 20:<3 An atto%n#$ suing a 'li#nt &o% atto%n#$s &##s ma$ also dis'los# o% us# t"# 'on&id#ntial 'ommuni'ation o& "is 'li#nt) i& su'" dis'losu%# o% us# is n#'#ssa%$ to #nabl# "im to s#'u%# "is %ig"ts( T"# 'li#nt ma$ not b# p#%mitt#d to tak# ad*antag# o& t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt p%i*il#g# to d#&#at t"# -ust 'laim o& "is law$#% g%owing out o& t"# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip( T"# atto%n#$ s"ould) "ow#*#%) a*oid an$ dis'losu%# w"i'" is not n#'#ssa%$ to p%ot#'t "is %ig"ts( Ru(e B@3AB3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 to the -"sa-2a#ta'e of h"s *("e#t4 use "#for.at"o# a*9u"re- "# the *ourse of e.+(oy.e#t4 #or sha(( he use the sa.e to h"s ow# a-2a#ta'e or that of a th"r- +erso#4 "n$ess the *("e#t w"th fu(( E#ow(e-'e of the *"r*u.sta#*es *o#se#ts thereto3

Orient )ns' Co' *s' Re*i$$a+ /: 6hi$' 020 (20<53 A 'li#nt ma$ wai*# t"# p%ot#'tion o& t"# p%i*il#g# #it"#% p#%sonall$ o% t"%oug" "is atto%n#$( His atto%n#$) %#tain#d in a 'as#) "as t"# impli#d aut"o%it$ to wai*# t"# p%i*il#g# 'on'#%ning an$ p%o'#du%al matt#% in*ol*#d in t"# 'as#) as b$ 'alling "is 'li#nt to t#sti&$ on a p%i*il#g#d 'ommuni'ation o% b$ int%odu'ing in #*id#n'# pa%t o& a p%i*il#g#d do'um#nt( Natan *s' Ca4"$e+ 02 6hi$' ;:5 I& t"# law$#% mak#s t"# p%o"ibit#d dis'losu%# ; t"at is) t"# %#*#lation do#s not &all und#% an$ o& t"# #.'#ptions ; "# will b# sub-#'t#d to dis'iplina%$ a'tion &o% b%#a'" o& t%ust( Canon <1+ C6E I& an atto%n#$ is a''us#d b$ "is 'li#nt o& mis'ondu't in t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is dut$) "# ma$ dis'los# t"# t%ut" in %#sp#'t to t"# a''usation) in'luding t"# 'li#nts inst%u'tions o% t"# natu%# o& t"# dut$ w"i'" "is 'li#nt #.p#'t#d "im to p#%&o%m( Si-ilarly) i& an atto%n#$ is '"a%g#d b$ a t"i%d p#%son in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is dut$ to "is 'li#nt) "# ma$ also dis'los# "is 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# %#lati*# t"#%#to( Ru(e B@3AC3 A (awyer sha(( #ot4 w"thout the wr"tte# *o#se#t of h"s *("e#t4 '"2e "#for.at"o# fro. the f"(es to a# outs"-e a'e#*y seeE"#' su*h "#for.at"o# for au-"t"#' stat"st"*a(4 0ooEEee+"#'4 a**ou#t"#'4 -ata +ro*ess"#'4 or a#y other s"."(ar +ur+ose3

59

Aot#= T"# 'li#nts 'ons#nt must b# in w%iting( 6eo4$e *s' S!,"7o+ ;: 6hi$' ;;1 Sin'# it "as b##n p%o*#n t"at t"# 'abin#t b#longs to a law$#% and t"at "# k##ps t"# %#'o%ds o& "is 'li#nt t"#%#in) t"# low#% 'ou%t 'annot o%d#% t"# op#ning o& said 'abin#t( To do so is in *iolation o& "is %ig"ts as an atto%n#$( It would b# tantamount to 'omp#lling "im to dis'los# "is 'li#nts s#'%#ts( Ru(e B@3AD3 Aot#= 2is'losu%# to &i%m pa%tn#%s o% asso'iat#s g#n#%all$ allow#d b#'aus# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt o& a law &i%m is #/ui*al#nt to %#tain#% o& m#mb#%s t"#%#o&( In a law &i%m) pa%tn#%s o% asso'iat#s usuall$ 'onsult on# anot"#% in*ol*ing t"#i% 'as#s and som# wo%k as a t#am( ons#/u#ntl$) it 'annot b# a*oid#d t"at som# in&o%mation about t"# 'as# %#'#i*#d &%om t"# 'li#nt ma$ b# dis'los#d to t"# pa%tn#%s o% asso'iat#s( Ru(e B@3A53 A (awyer sha(( a-o+t su*h .easures as .ay 0e re9u"re- to +re2e#t those whose ser2"*es are ut"(";e- 0y h".4 fro. -"s*(os"#' or us"#' *o#f"-e#*es or se*rets of the *("e#t3 T"# p%o"ibition against a law$#% &%om di*ulging t"# 'on&id#n'#s and s#'%#ts o& "is 'li#nts will b#'om# a &util# #.#%'is#) i& "is s#'%#ta%$ o% sta&& a%# gi*#n t"# lib#%t$ to do w"at is p%o"ibit#d o& t"# law$#%( Re4ort o% )B6 Committee+ 4' 220 T"# law$#% is oblig#d to #.#%'is# 'a%# in s#l#'ting and t%aining "is #mplo$##s so t"at t"# san'tit$ o& all 'on&id#n'#s and s#'%#ts o& "is 'li#nts ma$ b# p%#s#%*#d( Ru(e B@3AF3 A (awyer sha(( a2o"- "#-"s*reet *o#2ersat"o# a0out a *("e#ts affa"rs e2e# w"th .e.0ers of h"s fa."(y3 A (awyer .ay -"s*(ose the affa"rs of a *("e#t of the f"r. to +art#ers or asso*"ates thereof u#(ess +roh"0"te- 0y the *("e#t3

Aot #*#%$ m#mb#% o& t"# law$#%s &amil$ "as t"# p%op#% o%i#ntation and t%aining &o% k##ping 'li#nts 'on&id#n'#s and s#'%#ts( H#n'#) it is t"# b#tt#% p%a'ti'# &o% law$#%s to b# alwa$s 'a%#&ul and %#s#%*#d about t"# s#'%#ts o& t"#i% 'li#nts w"i'" t"#$ must k##p in*iolat#( Ru(e B@3AG3 A (awyer sha(( #ot re2ea( what he has 0ee# *o#su(te- a0out "# a +art"*u(ar *ase eF7e4t to a2o"- +oss"0(e *o#f("*t of "#terest3

I& a law$#% was 'onsult#d about a pa%ti'ula% 'as#) and i%%#sp#'ti*# o& w"#t"#% o% not "# was t"#%#a&t#% "i%#d as 'ouns#l) s"ould not %#*#al to ot"#%s t"# matt#% sub-#'t o& 'onsultation( R"$e 2/'5<+ C6R T"# #.'#ption is w"#n t"# law$#% will b# pla'#d in a situation o& %#p%#s#nting 'on&li'ting int#%#sts i& "# do#s not dis'los# 'onsultation( Ot"#%wis#) i& "# %#mains sil#nt) "# ma$ b# *iolating t"# %ul# against %#p%#s#nting 'on&li'ting int#%#sts( CANON BB A (awyer sha(( w"th-raw h"s ser2"*es o#(y for 'oo- *ause a#- u+o# #ot"*e a++ro+r"ate "# the *"r*u.sta#*es3 WITHDRAWAL )= LAW=ER GEAERALLY) a law$#% la'ks t"# un/uali&i#d %ig"t to wit"d%aw on'# "# "as tak#n a 'as#( BY "is a''#ptan'#) "# "as impli#dl$ stipulat#d t"at "# will p%os#'ut# t"# 'as# to 'on'lusion( T"is is #sp#'iall$ t%u# w"#n su'" wit"d%awal will wo%k in-usti'# to a 'li#nt o% &%ust%at# t"# #nds o& -usti'#( An EH E+TIOA) "ow#*#%) is "is %ig"t to %#ti%# &%om t"# 'as# b#&o%# its &inal ad-udi'ation) w"i'" a%is#s onl$ &%om= 0( T"# 'li#nts w%itt#n 'ons#nt o% 1( <o% a good 'aus# W%itt#n ons#nt o& t"# li#nt T"# wit"d%awal in w%iting o& a law$#% as 'ouns#l &o% a pa%t$) wit" t"# 'li#nts w%itt#n 'on&o%mit$) does not %#/ui%# t"# app%o*al o& t"# 'ou%t to b# #&&#'ti*#) especially i& t"# wit"d%awal is a''ompani#d b$ a &o%mal app#a%an'# o& a n#w 'ouns#l(

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WITHDRAWAL )= CLIENT A 'li#nt "as t"# %ig"t to dis'"a%g# "is atto%n#$ at an$ tim# wit" o% wit"out a 'aus# o% #*#n against "is 'ons#nt( T"# #.ist#n'# o% non6#.ist#n'# o& a -ust 'aus# is impo%tant onl$ in d#t#%mining t"# %ig"t o& an atto%n#$ to 'omp#nsation &o% s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d(

Some Limitations on C$ients Ri>ht to Withdra#= 0( W"#n mad# wit" -usti&iabl# 'aus# ) it s"all n#gat# t"# atto%n#$s %ig"t to &ull pa$m#nt o& 'omp#nsation 1( T"# atto%n#$ ma$) in t"# dis'%#tion o& t"# 'ou%t) int#%*#n# in t"# 'as# to p%ot#'t "is %ig"t to &##s 3( A 'li#nt ma$ not b# p#%mitt#d to abus# "is %ig"t to dis'"a%g# "is 'ouns#l as an #.'us# to s#'u%# %#p#at#d #.t#nsions o& tim# to &il# a pl#ading o% to ind#&init#l$ a*oid a t%ial Ca&i$do *s' Na*arro+ /: SCRA -; (201<3 T"# dis'"a%g# o& an atto%n#$ o% "is substitution b$ anot"#% wit"out -usti&iabl# 'aus# s"all not n#gat# t"# atto%n#$s %ig"t to &ull pa$m#nt o& 'omp#nsation as ag%##d in w%iting OR) in t"# abs#n'# o& a w%itt#n %#tain#%) to a %#asonabl# amount bas#d on =uantu- -erit( Aoti'# o& dis'"a%g#= It is not n#'#ssa%$ b#tw##n 'li#nt and atto%n#$( But inso&a% as t"# 'ou%t and t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ is 'on'#%n#d) t"# s#*#%an'# o& t"# %#lation o& atto%n#$ and 'li#nt is not #&&#'ti*# until= a noti'# o& dis'"a%g# b$ t"# 'li#nt o% a mani&#station 'l#a%l$ indi'ating t"at pu%pos# is &il#d wit" t"# 'ou%t and a 'op$ t"#%#o& s#%*#d upon t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$( I& t"# 'li#nt "as not &il#d a noti'# o& dis'"a%g#) t"# dut$ o& t"# atto%n#$) upon b#ing in&o%m#d b$ "is 'li#nt t"at "is s#%*i'#s "a*# b##n disp#ns#d wit") is to &il#= a noti'# o& wit"d%awal wit" t"# 'li#nts 'on&o%mit$ o% an appli'ation to %#ti%# &%om t"# 'as# "# b#ing %#l#as#d &%om p%o&#ssional %#sponsibilit$ onl$ a&t#% "is dismissal o% wit"d%awal is mad# o& %#'o%d( 6a$an7a *s' 6e7son+ 0: 6hi$' :20 (20/:3 T"# dis'"a%g# o& a law$#% b$ "is 'li#nt wit"out a *alid 'aus# b#&o%# t"# 'on'lusion o& t"# litigation do#s not n#gat# t"# law$#%s %ig"t to %#'o*#% pa$m#nt &o% "is s#%*i'#s( How#*#%) t"# dis'"a%g# ma$ o% ma$ not a&&#'t t"# amount o& 'omp#nsation d#p#nding upon t"# #.ist#n'# o% abs#n'# o& a *alid w%itt#n 'ont%a't &o% p%o&#ssional s#%*i'#s up to t"# dat# o& "is dismissal( Ro *s' NaHa#a+ -1 SCRA 2505 (20;03 A 'li#nt ma$ dismiss "is a'tion #*#n wit"out o% against t"# 'ons#nt o& "is 'ouns#l( But "# ma$ not) b$ taking su'" st#p) d#p%i*# "is 'ouns#l o& w"at is du# "im as atto%n#$s &##s &o% s#%*i'#s %#nd#%#d in t"# abs#n'# o& wai*#% on t"# pa%t o& "is law$#%( I& t"# dismissal o& t"# a'tion is in good &ait" and is bas#d on an "on#st b#li#& t"at t"# 'li#nt "as no *oid 'aus#) t"# law$#% ma$ %#'o*#% onl$ t"# %#asonabl# wo%t" o& "is s#%*i'#s) #.'#pt w"#n t"# &## is 'onting#nt in w"i'" 'as# t"#%# will b# no %#'o*#%$( I& on t"# ot"#% "and t"# dismissal o& t"# a'tion b$ t"# 'li#nt is in bad &ait" and is int#nd#d to d#&%aud t"# law$#% o& "is 'omp#nsation) t"# law$#% will b# #ntitl#d to &ull amount stipulat#d in a *alid w%itt#n 'ont%a't o%) in t"# abs#n'# o& su'" 'ont%a't) a %#asonabl# *alu# o& "is s#%*i'#s bas#d on =uantu- -eruit( T"# law$#%s 'ons#nt to t"# dismissal o& t"# a'tion do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ n#gat# "is %ig"t to 'omp#nsation unl#ss su'" 'ons#nt) in t"# 'i%'umstan'#s o& t"# 'as#) amounts to wai*#% o& "is %ig"t t"#%#to( Aram&"$o *'CA+ --. SCRA /.0 (200<3 ... ... Sin'# t"# wit"d%awal was wit" t"# 'li#nts 'ons#nt) no app%o*al t"#%#o& b$ t"# t%ial 'ou%t was %#/ui%#d b#'aus# a 'ou%t app%o*al is indisp#nsabl# onl$ i& t"# wit"d%awal is wit"out t"# 'li#nts 'ons#nt( End#% t"# &i%st s#nt#n'# o& Rul# 03@) S#'tion 1>) t"# %#ti%#m#nt is 'ompl#t#d on'# t"# wit"d%awal is &il#d in 'ou%t( Ao &u%t"#% a'tion t"#%#on b$ t"# 'ou%t is n##d#d ot"#% t"an t"# m#'"ani'al a't o& t"# 'l#%k o& 'ou%t o& #nt#%ing t"# nam# o& t"# n#w 'ouns#l in t"# do'k#t and o& gi*ing noti'# t"#%#o& to t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$( T"# &ailu%# o& t"# 'l#%k o& 'ou%t to do #it"#% do#s not a&&#'t t"# *alidit$ o& t"# %#ti%#m#nt( The a++eara#*e of the #ew *ou#se(4 Atty3 $"#e-a4 -"- #ot ("Eew"se re9u"re the a++ro2a( of the *ourt3 A# a++eara#*e .ay 0e .a-e 0y s".+(y f"("#' a for.a( .ot"o#4 +(ea or a#swer4 or throu'h the for.a( .etho-4 *iz34 0y -e("2er"#' to the *(erE of *ourt a wr"tte# -"re*t"o# or-er"#' h". to e#ter the a++eara#*e of the *ou#se(3

61

Ru(e BB3A@3

A (awyer .ay w"th-raw h"s ser2"*es "# a#y of the fo((ow"#' *ases a3 whe# the *("e#t +ursues a# "((e'a( or "..ora( *ourse of *o#-u*t "# *o##e*t"o# w"th the .atter he "s ha#-("#'I 03 whe# the *("e#t "#s"st that the (awyer +ursue *o#-u*t 2"o(at"2e of th"s *a#o#s a#- ru(esI *3 whe# h"s "#a0"("ty to worE w"th *o,*ou#se( w"(( #ot +ro.ote the 0est "#terest of the *("e#tI -3 whe# the .e#ta( or +hys"*a( *o#-"t"o# of the (awyer re#-ers "t -"ff"*u(t for h". to *arry out the e.+(oy.e#t effe*t"2e(yI e3 whe# the *("e#t -e("0erate(y fa"(s to +ay the fees for the ser2"*es or fa"(s to *o.+(y w"th the reta"#er a'ree.e#tI f3 whe# the (awyer "s e(e*te- or a++o"#te- to a +u0("* off"*eI '3 other s"."(ar *ases3

W"th-rawa( W"thout C("e#ts Co#se#t +%o'#du%# &o% Wit"d%awal= 0( A law$#% must &il# a p#tition &o% wit"d%awal in 'ou%t) 1( s#%*# a 'op$ o& t"is p#tition upon "is 'li#nt and t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ at l#ast 3 da$s b#&o%# t"# dat# s#t &o% "#a%ing Aot#= a( H# s"ould p%#s#nt "is p#tition w#ll in ad*an'# o& t"# t%ial o& t"# a'tion to #nabl# t"# 'li#nt to s#'u%# t"# s#%*i'#s o& anot"#% law$#%( b( I& t"# appli'ation is &il#d und#% 'i%'umstan'#s t"at do not a&&o%d a substitut# 'ouns#l su&&i'i#nt tim# to p%#pa%# &o% t%ial o% t"at wo%k p%#-udi'# to t"# 'li#nts 'aus#) t"# 'ou%t ma$ d#n$ "is appli'ation and %#/ui%# "im to 'ondu't t"# t%ial( * la0yer s/ould not presu-e t/at t/e court 0ill 1rant /is petition for 0it/dra0al ( Entil "is wit"d%awal s"all "a*# b##n p%o*#d) t"# law$#% %#mains 'ouns#l o& %#'o%d w"o is #.p#'t#d b$ "is 'li#nt as will as b$ t"# 'ou%t to do w"at t"# int#%#sts o& "is 'li#nt %#/ui%#( Mer7ado *s' @&a!+ 2.1 SCRA 1-5 An atto%n#$ is p%#sum#d to b# p%op#%l$ aut"o%i8#d to %#p%#s#nt an$ 'aus# in w"i'" "# app#a%s) and no w%itt#n pow#% o& atto%n#$ is %#/ui%#d to aut"o%i8# "im to app#a% in 'ou%t &o% "is 'li#nt( R"$e 2<.+ Se7tion -;+ R"$es o% Co"rt A law$#% ma$ also %#ti%# at an$tim# &%om an$ a'tion o% sp#'ial p%o'##ding wit"out t"# 'ons#nt o& "is 'li#nt s"ould t"# 'ou%t) on noti'# to t"# 'li#nt and t"# atto%n#$ and on "#a%ing) d#t#%min# t"at "# oug"t to b# allow#d to %#ti%#( T"# appli'ation &o% wit"d%awal must b# bas#d on a good 'aus#( Se7tion -2+ R"$e 2<.+ ROC I& 'ouns#l app#a%s in a 'as# wit"out an$ &o%mal noti'# o& app#a%an'# w"i'" usuall$ b#a%s t"# w%itt#n 'on&o%mit$ o& t"# 'li#nt) "# ma$ b# %#/ui%#d on Dotion o& a pa%t$ and on %#asonabl# g%ounds to p%odu'# o% p%o*# "is aut"o%it$ to app#a% &o% t"# 'li#nt( It is 'ont#mptuous to app#a% &o% a pa%t$ wit"out "a*ing b##n #mplo$#d as law$#%( AC"ino *s' B$an7o+ 10 6hi$' ;:1 A law$#% w"o is appoint#d as a Budg# o% Busti'# '#as#s to b# in p%a'ti'# b$ op#%ation o& law( T"# sam# %ul# appli#s to a law$#% w"o is appoint#d as <is'al w"o upon "is /uali&i'ation simultan#ousl$ '#as#s as 'ouns#l &o% t"is 'li#nt( H#n'#) noti'# to "im a&t#% "is /uali&i'ation is not noti'# to 'li#nt( =a$isa! *s' Bo!o+ CA8B'R' No':</208R Se4t' 2-+ 201: It is t"# dut$ o& t"# law$#% to in&o%m t"# 'ou%t) i& "# is appoint#d to a position w"i'" p%o"ibits p%a'ti'# o& law( / Am' ,"r' -.In t"# abs#n'# o& a %#tain#% &%om t"# p#%sonal %#p%#s#ntati*# o& "is d#'#as#d 'li#nt) t"# atto%n#$ "as) a&t#% t"# d#at" o& t"# latt#%) no &u%t"#% a'tion on b#"al& o& t"# d#'#as#d( Se7tion 2;+ R"$e <+ ROC

62

Epon t"# d#at" (in'apa'it$ o% in'omp#t#n'$! o& t"# 'li#nt) it is t"# dut$ o& t"# law$#% to in&o%m t"# 'ou%t imm#diat#l$ o& su'" #*#nt) and to gi*# t"# nam# and %#sid#n'# o& "is #.#'uto%) administ%ato%) gua%dian o% ot"#% l#gal %#p%#s#ntati*#((wit"in 3J da$s! ?isita7ion *s' Manit+ -1 SCRA /-< An atto%n#$ w"o 'ould not g#t t"# w%itt#n 'ons#nt o& "is 'li#nt must mak# an appli'ation to t"# 'ou%t) &o% t"# %#lation do#s not t#%minat# &o%mall$ until t"#%# is a wit"d%awal o& %#'o%d( ouns#l "as no %ig"t to p%#sum# t"at t"# 'ou%t would g%ant "is wit"d%awal and t"#%#&o%# must still app#a% on t"# dat# o& "#a%ing( Ri7onada Te$e4hone Com4an!+ in7' *s' B"en*iaJe+ 2.: SCRA 152 T"# %ig"t o& a 'li#nt to t#%minat# t"# aut"o%it$ o& "is 'ouns#l in'lud#s t"# %ig"t to mak# a '"ang# o% substitution at an$ stag# o& t"# p%o'##dings( &o be #alid, any suc/ c/an1e or substitution -ust be -ade3 a( upon w%itt#n appli'ation, b( upon w%itt#n 'ons#nt o& t"# 'li#nt, '( upon w%itt#n 'ons#nt o& t"# atto%n#$ to b# substitut#d, d( in 'as# t"# 'ons#nt o& t"# atto%n#$ to b# substitut#d 'annot b# obtain#d) t"#%# must b# at l#ast a p%oo& o& noti'# t"at t"# motion &o% substitution "as b##n s#%*#d upon "im in t"# mann#% p%#s'%ib#d b$ t"# %ul#s( Cortez *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ .< SCRA <2 T"# atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lation do#s not t#%minat# &o%mall$ until t"#%# is a wit"d%awal mad# o& %#'o%d, at l#ast so &a% as t"# opposit# t"# pa%t$ is 'on'#%n#d) t"# %#lation ot"#%wis# 'ontinu#s until t"# #nd o& t"# litigation( Enl#ss p%op#%l$ %#li#*#d) t"# 'ouns#l is %#sponsibl# &o% t"# 'ondu't o& t"# 'as#( Re: Heiri7h+ 2:5 NE-d .-/+ ;1 ALR-d .-1 (20/13 A 'ont%a't o& p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt t#%minat#s upon t"# d#at" o& an atto%n#$( <o% t"at %#ason) t"# p#%sonal %#p%#s#ntati*# o& t"# d#'#as#d atto%n#$ "as no %ig"t to assign p#nding 'as#s to anot"#% law$#% o& "is '"oi'# as t"# matt#% is &o% t"# 'li#nt to d#'id#( But t"# d#at" o& a pa%tn#% in a law &i%m do#s not s#*#%# t"# p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt b#tw##n t"# law &i%m and t"# 'li#nt) and t"# %#maining pa%tn#%s in t"# law &i%m 'ontinu# to assum# p%o&#ssional %#sponsibilit$ in t"# p#nding litigation( Ru(e BB3AB3 A (awyer who w"th-raws or "s -"s*har'e- sha((4 su0>e*t to a reta"#er ("e#4 "..e-"ate(y tur# o2er a(( +a+ers a#- +ro+erty to wh"*h the *("e#t "s e#t"t(e-4 a#- sha(( *oo+erate w"th h"s su**essor for the +ro+er ha#-("#' of the .atter3

/ Am' ,"r' <0A retainin1 lien is a passi*# li#n and ma$ not b# a'ti*#l$ #n&o%'#d( It amounts to a m#%# %ig"t to %#tain t"# pap#%s as against t"# 'li#nt until t"# law$#% is &ull$ paid( M!ers *s' Mi$$er+ 221 ALR 011 T"is is t"# #/uitabl# %ig"t o& t"# atto%n#$ to "a*# t"# &##s du# "im &o% s#%*i'#s in a pa%ti'ula% suit s#'u%#d b$ t"# -udgm#nt o% %#'o*#%$ in su'" suit( T"# ob-#'t o& t"is li#n is to p%ot#'t t"# 'laim on t"# &%uits o& t"# law$#%s labo%(

0( 1( 3(

4( 5(

RETAINING LIEN 2s3 Aatu%# +assi*# Li#n( It 'annot b# a'ti*#l$ #n&o%'#d( It is a g#n#%al li#n( Basis Law&ul poss#ssion o& pap#%s) do'um#nts) p%op#%l$ b#longing to 'li#nt( o*#%ag# o*#%s onl$ pap#%s) do'um#nts and p%op#%t$ in t"# law&ul poss#ssion o& t"# atto%n#$ b$ %#ason o& "is p%o&#ssional #mplo$m#nt( E&&#'ti*it$ As soon as t"# atto%n#$ g#ts poss#ssion o& t"# pap#%s do'um#nts o% p%op#%t$ Aoti'# li#nt n##d not b# noti&i#d to mak# it

CHARGING LIEN A'ti*# Li#n( It 'an b# #n&o%'#d b$ #.#'ution( It is a sp#'ial Li#n S#'u%ing o& a &a*o%abl# mon#$ -udgm#nt &o% t"# 'li#nt( o*#%s all -udgm#nts &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& mon#$ and #.#'utions issu#d in pu%suan'# o& su'" -udgm#nts( As soon as t"# 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s "ad b##n #nt#%#d into t"# %#'o%ds o& t"# 'as#( li#nt and ad*#%s# pa%t$ must b# noti&i#d to

63

>(

Appli'abilit$

#&&#'ti*# Da$ b# #.#%'is#d b#&o%# -udgm#nt o% #.#'ution o% %#ga%dl#ss t"#%#o&(

mak# it #&&#'ti*#( G#n#%all$) it is #.#%'isabl# onl$ w"#n t"# atto%n#$ "ad al%#ad$ s#'u%#d a &a*o%abl# -udgm#nt &o% "is 'li#nt(

Re9u"s"tes of a Reta"#"#' L"e# 0( t"#%# #.ists a 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip, 1( t"at t"# 'laims &o% atto%n#$s &##s a%# not satis&i#d, and 3( t"at 'ouns#l is in poss#ssion o& t"# sub-#'t pap#%s) do'um#nts and &unds( It is still %#/ui%#d t"at 4( "is possession be la0ful. Ot"#%wis#) t"# law$#% 'annot #.#%'is# "is %ig"t as a %#taining li#n( Re9u"s"tes of a Char'"#' L"e# 0( E.ist#n'# o& a 'li#nt6law$#% %#lations"ip, 1( <a*o%abl# -udgm#nt s#'u%#d b$ t"# 'ouns#l &o% "is 'li#nt w"i'" -udgm#nt is a -oney <ud1-ent, 3( Aoting into t"# %#'o%ds o& t"# 'as# t"%oug" t"# &iling o& an app%op%iat# motion o& t"# stat#m#nt o& t"# law$#%s 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s wit" 'opi#s &u%nis"#d to t"# 'li#nt and t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ Metro4o$itan Ban D Tr"st Com4an! *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2.2 SCRA <;1 A c/ar1in1 lien) to b# #n&o%'#abl# as s#'u%it$ &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& atto%n#$s &##s) %#/ui%#s as a 'ondition sine =ua non a -udgm#nt &o% mon#$ and #.#'ution in pu%suan'# o& su'" -udgm#nt s#'u%#d in t"# main a'tion b$ t"# atto%n#$ in &a*o% o& "is 'li#nt( A '"a%ging li#n p%#suppos#s t"at t"# atto%n#$ "as s#'u%#d a &a*o%abl# mon#$ -udgm#nt &o% "is 'li#nt( H.. ...( A '"a%ging li#n und#% S#'tion 3?) Rul# 03@ o& t"# R#*is#d Rul#s o& ou%t is limit#d onl$ to mon#$ -udgm#nts and not to -udgm#nts &o% t"# annulm#nt o& a 'ont%a't o% &o% d#li*#%$ o& %#al p%op#%t$ as in t"# instant 'as#( Sarmiento *s' Monta>ne+ : 6hi$' 2 (20/03 T"# %#taining li#n do#s not atta'" to &unds) do'um#nts and pap#%s w"i'" 'om# into t"# law$#%s poss#ssion in som# ot"#% 'apa'it$) su'" as an ag#nt o& t"# 'li#nts spous# o% as a mo%tgag## o% t%ust##( Mat"te *s' Mat"te+ << SCRA </ (20153 T"# atto%n#$s %#taining li#n) on'# it was law&ull$ atta'"#d to &unds) do'um#nts and pap#%s o& t"# 'li#nt) is un'ont#stabl#) and t"# 'ou%t ma$ not 'omp#l "im to su%%#nd#% t"#m wit"out p%io% p%oo& t"at "is &##s and disbu%s#m#nts "a*# b##n dul$ satis&i#d( Am4i$ *s' A>ra*a+ <: SCRA <15 (20153 I& "ow#*#%) it is indisp#nsabl# t"at t"# 'ou%t s"ould gain poss#ssion o& t"# do'um#nts t"at "a*# 'om# to t"# atto%n#$ and a%# "#ld b$ "im in t"# 'ou%s# o& "is #mplo$m#nt as 'ouns#l) o*#% w"i'" "# "as '"os#n to #.#%'is# "is %ig"t o& %#t#ntion) t"# 'ou%t ma$ %#/ui%# t"# su%%#nd#% t"#%#o& upon t"# 'li#nts posting o& an ad#/uat# bond o% s#'u%it$ to gua%ant## pa$m#nt o& t"# law$#%s &##s(

,es"s8A$ano *s' Tan+ 25; 6hi$' //: (20/03 T"# law$#% n##d not &il# an a'tion in 'ou%t to #n&o%'# "is %#taining li#n to %#'o*#% "is &##s and disbu%s#m#nts i& w"at "# %#tains in t"# #.#%'is# o& "is li#n %#&#%s to &unds o% mon#$ o& t"# 'li#nt t"at law&ull$ 'om#s into "is poss#ssion and t"# 'li#nt do#s not disput# "is 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s and t"# amount t"#%#o&( In su'" 'as#) t"# law$#% ma$ law&ull$ appl$ t"# 'li#nts &unds in satis&a'tion o& "is 'laim &o% atto%n#$s &##s and disbu%s#m#nts( Ma7ondra! D Co' *s' ,ose+ ;; 6hi$' /05 (20<.3 T"# atto%n#$s '"a%ging li#n tak#s pla'# &%om and a&t#% t"# tim# t"# atto%n#$ "as 'aus#d a noti'# o& "is li#n to b# dul$ #nt#%#d in t"# %#'o%d o& t"# 'as#( Cande$ario *s' CaHizares+ : SCRA 1<. (20;-3 S"ould t"# 'li#nt disput# t"# atto%n#$s %ig"t to o% t"# amount o& atto%n#$s &##s) t"# 'ou%t s"ould "#a% t"# pa%ti#s and d#t#%min# &%om t"# #*id#n'# submitt#d b$ t"#m t"# law$#%s %ig"t to a '"a%ging li#n as w#ll as t"# amount t"#%#o& b#&o%# it 'an o%d#% t"# %#'o%ding o& t"# li#n( @$anda! *s' Mani$a Rai$road Co'+ :/ 6hi$' /:5 (20-<3 T"# atto%n#$s '"a%ging li#n) on'# dul$ %#'o%d#d) atta'"#s to t"# -udgm#nt &o% t"# pa$m#nt o& mon#$ and t"# #.#'utions issu#d in pu%suan'# o& su'" -udgm#nt( It also atta'"#s to t"# p%o'##ds o& t"# -udgm#nt in &a*o% o& t"#

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'li#nt b#'aus# a -udgm#nt &o% mon#$ is onl$ as *aluabl# as t"# amount t"at ma$ b# %#ali8#d t"#%#&%om( It lik#wis# atta'"#s to t"# p%o'##ds o& a 'omp%omis# s#ttl#m#nt( T"# g#n#%all$ a''#pt#d %ul# is t"at an atto%n#$s '"a%ging li#n ma$ b# assign#d o% t%ans&#%%#d wit"out t"# p%#&#%#n'# t"#%#o& b#ing #.tinguis"#d #.'#pt w"#n t"# assignm#nt 'a%%i#s wit" it a b%#a'" o& t"# atto%n#$s dut$ to p%#s#%*# "is 'li#nts 'on&id#n'# in*iolat#(

LIA)ILITIES O: A LAW=ER )n re: ,"$ian T' 6"&$i7o+ 25- SCRA 1-D#mb#%s"ip in t"# Ba% is a p%i*il#g# bu%d#n#d wit" 'onditions( B$ &a%) t"# most impo%tant o& t"#m is mind&uln#ss t"at a law$#% is an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t( )n re 6arazo+ .- 6hi$' -<5 T"# l#gal p%o&#ssion unlik# an$ ot"#% 'alling is subs#%*i#nt to t"# 'ou%t( ou%ts "a*# t"# in"#%#nt pow#% to adopt p%op#% and ad#/uat# m#asu%#s to p%#s#%*# t"#i% int#g%it$ and %#nd#% possibl# &a'ilitat# t"# #.#%'is# o& t"#i% &un'tions( In'luding t"# in*#stigation o& '"a%g#s o& #%%o%) abus# o% mis'ondu't o& t"#i% o&&i'ials and subo%dinat#s) in'luding law$#%s( 6eo4$e *s' Andan+ CA8B'R' No' <21<8R+ Ma! 21+ 20:0 D#mb#%s"ip in t"# Ba% b#ing m#%#l$ a p%i*il#g#) t"# sam# ma$ b# susp#nd#d o% %#mo*#d &%om t"# law$#% &o% %#asons p%o*id#d in t"# Rul#s) law and -u%isp%ud#n'#( T"# a'tuations o& law$#%s a%# sub-#'t to s'%utin$ at all tim#s( T"# p%o&#ssional a'ti*iti#s as w#ll as t"# law$#%s p%i*at# li*#s) in so &a% as t"# latt#% ma$ %#&l#'t un&a*o%abl$ upon t"# good nam# and p%#stig# o& t"# p%o&#ssion and t"# 'ou%ts) ma$ at anyti-e b# t"# sub-#'t o& in/ui%$ b$ t"# p%op#% aut"o%iti#s( AD%INISTRATIVE LIA)ILITIES O: LAW=ERS To&ias *s' ?e$oso+ 255 SCRA 211 A war#"#') in o%dina%$ pa%lan'#) "as b##n d#&in#d as an Qa't o% &a't o& putting on# on "is gua%d against an imp#nding dang#%) #*il 'ons#/u#n'#s o% p#nalti#s) w"il# an a-.o#"t"o# %#&#%s to a g#ntl# o% &%i#ndl$ %#p%oo&) mild %#buk#) wa%ning o% %#mind#%) 'ouns#ling) on a &ault) #%%o% o% o*#%sig"t) an #.p%#ssion o& aut"o%itati*# ad*i'# o% Qwa%ning( &/ey are not considered as penalties ( A re+r".a#-4 on t"# ot"#% "and) is o& a mo%# s#*#%# natu%#) and "as b##n d#&in#d as a publi' and &o%mal '#nsu%# o% s#*#%# %#p%oo&) administ#%#d to a p#%son in &ault b$ "is sup#%io% o&&i'#% o% a bod$ to w"i'" "# b#longs( It is mo%# t"an -ust a wa%ning o% an admonition( Sus+e#s"o# is t"# t#mpo%a%$ wit""olding o& t"# law$#%s %ig"t to p%a'ti'# "is p%o&#ssion as a law$#% o& a '#%tain p#%iod o% &o% an ind#&init# p#%iod o& tim#( D"s0ar.e#t is t"# a't o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t in wit"d%awing &%om an$ atto%n#$ t"# %ig"t to p%a'ti'# law( T"# nam# o& t"# law$#% is st%i'k#n out &%om t"# Roll o& Atto%n#$s( And "# do#s not "a*# t"# %ig"t to put in "is nam# #*#n t"# p%#&i. 9Att$(:( A#it"#% 'an "# sign pl#adings #*#n i& "# do#s not p#%sonall$ app#a% in 'ou%t( Se7tion -1+ R"$e 2<.+ ROC E/o /as t/e po0er to discipline errant la0yersI T"# Sup%#m# ou%t "as t"# &ull aut"o%it$ and pow#% wa%n) admonis") %#p%imand) susp#nd and disba% a law$#%( Se7tion 2;+ R"$e 2<08B+ R"$es o% Co"rt T"# ou%t o& App#als and t"# R#gional T%ial ou%ts a%# also #mpow#%#d to wa%n) admonis") %#p%imand) and susp#nd an atto%n#$ w"o app#a%s b#&o%# t"#m &%om t"# p%a'ti'# o& law &o% an$ o& t"# 'aus#s m#ntion#d in S#'tion 1? o& Rul# 03@) RO ( But t"#$ 'annot disba% a law$#%( Ba$asa&as *s' AC"i$isan+ 25; SCRA :.0 An RT Budg# 'annot summa%il$ susp#nd a law$#% as punis"m#nt &o% 'ommitting an indi%#'t 'ont#mpt( T"at is not allow#d und#% S#'tion >) Rul# ?0 o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t( Ro!on> *s' O&$ena+ 1 SCRA ./0

65

T"# pow#% to susp#nd o% disba% a law$#% is <udicial in natu%# and 'an b# #.#%'is#d onl$ b$ t"# 'ou%ts( It 'annot b# d#&#at#d b$ t"# l#gislati*# o% #.#'uti*# d#pa%tm#nts( W"il# t"# l#gislatu%# ma$ p%o*id# in statut# t"at '#%tain a'ts ma$ %#/ui%# disba%m#nt) su'" statut# 'annot %#st%i't t"# g#n#%al pow#% o& t"# 'ou%t o*#% atto%n#$s w"o a%# its o&&i'#%s( A -"s0ar.e#t +ro*ee-"#' is a 'lass b$ its#l& (SJ' 2@6@R'S!( It "as t"# &ollowing *hara*ter"st"*s= 0( It is n#it"#% a 'i*il no% a '%iminal p%o'##ding( 1( 2oubl# -#opa%d$ 'annot b# a*ail#d o& in a disba%m#nt p%o'##ding against an atto%n#$( 3( It 'an b# initiat#d -otu propio b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t o% b$ t"# IB+( It 'an b# initiat#d wit"out a 'omplainant(

4( It 'an p%o'##d %#ga%dl#ss o& int#%#st o% la'k o& int#%#st o& t"# 'omplainants( I& t"# &a'ts p%o*#n so wa%%ant( 5( It is imp%#s'%iptibl#( >( It is 'ondu't#d 'on&id#ntiall$ b#ing 'on&id#ntial in natu%# until its &inal d#t#%mination( ?( It is its#l& du# p%o'#ss o& law( Sier*o *s' )n%ante+ 1< SCRA </ T"# pow#% to disba% atto%n#$s must alwa$s b# #.#%'is#d 0it/ 1reat caution and onl$ in 'l#a% 'as#s o& mis'ondu't w"i'" seriously a&&#'ts t"# standing and '"a%a't#% o& t"# law$#% as an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t and m#mb#% o& t"# Ba%( %a"# O0>e*t"2es of D"s0ar.e#t a#- Sus+e#s"o# 0( To 'omp#l t"# atto%n#$ to d#al &ai%l$ and "on#stl$ wit" "is 'li#nts, 1( To %#mo*# &%om t"# p%o&#ssion a p#%son w"os# mis'ondu't "as p%o*#d "im un&it to b# #nt%ust#d wit" t"# duti#s and %#sponsibiliti#s b#longing to t"# o&&i'# o& t"# atto%n#$, 3( To punis" t"# law$#% alt"oug" not so mu'" so as to sa&#gua%d t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#, 4( To s#t an #.ampl# o% a wa%ning &o% t"# ot"#% m#mb#%s o& t"# ba%, 5( To sa&#gua%d t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# &%om in'omp#t#n'# and dis"on#st$ o& law$#%s, >( To p%ot#'t t"# publi'( Grou#-s for Sus+e#s"o# or D"s0ar.e#t of %e.0ers of the )ar 0( d#'#it, 1( malp%a'ti'#) o% ot"#% g%oss mis'ondu't in o&&i'#, 3( g%ossl$ immo%al 'ondu't, 4( 'on*i'tion o& a '%im# in*ol*ing mo%al tu%pitud#,, 5( *iolation o& oat" o& o&&i'#, >( will&ul disob#di#n'# o& an$ law&ul o%d#% o& a sup#%io% 'ou%t, ?( 'o%%upt o% will&ul app#a%an'# as an atto%n#$ &o% a pa%t$ to 'as# wit"out aut"o%it$ to do so 0( DECEIT is a &%audul#nt and d#'#pti*# mis%#p%#s#ntation) a%ti&i'# o% d#*i'# us#d b$ on# o% mo%# p#%sons to d#'#i*# and t%i'k anot"#%) w"o is igno%ant o& t"# &a'ts to t"# p%#-udi'# and damag# o& t"# pa%t$ impos#d upon( T"#%# must b# &als# %#p%#s#ntation as a matt#% o& &a't(

Cases of DECEIT a( Disapp%op%iation o& 'li#nts &und (Capulon1 #s. *lino, ++ SCR* 491 b( <alsi&i'ation o& g%ad#s in t"# Ba% E.amination ('n re3 ?el Rosario, 5+ SCR* (99 '( Dan#u*#%ing %#'on*#$an'# o& p%op#%t$ in t"# nam# o& t"# law$#% inst#ad o& t"# 'li#nt in a 'as# in*ol*ing sal# wit" pa'to d# %#t%o ('-buido #s. $idel ;an1onan, 4 SCR* 76, 1( %AL$RATICE %#&#%s to an$ mal&#asan'# o% d#%#li'tion o& dut$ 'ommitt#d b$ a law$#%(

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LEGAL %AL$RACTICE 'onsists o& &ailu%# o& an atto%n#$ to us# su'" skill) p%ud#n'# and dilig#n'# as law$#%s o& o%dina%$ skill and 'apa'it$ 'ommonl$ poss#ss and #.#%'is# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& tasks w"i'" t"#$ und#%tak#) and w"#n su'" &ailu%# p%o.imat#l$ 'aus#s damag#) it gi*#s %is# to an a'tion in to%t (&an &eB "en1 #s. ?a#id, 1+6 SCR* (89 . Cases of %a(+ra*t"*e a( <ailu%# o& law$#% to app#al in allowing t"# p#%iod o& app#al to laps# (&o=uib #s. &o-ol, *d-. Case 6o. 554, .an. (, 1969 b( +%#pa%ation b$ a nota%$6publi' o& a &als# a&&ida*it (7da. ?e 2uerrero #s. Aernando, 68 SCR* 76 '( Abandonm#nt o& 'li#nts 'aus# ('n re3 Kan1er, 56 P/il. 691 3( I%%ORAL CONDUCT ; t"at 'ondu't t"at is will&ul) &lag%ant o% s"am#l#ss and w"i'" s"ows a mo%al indi&&#%#n'# to t"# opinion o& t"# good and %#sp#'tabl# m#mb#%s o& t"# 'ommunit$( It is di&&i'ult to stat# wit" p%#'ision and to &i. an in&l#.ibl# standa%d at w"at is 9g%ossl$ immo%al 'ondu't: o% to sp#'i&$ t"# mo%al d#lin/u#n'$ and obli/uit$ w"i'" %#nd#% a law$#% unwo%t"$ o& 'ontinuing as m#mb#% o& t"# 'ommunit$( In t"# 'as# o& Ar7i>a *s' Mani#an> (25; SCRA /023 ) m#%# intima'$ b#tw##n a law$#% and a woman wit" no imp#dim#nt to ma%%$ #a'" ot"#% *olunta%il$ 'o"abit#d and "ad two '"ild%#n) is n#it"#% so 'o%%upt as to 'onstitut# a '%iminal a't no% so unp%in'ipl#d as to wa%%ant disba%m#nt o% dis'iplina%$ a'tion against t"# man as a m#mb#% o& t"# ba%( 4( %ORAL TUR$ITUDE impo%ts an a't o& bas#n#ss) *il#n#ss o% d#p%a*it$ in t"# duti#s w"i'" on# p#%son ow#s to anot"#% o% to so'i#t$ in g#n#%al) w"i'" is 'ont%a%$ to t"# usual a''#pt#d and 'ustoma%$ %ul# o& %ig"t and dut$ w"i'" a p#%son s"ould &ollow(

Cr".es "#2o(2"#' %ora( Tur+"tu-e #sta&a) b%ib#%$) mu%d#%) bigam$) s#du'tion) abdu'tion) 'on'ubinag#) smuggling) &alsi&i'ation o& publi' do'um#nt)and *iolation o& B(+( 11 5( WILL:UL DISO)EDIENCE O: AN= LAW:UL ORDER OR SU$ERIOR COURT T"# %#sistan'# o% d#&ian'# to t"# o%d#% o& t"# 'ou%t must b# will&ul( A law$#% w"o is di%#'t#d to do som#t"ing) su'" as su%%#nd#% %#'o%ds) to app#a% as 'ouns#l d# o&i'io) to 'omm#nt on a matt#% p#nding wit" t"# 'ou%t) ma$ b# dis'iplin#d &o% will&ul disob#di#n'# o& t"# o%d#% (Santos *s' CA+ 20. SCRA .5;3' )n re: 6e$aez+ :: 6hi$' /;1 T"# g%ounds und#% t"# Rul#s a%# not #.'lusi*# and a%# so b%oad as to 'o*#% p%a'ti'all$ an$ mis'ondu't o& a law$#% in "is p%o&#ssional o% p%i*at# 'apa'it$( Morte$ *s' As4iras+ 255 6hi$' /<- (202.3 An$ mis'ondu't on t"# pa%t o& a law$#% in "is p%o&#ssional o% p%i*at# 'apa'it$ w"i'" s"ows "im to b# wanting in mo%al '"a%a't#% ma$ -usti&$ "is susp#nsion o% %#mo*al &%om o&&i'# #*#n t"oug" t"# law do#s not sp#'i&$ t"# a't as a g%ound &o% dis'iplina%$ a'tion( )n re: =iao+ 1 SCRA :1/ (20;<3 A law$#% ma$ b# disba%%#d &o% mis%#p%#s#ntation o& &als# p%#t#ns# %#lati*# to %#/ui%#m#nts &o% admission to p%a'ti'#( T"# &a't t"at a law$#% la'k#d an$ o& t"# /uali&i'ations &o% m#mb#%s"ip in t"# ba% at t"# tim# "# took "is oat" is a g%ound &o% "is disba%m#nt( )n re: Sotto+ <. 6hi$' /<- (202.3 T"# g#n#%al %ul# is t"at law$#% s"ould not b# susp#nd#d o% disba%%#d) and t"# 'ou%t ma$ not o%dina%il$ assum# -u%isdi'tion to dis'iplin# "im) &o% mis'ondu't in "is non6p%o&#ssional o% p%i*at# 'apa'it$( E/ere, /o0e#er, t"# mis'ondu't outsid# o& t"# law$#%s p%o&#ssional d#alings is so g%oss a '"a%a't#% as to s"ow "im to b# mo%all$ un&it &o% t"# o&&i'# and unwo%t"$ o& t"# p%i*il#g# w"i'" "is li'#ns# and t"# law 'on&#% on "im) t"# 'ou%t ma$ b# -usti&i#d in susp#nding o% %#mo*ing "im &%om t"# o&&i'# o& atto%n#$(

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Re!es *s' Won>+ ;< SCRA ;;1 (201/3 An a't o& p#%sonal immo%alit$ on t"# pa%t o& a law$#% in "is p%i*at# %#lation wit" t"# opposit# s#. ma$ put "is mo%al '"a%a't#% in doubt( Ao0e#er) to -usti&$ susp#nsion o% disba%m#nt) t"# a't must not onl$ b# immo%al) it must b# g%ossl$ immo%al as w#ll( A >ross$! immora$ a7t) is on# t"at is so 'o%%upt and &als# as to 'onstitut# a '%iminal a't o% so unp%in'ipl#d o% disg%a'#&ul as to b# %#p%#"#nsibl# to a "ig" d#g%##( $ROCEEDINGS :OR DIS)AR%ENT4 SUS$ENSION4 AND DISCI$INE O: ATTORNE=S I +%o'##dings &o% disba%m#nt) susp#nsion and dis'iplin# o& atto%n#$s ma$ b# tak#n b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t motu p%op%io o% b$ t"# IB+ upon t"# *#%i&i#d 'omplaint o& an$ p#%son I IB+ Boa%d o& Go*#%no%s ma$ motu p%op%io o% upon %#&#%%al b$ t"# S o% b$ a "apt#% Boa%d o& O&&i'#%s o% at t"# instan'# o& an$ p#%son) initiat# and p%os#'ut# p%op#% '"a%g#s against #%%ing atto%n#$s in'luding t"os# in go*#%nm#nt( T"# 'omplaint s"all #stat# 'l#a%l$ and 'on'is#l$ t"# &a'ts 'omplain#d o& and s"all b# suppo%t#d b$ a&&ida*its o& p#%sons "a*ing p#%sonal knowl#dg# o& t"# &a'ts t"#%#in all#g#d andMo% b$ su'" do'um#nts as ma$ substantiat# su'" &a'ts( Si. 'opi#s o& t"# *#%i&i#d 'omplaint s"all b# &il#d wit" t"# S#'%#ta%$ o& IB+ o% S#'%#ta%$ o& an$ o& its "apt#%s w"o s"all &o%t"wit" 'ommit t"# sam# to t"# IB+ Boa%d o& Go*#%no%s &o% assignm#nt to an in*#stigato%(

Off"*ers author";e- to I#2est"'ate D"s0ar.e#t Cases a( Sup%#m# ou%t) b( IB+ t"%oug" its ommission on Ba% 2is'iplin# o% aut"o%i8#d in*#stigato%s) and '( O&&i'# o& t"# Soli'ito% G#n#%al T"# ou%t o& App#als and R#gional T%ial app#a% &o% litigants in 'as#s p#nding b#&o%# t"#m( ou%ts 'an in*#stigat# and tak# a'tion onl$ against law$#%s w"o

$ro*e-ure "# D"s0ar.e#t a#- Other D"s*"+("#ary $ro*ee-"#'s 0( omplaint) in w%iting and dul$ swo%n to) is &il#d wit" t"# Sup%#m#

ou%t (sec.1

1( I& &ound m#%ito%ious) a 'op$ t"#%#o& s"all b# s#%*#d on t"# %#spond#nt and "# s"all b# %#/ui%#d to 'omm#nt wit"in 0J da$s o& s#%*i'# (sec. 6 3( Epon &iling o& %#spond#nts 'omm#nts o% #.pi%ation o& t"# p#%iod &o% &iling 'omm#nt) t"# Sup%#m# ou%t #it"#% %#&#%s to matt#% to t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato% (O A! &o% #*aluation) %#po%t) and %#'omm#ndation) o% assigns a Busti'# o& t"# ou%t o& App#als (i& %#spond#nt is an RT -udg#! o% a -udg# o& t"# RT (i& %#spond#nt is a -udg# o& an in&#%io% 'ou%t! to in*#stigat# and "#a% t"# '"a%g#s (sec.7 4( A&t#% "#a%ings) t"# in*#stigating -usti'# o% -udg# submits a %#po%t o& &indings o& &a't) 'on'lusions o& law and %#'omm#ndations to t"# Sup%#m# ou%t (sec.8 5( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t tak#s a'tion as t"# &a'ts and t"# law ma$ wa%%ant (sec. 9 ou%t s"all b#

+%o'##dings s"all b# p%i*at# and 'on&id#ntial but a 'op$ o& t"# d#'ision o% %#solution o& t"# atta'"#d to t"# %#'o%d o& t"# -udg# in t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato%( (sec. 11

Who *a# f"(e a -"s0ar.e#t *ase a'a"#st a (awyer? An$ p#%son agg%i#*#d b$ t"# mis'ondu't o& a law$#% ma$ &il# t"# 'o%%#sponding administ%ati*# 'as# wit" t"# p%op#% &o%um( O%) an$ p#%son #*#n i& not agg%i#*#d but w"o knows o& t"# law$#%s mis'ondu't) unlaw&ul o% un#t"i'al a't ma$ initiat# t"# p%o'##dings( A disba%m#nt 'as# in*ol*#s no p%i*at# int#%#sts( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t o% t"# IB+ ma$ -otu propio initiat# p%o'##dings w"#n t"#$ p#%'#i*# a'ts o& law$#%s w"i'" d#s#%*# san'tions o% w"#n t"#i% att#ntion is 'all#d b$ an$ on# and a p%obabl# 'aus# #.ists t"at an a't "as b##n p#n#t%at#d b$ a law$#% w"i'" %#/ui%#s dis'iplina%$ san'tions( Co#f"-e#t"a("ty of D"s0ar.e#t or Sus+e#s"o# $ro*ee-"#'s

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To a*oid t"# unn#'#ssa%$ %uin o& a law$#%s nam#) dis'iplina%$ p%o'##dings a%# di%#'t#d to b# 'on&id#ntial (o% 'los#d doo%! until t"#i% &inal d#t#%mination( %"t"'at"#' C"r*u.sta#*es "# D"s0ar.e#t 0( Good &ait" in t"# a'/uisition o& a p%op#%t$ o& t"# 'li#nt sub-#'t o& litigation, 1( In#.p#%i#n'# o& t"# law$#%, 3( Ag#, 4( Apolog$, 5( La'k o& int#ntion to slig"t o% o&&#nd t"# ou%t <3 A3 an RT -udg# d#signat#d b$ S dismiss t"# 'as#F to in*#stigat# administ%ati*# '"a%g# against DT -udg#

AO( T"# in*#stigating -udg#s aut"o%it$ is onl$ to in*#stigat#) mak# a %#po%t and %#'omm#ndation on t"# 'as# to b# submitt#d to t"# S &o% &inal d#t#%mination (Bra7iano *s' Se&astian+ -<2 SCRA /..3

Ea$di*ar *s' Sandi>an&a!an+ 2 Ae&' 20.0 <3 Is ind#&init# susp#nsion o& a law$#% a '%u#l punis"m#ntF A3 AO( Ind#&init# susp#nsion gi*#s t"# law$#% t"# k#$ to t"# %#sto%ation o& "is %ig"t b$ gi*ing "im a '"an'# to pu%g# "ims#l& in "is own good tim# o& "is 'ont#mpt o& mis'ondu't b$ a'knowl#dging "is mis'ondu't) #."ibiting app%op%iat# %#p#ntan'#) and d#monst%ating "is willingn#ss and 'apa'it$ to li*# up to t"# #.a'ting standa%ds %#/ui%#d o& #*#%$ law$#%(

S!nders Case+ 1; ALR ;;; 2isba%m#nt p%o'##dings ma$ b# an'"o%#d on a'ts 'ommitt#d in o% out o& 'ou%t( Lim *s' Antonio+ :2 SCRA :: onsid#%ing t"# s#%ious 'ons#/u#n'# o& disba%m#nt o% susp#nsion) it "as b##n 'onsist#ntl$ "#ld t"at 'l#a%l$ p%#pond#%ant #*id#n'# is %#/ui%#d to -usti&$ t"# imposition o& #it"#% p#nalt$( )n re: =e B"zman+ // SCRA 2<0 In disba%m#nt p%o'##dings) t"# bu%d#n o& p%oo& %#sts upon t"# 'omplaint( To b# mad# t"# basis &o% susp#nsion o% disba%m#nt o& law$#%) t"# '"a%g# against "im must b# #stablis"#d b$ 'on*in'ing p%oo&( T"# %#'o%d must dis'los# as &%## &%om doubt 'as# w"i'" 'omp#ls t"# #.#%'is# b$ t"is ou%t o& its dis'iplina%$ pow#%s( T"# dubious '"a%a't#% o& t"# a't don# as w#ll as t"# moti*ation t"#%#o& must b# 'l#a%l$ d#monst%at#d( Bo$i*er *s' Sim&o$+ 2; SCRA ;-< An$ p#%son ma$ b%ing to t"is ou%ts att#ntion t"# mis'ondu't o& an$ law$#%) and a'tion will usuall$ b# tak#n %#ga%dl#ss o& int#%#st o% la'k o& int#%#st o& t"# 'omplainant) i& t"# &a'ts p%o*#n so wa%%ant( T"# pow#% to dis'iplin# law$#%s o& t"# 'ou%t ; ma$ not b# 'ut s"o%t b$ a 'omp%omis# and wit"d%awal o& '"a%g#s( Morte$ *s' As4iras+ 255 6hi$' /.; In a disba%m#nt p%o'##ding) it is immat#%ial t"at t"# 'omplainant is in pari delicto b#'aus# t"is is not a p%o'##ding to g%ant %#li#& to t"# 'omplainant) but on# to pu%g# t"# law p%o&#ssion o& unwo%t"$ m#mb#%s) to p%ot#'t t"# publi' and t"# 'ou%ts( A44$i7a&i$it! o% the R"$e o% 6reJ"di7ia$ O"estion+ #hen 4ro4er I& t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# 'omplaint is also t"# sub-#'t o& o% is int#%twin#d in t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& anot"#% p#nding 'as#) and t"# %#solution o& w"i'" is d#t#%minati*# o& t"# guilt o% inno'#n'# o& t"# %#spond#nt in t"# disba%m#nt 'as#) t"# disba%m#nt p%o'##dings ma$ b# dismiss#d &o% b#ing p%#matu%# o% it ma$ b# "#ld in ab#$an'# p#nding t"# &inal d#t#%mination o& t"# ot"#% 'as#( $r"#*"+(e of Res I+sa Lo9u"tor A++("*a0(e to Lawyers a#- Ju-'es 6eo4$e *s' ?a$enz"e$a+ 2</ SCRA 12End#% t"is p%in'ipl#) -udg#s "ad b##n dismiss#d &%om t"# s#%*i'# wit"out n##d o& &o%mal in*#stigation b#'aus# bas#d on t"# %#'o%ds) t"# g%oss mis'ondu't o& in#&&i'i#n'$ o& t"# -udg#s 'l#a%l$ app#a%s( 6r"dentia$ Ban *s' Castro+ 2/; SCRA ;5:

69

T"# sam# p%in'ipl# "ad b##n appli#d to law$#%s( T"us) i& on t"# basis o& t"# law$#%s 'omm#nt o% answ#% to a s"ow6'aus# O%d#% o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( It app#a%s t"at t"# law$#% "as so 'ondu't#d "ims#l& in a mann#% w"i'" #."ibits "is blatant dis%#sp#'t to t"# ou%t) o% "is want o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% o& "is *iolation o& t"# atto%n#$s oat") t"# law$#% ma$ b# susp#nd#d o% disba%%#d wit"out n##d o& a t%ial6t$p# p%o'##ding( E::ECTS O: $ARDON )n re: Ro*ero+ 252 SCRA .5< I& du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ o& a disba%m#nt p%o'##ding) t"# %#spond#nt was g%ant#d #.#'uti*# pa%don) t"# dismissal o& t"# 'as# on t"at sole basis will d#p#nd on w"#t"#% t"# #.#'uti*# pa%don is absolut# o% 'onditional( I& t"# pa%don is absolut# o% un'onditional) t"# disba%m#nt 'as# will b# dismiss#d( How#*#%) i& t"# #.#'uti*# pa%don is 'onditional) t"# disba%m#nt 'as# will not b# dismiss#d on t"# basis t"#%#o&( -3 0y the *o.+(a"#a#t Cordo*a *' Cordo*a+ 210 SCRA ;.5 (20.0! T"# most %#'#nt %#'on'iliation b#tw##n 'omplainant and %#spond#nt do#s not #.'us# and wip# awa$ t"# mis'ondu't and immo%al b#"a*io% o& %#spond#nt 'a%%i#d out in publi') and n#'#ssa%il$ ad*#%s#l$ %#&l#'ting upon "im as a m#mb#% o& t"# Ba% and upon t"# +"ilippin# Ba% its#l&( An appli'ant &o% admission to m#mb#%s"ip in t"# ba% is %#/ui%#d to s"ow t"at "# is poss#ss#d o& good mo%al '"a%a't#%( T"at %#/ui%#m#nt is not #."aust#d and disp#ns#d wit" upon admission to m#mb#%s"ip in t"# ba%( On t"# 'ont%a%$) t"at %#/ui%#m#nt p#%sists as a 'ontinuing 'ondition &o% m#mb#%s"ip in t"# Ba% in good standing( e3 0y the state @78throu'h a0so(ute +ar-o# )n re: Lonto W"#%# p%o'##dings to st%ik# an atto%n#$s nam# &%om t"# %olls a%# &ound#d on) and d#p#nd alon#) on a statut# making t"# &a't o& 'on*i'tion &o% a &#lon$ g%ound &o% disba%m#nt) it "as b##n "#ld t"at a pa%don op#%at#s to wip# out t"# 'on*i'tion and is a ba% to an$ p%o'##ding &o% disba%m#nt o& t"# atto%n#$ a&t#% t"# pa%don "as b##n g%ant#d( But w"#%# p%o'##dings to disba% an atto%n#$ a%# &ound#d on t"# p%o&#ssional mis'ondu't in*ol*#d in a t%ansa'tion w"i'" "as 'ulminat#d in a 'on*i'tion o& &#lon$) it "as b##n "#ld t"at w"il# t"# #&&#'t o& pa%don is to %#li#*# "im o& t"# p#nal 'ons#/u#n'#s o& "is a't) it do#s op#%at# to 'onstitut# p%oo& t"at t"# atto%n#$ do#s not poss#ss a good mo%al '"a%a't#% and is not a &it o% p%op#% p#%son to %#tain "is li'#ns# to p%a'ti'# law( B78throu'h *o#-"t"o#a( +ar-o# )n re: B"ttierez+ / SCRA ;;2 (20;-3 T"# pa%don g%ant#d to %#spond#nt "#%# is not absolut# but 'onditional) and t"#$ m#%#l$ %#mitt#d t"# un#.#'ut#d po%tion o& "is t#%m( It do#s not %#a'" t"# o&&#ns# its#l&( REINSTATE%ENT Re"#state.e#t4 Co#*e+t In disba%m#nt p%o'##dings) %#instat#m#nt m#ans t"# %#sto%ation to a disba%%#d law$#%) t"# p%i*il#g# to p%a'ti'# law( It is not"ing mo%# t"an %#admission to m#mb#%s"ip in t"# Ba%( To b# %#instat#d) t"#%# is still a n##d &o% t"# &iling o& an app%op%iat# p#tition wit" t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( C"i *s' C"i+ 22 SCRA 1// R#instat#m#nt to t"# %oll o& atto%n#$s wip#s out t"# %#st%i'tions and disabiliti#s %#sulting &%om a p%#*ious disba%m#nt( )n re: ?ai$o7es+ 221 SCRA 2 (20.-3 . . . T%u# it is t"at pl#na%$ pa%don #.t#nd#d to "im b$ t"# +%#sid#nt do#s not its#l& wa%%ant "is %#instat#m#nt( 9E*id#n'# o& %#&o%mation is %#/ui%#d b#&o%# appli'ant is #ntitl#d to %#instat#m#nt) notwit"standing t"# atto%n#$ "as %#'#i*#d a pa%don &ollowing "is 'on*i'tion) and t"# %#/ui%#m#nt o& %#instat#m#nt "ad b##n "#ld to b# t"# sam# as &o% o%iginal admission to t"# ba%) #.'#pt t"at t"# 'ou%t ma$ %#/ui%# a g%#at#% d#g%## o& p%oo& t"an in an o%iginal #*id#n'#(: )n re: Ro*ero+ s"4ra'

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To b# %#instat#d to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law) it is n#'#ssa%$ t"at t"# %#spond#nt must lik# an$ ot"#% 'andidat# &o% admission to t"# ba%) satis&$ t"# ou%t t"at "# is a p#%son o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% and a &it and p%op#% p#%son to p%a'ti'# law( 6ote in all cases= Good mo%al '"a%a't#% is not onl$ a 'ondition p%#'#d#nt to admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law but is a 'ontinuing %#/ui%#m#nt( What .ust 0e -eter."#e- "# a# a++("*at"o# for re"#state.e#t? )n re: R"siana+ /; SCRA -:5 T"# sol# ob-#'t o& t"# 'ou%t upon an appli'ation &o% %#instat#m#nt to p%a'ti'#) b$ on# p%#*iousl$ disba%%#d) is to d#t#%min# w"#t"#% o% not t"# appli'ant "as satis&i#d and 'on*in'#d t"# ou%t b$ positi*# #*id#n'# t"at t"# #&&o%t "# "as mad# towa%d t"# %#"abilitation o& "is '"a%a't#% "as b##n su''#ss&ul) and t"#%#&o%#) "# is #ntitl#d to b# %#admitt#d to a p%o&#ssion w"i'" is int%insi'all$ an o&&i'# o& t%ust( Cr"ter"o# for Re"#state.e#t 6r"dentia$ Ban *s' BenJamin Bre7ia+ 20- SCRA <.2 T"# '%it#%ion &o% %#instat#m#nt "as b##n stat#d as &ollows= W"#t"#% o% not t"# appli'ant s"all b# %#instat#d %#sts to a g%#at #.t#nt in t"# sound dis'%#tion o& t"# 'ou%t( T"# 'ou%t a'tion will d#p#nd) g#n#%all$ sp#aking) on w"#t"#% o% not it d#'id#s t"at t"# publi' int#%#st in t"# o%d#%l$ and impa%tial administ%ation o& -usti'# will b# 'ons#%*#d b$ t"# appli'ants pa%ti'ipation t"#%#in in t"# 'apa'it$ o& an atto%n#$ and 'ouns#l at law( T"# appli'ant must) lik# a 'andidat# &o% admission to t"# Ba%) satis&$ t"# ou%t t"at "# is a p#%son o& good mo%al '"a%a't#% ; a &it and p%op#% p#%son to p%a'ti'# law( T"# ou%t will tak# into 'onsid#%ation t"# appli'ants '"a%a't#% and standing p%io% to t"# disba%m#nt) t"# natu%# and '"a%a't#% o& t"# '"a%g# &o% w"i'" "# was disba%%#d) "is 'ondu't subs#/u#nt to t"# disba%m#nt) and t"# tim# t"at "as #laps#d b#tw##n t"# disba%m#nt and t"# appli'ation &o% %#instat#m#nt( CONTE%$T O: COURT )n re: Ke$$!+ </ 6hi$' 0:: (202;3 T"# pow#% to punis" &o% 'ont#mpt o% to 'ont%ol) in t"# &u%t"#%an'# o& -usti'#) t"# 'ondu't o& minist#%ial o&&i'#%s o& t"# 'ou%t) in'luding law$#%s and all ot"#% p#%sons in an$ mann#% 'onn#'t#d wit" a 'as# b#&o%# it) is in"#%#nt in all 'ou%ts( KINDS O: CONTE%$T 0( D"re*t *o#te.+t) w"i'" is punis"#d summa%il$) 'onsists o& misb#"a*io% in t"# p%#s#n'# o& o% so n#a% a 'ou%t o% -udg# as to int#%%upt o% obst%u't t"# p%o'##dings b#&o%# t"# 'ou%t o% t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( 1( An "#-"re*t o% *o#stru*t"2e *o#te.+t is on# 'ommitt#d awa$ &%om t"# 'ou%t in*ol*ing disob#di#n'# o% %#sistan'# to a law&ul w%it) p%o'#ss) o%d#%) -udgm#nt o% 'ommand o& 'ou%t) o% t#nding to b#littl#) d#g%ad#) obst%u't) int#%%upt o% #mba%%ass t"# 'ou%t( 3( A *"2"( *o#te.+t is t"# &ailu%# to do som#t"ing o%d#%#d b$ t"# 'ou%t w"i'" is &o% t"# b#n#&it o& a pa%t$( 4( A *r"."#a( *o#te.+t 'onsists o& an$ 'ondu't di%#'t#d against t"# aut"o%it$ o% dignit$ o& t"# 'ou%t( In a di%#'t 'ont#mpt) no &o%mal '"a%g# is n#'#ssa%$ and t"# p%o'##ding is summa%$ in natu%#( A punis"m#nt &o% di%#'t 'ont#mpt b$ a sup#%io% 'ou%t is not app#alabl#) but ma$ b# %#*i#w#d onl$ on a p#tition &o% '#%tio%a%i on t"# g%ound o& g%a*# abus# o& dis'%#tion o% o& la'k o& -u%isdi'tion on t"# pa%t o& t"# -udg#( In an$ indi%#'t 'ont#mpt) t"# law %#/ui%#s t"at t"#%# b# a '"a%g# in w%iting dul$ &il#d in 'ou%t and an oppo%tunit$ to t"# p#%son '"a%g#d to b# "#a%d b$ "ims#l& o% 'ouns#l( T"# '"a%g# ma$ b# mad# b$ t"# &is'al) b$ t"# -udg# o% #*#n b$ a p%i*at# p#%son( An o%d#% b$ t"# 'ou%t %#/ui%ing a p#%son to s"ow 'aus# w"$ "# s"ould not b# 'it#d &o% 'ont#mpt &o% som# 'ontuma'ious a'ts and gi*ing "im &ull oppo%tunit$ to app#a% and d#&#nd "ims#l& is su&&i'i#nt( A &o%mal in&o%mation b$ t"# p%os#'uting o&&i'#% is not n#'#ssa%$( ACTS CONSTITUTING CONTE%$T 0( misb#"a*io% as an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t, 1( disob#di#n'# o& %#sistan'# to a law&ul o%d#% o& t"# 'ou%t, 3( abus# o& o% unlaw&ul int#%&#%#n'# wit" t"# -udi'ial p%o'##dings, 4( obst%u'tion in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#, 5( misl#ading t"# 'ou%ts o% making &als# all#gations, >( '%iti'isms) insults o% *#il#d t"%#ats against t"# 'ou%t, ?( aiding in t"# unaut"o%i8#d p%a'ti'# o& law , @( unlaw&ul %#t#ntion o& t"# 'li#nts &unds, and

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7( ad*ising "is 'li#nt to 'ommit) as t"# 'li#nt b$ su'" ad*i'# did 'ommit) a 'ont#mptuous a't +EAISHDEAT= A law$#% &ound guilt$ o& 'ont#mpt o& 'ou%t ma$ b# p#nali8#d b$ <IAE) ID+RISOADEAT o% BOTH in t"# dis'%#tion o& t"# 'ou%t( Proof of actual da-a1e not needed= +%oo& o& a'tual damag# sustain#d b$ a 'ou%t o& t"# -udi'ia%$ in g#n#%al is AOT #ss#ntial &o% a &inding o& 'ont#mpt) o% &o% t"# appli'ation o& t"# dis'iplina%$ aut"o%it$ o& t"# ou%t, w"at is at stak# in 'as#s o& t"is kind is t"# IATEGRITY o& t"# -udi'ial institutions o& t"# 'ount%$ in g#n#%al) and o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t in pa%ti'ula%( (Ea$di*ar *' Bonza$es+ 2;; SCRA <2;+ O7to&er 1+ 20..3 CIVIL LIA)ILITIES Art' <-+ Ci*i$ Code An$ publi' o&&i'#% o% #mplo$## o% an$ p%i*at# indi*idual) w"o di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ obst%u'ts) d#&#ats and *iolat#s o% in an$ mann#% imp#d#s o% impai%s t"# 'i*il %ig"ts and lib#%ti#s o& p#%sons s"all b# liabl# &o% damag#s( A$7a$a *s' =e ?era+ /; SCRA <5 (201:3 All t"at is %#/ui%#d o& a law$#%) in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s to "is 'li#nt) is to #.#%t t"at d#g%## o& *igilan'# and att#ntion #.p#'t#d o& a good &at"#% o& a &amil$) o% su'" d#g%## o& 'a%# and o%dina%$ dilig#n'# as an$ m#mb#% o& t"# ba% simila%l$ situat#d is #.p#'t#d to #.#%'is#( )saa7 *s' Mendoza+ .0 6hi$' -10 (20/23 A 'li#nt is bound b$ t"# a'ts) #*#n mistak#s) o& "is 'ouns#l in t"# %#alm o& p%o'#du%al t#'"ni/u#( How#*#%) i& t"# 'li#nt is p%#-udi'#d b$ "is law$#%s n#glig#n'# o% mis'ondu't) "# ma$ %#'o*#% damag#s against "is 'ouns#l) pro#ided t/e follo0in1 re=uisites are present3 0( atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip, 1( want o& %#asonabl# 'a%# and dilig#n'#, and 3( in-u%$ sustain#d b$ t"# 'li#nt as t"# p%o.imat# %#sult t"#%#o& =aro! *s' Le>as4i+ ;/ SCRA (201/3 T"# law$#% is und#% obligation to mak# an a''ounting o& su'" &unds t"at 'om# into "is poss#ssion( His &ailu%# to %#tu%n t"# 'li#nts mon#$ o% p%op#%t$ a&t#% d#mand gi*#s %is# to t"# p%#sumption t"at "# "as misapp%op%iat#d t"# sam# to "is p#%sonal b#n#&it and mak#s "im 'i*ill$ liabl# in &a*o% o& t"# 'li#nt) apa%t &%om "is '%iminal o% administ%ati*# %#sponsibilit$ a%ising t"#%#&%om( LI)EL T"# g#n#%all$ a''#pt#d %ul# is t"at law$#%s a%# #.#mpt#d &%om liabilit$ &o% lib#l o% sland#% &o% wo%ds) ot"#%wis# d#&amato%$) publis"#d in t"# 'ou%s# o& -udi'ial p%o'##dings) p%o*id#d t"at t"# stat#m#nts a%# 'onn#'t#d wit") o% %#l#*ant) p#%tin#nt) mat#%ial to) t"# 'aus# in "and o% t"# sub-#'t o& in/ui%$( <3 Diss Da%allag) t"%oug" 'ouns#l) &il#d a p#tition &o% t"# issuan'# o& t"# w%it o& p%#limina%$ in-un'tion) #n-oining D%( a-u'om &%om #n&o%'ing t"# w%it o& #.#'ution awa%d#d b$ t"# low#% 'ou%t in a 'as# o& &o%'ibl# #nt%$ against t"# latt#%( T"# S d#ni#d t"# p#tition( In t"# Dotion &o% R#'onsid#%ation) t"# 'ouns#l o& Ds( Da%allag in "#% pl#ading all#g#d lib#lous stat#m#nt against t"# S -usti'#s) w"i'" stat#m#nts w#%# i%%#l#*ant to t"# p#tition( Was t"# mo*# o& t"# 'ouns#l p%op#%F E.plain( AO( T"# g#n#%all$ a''#pt#d %ul# is t"at law$#%s a%# #.#mpt#d &%om liabilit$ &o% lib#l o% sland#% &o% wo%ds) ot"#%wis# d#&amato%$) publis"#d in t"# 'ou%s# o& -udi'ial p%o'##dings) p%o*id#d t"at t"# stat#m#nts a%# 'onn#'t#d wit") %#l#*ant) p#%tin#nt o% mat#%ial to) t"# 'aus# in "and o% t"# sub-#'t o& in/ui%$( In o%d#% t"at t"# matt#% all#g#d in a pl#ading ma$ b# p%i*il#g#d) it n##d not b# in #*#%$ 'as# mat#%ial to t"# issu#s p%#s#nt#d b$ t"# pl#adings( T"# pl#adings s"ould 'ontain but plain and 'on'is# stat#m#nt o& t"# mat#%ial &a'ts) and i& t"# pl#ad#% go#s b#$ond t"# %#/ui%#m#nts o& t"# law and all#g#s i%%#l#*ant matt#% w"i'" is lib#lous) "# los#s "is p%i*il#g#( ()n re: La"reta+ 2:. SCRA :--3 CRI%INAL LIA)ILIT= Art' -50+ R6C

A3

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A law$#% w"o) &o% an$ mali'ious b%#a'" o& p%o&#ssional dut$ o% in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#) s"all p%#-udi'# "is 'li#nt o% %#*#al an$ o& t"# s#'%#ts o& t"# latt#% l#a%n#d b$ "im in "is p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$) ma$ b# "#ld '%iminall$ liabl# t"#%#&o%( &0o acts are penaliFed, to 0it3 a( 'ausing p%#-udi'# to 'li#nt t"%oug" mali'ious b%#a'" o& p%o&#ssional dut$ o% t"%oug" in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#) and b( %#*#aling t"# 'li#nts s#'%#t l#a%n#d in t"# law$#%s p%o&#ssional 'apa'it$ t"%oug" mali'ious b%#a'" o& p%o&#ssional dut$ o% t"%oug" in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#( Art' 21-+ R6C An$ p#%son w"o s"all knowingl$ int%odu'# in #*id#n'# in an$ -udi'ial p%o'##ding o% to t"# damag# o& anot"#% o% w"o) wit" int#nt to 'aus# su'" damag#) s"all us# an$ &als# do'um#nt ma$ b# "#ld '%iminall$ liabl# t"#%#&o%( Medina *s' Ba"tista+ 2- SCRA 2 (201/3 A law$#% w"o misapp%op%iat#s "is 'li#nts &unds ma$ b# "#ld liabl# &o% #sta&a( S$ECIAL DISA)ILITIES O: LAW=ERS a( b( '( d( E(e.e#ts= (Art' 2:02+ NCC3 t"#%# must b# an atto%n#$6'li#nt %#lations"ip t"# p%op#%t$ o% int#%#st o& t"# 'li#nt must b# in litigation t"# atto%n#$ tak#s pa%t as 'ouns#l in t"# 'as# t"# atto%n#$ b$ "ims#l& o% t"%oug" anot"#% pu%'"as#s su'" p%op#%t$ o% int#%#st du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ o& t"# litigation(

Lai> *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s (201.3 A law$#% ma$ not b# dis'iplin#d &o% pu%'"asing "is 'li#nts p%op#%t$ t"at is not in litigation) o% &o% a'/ui%ing it at a tim# w"#n "# was not no% "ad '#as#d to b# t"# 'li#nts 'ouns#l o% w"#n t"# litigation "ad t#%minat#d( Re>a$ado =aro! *s' Este&en A&e7ia+ -0. SCRA -<0 T"# p%o"ibition in A%t( 0470 do#s not appl$ to t"# sal# o& a pa%'#l o& land a'/ui%#d b$ a 'li#nt to satis&$ a -udgm#nt in "is &a*o%) to "is atto%n#$ as long as t"# p%op#%t$ was not sub-#'t o& t"# litigation( <o% ind##d) w"il# -udg#s) p%os#'uting atto%n#$s and ot"#%s 'onn#'t#d wit" t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# a%# 9p%o"ibit#d &%om a'/ui%ing p%op#%t$ o% %ig"ts in litigation o% l#*i#d upon in #.#'ution: t"# p%o"ibition wit" %#sp#'t to atto%n#$s in a 'as# #.t#nds onl$ to p%op#%t$ and %ig"ts w"i'" ma$ b# t"# ob-#'t o& an$ litigation in w"i'" t"#$ ma$ tak# pa%t b$ *i%tu# o& t"#i% p%o&#ssion( JUDICIAL ETHICS Ju-"*"a( Eth"*s & b%an'" o& mo%al s'i#n'# w"i'" t%#ats o& t"# %ig"t and p%op#% 'ondu't to b# obs#%*#d b$ all -udg#s and magist%at#s in t%$ing and d#'iding 'ont%o*#%si#s b%oug"t to t"#m &o% ad-udi'ation w"i'" 'ondu't must b# d#monst%ati*# o& impa%tialit$) int#g%it$) 'omp#t#n'#) ind#p#nd#n'# and &%##dom &%om imp%op%i#ti#s( Sour*es of Ju-"*"a( Eth"*s >( od# o& Budi'ial ondu't ?( T"# onstitution (A%ts( GIII) IH and III!, @( i*il od# (A%ts( 7) 1J) 1?) 31) 35) ?37) 0470) 1JJ5) 1J35) 1J4>!, 7( R#*is#d Rul#s o& ou%t (Rul#s ?0) 035) 03?) 037B) 03J!, 0J( R#*is#d +#nal od# (A%ts( 1J4) 1J5) 1J>) 1J?!, 00( Anit6G%a&t and o%%upt +%a'ti'#s A't (RA 3J07!, 01( anons o& Budi'ial Et"i's (AOR 0>1!, 03( od# o& +%o&#ssional R#sponsibilit$, 04( Budi'ia%$ A't o& 074@ (RA 17>!, 05( Budi'ia%$ R#o%gani8ation A't o& 07@J (B+ 017!, 0>( Sup%#m# ou%t 2#'isions, 0?( <o%#ign 2#'isions, 0@( Opinions o& Aut"o%iti#s, 07( S i%'ula%s )n Re: Sotto+ .- 6hi$' /0/

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T"# Sup%#m# ou%t o& t"# +"ilippin#s is) und#% t"# onstitution) t"# last bulwa%k to w"i'" t"# <ilipino p#opl# ma$ go to obtain %#li#& &o% t"# g%i#*an'#s o% p%ot#'tion o& t"#i% %ig"ts w"#n t"#s# a%# t%ampl#d upon) and i& t"# p#opl# los# t"#i% 'on&id#n'# in t"# "on#st$ and int#g%it$ o& t"# m#mb#%s o& t"is ou%t and b#li#*# t"at t"#$ 'annot "a*# -usti'# t"#%#&%om) t"#$ mig"t b# d%i*#n to tak# t"# law into t"#i% "ands) and diso%d#% and p#%"aps '"aos mig"t b# t"# %#sult( As a m#mb#% o& t"# ba% and an o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%ts) Att$( Gi'#nt# Sotto) lik# an$ ot"#%) is dut$ bound to up"old t"# dignit$ and aut"o%it$ o& t"is ou%t) to w"i'" "# ow#s &id#lit$ a''o%ding to t"# oat" "# "as tak#n as su'" atto%n#$) and not to p%omot# dist%ust in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( R#sp#'t to t"# 'ou%ts gua%ant##s t"# stabilit$ o& ot"#% institutions) w"i'" wit"out su'" gua%ant$ would b# %#sting on a *#%$ s"ak$ &oundation( L"C"e *s' Ka!anan+ -0 SCRA 21< It is t"# dut$ o& bot" 'ouns#l and -udg# to maintain) not to d#st%o$) t"# "ig" #st##m and %#ga%d &o% 'ou%ts( An$ a't on t"# pa%t o& on# o% t"# ot"#% t"at t#nds to und#%min# t"# p#opl#s %#sp#'t &o%) and 'on&id#n'# in) t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# is to b# a*oid#d( )n re: A$ma7en+ <2 SCRA /1. ou%ts and -udg#s a%# not sa'%osan't( T"#$ s"ould and #.p#'t '%iti'al #*aluation o& t"#i% p#%&o%man'#( <o% lik# t"# #.#'uti*# and t"# l#gislati*# b%an'"#s) t"# -udi'ia%$ is %oot#d in t"# soil o& d#mo'%ati' so'i#t$) nou%is"#d b$ t"# p#%iodi' app%aisal o& t"# 'iti8#ns w"om it is #.p#'t#d to s#%*#( DE:INITIONS Court & a boa%d o% ot"#% t%ibunal w"i'" d#'id#s a litigation o% 'ont#st Ju-'e & a publi' o&&i'#% w"o) b$ *i%tu# o& "is o&&i'#) is 'lot"#d wit" -udi'ial aut"o%it$) a publi' o&&i'#% law&ull$ appoint#d to d#'id# litigat#d /u#stions in a''o%dan'# wit" law( De Jure Ju-'e & on# w"o is #.#%'ising t"# o&&i'# o& -udg# as a matt#% o& %ig"t, an o&&i'#% o& a 'ou%t w"o "as b##n dul$ and l#gall$ appoint#d) /uali&i#d and w"os# t#%m "as not #.pi%#d( De :a*to Ju-'e & an o&&i'#% w"o is not &ull$ in*#st#d wit" all t"# pow#%s and duti#s 'on'#d#d to -udg#s) but is #.#%'ising t"# o&&i'# o& a -udg# und#% som# 'olo% o& %ig"t( <ua("f"*at"o#s of SC .e.0ers 3( Aatu%al bo%n iti8#n o& t"# +"ilippin#s, 4( At l#ast 4J $#a%s o& ag#, 5( Dust "a*# b##n &o% at l#ast 05 $#a%s a -udg# o& a low#% 'ou%t o% #ngag#d in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law (S#'( ? (0!) A%t( GIII) 07@? onstitution! <UALI:ICATIONS O: RTC JUDGES 0( Aatu%al6bo%n 'iti8#n o& t"# +"ilippin#s, 1( At l#ast 35 $#a%s o& ag#, 3( <o% at l#ast 0J $#a%s "as b##n #ngag#d in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law in t"# +"il( o% "as "#ld publi' o&&i'# in t"# +"il( %#/ui%ing admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law as an indisp#nsabl# %#/uisit#( <UALI:ICATIONS O: %TC JUDGES 0( Aatu%al6bo%n 'iti8#n o& t"# +"ilippin#s, 1( At l#ast 3J $#a%s o& ag#, 3( <o% at l#ast 5 $#a%s "as b##n #ngag#d in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law in t"# +"il( o% "as "#ld publi' o&&i'# in t"# +"il( %#/ui%ing admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law as an indisp#nsabl# %#/uisit#( <3 In "is w%itt#n appli'ation &o% t"# o&&i'# o& DT -udg#) B &ail#d to dis'los# t"at "# "ad two '%iminal 'as#s p#nding against "im( on'#%n#d 'iti8#ns o& t"# town '"a%g#d "im wit" 'ondu't p%#-udi'ial to t"# s#%*i'#( Da$ "# b# dismiss#d #*#n i& "# was lat#% a'/uitt#d o& all '"a%g#s in t"# '%iminal 'as#sF A3 Y#s( E*#%$ p%osp#'ti*# appoint## to t"# -udi'ia%$ must app%is# t"# appointing aut"o%it$ o& #*#%$ matt#% b#a%ing on "is &itn#ss &o% -udi'ial o&&i'#) in'luding su'" 'i%'umstan'#s as ma$ %#&l#'t on "is int#g%it$ and p%obit$( T"# a't o& 'on'#aling 1 '%iminal 'as#s against "im is 'l#a% p%oo& o& "is la'k o& t"# said /uali&i'ations and %#nd#%s "im unwo%t"$ to sit as a -udg#( His lat#% b#ing a'/uitt#d is immat#%ial &o% "# is not b#ing '"ast#n#d &o% "a*ing "ad a p#nding '%iminal 'as# at t"# tim# o& "is appli'ation) but &o% "is dis"on#st$ in s##king t"at o&&i'#( (B"tierrez *' Be$an+ -0: SCRA 23 CODE O: JUDICIAL CONDUCT $REA%)LE

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An honora&$e+ 7om4etent and inde4endent J"di7iar! eFists to administer J"sti7e and th"s 4romote the "nit! o% the 7o"ntr!+ the sta&i$it! o% >o*ernment+ and the #e$$8&ein> o% the 4eo4$e' ou%ts a%# #stablis"#d to ad-udi'at# p#a'#&ull$ 'ont%o*#%si#s b#tw##n indi*idual pa%ti#s &o% t"# as'#%tainm#nt) #n&o%'#m#nt and %#d%#ss o& p%i*at# %ig"ts) o% &o% t"# punis"m#nt o& w%ongs don# to t"# publi'( CANON @ A >u-'e shou(- u+ho(- the "#te'r"ty a#- "#-e+e#-e#*e of the >u-"*"ary Ru(e @3A@3 A >u-'e shou(- 0e the e.0o-".e#t of *o.+ete#*e4 "#te'r"ty4 a#"#-e+e#-e#*e3

Ta$ens8=a&on *' Ar7eo+ A'M' No' RT,80;82<<;+ ,"$! -/+ 200; ... ... -udg#s and -usti'#s) must not onl$ b# p%o&i'i#nt in bot" t"# substanti*# and p%o'#du%al asp#'ts o& t"# law) but mo%# impo%tantl$) t"#$ must poss#ss t"# "ig"#st int#g%it$) p%obit$) and un/u#stionabl# mo%al up%ig"tn#ss) bot" in t"#i% publi' and p%i*at# li*#s( Ar&an *s' BorJa+ 2:< SCRA ;<: A -udg# is t"# *isibl# %#p%#s#ntation o& t"# law and mo%# impo%tantl$ o& -usti'#( As su'") "# s"ould a*oid #*#n t"# slig"t#st in&%a'tion o& t"# law( T"# natu%# o& a -udg#s position d#mands #/uanimit$) p%ud#n'#) &o%titud# and 'ou%ag#( T"# %ul# p%o-#'ts t"at -udg#s a%# t"# p#%soni&i'ation o& p%o&i'i#n'$ ('omp#t#n'#! in law) o& in'o%%uptibilit$ (int#g%it$! and o& impa%tialit$ and non6subs#%*i#n'# (ind#p#nd#n'#!( Lo4ez *s' Aernandez+ 00 SCRA ;5< Busti'# Dal'olm id#nti&i#d good Budg#s in "is ponencia in "orro-eo #s. ;ariano (41 SCR* (++ as 9m#n w"o "a*# a mast#%$ o& t"# p%in'ipl#s o& law) w"o dis'"a%g# t"#i% duti#s in a''o%dan'# wit" law) w"o a%# p#%mitt#d to p#%&o%m t"# duti#s o& t"# o&&i'# und#t#%%#d b$ outsid# in&lu#n'#) and w"o a%# ind#p#nd#nt and s#l&6%#sp#'ting "uman units in a -udi'ial s$st#m #/ual and 'oo%dinat# to t"# ot"#% two d#pa%tm#nts o& go*#%nm#nt:( t"# -udi'ia%$ n##ds -udg#s w"o %#ad) stud$) and pond#% ; -udg#s w"o p#%soni&$ l#a%ning and #/uanimit$( A&ad *s' B$eza+ 2:/ SCRA ;5< 9... E*#n in t"# %#maining $#a%s o& "is sta$ in t"# -udi'ia%$) "# s"ould k##p ab%#ast wit" t"# '"ang#s in t"# law and wit" t"# lat#st d#'isions and p%#'#d#nts( S#%*i'# in t"# -udi'ia%$ m#ans a 'ontinuous stud$ and %#s#a%'" on t"# law &%om b#ginning to #nd( ...: Beotina *s' Bonza$es+ :2 SCRA ;; A -udg# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s s"ould st%i*# at all tim#s to b# 9w"oll$ &%##) disint#%#st#d) impa%tial and ind#p#nd#nt(: B"ena*ista+ ,r' *s' Bar7ia+ 2.1 SCRA /00 A -udg# w"o displa$s igno%an'# o& o% indi&&#%#n'# to t"# law) #%od#s publi' 'on&id#n'# in t"# 'omp#t#n'# and &ai%n#ss o& t"# 'ou%ts( H# 'ommits a diss#%*i'# to t"# 'aus# o& -usti'#( Ru(e @3AB3 A >u-'e shou(- a-."#"ster >ust"*e ".+art"a((y a#- w"thout -e(ay3

Tan+ ,r' *s' Ba$$ardo+ 1< SCRA <2/ It is undisput#d t"at t"# sol# pu%pos# o& 'ou%ts o& -usti'# is to #n&o%'# t"# laws uni&o%ml$ and impa%tiall$ wit"out %#ga%d to p#%sons o% t"#i% 'i%'umstan'#s o% t"# opinions o& m#n( Budg#s s"ould not onl$ app#a% impa%tial( It must b# ob*ious) t"#%#&o%#) t"at w"il# -udg#s s"ould poss#ss p%o&i'i#n'$ in law in o%d#% t"at t"#$ 'an 'omp#t#ntl$ 'onst%u# and #n&o%'# t"# law) it is mo%# impo%tant t"at t"#$ s"ould a't and b#"a*# 'on&id#n'# in t"#i% impa%tialit$( B"tierrez *s' Santos+ 22- 6hi$' 2.: A pa%t$ litigant is #ntitl#d to no l#ss t"an t"# 'old n#ut%alit$ o& an impa%tial -udg#( Martinez *s' Birone$$a+ ;/ SCRA -:/ (201/3 A -udg# s"ould not onl$ %#nd#% a -ust ) 'o%%#'t and impa%tial d#'ision but s"ould do so in su'" a mann#% as to b# &%## &%om an$ suspi'ion as to its &ai%n#ss and impa%tialit$ and as to "is int#g%it$( Canon ;+ Canons o% ,"di7ia$ Ethi7s

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T"# %#/ui%#m#nt t"at -udg#s must d#'id# 'as#s wit"in t"# sp#'i&i#d p#%iods is int#nd#d to p%#*#nt d#la$ in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( <o% -usti'# d#la$#d is o&t#n -usti'# d#ni#d( Ru(e @3AC3 A >u-'e shou(- 0e 2"'"(a#t a'a"#st a#y atte.+t to su02ert the "#-e+e#-e#*e of the >u-"*"ary a#- res"st a#y +ressure fro. whate2er sour*e3

)n re: C"nanan et a$'+ 0: 6hi$' /<: I& laws a%# pass#d w"i'" sub*#%t t"# ind#p#nd#n'# o& t"# -udi'ia%$) -udg#s must b# wa%$ and s"ould d#'la%# at t"# &i%st oppo%tunit$) t"# un'onstitutionalit$ o& t"# law( T"# onstitution did not 'on&#% on ong%#ss t"# aut"o%it$ and %#sponsibilit$ o*#% t"# admission) susp#nsion) disba%m#nt and %#instat#m#nt o& atto%n#$s6at6law( )n re: Bar7ia+ - SCRA 0.: T"# E.#'uti*# 2#pa%tm#nt ma$ not #n'%oa'" upon t"# 'onstitutional p%#%ogati*# o& t"# Sup%#m# p%omulgat# %ul#s &o% admission to t"# p%a'ti'# o& law in t"# +"ilippin#s( CANON B A Ju-'e shou(- a2o"- ".+ro+r"ety a#- the a++eara#*e of ".+ro+r"ety "# a(( a*t"2"t"es A$azas *s' Re!es+ 2<2 SCRA ::/ A -udg#s o&&i'ial 'ondu't and "is b#"a*io% in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& -udi'ial duti#s s"ould b# &%## &%om t"# app#a%an'# o& imp%op%i#t$ and must b# b#$ond %#p%oa'"( Ca&rera *s' 6aJares+ 2:- SCRA 2-1 D#mb#%s o& t"# -udi'ia%$ s"ould displa$ not onl$ t"# "ig"#st int#g%it$ but must at all tim#s 'ondu't t"#ms#l*#s in su'" a mann#% as to b# b#$ond %#p%oa'" and suspi'ion( H# s"ould b# studiousl$ 'a%#&ul to a*oid #*#n t"# slig"t#st in&%a'tion o& t"# law( 6a$an> *s' Eosa+ /. SCRA 11; B#'aus# app#a%an'# is as impo%tant as %#alit$ in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& -udi'ial &un'tions) lik# -udg# must not onl$ b# pu%# but b#$ond suspi'ion( #asa%s wi&#) a ou%t to

=a#a+ et a$ *' =e Asa+ Adm' Matter No' MT,80.822::+ ,"$! --+ 200. T"# p#opl#s 'on&id#n'# in t"# Budi'ial s$st#m is &ound#d not onl$ on t"# magnitud# o& l#gal knowl#dg# and t"# dilig#n'# o& t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# b#n'") but also on t"# "ig"#st standa%d o& int#g%it$ and mo%al up%ig"tn#ss t"#$ a%# #.p#'t#d to poss#ss( Do%# t"an simpl$ p%o-#'ting an imag# o& p%obit$) a -udg# must not onl$ app#a% to b# a 9good -udg#:, "# must also app#a% to b# a 9good p#%son(: Aerrer *' Maram&a+ Adm' Matter No' MT,80<810/+ Ma! 2:+ 200. H.. ... Es# o& p"$si'al *iol#n'# and int#mp#%at# languag# in publi' %#*#als a ma%k#d la'k o& -udi'ial t#mp#%am#nt and s#l&6%#st%aint) t%aits w"i'") b#sid#s t"# basi' #/uipm#nt o& l#a%ning in t"# law) a%# indisp#nsabl# /ualiti#s o& #*#%$ -udg#( Ru(e B3A@3 A >u-'e shou(- so 0eha2e at a(( t".es as to +ro.ote +u0("* *o#f"-e#*e "# the "#te'r"ty a#- ".+art"a("ty of the >u-"*"ary3 Aot#= Rul# %#&#%s to b#"a*io% in publi' and p%i*at# li&#( ,a*ier *' =e B"zman+ ,r'+ Adm' Matter No' RT,8.08<.5+ =e7em&er 20+ 2005 A -udg#s o&&i'ial 'ondu't s"ould b# &%## &%om t"# app#a%an'# o& imp%op%i#t$) and "is p#%sonal b#"a*io%) not onl$ upon t"# b#n'" and in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& -udi'ial duti#s) but also in t/e e#eryday life, s"ould b# b#$ond %#p%oa'"( H.. ... T"at a -udg# o&&i'ial li&# 'annot simpl$ b# d#ta'"#d o% s#pa%at#d &%om "is p#%sonal #.ist#n'# and t"at upon a Budg#s att%ibut#s d#p#nd t"# publi' p#%'#ption o& t"# Budi'ia%$ Ma a$inta$ *' The+ A' M' RT,8.08<.5+ =e7em&er 20+ 2005 2#'isions o& 'ou%t n##d not onl$ b# -ust but must b# p#%'#i*#d to b# -ust and 'ompl#t#l$ &%## &%om suspi'ion o% doubt bot" in its &ai%n#ss and int#g%it$( Ru(e B3AB3 A >u-'e shou(- #ot seeE +u0("*"ty for +erso#a( 2a"#'(ory3

Budg#s must a*oid publi'it$ &o% p#%sonal *anit$ o% s#l&6glo%i&i'ation( I& law$#%s a%# p%o"ibit#d &%om making publi' stat#m#nts in t"# m#dia %#ga%ding a p#nding 'as# to a%ous# publi' opinion &o% o% against a pa%t$ (Rule 1(.,+, CPR and &%om using o% p#%mitting t"# us# o& an$ undigni&i#d o% s#l&6laudato%$ stat#m#nt %#ga%ding t"#i% /uali&i'ations

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o% l#gal s#%*i'#s( (Rule (.,1, CPR ) wit" mo%# %#asons s"ould -udg#s b# p%o"ibit#d &%om s##king publi'it$ &o% *anit$ o% s#l&6glo%i&i'ation( Bo *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ -5; SCRA 2;/ A -udg# must not b# mo*#d b$ a d#si%# to 'at#% to publi' opinion to t"# d#t%im#nt o& t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Ru(e B3AC3 A >u-'e sha(( #ot a((ow fa."(y4 so*"a(4 or other re(at"o#sh"+s to "#f(ue#*e >u-"*"a( *o#-u*t or >u-'.e#t3 The +rest"'e of so*"a( off"*e sha(( #ot 0e useor (e#t to a-2a#*e the +r"2ate "#terests of others4 #or *o#2ey or +er."t others to *o#2ey the ".+ress"o# that they are "# a s+e*"a( +os"t"o# to "#f(ue#*e the >u-'e3

A -udg# lik# an$ ot"#% "uman b#ings li*#s in 'ontinuous int#%p#%sonal %#lations"ips in t"# &amil$) in t"# "u%'") in t"# 'ommunit$ and ot"#%s( W"at#*#% is t"# t"%#ad o& t"# %#lations"ip) "# s"ould not allow it to in&lu#n'# "is -udi'ial 'ondu't and p#%&o%man'# o& duti#s( San ,"an *' Ba>a$as7a+ A' M' No' RT,80182<0/+ =e7em&er --+ 2001 A -udg#s not# to t"# %#gist#% o& d##ds) %#/u#sting t"at t"# issuan'# o& t"# T T b# #.p#dit#d) 9gi*#s g%ound &o% suspi'ion t"at s"# is utili8ing t"# pow#% o% p%#stig# o& "#% o&&i'# to p%omot# t"# int#%#st o& ot"#%s(: 6adi$$a *' Eant"a+ ,r'+ Adm' Matter No' MT,80<8...+ O7to&er -:+ 200: onstant 'ompan$ wit" a law$#% t#nds to b%##d intima'$ and 'ama%ad#%i# to t"# point t"at &a*o%s in t"# &utu%# ma$ b# ask#d &%om t"# -udg# w"i'" "# ma$ &ind "a%d to %#&us#( H.. T"is #*#ntualit$ ma$ und#%min# t"# p#opl#s &ait" in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#( Ba$$o *' Cordero+ Adm' Matter No' MT,80/825</+ ,"ne -2+ 200/ +%i*at#l$ m##ting wit" a''us#d in t"# abs#n'# o& a 'omplaint o% t"# latt#%s 'ouns#l op#ns a -udg# to '"a%g#s pa%tialit$ and bias( It is o& no mom#nt t"at t"# -udg# int#ntion was m#%#l$ to app%is# t"# a''us#d o& "is 'onstitutional %ig"ts( Ru(e B3AD3 A >u-'e sha(( refra"# fro. "#f(ue#*"#' "# a#y .a##er the out*o.e of ("t"'at"o# or -"s+ute +e#-"#' 0efore a#other *ourt or a-."#"strat"2e a'e#*y3

O%%i7e o% the Co"rt Administrator *' =e B"zman+ Jr'+ A' M' No' RT,80<825-2+ ,an"ar! <2+ 2001 T"# a't o& int#%&#%#n'# b$ a -udg# wit" a 'as# p#nding in t"# sala o& anot"#% -udg# (#(g( b$ app%oa'"ing t"# latt#% on b#"al& o& a pa%t$ litigant! 'l#a%l$ ta%nis"#s t"# int#g%it$ and ind#p#nd#n'# o& t"# -udi'ia%$ and sub*#%ts t"# p#opl#s &ait" in ou% -udi'ial p%o'#ss( H.. ... -udg#s a%# "#ld to "ig"#% standa%ds o& int#g%it$ and #t"i'al 'ondu't t"an atto%n#$s o% ot"#% p#%sons not in*#st#d wit" t"# publi' t%ust( Monta$&an *s' Canono!+ Adm' Case No' 2108,+ Mar7h 2/+ 2012 W"#n t"# a'tuations o& a -udg# a%# assail#d on g%ounds ot"#% t"an l#gal on#s) and imputing to t"# -udg# p#%sonal moti*#s) t"# -udg# 'annot b# blam#d i& "# tak#s p#%sonal int#%#st in t%$ing to disp%o*# t"# imputations( Santia>o *s' Co"rt o% A44ea$s+ 2.: SCRA ;05 (20053 In a sp#'ial p%o'##ding) t"# -udg# w"os# o%d#% is und#% atta'k in t"# app#llat# 'ou%t is m#%#l$ a nominal pa%t$( ons#/u#ntl$) t"# -udg# "ims#l& o% as p#tition#% s"ould not &il# a p#tition &o% %#*i#w s##king a %#instat#m#nt o& "is '"all#ng#d o%d#%) "# b#ing not an a'ti*# 'ombatant but on# imbu#d wit" t"# dut$ o& d#ta'"m#nt( CANON C A >u-'e shou(- +erfor. off"*"a( -ut"es ho#est(y4 a#- w"th ".+art"a("ty a#- -"("'e#*e3 ADJUDICATIVE RES$ONSI)ILITIES Ru(e C3A@ A >u-'e sha(( 0e fa"thfu( to the (aw a#- .a"#ta"# +rofess"o#a( *o.+ete#*e3

A -udg# b#ing t"# *isibl# %#p%#s#ntati*# o& t"# law must b# a mod#l &o% up%ig"tn#ss) &ai%n#ss and "on#st$) and s"ould b# #.t%a6'a%#&ul to a*oid #*#n t"# slig"t#st in&%a'tion o& t"# law &o% t"at will s#t a bad and d#mo%ali8ing #.ampl#s to ot"#%s( Lo4ez *s' Aernandez

77

omp#t#n'# is a ma%k o& a good -udg#( H# s"ould not stop stud$ing &o% t"# law is d$nami'( It g%ows and g%ows( ons#/u#ntl$) t"# -udg# s"ould b# 'on*#%sant wit" t"# law and its am#ndm#nts( AJeno *s' )nserto+ 1 SCRA 2;; E*#n in t"# %#maining $#a%s o& "is sta$ in t"# -udi'ia%$ "# s"ould k##p ab%#ast wit" t"# '"ang#s in t"# law and wit" t"# lat#st d#'ision and p%#'#d#nts( S#%*i'# in t"# -udi'ia%$ m#ans a 'ontinuous stud$ and %#s#a%'" on t"# law &%om b#ginning to #nd( =e $a Cr"z *' Con7e47ion+ Adm' Matter No' RT,80<825;-+ A">"st -/+ 200: To 'onstitut# g%oss igno%an'# o& t"# law) t"# sub-#'t d#'ision) o%d#% o% a'tuation o& t"# -udg# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s must not onl$ b# 'ont%a%$ to #.isting law and -u%isp%ud#n'# but) most impo%tantl$) "# must b# mo*#d b$ bad &ait") &%aud) dis"on#st$ o% 'o%%uption( 6eo4$e *' Ba7ott+ ,r'+ B' R' No' 22;5:0+ Mar7h -5+ 200/ <ailu%# to '"#'k 'itations o& pl#adings is in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'#( H.. ... Budg#s s"ould b# %#mind#d t"at 'ou%ts a%# dut$ bound to tak# -udi'ial noti'# o& all t"# laws o& t"# land (s#'( 0 Rul# 017!( B#ing t%i#% o& &a'ts) -udg#s a%# p%#sum#d to b# w#ll6in&o%m#d o& #.isting laws) %#'#nt #na'tm#nts and -u%isp%ud#n'#) in k##ping wit" t"#i% swo%n dut$ as m#mb#%s o& t"# ba% and b#n'" to k##p ab%#ast o& l#gal d#*#lopm#nts( Ru(e C3AB I# e2ery *ase4 a >u-'e sha(( e#-ea2or -"("'e#t(y to as*erta"# the fa*ts a#the a++("*a0(e (aw u#swaye- 0y +art"sa# "#terests4 +u0("* o+"#"o# or fear of *r"t"*"s.3

T"# 'ou%ts &indings o& &a'ts must not b# bas#d on t"# p#%sonal knowl#dg# o& t"# -udg# but upon t"# #*id#n'# p%#s#nt#d and o&&#%#d in t"# 'as#( I& a -udg# "as p#%sonal knowl#dg#) "# must o&&#% "ims#l& a witn#ss and l#t t"# 'as# b# t%ans&#%%#d to anot"#% -udg#( Gu"-e("#es for Eff"*"e#t Re#-"t"o# of Ju-'.e#t Or Ju-"*"a( O+"#"o# 0( T"# Budg# s"ould obs#%*# t"# usual and t%aditional m#t"od o& disp#nsing -usti'#) w"i'" %#/ui%#s t"at "# s"ould "#a% bot" sid#s wit" pati#n'# and und#%standing b#&o%# "# s"ould %#nd#% a d#'ision (Castti$$o *s' ,"an+ ;- SCRA 2-:3' 1( T"# -udg# s"ould d#'id# a 'as# impa%tiall$ on t"# basis o& t"# #*id#n'# p%#s#nt#d and s"all appl$ t"# appli'abl# law as "is guid#s (Bondo7 *s' =e B"zman+ /1 SCRA 2</7( 3( T"# -udg# s"ould stat# 'l#a%l$ and distin'tl$ t"# &a'ts and t"# law on w"i'" "# bas#d "is -udgm#nt 4( T"# -udg# disposing o& 'ont%o*#%t#d 'as#s s"ould indi'at# "is %#asons &o% "is opinions o% 'on'lusions to s"ow t"at "# did not dis%#ga%d o% o*#%look t"# s#%ious a%gum#nts o& t"# pa%ti#s 'ouns#l( 5( T"# -udg# s"ould mak# "is d#'isions o% opinions b%i#& but 'ompl#t# in all t"# #ss#ntials( >( I& t"# p#%sonal *i#w o& t"# -udg# 'ont%adi't t"# appli'abl# do't%in# p%omulgat#d b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t) non#t"#l#ss) "# s"ould d#'id# t"# 'as# in a''o%dan'# wit" t"at do't%in# and not in a''o%dan'# wit" "is p#%sonal *i#ws( ?( T"# -udg# s"ould d#'id# 'as#s p%omptl$) t"at is) wit"in t"# p#%iod %#/ui%#d b$ law( @( T"# sign#d -udgm#nt must b# un'onditionall$ &il#d wit" t"# da$ d#adlin# &o% %#nd#%ing -udgm#nts( l#%k o& ou%t to "a*# it 'onsid#%#d wit"in t"# 7J6

7( E.t%#m# 'a%# s"ould b# mad# in t"# making o& t"# dispositi*# po%tion o& t"# d#'ision &o% t"at is t"# pa%t o& t"# d#'ision w"i'" is to b# impl#m#nt#d( Canon 2.+ C,E In d#'iding 'as#s) a -udg# s"ould appl$ t"# law to pa%ti'ula% instan'#s( H# *iolat#s "is dut$ as a minist#% o& -usti'# und#% a go*#%nm#nt o& laws and not o& m#n i& "# s##ks to do w"at "# ma$ p#%sonall$ 'onsid#% substantial -usti'# in a pa%ti'ula% 'as# and dis%#ga%ds t"# law as "# knows it to b# binding upon "im(

78

A$&ert *s' Co"rt o% Airst )nstan7e o% Mani$a+ -< SCRA 0:. (20;.3 I& "# &##ls t"at a law o% do't%in# #nun'iat#d b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t is against "is wa$ o& %#asoning o% "is 'ons'i#n'#) "# ma$ stat# "is p#%sonal opinion on t"# matt#% but s"ould d#'id# t"# 'as# in a''o%dan'# wit" law o% -u%isp%ud#n'#( =ire7tor o% 6risons *' An> Cho Kio+ B' R' No' L8<5552+ ,"ne -<+ 2015 ... ... d#'ision o& a 'ou%t s"ould 'ontain onl$ opinion t"at is %#l#*ant to t"# /u#stion t"at is b#&o%# t"# 'ou%t &o% d#'ision( ... 'ou%ts a%# not 'on'#%n#d wit" t"# wisdom o% mo%alit$ o& t"# laws) but onl$ in t"# int#%p%#tation and appli'ation o& t"# law( Canon 21+ C,E In disposing o& 'ont%o*#%t#d 'as#s) a -udg# s"ould indi'at# t"# %#asons &o% "is a'tion in opinions s"owing t"at "# "as not dis%#ga%d#d o% o*#%look#d s#%ious a%gum#nts o& 'ouns#l( H# s"ould s"ow "is &ull und#%standing o& t"# 'as#) a*oid t"# suspi'ion o& a%bit%a%$ 'on'lusion) p%omot# 'on&id#n'# in "is int#ll#'tual int#g%it$ and 'ont%ibut# us#&ul p%#'#d#nt to t"# g%owt" o& t"# law( 6eo4$e *' ?enera7ion+ B' R' No' 2200.18..+ O7to&er 2-+ 200/ H.. ... 9ob#di#n'# to t"# %ul# o& law &o%ms t"# b#d%o'k o& ou% s$st#m o& -usti'#( I& -udg#s) und#% t"# guis# o& %#ligious o% politi'al b#li#&s w#%# allow#d to %oam un%#st%i't#d b#$ond bounda%i#s wit"in w"i'" t"#$ a%# %#/ui%#d b$ law to #.#%'is# t"# duti#s o& t"#i% o&&i'#) t"# law b#'om#s m#aningl#ss( A go*#%nm#nt o& laws) not o& m#n #.'lud#s t"# #.#%'is# o& b%oad dis'%#tiona%$ pow#%s o& t"os# a'ting und#% is aut"o%it$( End#% t"is s$st#m) -udg#s a%# guid#d b$ t"# Rul# o& Law) and oug"t to p%ot#'t and #n&o%'# it wit"out &#a% o% &a*o%) o% #*#n t"# int#%&#%#n'# o& t"#i% own p#%sonal b#li#&s(: T"rC"eza *s' Hernando+ 01 SCRA :.< (20.53 A -udg# w"os# o%d#% is '"all#ng#d in an app#llat# 'ou%t do#s not "a*# to &il# an$ answ#% o% tak# a'ti*# pa%t in t"# p%o'##ding unl#ss #.p%#ssl$ di%#'t#d b$ t"# app#llat# 'ou%t( H# is m#%#l$ a nominal pa%t$ to t"# 'as#( It is t"# dut$ o& t"# p%i*at# %#spond#nt to app#a% and d#&#nd bot" in "is b#"al& and in b#"al& o& t"# 'ou%t o% -udg# w"os# o%d#% o% d#'ision is at issu#( T"# -udg# s"ould not wast# "is tim# taking an a'ti*# pa%t in t"# p%o'##ding w"i'" %#lat#s "is o&&i'ial a'tuations in a 'as#) but s"ould appl$ "ims#l& to "is p%in'ipal task o& "#a%ing and ad-udi'ating t"# 'as#s in "is 'ou%t( Ru(e C3AC3 A >u-'e sha(( .a"#ta"# or-er a#- +ro+er -e*oru. "# the *ourt3

T"# -udg# is on# w"o looks) talks and d%#ss#s lik# on# wit" d#'#n'$ and %#sp#'tabilit$( H# is a 'ompl#t# g#ntl#man (o% g#ntl#lad$! p%o&i'i#nt in law) up%ig"t) &#a%l#ss) "on#st and d#di'at#d to t"# 'aus# o& law as disp#ns#% o& -usti'#( +%o'##dings in t"# 'ou%t must b# 'ondu't#d &o%mall$ and sol#mnl$( T"# atmosp"#%# must b# '"a%a't#%i8#d wit" "ono% and dignit$ b#&itting t"# s#%iousn#ss and impo%tan'# o& a -udi'ial t%ial( Ru(e C3AD3 A >u-'e shou(- 0e +at"e#t4 atte#t"2e a#- *ourteous to (awyers4 es+e*"a((y the "#e1+er"e#*e-4 to ("t"'a#ts4 w"t#esses4 a#- others a++ear"#' 0efore the *ourt3 A >u-'e shou(- a2o"- u#*o#s*"ous(y fa(("#' "#to the att"tu-e of ."#that the ("t"'a#ts are .a-e for the *ourts4 "#stea- of the *ourts for the ("t"'a#ts3

In add%#ssing 'ouns#l) litigants) o% witn#ss#s) t"# -udg# s"ould a*oid a 'ont%o*#%sial ton# ( anon 04) BE! o% a ton# t"at '%#at#s animosit$( H# s"ould b# 'onsid#%at# o& witn#ss#s and ot"#%s in att#ndan'# in "is 'ou%t ( anon 7) BE!( Ro!e7a *s' Animas+ 12 SCRA 2 (201;3 A -udg# wit"out b#ing a%bit%a%$) un%#asonabl# o% un-ust ma$ #nd#a*o% to "old 'ouns#l to a p%op#% app%#'iation o& t"#i% duti#s to t"# 'ou%ts) to t"#i% 'li#nts and to t"# ad*#%s# pa%t$ and "is law$#%) so as to #n&o%'# du# dilig#n'# in t"# dispat'" o& busin#ss b#&o%# t"# 'ou%t( H# ma$ utili8# t"is oppo%tuniti#s to '%iti'i8# and 'o%%#'t unp%o&#ssional 'ondu't o& atto%n#$s) b%oug"t to "is att#ntion) but "# ma$ not do so in an insulting mann#%( )n re: A$ma7en+ <2 SCRA /11 As 'iti8#n and o&&i'#% o& t"# 'ou%t) #*#%$ law$#% is #.p#'t#d not onl$ to #.#%'is# t"# %ig"t but also to 'onsid#% it "is dut$ to #.pos# t"# s"o%t'omings and indis'%#tions o& 'ou%ts and -udg#s(

79

Ru(e C3A53

A >u-'e sha(( -"s+ose of the *ourts 0us"#ess +ro.+t(y a#- -e*"-e *ases w"th"# the re9u"re- +er"o-s3

+un'tualit$ is a -oint %#sponsibilit$ o& bot" -udg#s and law$#%s) in'luding 'ou%t p#%sonn#l lik# t"# st#nog%ap"#%s and int#%p%#t#%s( A 'as# is d##m#d submitt#d &o% d#'ision not &%om t"# tim# t"# st#nog%ap"i' not#s w#%# t%ans'%ib#d( A 'as# o% matt#% s"all b# d##m#d submitt#d &o% d#'ision o% %#solution upon t"# &iling o& t"# last pl#ading) b%i#&) o% m#mo%andum %#/ui%#d b$ t"# Rul#s o& ou%t o% b$ t"# 'ou%t its#l&( Castro *s' Ma$azo+ 00 SCRA 2;/ W# must on'# mo%# imp%#ss upon t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# Budi'ia%$ t"#i% swo%n dut$ o& administ#%ing -usti'# wit"out undu# d#la$ und#% t"# tim#6"ono%#d p%#'#pt t"at -usti'# d#la$#d) is -usti'# d#ni#d( Mo!a *' Tens"an+ Adm' Matter No' -/518CA)+ A">"st 25+ 20.2 Budg#s must b# 'aution#d t"at it is not t"# dat# o& signing t"# d#'ision but t"# dat# o& %#'#ipt o& t"# l#%k o& ou%t t"at must b# %#'kon#d &%om t"# dat# o& submission o& t"# 'as# &o% d#'ision in o%d#% to 'ompl$ wit" t"# 7J6da$ p#%iod ...( Sa$*ador *' Sa$aman7a+ Adm' Matter No' R82118MT,+ Se4tem&er -:+ 20.; Budg#s s"ould d#'id# 'as#s #*#n i& t"# pa%ti#s &ail#d to submit m#mo%anda wit"in t"# gi*#n p#%iods( Aon6 submission o& m#mo%anda is not a -usti&i'ation &o% &ailu%# to d#'id# 'as#s( T"# &iling o& m#mo%anda is not a pa%t o& t"# t%ial no% is t"# m#mo%andum its#l& an #ss#ntial) mu'" l#ss indisp#nsabl#) pl#ading b#&o%# a 'as# ma$ b# submitt#d &o% d#'ision( O"er! o% ,"d>e =ani$o M' Teneri%e+ Admin' Matter No' 0:8/8:-8MTC+ Mar7h -5+ 200; 2#la$ in t"# t%ans'%iption o& st#nog%ap"i' not#s b$ a st#nog%ap"i' %#po%t#% und#% t"# -udg#s sup#%*ision and 'ont%ol 'annot b# 'onsid#%#d a *alid %#ason &o% d#la$ in %#nd#%ing -udgm#nt ... ... A -udg# 'annot b# allow#d to blam# "is 'ou%t p#%sonn#l &o% "is own in'omp#t#n'# o% n#glig#n'# ... ... +%#'is#l$) -udg#s a%# di%#'t#d to tak# down not#s o& sali#nt po%tions o& t"# "#a%ing and p%o'##d in t"# p%#pa%ation o& d#'isions wit"out waiting &o% t"# t%ans'%ib#d st#nog%ap"i' not#s) t"# 7J6da$ p#%iod &o% d#'iding 'as#s s"ould b# ad"#%#d to( Bo$a$in *' O77iano+ A' M' No' MT,80;8225:+ ,an"ar! 2:+ 2001 I& t"# 'as# load o& t"# -udg# p%#*#nts t"# disposition o& 'as#s wit"in t"# p%#s'%ib# p#%iod) "# s"ould ask &o% a %#asonabl# #.t#nsion o& tim# &%om t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( Ri*era *' Lamorena+ A'M' No' RT,80182<02+ O7to&er 2;+ 2001 H.. ... T"# d#la$ in %#sol*ing motions and in'id#nts p#nding b#&o%# a -udg# wit"in t"# %#gl#m#nta%$ p#%iod o& nin#t$ (7J! da$s &i.#d b$ t"# onstitution and t"# law is not #.'usabl# and 'onstitut#s g%oss in#&&i'i#n'$( Sup%#m# ou%t almost alwa$s g%ants %#/u#sts &o% #.t#nsion o& tim# to d#'id# 'as#s( A "#a*$ 'as#load ma$ #.'us# a -udg#s &ailu%# to d#'id# 'as#s wit"in t"# %#gl#m#nta%$ p#%iod, but not "is o% "#% &ailu%# to %#/u#st an #.t#nsion o& tim# w"i'" to d#'id# t"# sam# on tim#) (i(#( b#&o%# t"# #.pi%ation o& t"# p#%iod to b# #.t#nd#d( <3 Budg# H &ail#d to a't on a motion to dismiss a 'as#( H# 'ont#nds t"at t"# d#la$ was b%oug"t about b$ t"# &ailu%# o& "is sta&& to p%#s#nt "im t"# #.6pa%t# motion to %#sol*#( Is t"# 'ont#ntion o& Budg# H *alidF A -udg# 'annot tak# %#&ug# b#"ind t"# in#&&i'i#n'$ o% mismanag#m#nt b$ 'ou%t p#%sonn#l( +%op#% and #&&i'i#nt 'ou%t manag#m#nt is as mu'" as "is %#sponsibilit$( It is also "is dut$ to o%gani8# and sup#%*is# t"# 'ou%t p#%sonn#l to #nsu%# t"# p%ompt and #&&i'i#nt dispat'" o& busin#ss( Wh"(e a >u-'e .ay4 to +ro.ote >ust"*e4 +re2e#t waste of t".e or *(ear u+ so.e o0s*ur"ty4 +ro+er(y "#ter2e#e "# the +rese#tat"o# of e2"-e#*e -ur"#' the tr"a(4 "t shou(- a(ways 0e 0or#e "# ."#- that u#-ue "#terfere#*e .ay +re2e#t the +ro+er +rese#tat"o# of the *ause or the as*erta"#.e#t of truth3

A3

Ru(e C3AF3

?a$dez *s' AC"i$izan+ 2<< SCRA 2/5

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A -udg# ma$ p%op#%l$ int#%*#n# to #.p#dit# and p%#*#nt unn#'#ssa%$ wast# o& tim#( H# ma$ int#%*#n# to p%o&ound 'la%i&i'ato%$ /u#stions) but s"ould limit "ims#l& onl$ to 'la%i&i'ato%$ /u#stions and not to ask s#a%'"ing /u#stions a&t#% t"# witn#ss "ad gi*#n di%#'t t#stimon$( 6eo4$e *s' Catindihan+ 01 SCRA ;10 W"#n a -udg# ma$ int#%*#n# to 'l#a% som# obs'u%it$ o% p%#*#nt wast# o& tim#) t"# sam# must b# don# wit" 'onsid#%abl# 'i%'umsp#'tion( T"#%# will b# undu# int#%&#%#n'# i& t"# -udg# will #.t#nsi*#l$ p%o&ound /u#stions to t"# witn#ss#s) w"i'" will "a*# t"# #&&#'t o& o% will t#nd to build o% bolst#% t"# 'as# &o% on# o& t"# pa%ti#s( Canon 2:+ C,E A -udg# s"ould a*oid int#%%uptions o& 'ouns#l in t"#i% a%gum#nts #.'#pt to 'la%i&$ "is mind as to t"#i% positions) and "# s"ould not b# t#mpt#d to an unn#'#ssa%$ displa$ o& l#a%ning o% a p%#matu%# -udgm#nt( ( anons o& Budi'ial Et"i's! C interference in conduct of trial. W"il# a -udg# ma$ p%op#%l$ int#%*#n# in a t%ial o& a 'as# to p%omot# #.p#dition and p%#*#nt unn#'#ssa%$ wast# o& tim#) o% to 'l#a% up som# obs'u%it$) n#*#%t"#l#ss) "# s"ould b#a% in mind t"at "is undu# int#%&#%#n'#) impati#n'#) o% pa%ti'ipation in t"# #.amination o& witn#ss) o% a s#*#%# attitud# on "is pa%t towa%ds witn#ss#s) #sp#'iall$ t"os# w"o a%# #.'it#d o% t#%%i&i#d b$ t"# unusual 'i%'umstan'#s o& t%ial) ma$ t#nd to p%#*#nt t"# p%op#% p%#s#ntation o& t"# 'aus#) o% t"# as'#%tainm#nt o& t"# t%ut" in %#sp#'t t"#%#to( Budg#s a%# not m#%# %#&#%##s lik# t"os# o& a bo.ing boutS t"#$ s"ould "a*# as mus" int#%#st as 'ouns#l in t"# o%d#%l$ and #.p#ditious p%#s#ntation o& #*id#n'#) 'alling t"# att#ntion o& 'ouns#l to points at issu# t"at a%# o*#%look#d) di%#'ting t"#m to ask t"# /u#stion t"at would #li'it t"# &a'ts on t"# issu#s in*ok#d) 'la%i&$ing ambiguous %#ma%ks o& witn#ss#s (6eo4$e *s' )hasan+ 2-0 SCRA ;0/3' Ru(e C3AG3 A >u-'e shou(- a0sta"# fro. .aE"#' +u0("* *o.."t.e#ts o# a#y +e#-"#' or ".+e#-"#' *ase a#- shou(- re9u"re s"."(ar restra"#t o# the +art of the *ourt +erso##e(3

A -udg# must "#a% bot" sid#s b#&o%# "# s"ould att#mpt to mak# an$ 'on'lusion on t"# issu#s o& a 'as# ; w"i'" 'on'lusion 'ould b# t"# basis o& "is w%itt#n -udgm#nt( It is dang#%ous &o% a -udg# to mak# 'omm#nts) sp#'iall$ publi'l$) o& p#nding 'as#s b#&o%# "is 'ou%t o% #*#n imp#nding 'as#s su'" as t"os# publi'l$ known and anti'ipat#d to b# &il#d in 'ou%t "a*ing b##n sub-#'t#d o& wid# publi'it$ o% s#nsationali8#d in t"# m#dia( AD%INISTRATIVE RES$ONSI)ILITIES Ru(e C3AH3 A >u-'e shou(- -"("'e#t(y -"s*har'e a-."#"strat"2e res+o#s"0"("t"es4 .a"#ta"# +rofess"o#a( *o.+ete#*e "# *ourt .a#a'e.e#t4 a#- fa*"("tate the +erfor.a#*e of the a-."#"strat"2e fu#*t"o#s of other >u-'es a#- *ourt +erso##e(3

T"# -udg# is t"# administ%ato% o& "is 'ou%t( H# is %#sponsibl# &o% t"# administ%ati*# manag#m#nt t"#%#o&( H# sup#%*is#s t"# 'ou%t p#%sonn#l to #nsu%# p%ompt and #&&i'i#nt dispat'" o& busin#ss in "is 'ou%t( ReC"est o% ,"d>e Ed"ardo A' Carta>ena+ A'M' no' 0/8080.8MCTC+ =e7em&er :+ 2001 R#/u#sts &o% p#%mission to t%a*#l ab%oad on o&&i'ial tim# s"ould not b# p%#sum#d g%ant#d b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( H.. ... A -udg# w"o d#pa%ts &o% ab%oad wit"out t"# knowl#dg#) l#t alon# t"# p#%mission) o& t"# ou%t *iolat#s D#mo%andum O%d#% Ao( 1>4 w"i'" mandat#s t"# %#/u#sts &o% p#%mission to t%a*#l ab%oad &%om m#mb#%s and #mplo$##s o& t"# -udi'ia%$ s"ould b# obtain#d &%om t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( B"ena*ent"ra *s' Benedi7to+ <. SCRA 12 T"# Sup%#m# ou%t &ound t"# in'lination o& t"# %#spond#nt -udg# to l#ni#n'$ in t"# administ%ati*# sup#%*ision o& "is #mplo$##s an und#si%abl# t%ait( Shan *s' A>"ina$do+ 221 SCRA <<o% "is &ailu%# to p#%&o%m "is duti#s) t"# -udg# 'annot us# as #.'us# t"# n#glig#n'# o% mal&#asan'# o& "is own #mplo$##s( Nid"a *s' Lazaro+ 21: SCRA /.2 T"# #mplo$##s a%# not gua%dians o& t"# -udg#s %#sponsibiliti#s(

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Inst#ad o& b#ing obst%u'ti*#) "# s"ould "#lp &a'ilitat# t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"# administ%ati*# &un'tions o& ot"#% -udg#s and 'ou%t p#%sonn#l( H# must 'oo%dinat# and 'oop#%at# wit" t"# ot"#% -udg#s sp#'iall$ -udg#s o& "ig"#% 'ou%ts and ot"#% -udg#s g#a%ing towa%d an #&&i'i#nt and p%ompt disp#nsation o& -usti'#( Ysasi *s' Aernandez+ -; SCRA <0/ Budg#s s"ould %#sp#'t t"# o%d#%s and d#'isions o& an app#llat# 'ou%t( R#&usal to "ono% and in-un'ti*# o%d#% o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t 'onstitut#s 'ont#mpt( Hernandez *s' Co$a!7o+ ;: SCRA :.5 Budg#s s"ould %#sp#'t %#solutions o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t(

?i*o *s' C$ori&e$+ 2. SCRA 12< T"#$ s"ould tak# 'ogni8an'# o& s#ttl#d %ulings o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( =e Leon *s' Sa$*ador+ <; SCRA /;1 Budg#s s"ould not int#%&#%# wit" t"# o%d#%s and d#'isions o& -udg#s o& 'o6#/ual 'ou%ts( Ru(e C3 AJ3 A >u-'e shou(- or'a#";e a#- su+er2"se the *ourt +erso##e( to e#sure the +ro.+t a#- eff"*"e#t -"s+at*h of 0ur-e#s4 a#- re9u"re at a(( t".es the o0ser2a#*e of h"'h sta#-ar-s of +u0("* ser2"*e a#- f"-e("ty3

Tan *' Mada!a>+ Adm' Matter No' RT,80<800/+ Mar7h 22+ 200: A -udg# 'annot tak# %#&ug# b#"ind t"# in#&&i'i#n'$ o% mismanag#m#nt o& "is 'ou%t p#%sonn#l( +%op#% and #&&i'i#nt 'ou%t manag#m#nt is d#&init#l$ "is %#sponsibilit$( Canon .+ Canons o% ,"di7ia$ Ethi7s A -udg# must p%op#%l$ o%gani8# in 'ou%t to #nsu%# p%ompt and 'on*#ni#nt dispat'" o& its busin#ss( SC Cir7"$ar No' 2< dated ,"$! <2+ 20.1+ 4ar' : (a3 A -udg# s"ould 'los#l$ sup#%*is# 'ou%t p#%sonn#l so t"at ad#/uat# p%#'autions a%# tak#n in s#nding out subpo#nas) summons and 'ou%t p%o'#ss#s to #nsu%# t"at t"#$ a%# tim#l$ s#%*#d and %#'#i*#d( T"# -udg# must %#/ui%# "is p#%sonn#l to obs#%*# at all tim#s t"# obs#%*an'# o& "ig" standa%ds o& publi' s#%*i'# and &id#lit$) w"i'" "# 'ould w#ll do) b$ #.ampl#( 6aredes *s' 6ad"a+ A'M' CA8028<86 (Ma! 21+ 200<3 ou%t p#%sonn#l must ad"#%# to t"# "ig" #t"i'al standa%ds to p%#s#%*# t"# ou%ts good nam# and standing( Ru(e C3@A3 A >u-'e shou(- taEe or "#"t"ate a++ro+r"ate -"s*"+("#ary .easure a'a"#st (awyers or *ourt +erso##e( for u#+rofess"o#a( *o#-u*t of wh"*h the >u-'e .ay ha2e 0e*o.e aware3

T"# -udg# ma$ summa%il$ punis" an$ p#%son in'luding law$#%s and 'ou%t p#%sonn#l) &o% direct 'ont#mpt &o% misb#"a*io% 'ommitt#d in t"# p%#s#n'# o& o% so n#a% a 'ou%t o% a -udg# as to obst%u't o% int#%%upt t"# p%o'##dings b#&o%# t"# sam# (Rul# ?0) RR !( H# ma$ also punis" an$ p#%son &o% indirect 'ont#mpt a&t#% app%op%iat# '"a%g# and "#a%ing w"o is guilt$ o& t"# a'ts #num#%at#d und#% S#'tion 3) Rul# ?0 o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t( E*#%$ 'ou%t "as t"# in"#%#nt pow#% among ot"#%s) to p%#s#%*# and #n&o%'# o%d#%s in its imm#diat# p%#s#n'#) to 'omp#l ob#di#n'# to its -udgm#nts) o%d#%s and p%o'#ss#s and to 'ont%ol) in &u%t"#%an'# o& -usti'#) t"# 'ondu't o& its minist#%ial o&&i'#%s (Se7tion /+ R"$e 2</+ RRC3' =a$$a!86a4a *s' A$mora+ 225 SCRA <1; Alt"oug" a -udg# "as t"# pow#% to %#'omm#nd &o% appointm#nt 'ou%t p#%sonn#l) "ow#*#%) "# "as no pow#% to dismiss t"#m( T"# pow#% to dismiss a 'ou%t #mplo$## is *#st#d in t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( Ru(e C3@@3 A >u-'e shou(- a++o"#t *o.."ss"o#ers4 re*e"2ers4 trustees4 'uar-"a#s4 a-."#"strators4 a#- others o# the 0as"s of .er"t a#- 9ua("f"*at"o#s a2o"-"#' #e+ot"s. a#- fa2or"t"s.3 U#(ess otherw"se a((owe- 0y (aw4 the sa.e *r"ter"o# shou(- 0e o0ser2e- "# re*o..e#-"#' the a++o"#t.e#t of *ourt +erso##e(3 Where the +ay.e#t of >ust *o.+e#sat"o# "s a((owe-4 "t

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shou(- 0e reaso#a0(e a#- *o..e#surate w"th the fa"r 2a(ue of ser2"*es re#-ere-3 Canon 22+ C,E In appointing su'" p#%sons) "# must b# guid#d st%i'tl$ b$ m#%its and /uali&i'ation o& t"# appli'ants ; t"at is) on t"# basis o& t"#i% '"a%a't#%) abilit$ and 'omp#t#n'$( T"#%# must b# no %oom &o% n#potism and &a*o%itism( Art' -::+ Re*ised 6ena$ Code An$ publi' o&&i'#% w"o s"all knowingl$ nominat# o% appoint to an$ publi' o&&i'# an$ p#%son la'king t"# l#gal /uali&i'ation t"#%#&o%# s"all b# guilt$ o& unlaw&ul appointm#nt punis"abl# wit" imp%isonm#nt and &in#( DIS<UALI:ICATIONS Ru(e C3@B3 A >u-'e shou(- taEe #o +art "# a +ro*ee-"#' where the >u-'es ".+art"a("ty ."'ht 0e reaso#a0(y 9uest"o#e-3 These *ases "#*(u-e4 a.o#' others4 +ro*ee-"#'s where a3 the >u-'e has +erso#a( E#ow(e-'e of -"s+ute- e2"-e#t"ary fa*ts *o#*er#"#' the +ro*ee-"#'I 03 the >u-'e ser2e- as e1e*utor4 a-."#"strator4 'uar-"a#4 trustee or (awyer of the *ase of .atters "# *o#tro2ersy4 or a for.er asso*"ate of the >u-'e ser2e- as *ou#se( -ur"#' the"r asso*"at"o#4 or the >u-'e or (awyer was a .ater"a( w"t#ess there"#I *3 the >u-'e ru("#' "# a (ower *ourt "s a su0>e*t of re2"ewI -3 the >u-'e "s re(ate- 0y *o#sa#'u"#"ty or aff"#"ty to a +arty ("t"'a#t w"th"# the s"1th -e'ree or to *ou#se( w"th"# the fourth -e'reeI e3 the >u-'e E#ows that the >u-'es s+ouse or *h"(- has a f"#a#*"a( "#terest as he"rs4 (e'atee4 au-"tor4 f"-u*"ary4 or otherw"se4 "# the su0>e*t .atter "# *o#tro2ersy or "# a +arty to the +ro*ee-"#'s4 or a#y other "#terest that *ou(- 0e su0sta#t"a((y affe*te- 0y the out*o.e of the +ro*ee-"#'3

A J"d>e ma!+ in the eFer7ise o% his so"nd dis7retion+ disC"a$i%! himse$% %rom sittin> in a 7ase+ %or J"st or *a$id reasons other than those mentioned a&o*e' )n e*er! instan7e+ the J"d>e sha$$ indi7ate the $e>a$ reason %or inhi&ition' Mateo *s' ?i$$a$"z+ /5 SCRA 2.+ Casti$$o *s' ,"an+ ;- SCRA 2-1 A litigant is #ntitl#d to no l#ss t"an t"# 'old n#ut%alit$ o& an impa%tial -udg#( 2u# p%o'#ss 'annot b# satis&i#d in t"# abs#n'# o& t"at d#g%## o% ob-#'ti*it$ on t"# pa%t o& a -udg# su&&i'i#nt to %#assu%# litigants o& "is b#ing &ai% and -ust( W"#n t"# -udg# "as p#%sonal knowl#dg# o& disput#d #*id#ntia%$ &a'ts) "# will los# t"at d#g%## o& ob-#'ti*it$( T"# t#nd#n'$ will b# &o% "im to d#'id# t"# 'as# bas#d on "is p#%sonal knowl#dg# and not n#'#ssa%il$ on t"# basis o& t"# #*id#n'# p%#s#nt#d and o&&#%#d b$ t"# pa%ti#s( His ob-#'ti*it$ is t"#%#&o%# impai%#d( ons#/u#ntl$) t"# %ul# o& &ai%n#ss d#mands o& "im t"at "# s"ould tak# no pa%t in t"# 'as# and l#t anot"#% -udg# "#a% and d#'id# it( B"tierrez *s' Santos+ 22- 6hi$' 2.: (20;23 T"# %ul# on dis/uali&i'ation o& a -udg#) w"#t"#% 'ompulso%$ o% *olunta%$) to "#a% a 'as# &inds its %ational# in t"# saluta%$ p%in'ipl# t"at no -udg# s"ould p%#sid# in a 'as# w"i'" "# is not w"oll$ &%##) disint#%#st#d) impa%tial and ind#p#nd#nt) w"i'" is aim#d at p%#s#%*ing t"# p#opl#s &ait" and 'on&id#n'# in t"# 'ou%ts o& -usti'#( A4ari7io *s' Anda$+ 21/ SCRA /;0 (20.03 T"# m#%# &iling o& an administ%ati*# 'as# against a -udg# is not a g%ound &o% dis/uali&$ing "im &%om "#a%ing t"# 'as#( <o% i& on #*#%$ o''asion t"# pa%t$ appa%#ntl$ agg%i#*#d would b# allow#d to #it"#% stop t"# p%o'##ding in o%d#% to await t"# &inal d#'ision on t"# d#si%#d dis/uali&i'ation) o% d#mand t"# imm#diat# in"ibition o& t"# -udg# on t"# basis alon# o& "is b#ing so '"a%g#d) man$ 'as#s would "a*# to b# k#pt p#nding o% p#%"aps t"#%# would not b# #noug" -udg#s to "andl# all t"# 'as#s p#nding in all 'ou%ts( T"# ou%t "as to b# s"own) ot"#% t"an t"# &iling o& t"# administ%ati*# 'omplaint) a'ts o% 'ondu't o& t"# -udg# 'l#a%l$ indi'ati*# o& a%bit%a%in#ss o% p%#-udi'# b#&o%# t"# latt#% 'an b# b%and#d t"# stigma o& b#ing bias#d o% pa%tial( C%' A"stria *s' MasaC"e$+ -5 SCRA 2-:1 A -udg# s"ould dis/uali&$ "ims#l& w"#n a &o%m#% asso'iat# s#%*#d as 'ouns#l in t"# 'as# du%ing t"#i% asso'iation(

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)>na7io *s' ?i$$a$"z+ 05 SCRA 2; 2u# p%o'#ss %#/ui%#m#nts 'annot b# satis&i#d in t"# abs#n'# o& t"at d#g%## o& ob-#'ti*it$ on t"# pa%t o& a -udg# su&&i'i#nt to %#assu%# litigants o& "is b#ing &ai% and -ust( Bo*ernment *s' Heirs o% A&e$$a+ :0 6hi$' <1: A p#tition to dis/uali&$ a -udg# must b# &il#d b#&o%# %#ndition o& -udgm#nt b$ t"# -udg#( A$eFander Ho#den *s' Co$$e7tor o% )nterna$ Re*en"e+ 2< SCRA ;52 It must &i%st b# p%#s#nt#d to "im &o% "is d#t#%mination( It 'annot b# %ais#d &o% t"# &i%st tim# on app#al( Admn' Matter: Constante 6imente$+ ./ SCRA :2 T"# ob-#'tion o& t"# 'omp#t#n'$ o& a -udg# must b# &il#d wit" "im in w%iting but not in an un*#%i&i#d l#tt#%( T"# -udg# will t"#n d#t#%min# "is 'omp#t#n'$( 6imente$ *s' Sa$an>a+ -2 SCRA 2;5 H.. I& a litigant is d#ni#d a &ai% and impa%tial t%ial) indu'#d b$ t"# -udg#s bias o% p%#-udi'#) w# will not "#sitat# to o%d#% a n#w t%ial) i& n#'#ssa%$) in t"# int#%#st o& -usti'#( ,oaC"in *s' Barreto+ -/ 6hi$' -. I& t"# -udg# dis/uali&i#s o% in"ibits "ims#l&) "# must stat# t"# l#gal %#ason t"#%#&o%#( T"is is impo%tant b#'aus#) i& an$ pa%t$ wis"#s to /u#stion t"# O%d#%) t"# app#llat# 'ou%t 'an tak# 'ogni8an'# t"#%#o& and 'an %#*i#w t"# soundn#ss o% unsoundn#ss o& t"# %#ason &o% dis/uali&i'ation o% in"ibition( A$&os *' A$a&a+ Adm' Matter NO' MT,82/21+ Mar7h 22+ 200: A -udg# is bound n#*#% to 'onsid#% lig"tl$ a motion &o% "is in"ibition t"at /u#stions o% puts to doubt) "ow#*#% insigni&i'ant) "is suppos#d p%#dil#'tion to a 'as# p#nding b#&o%# "im( W"il# "# must #.#%'is# g%#at p%ud#n'# and utmost 'aution in 'onsid#%ing and #*aluating a '"all#ng# to "is impa%tialit$) "# is #.p#'t#d) n#*#%t"#l#ss) to a't wit" good dispat'"( An$ d#la$) l#t alon# an ina'tion) on "is pa%t 'an onl$ &u#l) w"#t"#% -usti&i#d o% not) an int#nsi&i#d dist%ust on "is 'apabilit$ to %#nd#% dispassionat# -udgm#nt on t"# 'as#( 6ara!no *' Meneses+ B'R' No' 22-;.:+ A4ri$ -;+ 200: H.. A -udg# ma$) in t"# #.#%'is# o& "is sound dis'%#tion) in"ibit "ims#l& *olunta%$ &%om sitting in a 'as#) but it s"ould b# bas#d on good sound o% #t"i'al g%ounds) o% &o% -ust and *alid %#asons( H.. it is t"# -udg#s sa'%#d dut$ to administ#% -usti'# wit"out &#a% o% &a*o%( DIS<UALI:ICATION 0( Rul# on dis/uali&i'ation num#%at#s t"# g%ounds und#% w"i'" an$ -udg# o% -udi'ial o&&i'#% is dis/uali&i#d &%om a'ting as su'" an t"# #.p%#ss #num#%ation t"#%#in o& su'" g%ounds #.'lud# t"# ot"#%s( 1( Rul# gi*#s t"# -udi'ial o&&i'#% no dis'%#tion to t%$ to sit in a 'as#( <3 INHI)ITION 0( Rul# do#s not #.p%#ssl$ #num#%at# t"# sp#'i&i' g%ounds &o% in"ibition but m#%#l$ gi*#s a b%oad basis t"#%#o&) i(#( good) sound o% #t"i'al g%ounds( 1( Rul# l#a*#s t"# matt#% o& in"ibition to t"# sound dis'%#tion o& t"# -udg#(

Budg# H is a d#a'on in t"# IAT '"u%'"( Y) a m#mb#% o& t"# sam# %#ligious s#'t b#longing to t"# sam# IAT &il#d a 'as# against U w"o b#longs to t"# El S"addai "a%ismati' g%oup( T"# 'as# was %a&&l#d to Budg# Hs sala( T"# law$#% o& U &il#d a motion to dis/uali&$ Budg# H on t"# g%ound t"at sin'# "# and t"# plainti&& b#long#d to t"# sam# %#ligious s#'t) Budg# H would poss#ss t"# 'old n#ut%alit$ o& an impa%tial -udg#( Budg# H d#ni#d t"# motion sin'# t"# %#ason in*ol*#d &o% "is dis/uali&i'ation was not among t"# g%ounds &o% dis/uali&i'ation und#% t"# Rul# o& od# o& Budi'ial ondu't( Was Budg# Hs d#nial o& motion &o% in"ibition w#ll6 &ound#dF YES( T"# &a't t"at t"# Budg# H and litigant Y bot" b#long to IAT w"il# litigant U b#longs to El S"addai g%oup) is not mandato%$ g%ound &o% dis/uali&$ing Budg# H &%om p%#siding o*#% t"# 'as#( T"# motion &o% "is in"ibition is add%#ss#d to "is sound dis'%#tion and "# s"ould #.#%'is# t"# sam# in a wa$ t"# p#opl#s &ait" in t"# 'ou%ts o& -usti'# is not impai%#d(

A3

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RE%ITTAL O: DIS<UALI:ICATION Ru(e C3@C3 A >u-'e -"s9ua("f"e- 0y the ter.s of Ru(e C3@B .ay4 "#stea- of w"th-raw"#' fro. the +ro*ee-"#'4 -"s*(osure o# the re*or- the 0as"s of 9ua("f"*at"o#3 If4 0ase- o# su*h -"s*(osure4 the +art"es a#- (awyers "#-e+e#-e#t(y of the >u-'es +art"*"+at"o#4 a(( a'ree "# wr"t"#' that the reaso# for "#h"0"t"o# "s "..ater"a( or "#su0sta#t"a(4 the >u-'e .ay the# +art"*"+ate "# the +ro*ee-"#'3 The a'ree.e#t4 s"'#e- 0y a(( +art"es a#- (awyers4 sha(( 0e "#*or+orate- "# the re*or- of the +ro*ee-"#'3

T"# -udg# must maintain and p%#s#%*# t"# t%ust and &ait" o& t"# pa%ti#s litigants( H# must "old "ims#l& abo*# %#p%oa'" and suspi'ion( At t"# *#%$ &i%st sign o& la'k o& &ait" and t%ust to "is a'tions) w"#t"#% w#ll g%ound#d o% not) t"# Budg# "as no ot"#% alt#%nati*# but in"ibit "ims#l& &%om t"# 'as#( Aot#= ... a -udg#) ot"#%wis# dis/uali&i#d b$ t"# t#%ms o& 3(01 "as t"# option o& in"ibiting "ims#l& &%om t"# p%o'##dings o% simpl$ dis'losing t"# p%#s#n'# o& an$ o& t"# g%ounds #num#%at#d in Rul# 3(01( T"# pa%ti#s and t"#i% law$#% ma$ ag%##) in w%iting) to allow t"# -udg# to pa%ti'ipat# in t"# p%o'##ding( CANON D A >u-'e .ay4 w"th -ue re'ar- to off"*"a( -ut"es4 e#'a'e "# a*t"2"t"es to ".+ro2e the (aw4 the Le'a( Syste. a#the A-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*e3 Ru(e D3A@3 $ARTICI$ATION IN $RIVATE DEALINGS A >u-'e .ay4 to the e1te#t that the fo((ow"#' a*t"2"t"es -o #ot ".+a"r the +erfor.a#*e of >u-"*"a( -ut"es or *ast -ou0t o# the >u-'es ".+art"a("ty a3 s+eaE4 wr"te4 (e*ture4 tea*h4 or +art"*"+ate a*t"2"t"es *o#*er#"#' the (aw4 the (e'a( syste. a#- the a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*eI 03 a++ear at a +u0("* hear"#' 0efore a (e'"s(at"2e or e1e*ut"2e 0o-y o# .atters *o#*er#"#' the (aw4 the (e'a( syste. or the a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*e a#- otherw"se *o#su(t w"th the. o# .atters *o#*er#"#' the a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*eI *3 ser2e o# a#y or'a#";at"o# -e2ote- to the ".+ro2e.e#t of the (aw4 the (e'a( syste. or the a-."#"strat"o# of >ust"*e3

Jlti-ately t/e decision to en1a1e in t/e afore-entioned acti#ities 0ill depend upon t/e sound <ud1-ent of t/e <ud1e as /e is in t/e best position to Bno0 /is ability, co-petence and 0eaBnesses. A$&os *' A$a&a+ s"4ra H.. ... -udg#s a%#) as t"#$ s"ould b#) #n'ou%ag#d to #ngag# in an$ law&ul #nt#%p%is# t"at ma$ "#lp b%ing about an imp%o*#d administ%ation o& -usti'#( But) as t"at it ma$) -udg#s must not allow t"#ms#l*#s to b# t"#%#b$ dist%a't#d &%om t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"#i% -udi'ial tasks w"i'" must %#main at all tim#s to b# t"#i% &o%#most and o*#%%iding 'on'#%n( CANON 5 A >u-'e shou(- re'u(ate e1tra,>u-"*"a( a*t"2"t"es to ."#".";e the r"sE of Co#f("*t w"th Ju-"*"a( Dut"es A VOCATIONAL4 CIVIC AND CHARITA)LE ACTIVITIES Ru(e 53A@3 A >u-'e .ay e#'a'e "# the fo((ow"#' a*t"2"t"es +ro2"-e- that they -o #ot "#terfere w"th the +erfor.a#*e of >u-"*"a( -ut"es or -etra*t fro. the -"'#"ty of the *ourt a3 wr"te4 (e*ture4 tea*h4 s+eaE o# #o#,(e'a( su0>e*tsI 03 e#'a'e "# the arts4 s+orts a#- other s+e*"a( re*reat"o#a( a*t"2"t"esI *3 +art"*"+ate "# *"2"* a#- *har"ta0(e a*t"2"t"esI -3 ser2e as a# off"*er4 -"re*tor4 trustee4 or #o#,(e'a( a-2"sor of a #o#, +o("t"*a( e-u*at"o#a(4 re("'"ous4 *har"ta0(e4 frater#a( or *"2"* or'a#";at"o#3

I& t"#$ opt to #ngag# in su'" a'ti*iti#s) t"#$ must l#a%n "ow to manag# t"#i% tim# in su'" mann#% t"at t"#i% -udi'ial %#sponsibiliti#s do not &alt#% and su&&#%(

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Budg#s 'annot s#%*# as o&&i'#%s o% ad*is#%s o& politi'al agg%upations and o%gani8ations #stablis"#d &o% p%o&it( Budg#s must %#&%ain &%om pa%tisan politi'al a'ti*iti#s and o%gani8ations &o% p%o&it( Ot"#%wis#) "# will b# &o%'#d to ad*an'# t"# int#%#sts o& t"#s# o%gani8ations t"%oug" t"# us# o& "is o&&i'# o% in&lu#n'#( Canon -:+ C,E W"il# -udg#s ma$ pa%ti'ipat# in 'i*i' and '"a%itabl# a'ti*iti#s) t"#$ a%# not allow#d to soli'it donations &o% su'" a'ti*iti#s( H# s"ould not us# t"# pow#% o& "is o&&i'# o% t"# in&lu#n'# o& "is nam# to p%omot# t"# busin#ss int#%#sts o& ot"#%s( H# s"ould not soli'it &o% '"a%iti#s( < S was a -udg# and t"# publis"#%M'olumnist &o% a tabloid) "# was also a w%it#% &o% anot"#% pap#%( G '"a%g#d "im wit" using "is 'olumns to *#ntilat# "is *i#ws( H# "as %#p#at#dl$ us#d insulting and in&lammato%$ languag# against t"# go*#%no%) p%o*in'ial p%os#'uto% and l#gal ad*is#%( 2#'id#( A W"il# S "as t"# %ig"t to &%## sp##'") "is w%iting o& *i'ious #dito%ials 'omp%omis#s "is duti#s as -udg# in t"# impa%tial administ%ation o& -usti'#( T"#$ %#&l#'t on "is o&&i'# and on t"# o&&i'#%s "# %idi'ul#s( T"# p#%sonal b#"a*io% o& a -udg# in "is p%o&#ssional and #*#%$da$ li&# s"ould b# &%## &%om t"# app#a%an'# o& imp%op%i#t$ as su'" 'ondu't #%od#s publi' 'on&id#n'# in t"# -udi'ia%$( (Ba$an> *s' Santos+ <51 SCRA /;-3' :INANCIAL ACTIVITIES Ru(e 53AB3 A >u-'e sha(( refra"# fro. f"#a#*"a( a#- 0us"#ess -ea("#'s @3 that te#- to ref(e*t a-2erse(y o# the *ourts ".+art"a("tyI B3 that "#terfere w"th the +ro+er +erfor.a#*e of >u-"*"a( a*t"2"t"esI or C3 that "#*rease "#2o(2e.e#t w"th (awyers or +erso#s ("Ee(y to *o.e 0efore the *ourt3

Aot#= Int#%p%#ting t"# abo*# %ul#) -udg#s t"#%#&o%#) a%# not p%o"ibit#d &%om "a*ing &inan'ial and busin#ss d#alings( Ao0e#er) t"#$ must #*#% b# mind&ul o& 'i%'umstan'#s d#s'%ib#d in t"# sam# %ul# w"i'" 'ould %#nd#% t"#i% &inan'ial and busin#ss d#alings un#t"i'al( Canon -/+ C,E A -udg# s"ould abstain &%om making p#%sonal in*#stm#nts w"i'" a%# apt to b# in*ol*#d in litigation in "is 'ou%t, and) a&t#% a''#ssion to t"# b#n'") "# s"ould not %#tain su'" in*#stm#nts p%#*iousl$ mad#) long#% t"an a p#%iod su&&i'i#nt to #nabl# "im to dispos# o& t"#m wit"out s#%ious loss( B"ena*ent"ra *s' Benedi7t+ <. SCRA 12 S#'tion 14 o& t"# anons o& Budi'ial Et"i's %#/ui%#s a -udg# to %#&%ain &%om p%i*at# busin#ss *#ntu%#s o% '"a%itabl# #nt#%p%is#s so as not to gi*# o''asion an$ suspi'ion t"at "# utili8#s t"# pow#% o& "is o&&i'# o% t"# in&lu#n'# o& "is nam# &o% t"# su''#ss o& su'" und#%takings o% to gi*# %is# to an$ situation w"#%#in "is p#%sonal int#%#st mig"t 'on&li't wit" t"# impa%tial p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s( Ma7ario$a *s' As"n7ion+ 2: SCRA .2 H.. t"#%# is no p%o*ision in bot" in 0735 and 07?3 onstitutions o& t"# +"ilippin#s) no% is t"#%# an #.isting law #.p%#ssl$ p%o"ibiting m#mb#%s o& t"# Budi'ia%$ &%om #ngaging o% "a*ing int#%#st in an$ law&ul busin#ss( T"# 07@? onstitution and t"# Budi'ia%$ R#o%gani8ation A't o& 07@J "a*# no p%o*isions p%o"ibiting -udg#s &%om #ngaging in busin#ss( ,a*ier *s' =e B"zman+ 20- SCRA :<: (20023 H# *iolat#s t"is 'anon w"#%# "# l#nds mon#$ at 'ons'ionabl# int#%#sts and &il#s suit &o% 'oll#'tion at t"# pla'# w"#%# "# is -udg#) to #nabl# "im to tak# ad*antag# o& "is position( Su'" a'tion m#%its s#*#%# %#p%imand( Ru(e 53AC3 Su0>e*t to the +ro2"s"o#s of the +ro*ee-"#' ru(e4 a >u-'e .ay ho(- a#.a#a'e "#2est.e#ts 0ut shou(- #ot ser2e as a# off"*er4 -"re*tor4 .a#a'er4 a-2"sor4 or e.+(oyee of a#y 0us"#ess e1*e+t as -"re*tor of a fa."(y 0us"#ess of the >u-'e3

Aot#= ... t"at a -udg# is allow#d to %#main a di%#'to% o& t"# -udg#s &amil$ busin#ss) but not to s#%*# as o&&i'#%) manag#%) ad*iso%) o% #mplo$## t"#%#o&( < E post#d an ad*#%tis#m#nt on t"# RT bull#tin boa%d &o% wait%#ss and sing#%s to wo%k at "is %#stau%ant( H# was lat#% 'aug"t w"#n a %#po%t#% &%om 9Ho$ GisingV: tap#d an int#%*i#w w"i'" %#*#al#d t"at "# int#nd#d to op#%at# a d%inking pub wit" s'antil$ 'lad wait%#ss#s( 2#'id#(

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A A -udg# s"ould a*oid imp%op%i#t$ and #*#n t"# m#%# app#a%an'# o& imp%op%i#t$( H# s"ould also %#&%ain &%om &inan'ial o% busin#ss d#alings t"at t#nd to %#&l#'t ad*#%s#l$ on t"# 'ou%ts impa%tialit$) int#%&#%# wit" t"# p%op#% p#%&o%man'# o& -udi'ial a'ti*iti#s) o% in'%#as# in*ol*#m#nt wit" law$#%s o% litigants( H# s"ould also manag# "is &inan'ial int#%#sts so as to minimi8# t"# numb#% o& 'as#s gi*ing g%ounds &o% dis/uali&i'ation( <inall$) t"# "alls o& -usti'# s"ould not b# us#d &o% un%#lat#d pu%pos#s( (=ionisio *s' Es7ano+ <5- SCRA :223 U#-er RA CA@J Se7' <' Corr"4t 4ra7ti7es o% 4"&$i7 o%%i7ers3 In addition to a'ts o% omission o& publi' o&&i'#%s al%#ad$ p#nali8#d b$ #.isting law) t"# &ollowing s"all 'onstitut# 'o%%upt p%a'ti'#s o& an$ publi' o&&i'#% and a%# "#%#b$ d#'la%#d as unlaw&ul= (h3 2i%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ "a*ing &inan'ial o% p#'unia%$ int#%#st in an$ busin#ss) 'ont%a't o% t%ansa'tion in 'onn#'tion wit" w"i'" "# int#%*#n#s o% tak#s pa%t in "is o&&i'ial 'apa'it$ o% in w"i'" "# is p%o"ibit#d b$ an$ law &%om "a*ing an$ int#%#st( $ROHI)ITION UNDER THE REVISED $ENAL CODE Art' -2/' 6rohi&ited Transa7tions. T"# p#nalt$ o& prision correccional. In its minimum p#%iod o% a &in# %anging &%om +1JJ to +0)JJJ o% bot" s"all b# impos#d upon an$ appointi*# publi' o&&i'#% w"o) du%ing "is in'umb#n'$) s"all di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ b#'om# int#%#st#d in an$ t%ansa'tion o& #.'"ang# o% sp#'ulation wit"in t"# t#%%ito%$ sub-#'t to "is -u%isdi'tion( Art' -2;' 6ossession o% 6rohi&ited interest &! 4"&$i7 o%%i7er . T"# p#nalt$ o& arresto -ayor in its m#dium p#%iod to prision correccional in its minimum p#%iod) o% a &in# %anging &%om +1JJ to +0)JJJ o% bot" s"all b# impos#d upon a publi' o&&i'#% w"o) di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$) s"all b#'om# int#%#st#d in an$ 'ont%a't o% busin#ss w"i'" it is "is o&&i'ial dut$ to int#%*#n#( Ru(e 53AD3 A >u-'e or a#y "..e-"ate .e.0er of the fa."(y sha(( #ot a**e+t a '"ft4 0e9uest4 fa2or or (oa# fro. a#yo#e e1*e+t as .ay 0e a((owe- 0y (aw3

It is a good poli'$ &o% an$ -udg# to ad*is# "is imm#diat# %#lati*#s o& t"is p%o"ibition( It is #/uall$ ad*isabl# t"at a -udg# s"ould wa%n "is %#lati*#s &%om b#ing #ngag#d o% us#d &%om b#ing int#%m#dia%i#s b$ pa%t$6litigants w"o "a*# p#nding 'as#s in "is 'ou%t( A''#ptan'# o& gi&ts gi*#n b$ %#ason o& t"# o&&i'# o& t"# -udg# is indirect bribery (*rt. +11, RPC and w"#n "# ag%##s to p#%&o%m an a't 'onstituting a '%im# in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s in 'onsid#%ation o& an$ o&&#%) p%omis#) gi&t o% p%#s#nt %#'#i*#d b$ su'" o&&#%) "# is guilt$ o& direct bribery (*rt. +1,, RPC . Se7tion 2:+ R'A' <520 T"# -udg# is liabl# '%iminall$ o% di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ %#'#i*ing gi&ts) p%#s#nt o% ot"#% p#'unia%$ o% mat#%ial b#n#&it) &o% "ims#l& o% &o% anot"#% und#% 'onditions p%o*id#d in S#'tion 1) (b! and ('! o& t"# law( E1*e+t"o#= E.'#pt#d a%# unsoli'it#d gi&ts o% p%#s#nts o& small *alu# o&&#%#d o% gi*#n as a m#%# o%dina%$ tok#n o& g%atitud# o% &%i#nds"ip a''o%ding to lo'al 'ustom o% usag#( Om4o7 *s' Torres+ 21. SCRA 2/ It is a s#%ious mis'ondu't &o% a -udg# to %#'#i*# mon#$ &%om a litigant in t"# &o%m o& loans w"i'" "# n#*#% int#nd#d to pa$ ba'k( E*#n i& t"# -udg# int#nds to pa$) it is an a't o& imp%op%i#t$ to tak# a loan &%om a pa%t$6litigant( ?O)= =ONAT)ONS @N=ER THE C)?)L CO=E 2onations gi*#n to a -udg# o% to "is wi&#) d#s'#ndants o% as'#ndants b$ %#ason o& "is o&&i'# a%# *oid (A%t( ?37) i*il od#!( Own#%s"ip do#s not pass to t"# don##( Don#$ o% p%op#%t$ donat#d is %#'o*#%abl# b$ t"# dono%) "is "#i%s o% '%#dito%s( Ru(e 53A53 No "#for.at"o# a*9u"re- "# a >u-"*"a( *a+a*"ty sha(( 0e use- or -"s*(ose- 0y a >u-'e "# a#y f"#a#*"a( -ea("#' or for a#y other +ur+ose #ot re(ate- to >u-"*"a( a*t"2"t"es3

T"# -udg# ma$ b# liabl# &o% *iolation o& S#'tion 3 (k! o& R(A( Ao( 3J07

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(k! 2i*ulging *aluabl# in&o%mation o& a 'on&id#ntial '"a%a't#%) a'/ui%#d b$ "is o&&i'# o% b$ "im on a''ount o& "is p#%sonal position to aut"o%i8#d p#%sons) o% %#l#asing su'" in&o%mation in ad*an'# o& its aut"o%i8#d %#l#as# du#( Giolation o& t"# Rul# ma$ also l#ad to :re#elation of secrets by an officerD o% to :re#elation of t/e secrets of a pri#ate indi#idual: punis"abl# b$ A%ts( 117 and 13J o& t"# R#*is#d +#nal od# %#sp#'ti*#l$( :IDUCIAR= ACTIVITIES Ru(e 53AF3 A >u-'e shou(- #ot ser2e as the e1e*utor4 a-."#"strator4 trustee4 'uar-"a# or a#y other f"-u*"ary4 eF7e4t for the estate4 trust4 or +erso# of a .e.0er of the "..e-"ate fa."(y4 a#- the# o#(y "f su*h ser2"*e w"(( #ot "#terfere w"th the +ro+er +erfor.a#*e of >u-"*"a( -ut"es3 M%e.0er of "..e-"ate fa."(yN sha(( 0e ("."te- to the s+ouse a#- re(at"2es w"th"# the se*o#- -e'ree of *o#sa#'u"#"ty3 As a fa."(y f"-u*"ary4 a >u-'e sha(( #ot @3 ser2e "# +ro*ee-"#' that ."'ht *o.e 0efore the *ourt of sa"- >u-'eI or B3 a*t as su*h as *o#trary to Ru(e 53AB to 53A53

Aot#= T"# %#lations"ip m#ntion#d is b$ 'onsanguinit$ and not b$ a&&init$( $RACTICE O: LAW AND OTHER $RO:ESSION Ru(e 53AG3 A >u-'e sha(( #ot e#'a'e "# the +r"2ate +ra*t"*e of (aw3 U#(ess +roh"0"te- 0y the Co#st"tut"o# or (aw4 a >u-'e .ay e#'a'e "# the +ra*t"*e of a#y other +rofess"o# +ro2"-e- that su*h +ra*t"*e w"(( #ot *o#f("*t or te#- to *o#f("*t w"th >u-"*"a( fu#*t"o#s3

W"at is basi'all$ p%o"ibit#d as -udg#s is to p%a'ti'# law( Budg#s "ow#*#%) ma$ #ngag# in ot"#% law&ul p%o&#ssions (ot"#% t"an t"# p%a'ti'# o& law! as long as t"#$ a%# not p%o"ibit#d b$ t"# onstitution o% b$ law( E*#n t"#n) -udg#s must still %#&%ain &%om #ngaging in su'" ot"#% p%o&#ssions i& su'" #ngag#m#nt will 'on&li't wit" t"#i% -udi'ial &un'tions( =ia8Anon"e*o *s' Ber7a7io+ ;. SCRA .2 9T"# %ul# dis/uali&$ing a muni'ipal -udg# &%om #ngaging in t"# p%a'ti'# o& law s##ks to a*oid t"# #*il possibl# us# o& t"# pow#% and in&lu#n'# o& "is o&&i'# to a&&#'t t"# out'om# o& a litigation w"#%# "# is %#tain#d as 'ouns#l( omp#lling %#asons o& publi' poli'$ li# b#"ind t"is p%o"ibition) and -udg#s a%# #.p#'t#d to 'ondu't t"#ms#l*#s in su'" a mann#% as to p%#'lud# suspi'ion t"at t"#$ a%# %#p%#s#nting t"# int#%#sts o& pa%t$6litigant( T"# p%a'ti'# o& law is not limit#d to t"# 'ondu't o& 'as#s in 'ou%t o% pa%ti'ipation in 'ou%t p%o'##dings but also in'lud#s p%#pa%ation o& pl#adings o% pap#%s in anti'ipation o& a litigation) and gi*ing o& l#gal ad*i'# to 'li#nts o% p#%sons n##ding t"# sam#(: A' B' A' O4' 2:< (Ma! 0+ 20</3 A -udg# s"ould not #ngag# in t"# p%a'ti'# o& p%i*at# law) no% p#%mit a law &i%m) o& w"i'" "# was &o%m#%l$ an a'ti*# m#mb#%) to 'ontinu# to 'a%%$ "is nam# in t"# &i%m nam# b#'aus# t"at mig"t '%#at# t"# imp%#ssion t"at t"# &i%m poss#ss#s an imp%op#% in&lu#n'# wit" t"# -udg# and in 'ons#/u#n'#) t#nd to imp#l t"os# in n##d o& l#gal s#%*i'#s in 'onn#'tion wit" matt#%s b#&o%# t"# -udg# #mplo$ t"#m( Ba$a!on ,r' *s' ,"d>e O7am4o+ A'M' No' MT,8028;20 (,an"ar! -0+ 200<3 It is w#ll s#ttl#d t"at muni'ipal -udg#s ma$ not #ngag# in nota%ial wo%k #.'#pt as nota%i#s as publi' #.6o&&i'io( As nota%i#s publi'6o&&i'io) t"#$ ma$ #ngag# onl$ in t"# nota%i8ation o& do'um#nts 'onn#'t#d wit" t"# #.#%'is# o& t"#i% o&&i'ial &un'tions( T"#$ ma$ not) as su'" nota%i#s publi' o&&i'io) und#%tak# t"# p%#pa%ation and a'knowl#dgm#nt o& p%i*at# do'um#nts) 'ont%a'ts and ot"#% a'ts o& 'on*#$an'#) w"i'" b#a% no %#lation to t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"#i% &un'tions as -udg#s( How#*#%) taking -udi'ial noti'# o& t"# &a't t"at t"#%# a%# still muni'ipaliti#s w"i'" "a*# n#it"#% law$#%s no% nota%i#s publi') t"# Sup%#m# ou%t %ul#d t"at DT and D T -udg#s assign#d to muni'ipaliti#s o% 'i%'uits wit" law$#%s o% nota%i#s publi' ma$) in t"#i% 'apa'it$ as nota%i#s publi' #.6o&&i'io) p#%&o%m an$ a't wit"in t"# 'omp#t#n'$ o& a %#gula% nota%$ publi') +ro2"-e- that= 0( all nota%ial &##s '"a%g#d b# &o% t"# a''ount o& t"# Go*#%nm#nt and tu%n#d6o*#% to t"# muni'ipal t%#asu%#% and

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1( '#%ti&i'ation b# mad# in t"# nota%i8#d do'um#nts att#sting to t"# la'k o& an$ law$#% o% nota%$ publi' in su'" muni'ipalit$ o% 'i%'uit( :INANCIAL DISCLOSURE Ru(e 53AH A >u-'e sha(( .aEe fu(( f"#a#*"a( -"s*(osure as re9u"re- 0y (aw3

E*#%$ publi' o&&i'#%) in'luding -udg#s a%# %#/ui%#d to &il# a t%u#) d#tail#d and swo%n stat#m#nt o& ass#ts and liabiliti#s in'luding stat#m#nt o& t"# amounts and s#%*i'#s o& in'om#) t"# amounts o& t"#i% p#%sonal and &amil$ #.p#ns#s and t"# amount o& in'om# ta.#s paid &o% t"# n#.t p%#'#ding 'al#nda% $#a%( EOTRA,JUDICIAL A$$OINT%ENTS Ru(e 53AJ A >u-'e sha(( #ot a**e+t a++o"#t.e#t or -es"'#at"o# to a#y a'e#*y +erfor."#' 9uas",>u-"*"a( or a-."#"strat"2e fu#*t"o#s3

Se7tion 2-+ Art' ?)))+ 20.1 Constit"tion T"# m#mb#%s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t and o& ot"#% 'ou%ts #stablis"#d b$ law s"all not b# d#signat#d to an$ ag#n'$ p#%&o%ming =uasi9<udicial o% ad-inistrati#e &un'tions( $OLITICAL ACTIVITIES Ru(e 53@A A >u-'e "s e#t"t(e- to e#terta"# +erso#a( 2"ews o# +o("t"*a( 9uest"o#s3 )ut to a2o"- sus+"*"o# of +o("t"*a( +art"sa#sh"+4 a >u-'e sha(( #ot .aEe +o("t"*a( s+ee*hes4 *o#tr"0ute to +arty fu#-s4 +u0("*(y e#-orse *a#-"-ates for +o("t"*a( off"*e or +art"*"+ate "# other +art"sa# +o("t"*a( a*t"2"t"es3

Canon -1+ C,E A -udg#) as a 'iti8#n is #ntitl#d to #nt#%tain politi'al *i#ws on politi'al issu#s( How#*#%) to a*oid suspi'ion o& politi'al pa%tisans"ip) "# s"ould not mak# politi'al sp##'"#s) 'ont%ibut# &unds) publi'l$ #ndo%s# 'andidat#s &o% politi'al o&&i'# o% pa%ti'ipat# in politi'al pa%tisan a'ti*iti#s( ?istan *s' Ni7o$as+ -52 SCRA /-: <o% "a*ing "#ld "ims#l& out as a 'ong%#ssional 'andidat# w"il# still a m#mb#% o& t"# B#n'") R#spond#nt took ad*antag# o& "is position to boost "is 'andida'$) d#m#an#d t"# statu%# o& "is o&&i'#) and must b# p%onoun'#d guilt$ o& g%oss mis'ondu't( CO%$LIANCE WITH THE CODE O: JUDICIAL CONDUCT A$$ J"d>es sha$$ 7om4$! stri7t$! #ith this Code' LIA)ILITIES O: JUDGES Se7tion ))+ Art' ?)))+ 20.1 Constit"tion T"# m#mb#%s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t and -udg#s o& low#% 'ou%ts s"all "old o&&i'# du%ing a good b#"a*io% until t"#$ %#a'" t"# ag# o& s#*#nt$ $#a%s o% b#'om# in'apa'itat#d to dis'"a%g# t"# duti#s o& t"#i% o&&i'#( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t en banc s"all "a*# t"# pow#% to dis'iplin# -udg#s o& low#% 'ou%ts) o% o%d#% t"#i% dismissal b$ a *ot# o& ma-o%it$ o& t"# D#mb#%s w"o a'tuall$ took pa%t in t"# d#lib#%ations on t"# issu#s in t"# 'as# and *ot#d t"#%#in( AD%INISTRATIVE LIA)ILITIES Grou#-s for a-."#"strat"2e *ases a'a"#st Ju-'es 0( s#%ious mis'ondu't 1( in#&&i'i#n'$ )n re: )m4ea7hment o% Hori$$eno+ :< 6hi$' -2%"s*o#-u*t impli#s mali'# o% a w%ong&ul int#nt) not a m#%# #%%o% o& -udgm#nt( 9 $or serious -isconduct to e>ist) t"#%# must b# a %#liabl# #*id#n'# s"owing t"at t"# -udi'ial a'ts 'omplain#d o& w#%# 'o%%upt o% w#%# inspi%#d b$ an int#ntion to *iolat# t"# law) o% w#%# in p#%sist#nt dis%#ga%d o& w#ll6known l#gal %ul#s(:

89

)n re: C$ima7o+ Adm' Case no' 2<:8, (,an' -2+ 201:3 // SCRA 251 I#eff"*"e#*y impli#s n#glig#n'#) igno%an'# and 'a%#l#ssn#ss( A -udg# would b# in#.'usabl$ n#glig#nt i& "# &ail#d to obs#%*# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s t"at dilig#n'#) p%ud#n'# and 'i%'umsp#'tion w"i'" t"# law %#/ui%#s in t"# %#ndition o& an$ publi' s#%*i'#( a3 Ser"ous ."s*o#-u*t or "#eff"*"e#*y %"s*o#-u*t & w%ong&ul int#ntion and not m#%# #%%o% in -udgm#nt (RaC"iza *s' Castaneda+ .- SCRA -</3 Ser"ous %"s*o#-u*t & #.ists w"#n t"# -udi'ial a't 'omplain#d o& is 'o%%upt o% inspi%#d b$ an int#ntion to *iolat# t"# law o% a p#%sist#nt dis%#ga%d o& w#ll6known l#gal %ul#s ' (Ba$an>i *s' Ma7$i8in>+ Adm' Matter No' 1/8=,+ ,an' 21+ 201.3 Ser"ous I#eff"*"e#*y & an #.ampl# is n#glig#n'# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& dut$) i& %#'kl#ss in '"a%a't#% (La4ena *s' Co$$ado+ 1; SCRA .-3' < Epon %#ti%#m#nt) B l#&t ? '%iminal 'as#s and 3 'i*il 'as#s und#'id#d wit"in t"# 7J6da$ p#%iod %#/ui%#d b$ S#'tion 05) A%ti'l# GII o& t"# onstitution( H# sa$s it was du# to s#%ious illn#ss( Da$ "# b# dis'iplin#dF A D#mb#%s o& t"# b#n'" "a*# a dut$ to administ#% -usti'# wit"out undu# d#la$( <ailu%# to do so wit"in t"# %#glam#nta%$ p#%iod 'onstitut#s a n#gl#'t o& dut$ wa%%anting administ%ati*# p#nalti#s( I& "ind#%#d b$ illn#ss) a -udg# s"ould in&o%m t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato% and ask &o% additional tim# in o%d#% to a*oid t"# san'tions( How#*#%) i& t"#%# is no mali'# o% bad &ait") and t"# -udg# is p%#*#nt#d b$ &a'to%s b#$ond "is 'ont%ol) t"# p#nalt$ will b# mitigat#d( (Re: Cases Le%t @nde7ided &! ,"d>e Nar7iso M' B"man>$a> ,r'+ <5; SCRA /53' b( Error or I'#ora#*e of Law= - E%%o% o% mistak# must b# g%oss o% pat#nt) mali'ious) d#lib#%at# o% in bad &ait"( - Dust a't &%audul#ntl$) 'o%%uptl$ o% wit" g%oss igno%an'#( a*#at= not #*#%$ #%%o% o% mistak# o& a -udg# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is duti#s mak# "im liabl# t"#%#&o%#( To "old t"# -udg# administ%ati*#l$ a''ountabl# &o% #*#%$ #%%on#ous %uling o% d#'ision "# %#nd#%s) assuming "# "as #%%#d) would b# not"ing s"o%t o& "a%assm#nt and would mak# "is position unb#a%abl#( (Se7retar! o% ,"sti7e *s' Mar7os+ 1; SCRA <523' A"ri$$o *s' Aran7is7o+ -</ SCRA -<. (200:3 I& t"# law is so #l#m#nta%$) not to know it o% to a't as i& on# do#s not know it) 'onstitut#s igno%an'# o& t"# law( A -udg# w"o dis%#ga%ds basi' %ul#s and s#ttl#d -u%isp%ud#n'# s"ows g%oss igno%an'# o& law( Igno%an'# o& t"# law) w"i'" #*#%$on# is bound to know) #.'us#s no on# ; not #*#n -udg#s( '1norantia <uris =uod =uis=ue scire tenetur non e>cusat. Ben>zon *s' Adaoa>+ -/5 SCRA <:: (200/3 To wa%%ant a &inding o& igno%an'# o& t"# law and abus# o& aut"o%it$) t"# #%%o% must b# so g%oss and pat#nt as to p%odu'# an in&#%#n'# o& igno%an'# o% bad &ait" o% t"at t"# -udg# knowingl$ %#nd#%#d an un-ust d#'ision( T"# #%%o% must b# g%a*# and on so &undam#ntal a point as to wa%%ant 'ond#mnation o& t"# -udg# as pat#ntl$ igno%ant o% n#glig#nt( B"ena*ent"ra *s' Bar7ia+ 2.1 SCRA /0. (20053 A -udg# w"o dismiss#d a %ap# 'as# upon d#sistan'# o& t"# 006$#a%6old %ap# *i'tim and w"o allow#d 'omp%omis# o& said 'as# wit" "is int#%*#ntion b$ t"# a''us#d pa$ing t"# *i'tim is guilt$ o& g%oss igno%an'# o& t"# law and knowingl$ %#nd#%ing an un-ust -udgm#nt) liabl# &o% dismissal &%om t"# s#%*i'#) &o% as -udg# "# s"ould "a*# known t"at t"# *i'tims 'ons#nt in a statuto%$ %ap# is in*alid and t"# 'omp%omis# is an admission o& guilt and "is pa%ti'ipation t"#%#in is unb#'oming o& a -udg#( State 6rose7"tors *s' M"ro+ -/2 SCRA 222 (200/3 Eg%#gious l#gal #%%o%) l#gal #%%o% moti*at#d b$ bad &ait") o% a 'ontinuing patt#%n o& l#gal #%%o%) on t"# pa%t o& a -udg# do#s amount to mis'ondu't w"i'" ma$ b# sub-#'t to dis'iplin#( A l#gal #%%o% is #g%#gious and s#%ious #noug" to amount to mis'ondu't w"#n -udg#s d#n$ indi*iduals t"#i% basi' o% &undam#ntal %ig"ts) su'" as w"#n d#&#ndants w#%# not ad*is#d o& t"#i% 'onstitutional %ig"ts to 'ouns#l) 'o#%'#d to pl#ad guilt$) s#nt#n'#d to -ail w"#n onl$ a &in# is p%o*id#d b$ law) s#nt#n'#d to -ail &o% a p#%iod long#% t"an t"# ma.imum s#nt#n'# allow#d b$ law) o% w"#n d#&#ndant o% t"# p%os#'ution was d#ni#d a &ull and &ai% "#a%ing( A -udg#s a't o& -otu proprio dismissing a '%iminal 'as# &o% *iolation o& &o%#ign #.'"ang# %#st%i'tions) wit"out waiting &o% t"# d#&#ns# to &il# a motion to /uas" o% wit"out a&&o%ding t"# p%os#'ution t"# oppo%tunit$ to b# "#a%d on t"# matt#%) 'onstitut#s g%oss igno%an'# o& law 'alling &o% "is dismissal(

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Re*ita *s' Rimando+ 0. SCRA ;20 (20.53 A -udg# ma$ not b# dis'iplin#d &o% #%%o% o& -udgm#nt) unl#ss t"#%# is p%oo& t"at t"# #%%o% was att%ibutabl# to a 'ons'ious and d#lib#%at# int#nt to p#%p#t%at# an in-usti'#( <o% as a matt#% o& publi' poli'$) in t"# abs#n'# o& &%aud) dis"on#st$ o% 'o%%uption) t"# a'ts o& a -udg# in "is o&&i'ial 'apa'it$ a%# not sub-#'t to dis'iplina%$ a'tion) #*#n t"oug" su'" a'ts a%# #%%on#ous( T"is do#s not m#an) "ow#*#%) t"at "# s"ould not #*in'# du# 'a%# in p#%&o%ming "is ad-udi'ato%$ p%#%ogati*#s(

Ai$i4inas Ban *s' Tirona8Li#a>+ 205 SCRA .<: (20053 Good &ait" and abs#n'# o& mali'#) 'o%%upt moti*#s o% imp%op#% 'onsid#%ation a%# su&&i'i#nt d#&#ns#s p%ot#'ting a -udi'ial o&&i'#% '"a%g#d wit" igno%an'# o& t"# law and p%omulgation o& an un-ust d#'ision &%om b#ing "#ld a''ountabl# &o% #%%o%s o& -udgm#nt on t"# p%#mis# t"at no on# 'all#d upon to t%$ t"# &a'ts o% int#%p%#t t"# law in t"# administ%ation o& -usti'# 'an b# in&allibl#( ?istan *' Ni7o$as+ Adm' Matter No' MT,8.1810+ Se4tem&er 2<+ 2002 Budg#s ma$ b# dis'iplin#d onl$ b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( T"# appli'abl# p%o'#du%al %ul# is Rul# 04J) Rul#s o& ou%t( 6ro7ed"re (R"$e 2:53 >( omplaint) in w%iting and dul$ swo%n to) is &il#d wit" t"# Sup%#m# ou%t (sec.1

?( I& &ound m#%ito%ious) a 'op$ t"#%#o& s"all b# s#%*#d on t"# %#spond#nt and "# s"all b# %#/ui%#d to 'omm#nt wit"in 0J da$s o& s#%*i'# (sec. 6 @( Epon &iling o& %#spond#nts 'omm#nts o% #.pi%ation o& t"# p#%iod &o% &iling 'omm#nt) t"# Sup%#m# ou%t #it"#% %#&#%s to matt#% to t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato% (O A! &o% #*aluation) %#po%t) and %#'omm#ndation) o% assigns a Busti'# o& t"# ou%t o& App#als (i& %#spond#nt is an RT -udg#! o% a -udg# o& t"# RT (i& %#spond#nt is a -udg# o& an in&#%io% 'ou%t! to in*#stigat# and "#a% t"# '"a%g#s (sec.7 7( A&t#% "#a%ings) t"# in*#stigating -usti'# o% -udg# submits a %#po%t o& &indings o& &a't) 'on'lusions o& law and %#'omm#ndations to t"# Sup%#m# ou%t (sec.8 0J( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t tak#s a'tion as t"# &a'ts and t"# law ma$ wa%%ant (sec. 9 ou%t s"all b#

+%o'##dings s"all b# p%i*at# and 'on&id#ntial but a 'op$ o& t"# d#'ision o% %#solution o& t"# atta'"#d to t"# %#'o%d o& t"# -udg# in t"# O&&i'# o& t"# ou%t Administ%ato%( (sec. 11

(S"erte *s' @>&inar+ 1/ SCRA ;0 (20113 Imp#a'"m#nt p%o'##dings against -udg#s a%# p#nal in natu%# and a%# go*#%n#d b$ t"# %ul#s appli'abl# to '%iminal 'as#s( T"# '"a%g#s must) t"#%#&o%#) b# p%o*#d b#$ond %#asonabl# doubt( $r"#*"+(e of Res I+sa Lo9u"tor (t"# t"ings sp#ak &o% its#l&! A -udg# ma$ b# dismiss#d #*#n wit"out &o%mal in*#stigation) i& bas#d on t"# %#'o%ds) "is liabilit$ is 'l#a% and un/u#stionabl#( Aot#= T"# do't%in# o& res ipsa lo=uitor do#s not and 'annot disp#ns# wit" t"# twin %#/ui%#m#nt o& du# p%o'#ss) i(#( noti'# and t"# oppo%tunit$ to b# "#a%d( It m#%#l$ disp#ns#s wit" t"# p%o'#du%# laid down In Rul# 04J o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t( <3 Da$ Budg# Bautista b# dis'iplin#d b$ t"# Sup%#m# ou%t bas#d sol#l$ on a 'omplaint &il#d b$ t"# 'omplainant and t"# answ#% o& %#spond#nt Budg#F I& so) und#% w"at 'i%'umstan'#sF W"at is t"# %ational# b#"ind t"is pow#% o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%tF Y#s) w"#%# t"# &a'ts o& %#'o%d su&&i'i#n'$ p%o*id# t"# basis &o% t"# d#t#%mination o& t"# law$#%s administ%ati*# liabilit$ "# ma$ b# dis'iplin#d o% disba%%#d b$ t"# S wit"out &u%t"#% in/ui%$ o% in*#stigation( A p%#6t%ial "#a%ing is not n#'#ssa%$ t"# %#spond#nt "a*ing b##n &ull$ "#a%d in "is pl#ading( T"# p%in'ipl# o% do't%in# appli#s to bot" -udg#s o% law$#%s( Budg#s "ad b##n dismiss#d &%om

A3

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t"# s#%*i'# wit"out n##d &o% a &o%mal in*#stigation b#'aus# bas# on t"# %#'o%ds) t"# g%oss mis'ondu't o& in#&&i'i#n'$ o& t"# -udg#s 'l#a%l$ app#a%s( (@! *s' Mer7ado+ 2/: SCRA+ /;13

W)TH=RAWAL+ =ES)STANCE+ RET)REMENT or 6AR=ON An>"$"an *s' Ta>"&a+ 0< SCRA 210 T"# wit"d%awal o& t"# 'as# b$ t"# 'omplainant) o% t"# &iling o& an a&&ida*it o& d#sistan'# o% t"# 'omplainants loss o& int#%#st do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ 'aus# t"# dismissal t"#%#o&( Reason= To 'ondition administ%ati*# a'tions upon t"# will o& #*#%$ 'omplainant w"o &o% on# %#ason o% anot"#%) 'ondon#s a d#t#stabl# a't is to st%ip t"# Sup%#m# ou%t o& its sup#%*iso%$ pow#% to dis'iplin# #%%ing m#mb#%s o& t"# -udi'ia%$( Es4a!os *s' Lee+ .0 SCRA :1. 2#sist#n'# will not -usti&$ t"# dismissal o& an administ%ati*# 'as# i& t"# %#'o%ds will %#*#al t"at t"# -udg# "ad not p#%&o%m#d "is duti#s( 6eso$e *s' Rodri>"ez+ .2 SCRA -5. In '#%tain 'as#s) t"# a''#ptan'# b$ t"# +%#sid#nt o& %#spond#nts 'ou%t#s$ %#signation do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ %#nd#% t"# 'as# moot o% d#p%i*# Es o& t"# aut"o%it$ to in*#stigat# t"# '"a%g#s( ... Ea'" 'as# is to b# %#sol*#d and in t"# 'ont#.t o& t"# 'i%'umstan'#s p%#s#nt t"#%#at( T"us) w# #.plain#d= 9T"# 'ou%t %#tains its -u%isdi'tion #it"#% to p%onoun'# t"# %#spond#nt o&&i'ial inno'#nt o& t"# '"a%g#s o% d#'la%# "im guilt$ t"#%#o&( A 'ont%a%$ %ul# would b# &%aug"t wit" in-usti'#s and p%#gnant wit" d%#ad&ul and dang#%ous impli'ations( ... I& inno'#nt) %#spond#nt o&&i'ial m#%its *indi'ation o& "is nam# and int#g%it$ as "# l#a*#s t"# go*#%nm#nt w"i'" "# "as s#%*#d w#ll and &ait"&ull$= i& guilt$) "# d#s#%*#s to %#'#i*# 'o%%#sponding '#nsu%# and a p#nalt$ p%op#% and imposabl# und#% t"# situation(: O%%i7e o% the Co"rt Administrator *' S"mi$an>+ et a$'+ A'M' No' MT,80:80.0+ A4ri$ 2.+ 2001 W"#%# a -udg# w"o "as b##n &ound guilt$ o& g%oss mis'ondu't and 'ondu't unb#'oming a -udg# %#ti%#s du%ing t"# p#nd#n'$ o& t"# a'tion t"# p%op#% p#nalt$ must b# impos#d) in li#u o& %#mo*al &%om o&&i'#) is &o%&#itu%# o& all %#ti%#m#nt b#n#&its( Monsanto *s' 6a$an7a+ 2-; SCRA :/ (20.-3 Abolition o& a %#spond#nt -udg#s -udi'ial position do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ %#nd#% t"# administ%ati*# 'as# &o% a'ts 'ommitt#d du%ing "is in'umb#n'$ moot and a'ad#mi') no% p%#'lud# "is b#ing "#ld6liabl# in "is p%#s#nt -udi'ial position) w"#%# t"# '"a%g#s a%# so s#%ious t"at t"#$ a&&#'t "is 'omp#t#n'$ and int#g%it$ o& a -udg#( )7asiano *' Sandi>an&a!an+ B' R' No' 0/;:-I Ma! -.+ 200Administ%ati*# p%o'##dings against -udg#s a%# distin't &%om '%iminal p%o'##dings( H#n'#) p%os#'ution in on# is not a ba% to t"# ot"#%( H.. ... W"#n t"# Sup%#m# ou%t a'ts on 'omplaints against -udg#s) it a'ts as p#%sonn#l administ%ato%) imposing dis'iplin# and not as a 'ou%t -udging -usti'iabl# 'ont%o*#%si#s( Aot#) t"#%#&o%#) t"at t"# administ%ati*# p%o'##dings &o% t"# %#mo*al o& t"# #%%ing -udg# and '%iminal p%o'##dings against "im &o% t"# sam# o&&#ns# 'an p%o'##d ind#p#nd#ntl$ o& #a'" ot"#%( Ma7eda *' ?asC"ez+ B'R' No' 25-1.2+ A4ri$ --+ 200< W"#%# a '%iminal 'omplaint against a -udg# o% ot"#% 'ou%t #mplo$## a%is#s &%om t"#i% administ%ati*# duti#s as -udg# o% as a 'ou%t #mplo$##) t"# Ombudsman b#&o%# w"om a 'omplaint is &il#d) must d#&#% a'tion on su'" 'omplaint and %#&#% t"is to t"# Sup%#m# ou%t &o% d#t#%mination w"#t"#% said -udg# o% 'ou%t #mplo$## "ad a't#d wit"in t"# s'op# o& "is administ%ati*# duti#s( Barto$ome *' de BorJa+ 12 SCRA 2/< W"il# dismissal o& '%iminal 'as# do#s not absol*# %#spond#nt -udg# &%om a '"a%g# t"at "# a't#d i%%#gula%l$ in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s) administ%ati*# p%o'##dings a%# 9in t"# natu%# "ig"l$ p#nal in '"a%a't#% and a%# to b# go*#%n#d b$ t"# %ul#s o& law appli'abl# to '%iminal 'as#s( T"# '"a%g#s must) t"#%#&o%#) b# p%o*#d b#$ond a %#asonabl# doubt(: Ba$a!on *s' O7am4o+ -2. SCRA 2< (200<3 T"#%# must b# %#liabl# #*id#n'# s"owing t"at t"# -udi'ial a'ts 'omplain#d o& w#%# 'o%%upt o% inspi%#d b$ an int#ntion to *iolat# t"# law) o% w#%# in p#%sist#nt dis%#ga%d o& w#ll6known l#gal %ul#s( =e$ Ca$$ar *' Sa$*ador+ A'M' No' RT,80182<;0+ Ae&r"ar! 21' 2001

92

Budg#s ma$ not b# "#ld administ%ati*#l$ liabl# &o% #*#%$ #%%o% o% mistak# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& t"#i% duti#s( To m#%it dis'iplina%$ a'tion) t"# #%%o% o% mistak# must b# g%oss o% pat#nt) mali'ious) d#lib#%at#) o% in bad &ait"( In t"# abs#n'# o& p%oo& o& t"# 'ont%a%$) #%%on#ous d#'isions o% o%d#%s a%# p%#sum#d to "a*# b##n issu#d in good &ait"( Se7retar! o% ,"sti7e *s' B"$$e7er+ s"4ra' ;2 SCRA 2< (201:3 Lik# mis'ondu't) in#&&i'i#n'$ as a g%ound &o% dis'iplina%$ a'tion must b# s#%ious o% on# w"i'" is w#ig"t$ o% mom#ntous and not t%i&ling( A#glig#n'# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& dut$) i& %#'kl#ss in '"a%a't#%) 'ould amount to s#%ious o% in#.'usabl# in#&&i'i#n'$( Sa$7edo *s' )ntin>+ 02 SCRA 20 To wa%%ant dis'iplina%$ a'tion) t"# a't o& t"# -udg# must "a*# a di%#'t %#lation to t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s( It is n#'#ssa%$ to s#pa%at# t"# '"a%a't#% o& t"# man &%om t"# '"a%a't#% o& t"# o&&i'#%( Ca&i$$o *s' Ce$is+ .< SCRA ;-5 T"# '"a%g# against "im must b# #stablis"#d b$ 'on*in'ing p%oo&( T"# %#'o%ds must s"ow as &%## &%om an$ doubt a 'as# w"i'" 'omp#ls t"# imposition o& dis'iplina%$ a'tion( H.. ... &o% a -udg# to b# %#nd#%#d 'apabl# in an$ administ%ati*# p%o'##ding) t"#%# s"ould b# a 'l#a% and su&&i'i#nt #*id#n'# o& "is mis'ondu't( RaC"iza *s' Castaneda+ ,r'+ .2 SCRA -<; T"# %ul#s #*#n in an administ%ati*# 'as# d#mands t"at #*#n i& %#spond#nt -udg# s"ould b# dis'iplin#d &o% g%a*# mis'ondu't o% an$ g%a*# o&&#ns#) t"# #*id#n'# p%#s#nt#d against "im s"ould b# 'omp#t#nt and d#%i*#d &%om di%#'t knowl#dg#) and t"at b#&o%# a -udg# 'ould b# &ault#d) it s"ould b# onl$ a&t#% du# in*#stigation and bas#d on 'omp#t#nt p%oo&s) no l#ss( T"is is all t"# mo%# so w"#n as in t"is 'as# t"# '"a%g#s a%# p#nal in natu%#( )7asiano *' Sandi>an&a!an+ s"4ra Aot#= T"is p%onoun'#m#nt must b# tak#n wit" 'aution in t"# lig"t o& ot"#% ou%t p%onoun'#m#nts on t"# natu%# o& administ%ati*# p%o'##dings in %#lation to '%iminal p%o'##dings) i(#() t"at w"il# t"# latt#% %#/ui%#s p%oo& b#$ond %#asonabl# doubt) t"# &o%m#% %#/ui%#s onl$ substantial #*id#n'#( I#sta#*es of Ser"ous %"s*o#-u*t Wh"*h %er"te- D"s*"+("#e 0y the Su+re.e Court 0( <ailu%# to d#posit &unds wit" t"# muni'ipal t%#asu%#% o% p%odu'# t"#m d#spit# "is p%omis# to do so (;onte-ayor #s. Collado, 1,7 SCR* +58 . 1( Disapp%op%iation o& &idu'ia%$ &unds (p%o'##ds o& 'as" bail bond! b$ d#positing t"# '"#'k in "is p#%sonal a''ount) t"us 'on*#%ting t"# t%ust &und into "is own us# ("ar<a #s. "eracio, 74 SCR* (55 . 3( E.to%ting mon#$ &%om a pa%t$6litigant w"o "as a 'as# b#&o%# "is 'ou%t (Aa0 &ay #s. Sin1ayao, 154 SCR* 1,7 ( 4( Soli'itation o& donation &o% o&&i'# #/uipm#nt ()ecaroF #s. 2arcia ( 5( <%#/u#nt unaut"o%i8#d abs#n'#s in o&&i'# (;unicipal Council of Casi1uru/an, HueFon #s. ;orales, 61 SCR* 1( . >( <alsi&i'ation o& #%ti&i'at# o& S#%*i'# to 'oll#'t sala%$ (Secretary of .ustice #s. )e1aspi, 1,7 SCR* +(( .

?( 2#'la%ing W#dn#sda$s as non6s#ssion da$s w"i'" t"# -udg# d#'la%#d as "is 9mid6w##k paus#: ('n re3 @c/i#erri, 67 SCR* 467 . @( Ind#&init# postpon#m#nt &o% s#*#%al $#a%s o& a '%iminal 'as# p#nding in "is sala ("ulan #s. Cardenas, 1,1 SCR* 788 ( 7( Budg# poking "is gun to anot"#% in a %#stau%ant w"il# in a stat# o& into.i'ation (?e la paF #s. 'nutan, 64 SCR* 54, ( 0J( +istol6w"ipping t"# 'omplainant on t"# latt#%s l#&t &a'# wit"out an$ -usti&i'ation (*rban #s. "or<a, 14( SCR* 6(4 ( 00( A'ting as 'ouns#l andMo% atto%n#$;in6&a't &o% all t"# pa%ti#s wit" opposing int#%#sts on a pa%'#l o& land in pu%suan'# o& "is p#%sonal s#l&6int#%#st (Candia #s. &a1abucba, 79 SCR* 51 ( 01( Esing int#mp#%at# languag# unb#'oming o& a -udg# (Santos #s. CruF, 1,, SCR* 5(8 .

93

03( <ailu%# to %#pl$ to a s"ow 'aus# %#solution o& t"# Sup%#m#

ou%t ()on1boan #s. Poli1, 186 SCR* 557 .

04( Ina'tion b$ -udg# w"i'" is tantamount to pa%tialit$ in &a*o% o& on# pa%t$ (Jbarra #s. &ecson, 1(4 SCR* 4 ( 05( S#%ious a't o& dis"on#st$ in app%op%iating t"# mon#$ o& 'omplainants &o% "is p#%sonal us# (Sar-iento #s. CruF, 65 SCR* +89 ( 0>( +%#pa%ation and nota%i8ation o& an immo%al and ill#gal ag%##m#nt p%o*iding &o% t"# p#%sonal s#pa%ation o& "usband and wi&# (Selano#a #s. ;endoFa, 64 SCR* 69 . 0?( 2#'ision not p%#pa%#d p#%sonall$ b$ t"# -udg# ()i- #s. 7acante, 69 SCR* (76 . 0@( Sitting in a 'as# w"#%# "# is l#gall$ dis/uali&i#d b$ %#ason o& t"# app#a%an'# o& "is n#p"#w6in6law as 'ouns#l &o% t"# d#&#ndant (@#an1elista #s. "aes, 61 SCR* 475 . 07( <ailu%# to in&o%m t"# Sup%#m# ou%t t"at "# "ad two s#%ious '%iminal 'as#s w"#n "# a''#pt#d "is appointm#nt as RT Budg# (5ffice of t/e Court *d-inistrator #s. @stacion, .r., 181 SCR* (( . 1J( Aota%i8ing a sp#'ial pow#% o& atto%n#$ in t"# abs#n'# o& t"# p%in'ipal (@#alla #s. ;a1o, 76 SCR* 1++ ( 10( Allowing a 'l#%k6m#ss#ng#% to p%omulgat# d#'isions o& a'/uittal in '%iminal 'as#s ("uena#entura #s. "enedicto, (8 SCR* 71 ( 11( Bo%%owing mon#$ &%om a litigant w"i'" t"# -udg# n#*#% int#nd#d to pa$ ba'k (5-poc #s. &orres, 178 SCR* 14 ( 13( Signing o& two i%%#'on'iliabl# d#'isions on t"# sam# da$ (People #s. @lpedis, 11+ SCR* 1 . 14( 2#la$ in t%ansmitting t"# %#'o%ds to t"# .urado, 1,+ SCR* 6(( . <I (RT ! upon 'on'lusion o& t"# p%#limina%$ in*#stigation (Cusit #s.

15( Allowing wit"d%awal o& 'as" bail bond wit"out allowing its substitution wit" p%op#% bond (Caban1on #s. 7alena, 1,7 SCR* +1 . 1>( Imposing #.'#ssi*# bail (Sun1a #s. Salud, 1,9 SCR* +5( ( 1?( Esing p%ison#%s &o% p#%sonal pu%pos#s (Aadap #s. )ee, 114 SCR* 559 ( 1@( A'ting on appli'ation &o% bail du%ing t"# -udg#s p#%iod o& susp#nsion (Reyes #s. $aderan, 186 SCR* 547 ( 17( ommission o& g%a*# abus# o& dis'%#tion ; w"i'" m#ans su'" 'ap%i'ious and w"imsi'al #.#%'is# o& -udgm#nt as is #/ui*al#nt to la'k o& -u%isdi'tion ('-utan #s. C*, 1,+ SCR* +86 . i%'ula% Ao( ? (as am#nd#d! o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t

3J( Assignig 'as#s wit"out t"# b#n#&it o& %a&&l# in *iolation o& ('ncion1 #s. ?e 2uia, 154 SCR* 9( (

30( R#&usal o& a -udg# to &u%nis" 'ouns#l wit" a 'op$ o& t"# t%ans'%ipt and o%d#% di'tat#d in op#n 'ou%t (&a-o #s. 2ironella, 7( SCR* 61( ( 31( En'as"ing go*#%nm#nt '"#'ks (5ffice of t/e Court *d-inistrator #s. "artolo-e, +,( SCR* ((( . I#sta#*es of Gross I#eff"*"e#*y Wh"*h %er"te- D"s*"+("#e 0y the Su+re.e Court 0( 2#la$ in t"# disposition o& 'as#s in *iolation o& t"# anon t"at a -udg# must p%omptl$ dispos# o& all matt#%s submitt#d to "im( Wit" o% wit"out t"# t%ans'%ipts o& st#nog%ap"i' not#s) t"# 7J6da$ p#%iod &o% d#'iding 'as#s o% %#sol*ing motions must b# ad"#%#d to ("ala1ot #s. 5pinion, 195 SCR* 4+9 . 1( Endul$ g%anting %#p#at#d motions &o% postpon#m#nt o& a 'as# (*raFa #s. Reyes, 64 SCR* (47 . 3( Enawa%#n#ss o& o% un&amilia%it$ wit" t"# appli'ation o& t"# Ind#t#%minat# S#nt#n'# Law and t"# du%ation and g%aduation o& p#nalti#s ('n re3 Paulin, 1,1 SCR* 6,5 .

94

4( R#du'ing to a %idi'ulous amount (+"p>)JJJ(JJ! t"# bail bond o& t"# a''us#d in a mu%d#% 'as# t"us #nabling "im to #s'ap# t"# toils o& t"# law (Soriano #s. ;abbayad, 67 SCR* (85 . 5( Imposing t"# p#nalt$ o& subsidia%$ imp%isonm#nt on a pa%t$ &o% &ailu%# to pa$ 'i*il imd#mnit$ in *iolation o& R(A( 54>5 (;onsanto #s. Palarca, 1+6 SCR* 45 . >( Issuing a wa%%ant o& a%%#st in a 'as# w"i'" is 'l#a%l$ 'i*il in natu%# (Serafin #s. )indaya1, 67 SCR* 166 . ?( <ailu%# to dismiss a 'omplaint w"i'" "as p%#s'%ib#d (*n1uluan #s. &a1uba, 9( SCR* 179 . @( Imposing t"# w%ong p#nalt$ to t"# '%im# '"a%g#d and p%o*#n (San )uis #s. ;onte<o, 4 SCR* 645 . 7( <ailu%# to 'ompl$ wit" t"# basi' p%#%#/uisit#s &o% issuan'# o& s#a%'" wa%%ant (Secretary of .ustice #s. ;arcos, 76 SCR* (,1 ( 0J( 2ismissing a '%iminal 'as# on t"# p%in'ipl# o& in pari delicto ; a 'i*il law p%in'ipl# (Jbarra #s. ;apalad, *.;.6o. ;&.99196++, ;arc/ ++, 199( . AC"ino *s' L"nto + 2.: SCRA 211 (20053 W"#%# a -udg# "as issu#d a t#mpo%a%$ %#st%aining o%d#%) "# s"ould p%omptl$ a't on t"# appli'ation &o% issuan'# o& p%#limina%$ in-un'tion wit"in t"# 1J6da$ li&# o& t#mpo%a%$ %#st%aining o%d#%) and w"il# a w%it o& p%#limina%$ in-un'tion issu#d a&t#% t"# 1J6da$ p#%iod is *alid) t"# &ailu%# o& t"# -udg# to %#sol*# t"# appli'ation &o% in-un'tion wit"in said p#%iod ma$ sub-#'t "im to dis'iplina%$ a'tion( Castano *s' Es7ano+ -/2 SCRA 21: (200/3 Budg#s s"ould not b# dis'iplin#d &o% in#&&i'i#n'$ on a''ount m#%#l$ o''asional mistak#s o% #%%o%s o& -udgm#nt( How#*#%) w"#n t"# in#&&i'i#n'$ sp%ings &%om a &ailu%# to 'onsid#% t"# basi' and #l#m#nta%$ a %ul#) a law o% p%in'ipl#) t"# -udg# is #it"#% too in'omp#t#nt and und#s#%*ing o& t"# position and titl# "# "olds o% "# is too *i'ious t"at "is o*#%sig"t o% omission was d#lib#%at#l$ don# in bad &ait" and in g%a*# abus# o& -u%idi'al aut"o%it$( In bot" instan'#s) t"# -udg#s dismissal &%om t"# s#%*i'# is in o%d#%( )n re: 6etition %or =ismissa$ o% ,"d>e =izon+ s"4ra' A -udg# w"o "as b##n p%#*iousl$ dismiss#d &%om t"# s#%*i'# &o% mani&#stl$ #%%on#ous d#'ision in a '%iminal 'as# t"%oug" g%oss in'omp#t#n'# and g%oss igno%an'# o& t"# law ma$ b# %#instat#d w"#%# t"#%# is no 'l#a% indi'ation t"at "# was inspi%#d b$ 'o%%upt moti*#s o% %#p%#"#nsibl# pu%pos# to s#t t"# guilt$ &%##( CIVIL LIA)ILITIES O: JUDGES IN RELATION TO THEIR O::ICIAL :UNCTIONS Aor&es *s' Ch"o7o Tia7o and Cross%ie$d+ 2; 6hi$' /<: W"#n#*#% and w"#%#*#% a -udg# o& a 'ou%t o& sup#%io% -u%isdi'tions #.#%'is#s -udi'ial &un'tions) "# will not b# p#%sonall$ liabl# in 'i*il damag#s &o% t"# %#sult o& "is a'tion) utt#%l$ %#ga%dl#ss o& w"#t"#% "# #*#% "ad -u%isdi'tion o& t"# sub-#'t matt#% o& t"# a'tion o% not( Brid$e! *s' Aisher+ .5 @'S' <</ Budg#s o& 'ou%ts o& sup#%io% o% g#n#%al -u%isdi'tion a%# not liabl# in 'i*il a'tions &o% t"#i% -udi'ial a'ts) #*#n w"#n su'" a'ts a%# in #.'#ss o& t"#i% -u%isdi'tion and a%# all#g#d to "a*# b##n don# mali'iousl$ o% 'o%%uptl$( Art' <-+ $ast 4ar'+ Ne# Ci*i$ Code T"# %#sponsibilit$ &o% damag#s is not "ow#*#% d#mandabl# o& -udg#s #.'#pt w"#n t"# a't o% omission o& t"# -udg# 'onstitut#s a *iolation o& t"# +#nal od# o% p#nal statut#( Art' -5+ Ci*i$ Code A -udg# w"o will&ull$ o% n#glig#ntl$ %#nd#%s a d#'ision 'ausing damag#s to anot"#%) s"all ind#mni&$ t"# latt#% &o% t"# sam#( Art' -1 Ci*i$ Code A -udg# is also 'i*ill$ liabl# &o% damag#s) i& in %#&using o% n#gl#'ting to d#'id# a 'as# wit"out a -ust 'aus#) a p#%son su&&#%#d mat#%ial o% mo%al loss wit"out p%#-udi'# to an$ administ%ati*# a'tion t"at ma$ b# tak#n against "im(

95

CRI%INAL LIA)ILITIES O: JUDGES Ma7eda *s' Hon' Om&"dsman Conrado ?asC"ez +B'R' No' 25-1.2+ A4ri$ --+ 200< %iminal 'omplaints against -udg#s su'" as &o% *iolations o& t"# Anti6G%a&t and o%%upt +%a'ti'#s A't and t"# R#*is#d +#nal od# s"ould b# &il#d wit" t"# O&&i'# o& t"# Ombudsman and not wit" t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( Budg#s b#ing publi' o&&i'#%s a%# sub-#'t to t"# -u%isdi'tion o& t"# Ombudsman w"o 'an in*#stigat# and p%os#'ut# t"#m &o% *iolations o& t"# '%iminal laws) 'on&o%mabl$ wit" t"# p%o*isions o& t"# onstitution( How#*#%) i& t"#%# a%# administ%ati*# /u#stions %#l#*ant to t"# in*#stigation o& t"# '%iminal %#sponsibilit$ o& -udg#s and 'ou%t p#%sonn#l) t"# sam# s"ould &i%st b# %#&#%%#d to t"# Sup%#m# ou%t( T"# Sup%#m# ou%t must d#t#%min# &i%st w"#t"#% o% not a -udg# o% a 'ou%t #mplo$## a't#d wit"in t"# s'op# o& "is administ%ati*# duti#s( a7 K#ow"#'(y Re#-er"#' U#>ust Ju-'.e#t 6ART3BAD4R$C7 E$ements= 0( T"at t"# o&&#nd#% is a -udg#( 1( T"at "# %#nd#%s a -udgm#nt in a 'as# submitt#d to "im &o% d#'ision( 3( T"at t"# -udgm#nt is un-ust( 4( T"at t"# -udg# knows t"at "is -udgm#nt is un-ust(

CC It must b# s"own b#$ond 'a*il t"at t"# -udgm#nt o% o%d#% is un-ust as b#ing 'ont%a%$ to law so as not suppo%t#d b$ t"# #*id#n'#) and t"at t"# -udg# %#nd#%#d it wit" 'ons'ious and d#lib#%at# int#nt to do an in-usti'#( (Rodri>o *s' O"iJano+ 10 SCRA 253 =e $a Cr"z *' Con7e47ion T"# gist o& t"# o&&#ns# t"#%#&o%# is an un-ust -udgm#nt b# %#nd#%#d mali'iousl$ o% in bad &ait") t"at is) knowing it to b# un-ust( H.. ... D#%# #%%o% t"#%#&o%# in t"# int#%p%#tation o% appli'ation o& t"# law do#s not 'onstitut# t"# '%im#( T"# natu%# o& t"# administ%ati*# '"a%g# o& knowingl$ %#nd#%ing an un-ust -udgm#nt is t"# sam# as t"# '%iminal '"a%g#( T"us ... ... it must b# #stablis"#d t"at %#spond#nt -udg# %#nd#%#d a -udgm#nt o% d#'ision not suppo%t#d b$ law andMo% #*id#n'# and t"at "# must b# a'tuat#d b# "at%#d) #n*$) %#*#ng#) o% g%##d o% som# ot"#% simila% moti*#( )n re: C$ima7o+ // SCRA 251 In o%d#% t"at a -udg# ma$ b# liabl# &o% knowingl$ %#nd#%ing an un-ust -udgm#nt) it must b# s"own b#$ond %#asonabl# doubt t"at t"# -udgm#nt is un-ust as it is 'ont%a%$ to law o% is not suppo%t#d b$ #*id#n'#) and t"# sam# was mad# wit" 'ons'ious and d#lib#%at# int#nt to do an in-usti'#( B"ena*ista *s' Bar7ia+ 2.1 SCRA /0. To b# guilt$ o& knowingl$ %#nd#%ing un-ust -udgm#nt) it is n#'#ssa%$ t"at t"# -udgm#nt o% o%d#% was %#nd#%#d wit" 'ons'ious and d#lib#%at# int#nt to p#%p#t%at# an in-usti'#( And t"# test to deter-ine 0/et/er t/e <ud1-ent or order is un<ust) ma$ b# in&#%%#d &%om t"# 'i%'umstan'# t"at it is 'ont%a%$ to law o% is not suppo%t#d b$ #*id#n'#( A -udgm#nt ma$ b# said un-ust w"#n it is mani&#stl$ against t"# law and 'ont%a%$ to t"# w#ig"t o& #*id#n'#( An un-ust -udgm#nt is on# 'ont%a%$ to t"# standa%ds o& %ig"ts and -usti'# o% standa%ds o& 'ondu't p%#s'%ib#d b$ t"# law( Baho$ *s' Riodi>"e+ ;: SCRA :0: I& t"# d#'ision %#nd#%#d b$ t"# -udg# is still on app#al) t"# -udg# 'annot b# dis/uali&i#d on t"# g%ound o& 9Tnowingl$ R#nd#%ing An En-ust Budgm#nt:( 07 Ju-'.e#t Re#-ere- Throu'h Ne'("'e#*e 6Art3 BA54 R$C7 E$ements: 0( T"at t"# o&&#nd#% is a -udg#( 1( T"at "# %#nd#%s a -udgm#nt in a 'as# submitt#d to "im &o% d#'ision( 3( T"at t"# -udgm#nt is mani&#stl$ un-ust( 4( T"at it is du# to "is in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#(

%a#"fest(y U#>ust Ju-'.e#t It is on# w"i'" is so pat#ntl$ against t"# law) publi' o%d#%) publi' poli'$) and good mo%als t"at a p#%son o& o%dina%$ dis'#%nm#nt 'an #asil$ s#ns# its in*alidit$ and in-usti'#( )n re: C$ima7o+ // SCRA 251 To "old a -udg# liabl# &o% t"# %#ndition o& a mani&#stl$ un-ust -udgm#nt b$ %#ason o& in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#) it must b# s"own) a''o%ding to G%oi8a%d) t"at alt"oug" "# "as a't#d wit"out mali'#) "# &ail#d to obs#%*# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is dut$) t"at dilig#n'#) p%ud#n'# and 'a%# w"i'" t"# law is #ntitl#d to #.a't in t"# %#nd#%ing o& an$

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publi' s#%*i'#( 6e1li1ence and i1norance are ine>cusable if t/ey -anifest in<ustice in 0/ic/ cannot be e>plained by a reasonable interpretation. In#.'usabl# mistak# onl$ #.ists in t"# l#gal 'on'#pt w"#n it impli#s a mani&#st in-usti'#) t"at is to sa$) su'" in-usti'# w"i'" 'annot b# #.plain#d b$ a %#asonabl# int#%p%#tation) #*#n t"oug" t"#%# is a misund#%standing o% #%%o% o& t"# law appli#d) $#t in t"# 'ont%a%$ it %#sults) logi'all$ and %#asonabl$) in a *#%$ 'l#a% and undisputabl# mann#%) in noto%ious *iolation o& t"# l#gal p%#'#pt( CC It must b# 'l#a%l$ s"own t"at alt"oug" "# "as a't#d wit"out mali'#) "# &ail#d to obs#%*# in t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is dut$ t"# dilig#n'#) p%ud#n'# and 'a%# w"i'" t"# law %#/ui%#s &%om a publi' o&&i'ial( A#glig#n'# and igno%an'# a%# in#.'usabl# i& t"#$ impl$ a mani&#st in-usti'# w"i'" 'annot b# #.plain#d b$ a %#asonabl# int#%p%#tation + ()n re C$ima7o+ // SCRA 2513' *7 K#ow"#'(y Re#-er"#' A# u#>ust I#ter(o*utory Or-er 6Art3 BAF4 R$C7 E$ements: 0( T"at t"# o&&#nd#% is a -udg#, 1( T"at "# p#%&o%ms an$ o& t"# &ollowing a'ts= a( knowingl$ %#nd#%s un-ust int#%lo'uto%$ o%d#% o% d#'%##, o% b( H# %#nd#%s mani&#stl$ un-ust int#%lo'uto%$ o%d#% o% d#'%## t"%oug" in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'# o% igno%an'#

C An I#ter(o*utory Or-er is an o%d#% w"i'" is issu#d b$ t"# 'ou%t b#tw##n t"# 'omm#n'#m#nt and t"# #nd o& a suit o% a'tion and w"i'" d#'id#s som# point o% matt#%) but w"i'") "ow#*#%) is not a &inal d#'ision o& t"# matt#% in issu#( -7 %a("*"ous(y De(ay"#' the A-."#"strat"o# of Just"*e 6Art3 BAG4 R$C7 E$ements: 0( T"at t"# o&&#nd#% is a -udg#, 1( T"at t"#%# is a p%o'##ding in "is 'ou%t, 3( T"at "# d#la$s t"# administ%ation o& -usti'#, 4( T"at t"# d#la$ is mali'ious) t"at is) t"# d#la$ is 'aus#d b$ t"# -udg# wit" t"# d#lib#%at# int#nt to in&li't damag# on #it"#% pa%t$ in t"# 'as#

Re*ised 6ena$ Code+ Re!es+ 4' -5. 20.2 Ed' To mak# t"# -udg# liabl#) t"# a't must b# 'ommitt#d mali'iousl$ wit" d#lib#%at# int#nt to p%#-udi'# a pa%t$ in t"# 'as#( D#%# d#la$ wit"out noti'# in "olding t%ials o% %#nd#%ing -udgm#nts do#s not n#'#ssa%il$ b%ing t"# -udg# wit"in t"# op#%ation o& t"is law( e7 %a(feasa#*e U#-er A#t",Graft a#- Corru+t $ra*t"*es A*t Se7tion <+ (e3 RA No' <520 A -udg# is '%iminall$ liabl# &o% 'ausing an undu# in-u%$ to a p#%son o% gi*ing an$ p%i*at# pa%t$ an unwa%%ant#d b#n#&it) ad*antag# o% p%#&#%#n'# in t"# dis'"a%g# o& "is o&&i'ial &un'tion t"%oug" mani&#st pa%tiall$) #*id#nt bad &ait" and g%oss in#.'usabl# n#glig#n'#(

Sa&itsana+ ,r' *s' ?i$$amor+ -5- SCRA :</ In administ%ati*# p%o'##dings w"i'" a%# not bas#d on *iolation o& '%iminal o% p#nal statut#s) m#%# p%#pond#%an'# o& #*id#n'# su&&i'#s to "old t"# -udg# administ%ati*#l$ liabl#( An instan'# o& t"is is a -udg#s int#%&#%#n'# in a suit p#nding in anot"#% 'ou%t( )RI)ER= DIRECT OR INDIRECT A''#ptan'# o& gi&ts gi*#n b$ %#ason o& t"# o&&i'# o& t"# -udg# is indi%#'t b%ib#%$ (A%t( 100) R+ ! and w"#n "# ag%##s to p#%&o%m an a't 'onstituting a '%im# in 'onn#'tion wit" t"# p#%&o%man'# o& "is o&&i'ial duti#s in 'onsid#%ation o& an$ o&&#%) p%omis#) gi&t o% p%#s#nt %#'#i*# b$ su'" o&&i'#%) "# is guilt$ o& di%#'t b%ib#%$ (A%t( 10J) R+ !( ANTI,GRA:T AND CORRU$T $RACTICES ACT End#% RA 3J07) t"# -udg# is liabl# '%iminall$ &o% di%#'tl$ o% indi%#'tl$ %#'#i*ing gi&ts) p%#s#nt o% ot"#% p#'unia%$ o% mat#%ial b#n#&it &o% "ims#l& o% &o% anot"#% und#% 'onditions p%o*id#d in S#'tion 1) b and ' o& t"# law( EH E+TIOA= E.'#pt#d a%# unsoli'it#d gi&ts o% p%#s#nts o& small *alu# o&&#%#d o% gi*#n as a m#%# o%dina%$ tok#n o& g%atitud# o% &%i#nds"ip a''o%ding to lo'al 'ustom o% usag# (S#'tion 04 RA 3J07!( JUDICIAL I%%UNIT= Re*ita *s' Rimando+ 0. SCRA ;20

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9As a matt#% o& publi' poli'$) in t"# abs#n'# o& &%aud) dis"on#st$ and 'o%%uption) t"# a'ts o& a -udg# in "is -udi'ial 'apa'it$ a%# not sub-#'t to dis'iplina%$ a'tion) #*#n t"oug" su'" a'ts a%# #%%on#ous(: Castanos *s' Es7ano+ -/2 SCRA 21: (200/3 As a matt#% o& poli'$) in t"# abs#n'# o& &%aud) dis"on#st$ o% 'o%%uption) t"# a'ts o& a -udg# in "is -udi'ial 'apa'it$ a%# not sub-#'t to dis'iplina%$ a'tion #*#n t"oug" su'" a'ts a%# #%%on#ous( H# 'annot b# sub-#'t#d to liabilit$ ; 'i*il) '%iminal) administ%ati*# ; &o% an$ o& "is o&&i'ial a'ts) no matt#% "ow #%%on#ous) so long as "# a'ts in good &ait"( In su'" a 'as#) t"# %#m#d$ o& t"# agg%i#*#d pa%t$ is not to &il# an administ%ati*# 'omplaint against t"# -udg# but to #l#*at# t"# #%%o% to t"# "ig"#% 'ou%t &o% %#*i#w and 'o%%#'tion( $OWER AND LIA)ILITIES O: %E%)ERS O: THE SU$RE%E COURT $ower of the Su+re.e Court O2er Ju-'es of the Lower Courts T"# Sup%#m# ou%t "as administ%ati*# sup#%*ision o*#% all 'ou%ts and t"# p#%sonn#l t"#%#o& ( Section 6, *rt. 7''', 1987 Constitution!( T"# ou%t en banc "as t"# pow#% to dis'iplin# all -udg#s o& low#% 'ou%ts in'luding Busti'#s o& t"# ou%t o& App#als( It ma$ #*#n dismiss t"#m b$ a ma-o%it$ *ot# o& t"# m#mb#%s w"o a'tuall$ took pa%t in t"# d#lib#%ations o& t"# issu#s in t"# 'as# and *ot#d t"#%#on (Section 11, *rt. 7''', 1987 Constitution!( Just"*es of the Su+re.e Court *a# o#(y 0e Re.o2e- 0y I.+ea*h.e#t T"#%# is no sp#'i&i' law o% %ul# w"i'" p%o*id#s &o% a s$st#m o& dis'iplining an #%%ing D#mb#% o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t b$ t"# ou%t its#l& a'ting en banc( T"# Busti'#s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t a%# among t"# d#'la%#d imp#a'"abl# o&&i'#%s und#% t"# onstitution( T"us) t"#$ 'an onl$ b# %#mo*#d b$ imp#a'"m#nt unlik# -udg#s o& t"# low#% 'ou%ts w"o 'an b# %#mo*#d und#% Rul# 04J o& t"# Rul#s o& ou%t( As imp#a'"abl# o&&i'#%s) t"# Busti'#s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t ma$ onl$ b# %#mo*#d in a''o%dan'# wit" t"# 'onstitutional mandat#s on imp#a'"m#nt( C"en7o *s' Aernan+ 2/. SCRA -0 D#mb#%s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t must) und#% A%ti'l# GIII (?! (0! o& t"# onstitution) b# m#mb#%s o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba% and ma$ b# %#mo*#d &%om o&&i'# onl$ b$ imp#a'"m#nt (A%t( HI (1!) onstitution!( To g%ant a 'omplaint &o% disba%m#nt o& a m#mb#% o& t"# ou%t du%ing t"# D#mb#%s in'umb#n'$) would in #&&#'t b# to 'i%'um*#nt and "#n'# to %un a&oul o& t"# onstitutional mandat# t"at D#mb#%s o& t"# ou%t ma$ b# %#mo*#d &%om o&&i'# onl$ b$ imp#a'"m#nt &o% and 'on*i'tion o& '#%tain o&&#ns# list#d in A%ti'l# HI (1! o& t"# onstitution( +%#'is#l$) t"# sam# situation #.ists in %#sp#'t o& t"# Ombudsman and "is d#puti#s NA%t( HI (@! in %#lation to A%t( HI (1!) idO) a ma-o%it$ o& t"# m#mb#%s o& t"# ommission on Audit w"o a%# not '#%ti&i#d publi' a''ountants NA%t( HI (2! (0! (0!) id(O all o& w"om a%# 'onstitutionall$ %#/ui%#d to b# m#mb#%s o& t"# +"ilippin# Ba%( Ea$di*ar *s' Bonza$es+ 2;; SCRA <2; End#% t"# u#n'o %uling) onl$ t"# Busti'#s o& t"# Sup%#m# ou%t s"all not b# sub-#'t#d to disba%m#nt p%o'##dings du%ing t"#i% in'umb#n'$( T"#$ 'an b# sub-#'t#d to disba%m#nt p%o'##dings du%ing t"#i% in'umb#n'$ onl$ a&t#% t"#$ s"all "a*# b##n dul$ imp#a'"#d b$ ong%#ss( How#*#%) -udg#s and magist%at#s o& t"# low#% 'ou%ts ma$ b# sub-#'t#d to disba%m#nt p%o'##dings( I& t"#$ a%# &ound guilt$ and a%# susp#nd#d &%om t"# p%a'ti'# o& law o% a%# disba%%#d as m#mb#%s o& t"# ba%) t"#$ a%# also susp#nd#d o% dismiss#d as -udg#s( T"# %#ason &o% t"is is t"at m#mb#%s"ip in t"# ba% is an ( indispensable =ualification &o% t"# position o& -udg#s"ip) t"us t"# susp#nsion o% loss t"#%#o& du%ing t"# -udg#s t#%m o& o&&i'#) -usti&i#s "is automati' susp#nsion o% dismissal t"#%#&%om(

98