LEGALETHICS

Based on the book

“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 1 - PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS WHICH

INTRODUCTORY DISTINGUISH THE LEGAL
PROFESSION
Preliminary FROM BUSINESS
 Legal Ethics
1. A duty of public service.
1. Branch of moral science which
2. A relation, as an ―officer of the
treats of the duties which an
court‖, to the administration of
attorney owes to the court, to his
justice involving thorough sincerity,
client, to his colleagues in the
integrity and reliability.
profession and to the public.
3. A relation to clients with the highest
2. It is the embodiment of all
degree of fiduciary
principles of morality and
4. A relation to the colleagues at the
refinement that should govern
bar characterized by candor, fairness
the conduct of every member of
and unwillingness to resort to
the bar
current business methods of
 The law is not a trade nor a craft but a
advertising and encroachment on
profession.
their practice, or dealing directly
 Its basic ideal is to render public service
with their clients.
and secure justice to those who seek its
aid.
Definitions
 Those enrolled in its ranks should not
 ―LEGAL ETHICS‖
only master its tenets and principles but
o Body of all principles of morality
also accord continuing fidelity to them.
 Obligation not an easy task due to and refinement that should
govern the conduct of every
commercialism in all fields of human
member of the bar.
endeavor.
o ―Living spirit of the profession.‖
 To fulfill obligation:
1. Professional standards be o Branch of moral science which
treats of duties which an attorney
constantly inculcated among
owes to the court, to his client, to
lawyers.
his colleagues, and to the public.
2. ―Manual of equipment‖ – rules
 Terms used to describe a member of
and ethics of the profession
the legal profession:
collated, readily available to
o Lawyer, Attorney, or Attorney-At-
every attorney.
Law.
o Advocate, Barrister, Counsel or
 Sources of Legal Ethics:
Counselor.
1. The 1987 Constitution.
o Proctor, Solicitor.
2. Applicable Jurisprudence.
o Spanish: Abogado.
3. Code of Professional
o Filipino: Manananggol.
Responsibility.
 The term refers to that class of persons
4. New Civil Code.
who by license are officers of the court
5. Rules of Court.
empowered to appear, prosecute, and
6. Revised Penal Code.
defend.
7. Local Government Code.
 A person who is a member of the

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo
Philippine Bar who, by warrant of

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

another, practices law, or acts merely as a consultant to guide the

professionally in legal formalities. court in a doubtful question or issue
 Those who passed the Shari’a Bar not pending before it.
entitled to be called ―Attorneys‖ unless  “Bar” refers to the legal profession.
admitted to the Philippine Bar.  “Bench” refers to the judiciary.
 Counsel de parte:  Client – one who engages the services
o An attorney retained by a party of a lawyer for legal advice or for
litigant, usually for a fee, to purposes of prosecuting or defending a
prosecute or defend his cause in suit in behalf and usually for a fee.
court.
 Lawyer – this is the general term for a
o Implies freedom of choice either person trained in the law and
on the attorney or the litigant.
authorized to advice and represent
 Counsel de oficio:
others in legal matters
o Attorney appointed by the court.
 Attorneys-At-Law – that class of
o To defend an indigent defendant
persons who are licensed officers of the
in a criminal action.
courts empowered to appear, prosecute
o To represent a destitute party.
and defend, and upon whom peculiar
 Attorney of record:
duties, responsibilities and liabilities are
o Attorney whose name, together
developed by law as a consequence.
with his address, is entered in the
 Attorney in fact- simply an agent
record of the case as the
whose authority is strictly limited by the
designated counsel of the party
instrument appointing him. His
litigant.
authority is provided in a special power
o To whom judicial notices are
of attorney or general power of
sent.
attorney or letter of attorney. He is not
 A lawyer “of counsel” is an
necessarily a lawyer.
experienced lawyer, who is usually a
 Bar Association – an association of
retired member of judiciary employed
members of the legal profession like the
by law firms as consultant.
IBP where membership is integrated or
 Amicus Curiae is:
compulsory.
o An experienced and impartial
 House Counsel – one who acts as
attorney invited by the court to
attorney for business though carried as
appear and help in the disposition
an employee of that business and not
of issues submitted to it.
as an independent lawyer.
o It implies friendly intervention of
 Lead Counsel – the counsel on either
counsel to call the attention of
side of a litigated action who is charged
the court to some matters of law
with the principal management and
or facts which might otherwise
direction of a party’s case, as
escape its notice and in regard to
distinguished from his juniors or
which it might go wrong.
subordinates.
o Appears in court not to represent
 Practicing Lawyer – one engaged in
any particular party but only to
the practice of law who by license are
assist the court.
officers of the court and who are
 Amicus Curiae par excellence – bar
empowered to appear, prosecute and
associations who appear in court as
defend a client’s cause.
amici curiae or friends of the court. Acts

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Pro Se - an appearance by a lawyer in that will control the Supreme Court on

his own behalf. its function to decide who may enjoy
 Trial Lawyer – one who personally the privilege of practicing law. Could be
handles cases in court, administrative considered unconstitutional.
agencies of boards which mean  SC POWER TO REGULATE PRACTICE OF
engaging in actual trial work, either for LAW includes:
the prosecution or for the defense of 1. Authority to define that term.
cases of clients. 2. Prescribe qualifications of a
candidate and the subjects of the
Power to regulate practice of law bar exams.
 The Constitution [Art. VIII, Sec. 5(5)] 3. Decide who will be admitted to
vests this power of control and the practice.
regulation in the Supreme Court. The 4. Discipline, suspend, or disbar any
constitutional power to admit unfit or unworthy member of the
candidates to the legal profession is a bar.
judicial function and involves the 5. Reinstate any disbarred attorney.
exercise of discretion. 6. Ordain the integration of the
 Const art. XII, sec. 14. Philippine bar.
o The practice of all professions in 7. Punish for contempt any person
the Philippines shall be limited to for unauthorized practice of law.
Filipino citizens, save in cases 8. Exercise overall supervision of the
prescribed by law. legal profession.
 The SC acts through a Bar Examination 9. Exercise any other power as may
Committee in the exercise of its judicial be necessary to elevate the
function to admit candidates to the standards of the bar and preserve
legal profession. Thus, the Committee is its identity.
composed of a member of the Court
who acts as Chairman and 8 members  Power to regulate the practice of law is
of the bar who acts as examiners in the not an arbitrary or despotic power to be
8 bar subjects with one subject exercised at the pleasure of the court.
assigned to each.  It is the duty of the court to exercise it
 Practice of law is impressed with public
by a sound and just judicial discretion.
interest.
o Attorney takes part in one of the Nature of office of attorney
most important functions of the  An attorney is more than a mere agent
State – The Administration of
because he possesses special powers of
Justice.
trust and confidence reposed in him by
o Duty of the State to control and
his client.
regulate the practice of law to
 Independent as the judge.
promote public welfare.
 In a limited sense, a public officer,
 Practice of law is inseparably connected
although not in the constitutional or
with the exercise of its judicial power in
statutory meaning of the term.
the administration of justice.
 Occupies a quasi-judicial office because
 LEGISLATURE’S EXERCISE OF POLICE
he is in fact an officer of the court.
POWER may enact laws regulating the
 The title “Attorney” is reserved to those
practice of law but may not pass a law
who has:
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

1. obtained the necessary degree in proper to assume and discharge the

the study of law; responsibilities of an attorney.
2. successfully taken the bar exams; 5. Has the privilege to set the judicial
3. admitted to the IBP; machinery in motion.
4. remain members thereof in good
standing;  He can stand up for his right or the
5. been authorized to practice law in right of his client even in the face of a
the Philippines. hostile court.
 Membership in the bar is in the  He has the right to protest, in respectful
category of a mandate of public service language, any unwarranted treatment
of the highest order. of a witness or any unjustified delay.
 Lawyers are oath-bound servants of  The rights and privileges which they
society whose conduct are clearly enjoy as officers of the court are
circumscribed by the inflexible norms of necessary for the proper administration
law and ethics. of justice as for the protection of
 Primary duty is to the advancement of attorney and his client.
the quest of truth and justice.  ―There can be no strong bar without
courageous and fearless attorneys.‖
Privileges of an attorney  As a man of law, his is necessarily a
1. Privilege and right to practice law leader in the community, looked up to
during good behavior before any as a model citizen.
judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative  Integrity, ability, and learning often
tribunal. makes him qualified to administer the
2. Attorneys enjoy the presumption of Executive Departments or the
regularity in the discharge of his duty. Legislative bodies.
(His statements, if relevant or material
to the case, are absolutely privileged Duties of Attorneys (Rule 138, Sec 20)
regardless of their defamatory tenor. – MEMORIZE!
He can speak freely and courageously It is the duty of an attorney:
in proceedings without the risk of 1. To maintain allegiance to the
criminal prosecution.) Republic of the Philippines and to
3. Other privileges inherent in his status support the Constitution and obey
as quasi-judicial officer: the laws of the Philippines;
a. Passing the bar is equivalent to 2. To observe and maintain the respect
First-grade Civil Service eligibility due to the courts of justice and
for any position in the classified judicial officers;
service of the government, the 3. To counsel or maintain such actions
duties of which require or proceedings only as appear to him
knowledge of law. to be just, and such defenses only as
b. Second-grade eligibility for any he believes to be honestly debatable
other government position not under the law;
requiring proficiency in the law. 4. To employ, for the purpose of
4. The court, in admitting him to practice, maintaining the causes confided to
presents him to the public as worthy of him, such means only as are
its confidence and as a person fit and consistent with truth and honor, and
never seek to mislead the judge or
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

any judicial officer by an artifice or truthfulness, avoid encroachment in the

false statement of fact or law; business of other lawyers, uphold the
5. To maintain inviolate the confidence, honor of the profession.
and at every peril to himself, to 3. Duties to the COURT – respect or
preserve the secrets of his client, defend against criticisms, uphold
and to accept no compensation in authority and dignity, obey order and
connection with his client's business processes, assist in the administration
except from him or with his of justice.
knowledge and approval; 4. Duties to the CLIENT – entire
6. To abstain from all offensive devotion to client’s interest.
personality and to advance no fact
prejudicial to the honor or reputation Public versus private and personal
of a party or witness, unless duties
required by the justice of the cause  PUBLIC DUTY:
with which he is charged; o Obey the law.
7. Not to encourage either the o Aid in the administration of
commencement or the continuance justice.
of an action or proceeding, or delay o Cooperate whenever justice is
any man's cause, from any corrupt imperiled.
motive or interest;  PRIVATE DUTY:
8. Never to reject, for any o Faithfully, honestly, and
consideration personal to himself, conscientiously represent the
the cause of the defenseless or interest of his client.
oppressed;  PERSONAL DUTY, the obligation he
9. In the defense of a person accused owes to himself.
of crime, by all fair and honorable
means, regardless of his personal  Such classification of public and
opinion as to the guilt of the personal results from the three-fold
accused, to present every defense capacity in which attorneys operate:
that the law permits, to the end that o As a Faithful Assistant of the
no person may be deprived of life or court in search of just solution to
liberty, but by due process of law. disputes (Public Duty).
o As a Trusted Agent of his client
FOUR-FOLD DUTIES OF A LAWYER (Private Duty).
o As a Self-employed Businessman
1. Duties to SOCIETY – should not (Personal Duty).
violate his responsibility to society,  Rules and ethics demand that an
exemplar for righteousness, ready to attorney subordinate his personal and
render legal aid, foster social reforms, private duties to those which he owes
guardian of due process, aware of to the court and to the public.
special role in the solution of special  Where his duties to his client conflict
problems and be always ready to lend with those he owes to the court and the
assistance in the study and solution of public, the former must yield to the
social problems. latter.
2. Duties to the LEGAL PROFESSION –  His obligations to his client take
candor, fairness, courtesy and precedence over his duties to himself.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

2. A relation as officer of the court

Practice of law as a profession to the administration of justice
 The practice of law is a profession, a involving thorough sincerity,
form of public trust, the performance of integrity, and reliability.
which is entrusted only to those who 3. Relation to the client in the
are qualified to possess good moral highest degree fiduciary.
character. 4. Relation to colleagues at the bar
 The legal profession is not a trade. characterized by candor, fairness,
 To render public service and secure and unwillingness to resort to
justice to those who seek its aid. current business methods of
 It is not a business, using bargain advertising and encroachment on
counter methods to reap large profits. their practice, or dealing with
 The gaining of livelihood is not a their clients.
profession, but a secondary  These characteristics make it a noble
consideration. profession and the privilege to practice
 The Code of Professional Responsibility, it is bestowed only upon individuals who
particularly the ethical rule against are competent intellectually,
advertising or solicitation of academically, and morally.
professional employment, rests on the  A partnership in the practice of law is a
fundamental postulate that the practice mere relationship or association for
of law is a profession. such particular purpose. It is not a legal
 Profession – A calling requiring entity. It is not a partnership formed for
specialized knowledge and often the purpose of carrying on a trade or
requiring long academic preparation. business or of holding property.
 In fixing fees, remember that ―the  Even if registered with the SEC, any
profession is a branch of the lawyer practicing under a law
administration of justice and not a mere partnership is considered a solo
money-making trade.‖ practitioner who is the taxpayer and not
 Law advocacy is not capital that yields the law partnership.
profits.  Law prohibits a business or commercial
 A calling, unlike mercantile pursuits partnership or juridical entity to engage
which enjoy a greater deal of freedom in the practice of law since such cannot
from government interference, is possess nor comply with the
impressed with public interest. qualifications and requirements of a
 Attorney is also entitled to protection lawyer.
from the court against any attempt by
his client to escape payment of his just Necessity of representation by counsel
fees.  Employment of a person acquainted
 Client is also protected against exaction with the rules becomes a necessity both
by his counsel of excessive fees. to the litigant and to the court.
 Litigant is not ordinarily versed in the
 Primary Characteristics law and its intricacies.
distinguishing the Legal Profession  A court can adjudicate only in
from Business: accordance with the law and the facts
1. A duty of public service, presented pursuant to well-established
emolument is a by-product. rules of procedure and evidence.

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Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 A person unlearned in the law can  In custodial investigations, any person

neither aid litigants nor the court in that under such for the commission of an
regard. offense shall have the right to be
 Only a lawyer can properly and informed of his right to remain silent
effectively extend such assistance. and to have competent and
 The law profession came into being as a independent counsel preferably of his
result of that procedural development choice and any confession in violation of
of the court, which created the such shall be inadmissible in evidence
necessity for the attorney and made against him.
him an essential part of the judicial
machinery. Consequences of denial of right to
 The right of a litigant to counsel is a counsel
recognition of the necessity that a  The denial of such right, which may
litigant appear by counsel. either be the absence of assistance of
 There can be no fair hearing unless a
counsel or the inadequate and grossly
litigant is represented by counsel. negligent representation may have
 A court cannot compel a litigant to adverse results.
prosecute or defend his cause 1. Admission of guilt without
personally if he chose to appear by counsel, inadmissible in evidence.
counsel, nor can it assign a counsel de 2. Representation of a person
oficio for an accused and require said claiming to be a lawyer,
counsel to proceed with the trial when conviction shall be set aside and
the accused has previously manifested a new trial undertaken.
his desire to secure the services of a 3. Judgment of conviction even if
counsel de parte. final and executor may still be
 SC subjects the lawyer to disciplinary recalled.
action and administrative liability for his 4. Gross ignorance of law and
failure to properly attend to the interest procedure by counsel gives the
of his client. accused another chance to
present his evidence.
Need for, and right to, counsel
5. Litigation may be reopened if the
 Party litigant needs the assistance of incompetence, ignorance, or
counsel in al proceedings, inexperience of counsel is so
administrative, civil, or criminal. great and error committed is so
 Not being a lawyer, he is ignorant of serious that the client is
the substantive and procedural laws prejudiced and denied his day in
which are applied to resolve disputes. court.
 Even if he is a lawyer, his personal or
emotional involvement may adversely When appearance by counsel not
affect his handling of the case. Thus, obligatory
even lawyers who are parties in a case  In the Municipal Trial Court, a party
need the guiding hand of counsel. may conduct his litigation in person or
 The need of a person for the assistance with the aid of an agent or friend
of counsel is felt more urgently in appointed by him or with an aid of an
criminal than in any other proceeding. attorney.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 In Regional Trial Court and Appellate due appreciation of their responsibilities

Courts, a party to a civil suit may either to the courts, to the clients, to the bar,
conduct his litigation personally or by and to the public
attorney unless the party is a juridical  Supreme Court applied some of the
person. Canons in case of professional
 In Administrative Proceedings, right to misconduct.
counsel is not indispensable to due  The Integrated Bar of the Philippines
process. If a respondent had chosen to adopted in 1980 a proposed Code of
represent himself without counsel Professional Responsibility submitted to
cannot later claim denial of due the Supreme Court for approval.
process.  In 1988, the Supreme Court
 Nothing in the Constitution that says promulgated the Code of Professional
that a party in a non-criminal Responsibility.
proceeding is entitled to be represented  The Code consists of 22 Canons and 77
by counsel. Rules, divided into 4 Chapters:
 The rule applies only in Civil and 1. The Law and Society.
Administrative cases. It does not apply 2. The Lawyer and the Legal
in cases involving grave and less grave Profession.
offenses where the accused must be 3. The Lawyer and the Courts.
represented by counsel and such right 4. The Lawyer and the Clients.
is not waivable.  The Code establishes the norms of
conduct and ethical standards for all
Canons of professional responsibility lawyers.
 A lawyer is answerable not only to his  Failure to live up to any of its provisions
client but also to the court of which he is ground for disciplinary action.
is an officer.  Faithful observance requires a thorough
 He should do nothing which may tend understanding of the Code.
to lessen the public confidence in the
fidelity, honesty, and integrity of the
legal profession.
 Professional standards serve as the
lawyer’s chart and compass to resolve
difficult questions of duty and help
minimize ethical delinquencies.
 In 1917, the Philippine Bar Association,
realizing that something more than the
Oath and Duties of a Lawyer was
needed to attain the full measure of
public respect, adopted as its own
Canons 1 to 32 of the Canons of
Profession Ethics of the American Bar
Association.
 In 1946, it again adopted as its own,
Canons 33 to 47.
 Their enforcement by the courts and
observance by lawyers is indicative of a

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 2 – B. What are the causes for

ADMISSION TO disciplinary action against him.
C. Whether he should be disciplined,
PRACTICE suspended, disbarred, or
reinstated.
A. JUDICIAL CONTROL
 Any legislative or executive judgment
Admission to practice is a judicial substituting that of the Supreme Court
function in the admission to the practice of law
 The power to admit applicants to the or suspension, debarment,
practice of law is judicial in nature and reinstatement infringes upon and
involves the exercise of judicial constitutes as an invalid exercise of the
discretion. legislative or executive power.
 Traditionally exercised by the Supreme
Court as an inherent part of its judicial Legislative power to repeal, alter, or
power. supplement
 Rationale comes from the nature of a  The 1935 and 1973 Constitutions
judicial function and the role played by provide that the Supreme Court shall
attorneys in the administration of have the power to promulgate rules
justice. concerning the admission to the
practice of law but may be repealed,
 The admission to the practice of law altered, or supplemented by the
requires: Batasang Pambansa.
1. Previously established Rules and  The 1987 Constitution deleted such
Principles. (By Constitutional provision.
mandate, a primary responsibility  The legislature may, however, enact
of the Supreme Court) laws with respect to the first requisite
2. Concrete Facts, past or present, for the admission to the bar (Previously
affecting determinate individuals. established Rules and Principles) that
(Brought about by the applicant applicants should observe.
for admission to the bar) A. The legislature may pass a law
3. A Decision as to whether the facts for additional qualifications for
are governed by rules and candidates for admission to the
principles. (Involves judicial practice or filling up deficiencies
adjudication which essentially a in the requirements for admission
function of the court) to the bar.
B. Such law may not, however, be
 To enable the court to properly given retroactive effect so as to
discharge its responsibility for the entitle a person, not otherwise
efficient and impartial administration qualified, to be admitted.
and to elevate and maintain the C. Such law will not preclude the
standard of the legal profession Supreme Court from fixing other
requires that it must have the primary qualifications and requirements.
duty to decide:  Reason: Legislature has no power to
A. Who may be admitted to the bar grant a layman the privilege to practice
as one of its officers. law nor control the Supreme Court in its
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

responsibility to decide who may be  A treaty, cannot be so interpreted as to

admitted. entitle a holder of a law degree
obtained in another country to practice
 The Legislature, in the exercise of its law in this country without complying
POLICE POWER may, however, enact with the requirements of existing law.
laws regulating the practice of law  Accordingly, a Filipino citizen who
to protect the public and promote the obtained a law degree in another
public welfare. country is not entitled to be admitted to
1. A law declaring illegal and the Philippine Bar without complying
punishable the unauthorized with the requirements.
practice of law.
2. Require further examination for Prescribing standards for law schools
any attorney desiring to practice  CHED acts as an agency or in aid of the
before any quasi-judicial or Supreme Court in the exercise of its
administrative agency. primary authority to determine who
 Whatever law may be passes is merely may be admitted to practice since such
in aid of the judicial power to regulate. authority is by Constitutional mandate
 But the legislature MAY NOT pass a law and rests and remains exclusively with
that will control the Supreme Court in the high tribunal.
the performance of its function to  CHED merely:
decide who may enjoy the privilege of 1. Exercises regulatory power over
practicing law and any law of that kind law schools or certifies as to the
is unconstitutional as an invalid exercise satisfactory completion of the
of legislative power. prescribed courses of law study
 RA 972 (the Bar Flunkers Act) aims to by an applicant for admission to
admit to the Bar, those candidates who the bar examination.
suffered from insufficiency of reading 2. Assumes some responsibility for
materials and inadequate preparation. the quality of instruction and
By its declared objective, the law is training required of an applicant
contrary to public interest because it for membership in the bar.
qualifies 1,094 law graduates who
confessedly had inadequate preparation  Supreme Court incidental powers
for the practice of the profession, as (Incidental to its primary authority to
was exactly found by this Tribunal in decide who may be admitted to the
the aforesaid examinations. An bar):
adequate legal preparation is one of the 1. Fixing minimum standards of
vital requisites for the practice of law instruction for all law schools to
that should be developed constantly observe.
and maintained firmly. 2. Setting up of the necessary
administrative machinery to
Executive power in relation to practice determine compliance therewith.
 The Chief Executive cannot, by 3. By way of sanction, refusal to
executive order, admit a person to the admit to the bar exams law
practice of law nor can he, by treaty graduates from schools failing to
with another country, modify the rules meet those standards. May be
on the admission to the bar.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

implemented through of legal principles not possessed

accreditation. by ordinary layman.
3. Appearance for clients before
B. WHAT CONSTITUTES PRACTICE OF public tribunals.
LAW
 When a person participates in a trial
Practice of Law, generally and ―advertises‖ himself as a lawyer, he
 General principles and doctrines laid is in the practice of law.
down by the courts explaining the  Giving advice for compensation
meaning and scope of the term: regarding the legal status and rights of
1. To engage in the practice of law another constitutes practice of law.
is to do any of those acts which  One who renders an opinion as to the
are characteristic of the legal proper interpretation of a statute and
profession. receives pay for it, is to that extent,
2. Any activity in or out of court practicing law.
which requires the application of
law, legal principle, practice or  Engaging in the practice of law
procedure and calls for legal presupposes the existence of a lawyer-
knowledge, training and client relationship.
experience. (Cayetano vs  Where a lawyer undertakes an activity
Monsod) without any such relationship, such as
3. It is not limited to the conduct of teaching law or writing law books or
cases in court. legal articles cannot be said to be
4. Includes legal advice, counseling, engaged in the practice of his
and the preparation of legal profession as a lawyer.
instruments and contracts by
which legal rights are secured, Characteristics of term “Practice of
which may or may not be pending Law”
in court.  The phrase ―practice of law‖ implies
5. Strictly speaking, the word customarily or habitually holding
practice of law implies the oneself out to the public, as a lawyer,
customary or habitual holding out for compensation as a source of
of oneself to the public as a livelihood or in consideration of his
lawyer and demanding service.
compensation for his services.  Holding oneself out may be shown by
[People vs. Villanueva 14 acts indicative of that purpose.
SCRA 111]  Thus, a layman is illegally engaged in
the practice when he sends a circular
 Three Principal Types of announcing the establishment of a law
Professional Activities: office for the general practice of law, or
1. Legal advice and instructions to when the takes the oath of office as a
the clients to inform them of their lawyer before a notary public and files a
rights and obligations. manifestation with the Supreme Court
2. Preparation for clients of informing his intention to practice law.
documents requiring knowledge

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Private practice consists of frequent and 3. Preparation and filing of a

customary actions, more than an pleading, motion, memorandum,
isolated appearance. or brief.
 It contemplates succession of acts of 4. Examination of witnesses and
the same nature habitually and presentation of evidence.
customarily holding oneself out to the 5. Management and control of the
public as a lawyer. proceedings in court.
 Isolated Appearance:
A. A judge who is prohibited from Representation before other agencies
engaging in private practice of  Appearances before any quasi-judicial,
law has not violated this administrative, or legislative agency
prohibition when he appeared as constituting practice of law:
counsel for his cousin pro bono in 1. Interpretation and application of
a criminal case. laws.
B. Appearance as counsel in one 2. Presentation of evidence to
occasion is not conclusive as establish certain facts.
determinative of engagement in 3. Representing an applicant for
the practice of law. registration of trademark, trade
C. Appearance of a city attorney as name, or service mark in the
private prosecutor not within the Philippine Patent Office.
prohibition. (People vs. 4. Advocating or resisting claims
Villanueva) before the NLRC, BoC, or BIR.
5. Representing before a legislative
 An isolated appearance may, body regarding a proposed
however, amount to practice: legislation or ordinance.
1. Legislator cannot appear as
counsel before any court of  Character of the service and not the
justice or Electoral Tribunals, or place where it is performed is the
quasi-judicial and administrative decisive factor determinative of whether
bodies even in a single instance. the service constitutes practice of law.
2. A layman’s representation as  Service to prepare and prosecute a just
defense counsel in a criminal case claim before a quasi-judicial or
is invalid and the conviction of administrative body same and
the accused may be set aside, as legitimate as the service rendered in
violative of due process. court in arguing a cause.
Representation before the court Activity outside of court
 Practice of law, as customarily  Practice of law also consists of work
understood, means: performed outside of court:
1. Rendering of services to a o Giving legal advice on large
person, natural or juridical, in variety of subjects.
court on any matter through o Conveyancing and preparation
various stages and in accordance and execution of legal
with rules of procedure. instruments covering an
2. Appearance before the court. extensive field of business and
trust and other affairs.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 No valid distinction can be drawn  Any person who has been duly licensed
between part of the work involving as a member of the bar in accordance
appearance in court and that part with the statutory requirements and
involving advice and drafting of who is in good and regular standing is
instruments in his office. entitled to practice law.
 Practice of law need not be habitual  Two basic statutory requirements:
services in litigations in court. A 1. Must have been admitted to the
person’s past work experiences as bar.
lawyer-economist, lawyer-manager, 2. After admission, must remain in
lawyer-entrepreneur of industry, good and regular standing (a
lawyer-negotiator of contracts, and continuing requirement).
lawyer-legislator more than satisfy the
constitutional requirement for  Must have been admitted to the bar. A
appointment as Chairman of the lawyer is one who:
COMELEC that he has been engaged in 1. Passed the bar exams.
the active practice of law for at least 2. Taken the lawyer’s oath before
ten years. (Cayetano v Monsod) the Supreme Court en banc.
3. Signed in the roll of attorneys.
4. Received a certificate of license to
practice law from the Clerk of
Court of the Supreme Court.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA 5. Furnished satisfactory proof or
DETERMINATIVE educational, moral, and other
OF ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE OF qualifications.
LAW: (HACA)
1. Habituality- implies customarily or  After Admission he or she must:
habitually holding oneself out to the 1. Remain an IBP member in good
public as a lawyer standing by regularly paying IBP
2. Compensation- implies that one dues and other lawful assessments.
must have presented himself to be 2. Pay annual privilege tax.
in the active practice and that his 3. Faithfully observe the rules and
professional services are available to ethics of the legal profession.
the public for compensation, as a 4. Be continually subjected to judicial
source of his livelihood or in disciplinary control.
consideration of his said services.
3. Application of law, legal  Compulsory membership to the IBP is
principle, practice, or procedure not violative of a lawyer’s freedom of
which calls for legal knowledge, association. Integration does not make
training and experience. a lawyer a member of any group of
4. Attorney-client relationship. which he is already a member. He
became a member of the bar when he
passed the Bar Examinations. Bar
C. WHO MAY PRACTICE LAW integration does not compel the lawyer
to associate with anyone. He is free to
Persons entitled to practice law, attend or not attend the meetings of his
generally Integrated Bar Chapter or vote or
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

refuse to vote in its elections as he  The attorney’s continued enjoyment of

chooses. The only compulsion to which the privilege conferred depends upon
he is subjected is the payment of his complying with the ethics and rules
annual dues. The Supreme Court, in of the profession.
order to further the State’s legitimate
interest in elevating the quality of
professional legal services, may require  But practice of law is in the nature of a
that the cost of improving the right. While the practice of law is a
profession in this fashion be shared by privilege, a lawyer cannot be prevented
the subjects and beneficiaries of the from practicing law except for valid
regulatory program — the lawyers [In reasons, the practice of law not being a
re: Edillon A.M. 1928] matter of state’s grace or favor.
 He holds office during good behavior
 The rigid requirements and conditions and can only be deprived of it for
are designed to admit to its ranks only misconduct.
those who are adequately prepared,  The state cannot exclude an attorney
mentally and morally, to discharge the from the practice of law in a manner or
duties of an attorney. for reasons that contravene the due
 The purpose, in the final analysis, is to process or equal protection clause of
protect the public, the court, the client, the Constitution.
and the bar from incompetence and
dishonesty of those who are unfit to  A quasi-judicial or administrative
become members. agency cannot restrict a lawyer’s
 Only those who are competent, privilege to practice law by imposing
honorable, and reliable may practice conditions that amount to
law. discrimination nor limit such privilege
by requiring the passing of an
examination not sanctioned by law as a
Right and Privilege to practice prerequisite to appearing before such
agency.
 The practice of law is not a natural,  In that sense, the practice of law is in
property or constitutional right but a the nature of a right which cannot be
mere privilege. lightly or capriciously taken away from
 It is not a right granted to anyone who him.
demands it but a privilege to be
extended or withheld in the exercise of Practice without examination
sound judicial discretion.  Exceptions to the privilege afforded to
 It is in the nature of a franchise Filipino citizens who have passed the
conferred only for merit which must be bar exams to practice law:
earned by hard study, learning and A. Citizens of the United States who:
good conduct. 1. Before July 4, 1946, were
 It is a privilege accorded only to those duly licensed members* of
who measure up to certain rigid the Philippine Bar.
standards of mental and moral fitness. 2. In active practice in the
Those standards are neither dispensed courts of the Philippines.
with nor lowered after admission.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

3. In good and regular 3. In a criminal case before the

standing as such. MTC – in a locality where a duly
4. Took the oath of office. licensed member of the Bar is not
*Pursuant to the comity clause of the then available, the judge may appoint a
Rules of Examination of Candidates for non-lawyer who is a resident of that
Admission to the Practice of Law in the US province, of good repute for probity
during the American Regime. and ability to represent the accused
B. Filipino citizens*, in the discretion in his defense. [Sec. 7, Rule 116]
of the Court may be admitted 4. Student Practice Rule - A law
without examination, who: student who has successfully
1. Are applicants for completed his 3rd year of the
admission and are enrolled regular 4-year prescribed law
attorneys in good standing curriculum and is enrolled in a
in the Supreme Court of recognized law school’s clinical
the United States or in any legal education program approved
circuit court of Appeals or by the SC – may appear without
district court therein, or in compensation in any civil, criminal
the highest court of any or administrative case before any
State or Territory of the trial court, tribunal, board or officer,
United States. to represent indigent clients
2. Can show certificates that accepted by the Legal Clinic of the
they have practiced before school. [Sec. 1, Rule 138-A] The
July 4, 1946. student shall be under the direct
3. Have never been supervision and control of a member
suspended or disbarred. of the IBP duly accredited by the law
*Rule 138, Sec. 4, Rules of Court. school. [Sec. 2]
5. Under the Labor Code – non-
Practice without admission lawyers may appear before the NLRC
 General Rule: Only those who are or any Labor Arbiter if they
licensed to practice law can appear and (a) represent themselves;
handle cases in court. (b) represent their organization or
members thereof [Art. 222,
 Exceptions: PD 442]
1. Before the MTC - a party may 6. A non-lawyer or layman may
conduct his case or litigation in represent a claimant before the
person with the aid of an agent or Cadastral Court [Sec. 9, Act. No.
friend appointed by him. [Sec. 34, 2259]
Rule 138] 7. Any official or other person
2. Before any other court – a party appointed to appear for the
may conduct his litigation Government of the Philippines in
personally. [Sec. 34, Rule 138]. He accordance with law shall have all
is bound by the same rules in the rights of a duly authorized
conducting the trial of his case. He member of the bar in any case in
cannot, after judgment, claim that which said government has an
he was not properly represented. interest [Sec. 33, Rule 138].

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Three Limitations in the appearance  But it cannot practice law directly or

of a layman on behalf of another: indirectly by employing a lawyer to
1. Layman should confine his work practice for it or to appear for others for
to non-adversary contentions. its benefit.
Should not undertake purely legal  Reasons:
work such as examination of 1. Nature of the privilege and on the
witnesses or presentation of confidential and trust relation
evidence. between attorney and client.
2. Services should not be habitually 2. The corporation (a juridical
rendered. person) cannot perform the
3. Should not charge or collect conditions required for
attorneys’ fees. membership in the bar, such as
the possession of good moral
Right of party to represent himself character and other special
 In Civil Cases, individual litigant has disqualifications, the taking of an
the right to conduct his litigation oath and becoming an officer of
personally. the court, subject to its discipline,
 He will still be bound by the same rules suspension or removal.
of procedure and evidence as those 3. The relation of trust and
applicable to a party appearing through confidence cannot arise where
counsel. the attorney is employed by a
 He may not be heard to complain later corporation to practice for it, his
that he has been deprived of the right employer and he owing, at best,
to the assistance of counsel. a secondary and divided loyalty
 In Criminal Cases involving grave and to the clientele of his corporate
less grave offenses, an accused who is employer.
a layman must always appear by 4. The intervention of the
counsel. He cannot conduct his own corporation is destructive of that
defense, as his right to counsel may not confidential and trust relation and
be waived without violating his right to is obnoxious to the law.
due process of law.
 By a Juridical Person: Persons authorized to represent the
 General Rule:Iit must always government
appear in court by a duly licensed  Any official or other person appointed
member of the bar. or designated in accordance with law to
 Exception: In the MTC, it may be appear for the government of the
represented by its agent or officer Philippines or any of its officials shall
who need not be a lawyer. have all the rights of a duly authorized
member of the bar to appear in any
Practice by Corporation case in which the government has an
 It is well settled that a corporation interest, direct or indirect, or in which
CANNOT engage in the practice of law. such official is charged in his official
It may, however, hire an attorney to capacity. [Sec. 33, Rule 138].
attend to and conduct its own legal  Solicitor General, Assistant Solicitor
business or affairs. General, Solicitors and Trial Attorneys,

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

State Prosecutors, Special Counsel,

Special Prosecutor of the Ombudsman.  When any of the public officials are
absolutely prohibited, they cease, as a
Three Instances when a lawyer cannot general rule, to engage in private
practice: practice of law and the right to practice
1. Appearance of Parties in Person. - is suspended during tenure of office.
In all katarungang pambarangay
proceedings, the parties must  Lawyer member of the Legislature not
appear in person without the absolutely prohibited.
assistance of counsel or  Prohibited only from appearing as
representative, except for minors counsel in:
and incompetents who may be 1. Any court of justice.
assisted by their next-of-kin who 2. Electoral Tribunals.
are not lawyers. (SEC. 415. Local 3. Quasi-Judicial or Administrative
Government Code) bodies.
2. Appearance through a
representative must be for a valid  What is prohibited is to ―personally
cause. the representative of an appear.‖
individual-party must not be a  The word ―appearance‖ includes:
lawyer, and must be related to or 1. Arguing a case before any such
next-of-skin of the individual- body.
party. juridical entities shall not 2. Filing a pleading on behalf of a
be represented by a lawyer in any client as ―by simply filing a
capacity. (A. M. No. 08-8-7-SC, formal motion, plea or answer‖.
RULE OF PROCEDURE FOR SMALL  Neither can he allow his name to
CLAIMS CASES) appear in such pleading by itself or as
3. A lawyer shall not, after leaving part of a firm name under the signature
government service, accept of another qualified lawyer because the
engagement or employment in signature of an agent amounts to
connection with any matter in signing of a non-qualified senator or
which he had intervened while in congressman, the office of an attorney
said service. (Rule 6.03, CANON being originally of agency, and because
6) he will, by such act, be appearing in
court or quasi-judicial or administrative
Disability of Public Officials to practice body in violation of the constitutional
 Appointment or Election to a restriction.
government office disqualifies one to  ―He cannot do indirectly what the
practice law. Constitution prohibits directly‖.
1. Public office is a Public Trust.
Obliged to perform duties with RESTRICTIONS IN THE PRACTICE OF
exclusive fidelity. LAW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
2. Avoid conflict of interests. SANGGUNIAN
3. Assure the people of impartiality  They shall not:
in the performance of public 1. Appear as counsel before any
functions, thereby promote the court in any civil case wherein a
public welfare. local government unit or any
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

office, agency or instrumentality 9. Those prohibited by special laws

of the government is the adverse – retired members of the
party; judiciary.
2. Appear as counsel in any criminal
case wherein an officer or  A Civil Service Officer can engage in the
employee of the national or local practice of law only if:
government is accused of an 1. The officer’s responsibilities do
offense committed in relation to not require his time to be fully at
his office; the disposal of the government.
3. Collect any fee for their 2. With written permission from the
appearance in administrative head of the department
proceedings involving the local concerned.
government unit of which he is an
official. [Sec. 90, R.A. 7160]  A punong barangay needs to obtain
4. Use property and personnel of written permission from the Secretary
the government except when the of the DILG to appear as counsel.
Sanggunian member concerned is
defending the interest of the Liability for unauthorized practice
government  Any person prohibited from engaging in
 However, Sanggunian members may the practice of law or assumes to be an
practice their professions, engage in attorney is liable for contempt of court,
any occupation, teach in schools punishable by fine or imprisonment or
except during session hours. both.
 Liable for Estafa, defrauds the litigant:
WHO MAY NOT PRACTICE LAW? 1. If such unauthorized practice
 Relative Prohibition causes damage to a party.
1. Senators and members of the 2. False representation and
House of Representatives rendering service in court in
(prohibition to appear) behalf of litigant.
2. Members of the Sanggunian.
 Absolute Prohibition  Criminal and Administrative Liability for
1. All members of the Judiciary government officials prohibited from
2. Judges and other officials as practicing law when doing such.
employees of the Supreme Court.
3. Government prosecutors. Remedies against unauthorized
4. President, Vice President, practice
members of the cabinet. 1. Injunction.
5. Members of Constitutional 2. Declaratory Relief.
Commissions. 3. Contempt of Court.
6. Ombudsman and his deputies. 4. Petition for Disqualification.
7. Solicitor General and Assistant 5. Complaint for Disbarment.
Solicitor General 6. Administrative complaint for public
8. All governors, city and municipal officer.
mayors. 7. Criminal complaint for Estafa

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

D. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION  Public Policy demands that a person

seeking admission to the practice of law
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO must
THE BAR: 1. Possess the required educational
1. Citizen of the Philippines. qualifications.
2. Resident of the Philippines 2. Show a degree of learning and
3. At least 21 years old proficiency in law necessary for
4. Successfully completed all prescribed the due performance of the duties
courses. of a lawyer.
5. Passed the bar exams.  To the lawyer is entrusted the
6. Production before the Supreme protection of life, liberty, property, or
Court satisfactory evidence of: honor.
a. Good moral character  To approve officially one who is not
b. No charges against him, adequately prepared to such a delicate
involving moral turpitude, task is to create a social danger.
have been filed or are pending
in any court in the Philippines. Bar Examination
 Subjects chosen for these exams are
Citizenship and Residence designed to eliminate any one whose
 Privilege denied to foreigners. general intelligence, learning, and
 Takes into account the close connection mental capacity are inadequate to
of the practice of law with the enable him to assume and discharge
administration of justice. the duties of an attorney.
 An alien cannot well maintain allegiance  Passing Grade: A general average of
to the Republic of the Philippines, which 75% in all subjects without falling
is required in the Oath of a Lawyer. below 50% in any subject.
 In determining the average, the
Good Moral Character
subjects given the following relative
 Continued possession of good moral
weights:
character after admission is a 1. Civil Law 15%
requirement for enjoyment of privilege 2. Labor and Social Legislation 10%
to practice. 3. Mercantile Law 15%
 Moral character is what a person really 4. Criminal Law 10%
is as distinguished from good reputation 5. Political and International Law
or opinion generally entertained of him. 15%
 Includes at least common honesty. 6. Taxation 10%
 Opposite of immorality, which is the 7. Remedial Law 20%
indifference to the moral norms of 8. Legal Ethics and Practical
society. Exercises 5%
 This requirement aims to maintain and
uphold the high moral standard and the  A candidate who fails for three times is
dignity of the legal profession. disqualified from taking another
examination, unless he has shown to
Educational qualifications the satisfaction of the Court that he
has:

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

1. Enrolled and passed regular

fourth year review classes;
2. Attended a pre-bar review  American lawyers in active practice of
course. law in the Philippines before July 4,
1946 or a Filipino citizen enrolled as
E. PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION attorney in the United States before
July 4, 1946, who desires admission
Bar Examination Committee without examination should:
 Examinations shall be conducted by a 1. File a petition with the Court
committee of bar examiners to be along with his
appointed by the Supreme Court. This 2. License to practice
committee shall be composed of: 3. Evidence that it has not been
1. A Justice of the Supreme Court, revoked
as chairman and designated by 4. Certificates of professional
the court to serve for one year. standing.
2. Eight (8) members of the
Philippine bar, who shall serve as Disclosure of involvement in any
examiners in the 8 bar subjects criminal case
and hold office for a period of one  Applicant must show that no charges
year. against him involving moral turpitude
3. Bar Confidant as liaison officer have been filed or pending in court in
between the Court and Chairman the Philippines (Rule 138, Sec 2, Rules
and the Committee members. of Court)
Also a deputy clerk of court.  To enable the court to resolve whether
a particular crime involves moral
Application and supporting documents turpitude, applicant must disclose any
 Time for filing proof of qualifications.— crime of which he has been charged.
All applicants for admission shall file  If what has been concealed does not
with the clerk of the Supreme Court a involve moral turpitude, it is the fact of
duly accomplished application form concealment and not the commission of
together with supporting documents the crime itself that makes him morally
concerning his qualifications at least 15 unfit.
days before the beginning of the
examination. Burden of proof to show qualifications
 Applicants shall also file at the same  Applicant assumes the burden of proof
time their own affidavits as to their age, to establish his qualifications to the
residence, and citizenship. (Rule 138, satisfaction of the court.
Sec. 7)  After having presented prima facie
evidence of his qualifications, any one
 Notice of applications.—Notice of objecting to his admission may offer
applications for admission shall be contrary evidence to overcome such
published by the clerk of the Supreme prima facie showing. Burden of proof
Court in newspapers published in shifts to the complainant.
Pilipino, English and Spanish, for at
least 10 days before the beginning of Written examinations
the examination. (Rule 138, sec. 8)  Annual examination.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

o Examinations for admission to the 4. To keep the examinee’s identity a

bar of the Philippines shall take secret and thus avoid any influence
place annually in the City of to bear upon the examiner in the
Manila. valuation of his answers:
o They shall be held in four days to a. The exam papers shall be
be designated by the chairman of identified by numbers.
the committee on bar examiners.
b. The name of the examinee is
o The subjects shall be distributed written in a piece of paper and
as follows:
sealed in an envelope.
1. 1st day: Political and
5. Any candidate who violates any of
International Law
the rules concerning the conduct of
(morning), Labor and
examination will be barred from
Social Legislation
taking such and the same will be
(afternoon);
counted as a failure against him.
2. 2nd day: Civil Law
(morning),Taxation
 The conduct of the bar exams involves
(afternoon);
public interest.
3. 3rd day: Mercantile Law
 Any charge of anomaly requires prompt
(morning) Criminal Law
action from the Court to prevent
(afternoon);
erosion of public faith in the bar and in
4. 4th day: Remedial Law
the court.
(morning) Legal Ethics and
Practical Exercises
Correction and revaluation of grades
(afternoon). (Rule 138,
 The bar examiners correct the
sec. 11.)
examination papers and submit the
grades and corrected papers to the bar
 The questions shall be the same for all
confidant.
examinees.
 The bar confidant tallies the individual
 Examinees shall answer the questions
grades of every examinee, computes
personally without help from anyone.
the general average, and prepares a
 Upon verified application made by an
comparative data showing the
examinee stating that his penmanship
percentage of passing and failing in
is so poor that it will be difficult to read
relation to a certain average.
his answers without much loss of time,
 Results are submitted to the
the Supreme Court may allow such
Examination Committee and to the
examinee to use a noiseless typewriter.
Court.
Restrictions to insure integrity in
 Any request for revaluation of the
examination
answers and the grades given should be
1. An examinee is prohibited from
made by the examinee addressed to
bringing papers, books or notes into
the Court.
the examination room.
2. He is not to communicate with the
other examinees during the exam. Administration of Oath
3. He is not to influence any member of
the committee on bar exams.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Qualified applicants shall take and weigh his actions according to the
subscribe to the Oath of Office as a sworn promises he makes when taking
Lawyer. the lawyer’s oath. If all lawyers
 A prerequisite to the admission of conducted themselves strictly according
practice of law and may only be taken to the lawyer’s oath and the Code of
before the Supreme Court. Professional responsibility, the
 The court may deny the petition to take
administration of justice will
the lawyer’s oath for: undoubtedly fairer, faster and easier for
o Grave misconduct; everyone concerned. (In Re:
o Pending complaint against the Argosino, 270 SCRA 26)
applicant
 By taking the lawyer’s oath, a lawyer
LAWYER’S OATH (MEMORIZE!!)
becomes the guardian of truth and the
rule of law and an indispensable
I , do solemnly swear that I will
instrument in the fair and impartial
maintain allegiance to the Republic of the
administration of justice. Good moral
Philippines;
character includes at least common
honesty. Deception and other
I will support and defend its Constitution
fraudulent acts are not merely
and obey the laws as well as the legal
unacceptable practices that are
orders of the duly constituted authorities
disgraceful and dishonorable, they
therein;
reveal a basic moral flaw. (Olbes vs.
Deciembre, 457 SCRA 341)
I will do no falsehood nor consent to its
commission;
Issuance of Certificate
 After taking oath, the Supreme Court
I will not wittingly or willingly promote or
admits him as a member of the bar for
sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit
all courts of the Philippines.
nor give aid nor consent to the same;
 An order be entered that a certificate of
such record be given him by the clerk of
I will not delay any man’s cause for money
court.
or malice and will conduct myself as a
 Such certificate is his license to practice
lawyer according to the best of my
law.
knowledge and discretion with all good
 Thereafter, he signs the roll of
fidelity as well to the court as to my
attorneys, which is the official record
clients; and
containing the names and signatures of
those who are authorized to practice
I will impose upon myself this obligation
law.
voluntarily, without any mental reservation
or purpose of evasion. Payment of IBP dues and privilege tax
 Membership by every attorney in the
So help me God. IBP is compulsory.
 Obligation to support it financially.
 The lawyer’s oath is not a mere o Every member of the Integrated
ceremony or formality for practicing Bar shall pay such annual dues as
law. Every lawyer should at all times the Board of Governors shall
ralc20 2
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

determine with the approval of

the Supreme Court.
o Default in payment for 6 months
shall warrant suspension.
o Default in such payment for 1
year shall be a ground for
removal of the name of the
delinquent member from the Roll
of Attorneys.
o However, no action involving
suspension or removal from the
roll shall be effective without final
approval of the Supreme Court.

 Conditions sine qua non to the privilege

to practice law and to the retention of
his name in the roll of attorneys :
1. Continued membership
2. Regularly paying membership
dues and other lawful
assessments that it may levy.

 A lawyer must comply with the

requirement regarding payment of
membership even though his practice is
―limited.‖
 The exemption from payment of
individual income taxes for senior
citizens does not include payment of
IBP membership dues.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 3 –LAWYER’S A. UPHOLDING THE

DUTIES TO SOCIETY CONSTITUTION AND
THE LAW

MEMORY AID FOR CANONS UNDER Duty to uphold the Constitution and
THIS SECTION: obey the law
1. Promote and Respect the Law and Legal  First and foremost duty of a lawyer is
Process (Canon 1) to:
2. Provide Efficient and Convenient Legal 1. Maintain allegiance to the
Services (Canon 2) Republic of the Philippines;
3. Information on Legal Services that is 2. Uphold the Constitution and
3. Obey the laws of the land.
true, Honest, Fair and Dignified (Canon
3)  Code of Professional Responsibility
4. Support for Legal Reforms and underscores the primacy of such duty.
Administration of Justice (Canon 4)  Canon 1: “A lawyer shall uphold
5. Participate in Legal Education Program the Constitution, obey the laws of
(Canon 5) the land, and promote respect for
6. Applies to Lawyers in Government law and legal processes.”
Service (Canon 6)
 Role of lawyers in the community:
 While the duty to uphold the
Constitution and obey the law is
CANON 1: A lawyer shall uphold the an obligation imposed on every
constitution, obey the laws of the land citizen, a lawyer assumes
and promote respect for law and legal responsibilities well beyond the
process. basic requirements of good
citizenship.
Rule 1.01. A lawyer shall not  As a servant of the law, a lawyer
engage in unlawful, dishonest, should moreover make himself an
immoral or deceitful conduct. example for others to emulate.
 Being a lawyer, he is supposed to
Rule 1.02. A lawyer shall not be a model in the community in
counsel or abet activities aimed at so far as respect for the law is
defiance of the law or at lessening concerned.
confidence in the legal profession.
 A lawyer’s responsibilities are greater
Rule 1.03. A lawyer shall not, for than those of a private citizen.
any corrupt motive or interest,  He must not subvert the law by
encourage any suit or delay any counseling in activities which are in
man’s cause. defiance of the law.
 He should not allow his services to be
Rule 1.04. A lawyer shall engaged by an organization whose
encourage his clients to avoid, end members are violating the law, to
or settle a controversy if it will defend them when they get caught.

Duty not to engage in unlawful

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Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo
conduct

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Canon 1, Rule 1.01. A lawyer shall not  He should not allow his services to be
engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral engaged by an organization whose
or deceitful conduct. member as violating the law, to defend
them when they get caught.
 As servant of the law, a lawyer should
moreover make himself an exemplar for  The Supreme Court will not denounce
others to emulate. criticismmade by anyone against the
 Duty to obey the law and promote Court for, if well founded, can truly
respect for law and legal processes have constructive effects in the task of
demands that he shall not engage in the Court, but it will not countenance
unlawful, dishonest, and immoral, or any wrongdoing nor allow the erosion of
deceitful conduct. our people’s faith in the judicial system,
 Unlawful conduct is an act or omission let alone, by those who have been
which is against the law. privileged by it to practise law in the
 Dishonesty involves lying or cheating. Philippines. (Estrada v.
 Immoral or deceitful conduct is that Sandiganbayan, 416 SCRA 465
which is willful, flagrant or shameless (2003))
and which shows a moral indifference to
the opinion of the good and respectable  Terrel was found guilty of malpractice
members of the community. or gross misconduct for assisting in the
establishment and acting as counsel for
 Moral turpitude ―includes everything the Centro Bellas Artes Club, an
which is done contrary to justice, organization intending to evade the
honesty, modesty, or good morals‖. It practice of law. (In Re Terrel (1903))
involves an act of baseness, vileness, or
depravity in the private duties which a
man owed his fellowmen, or to society Duty not to encourage lawsuits
in general, contrary to the accepted and  Rule 1.03. A lawyer shall not, for any
customary rule of right and duty corrupt motive or interest, encourage
between man and woman, or conduct any suit or delay any man’s cause.
contrary to justice, honesty, modesty,
or good morals.  Among the unprofessional acts which
come within the prohibition include the
Duty not to counsel illegal activities lawyer’s:
 Canon1, Rule 1.02. A lawyer shall not 1. Volunteering advice to bring
counsel or abet activities aimed at lawsuit, except in rare cases
defiance of the law or at lessening where ties of blood, relationship,
confidence in the legal profession. or trust.
2. Hunting up defects in titles or
 A lawyer who defies a writ or other causes of action.
preliminary injunction has flouted his 3. Seeking out claims for personal
duties as a lawyer. injuries or those having any other
 He should not promote an organization grounds of action to secure them
known to be violating the law nor assist as clients.
it in a scheme which he knows is 4. Initiating a meeting of the
dishonest members of a club and inducing
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

them to organize and contest a fees which are often considerably less
legislation under his guidance. when the cause is amicably settled. The
5. Purchasing notes to collect them problem of conflict of interests must be
by litigation at a profit. resolved against self-interest.

 Purpose of the prohibition: To prevent  Parties to an amicable settlement enjoy

ambulance chasing - solicitation of benefits better than those which can
almost any kind of legal business by legally be secured to them by judicial
laymen employed by an attorney for procedure.
the purpose or by the attorney himself.  Litigation involves time, expense, and ill
feelings, which may well be avoided by
 Ambulance chasing has spawned the settlement of the action.
recognized evils and is prohibited  A compromise or even a confession of
because: judgment will:
1. It stirs up litigation with resulting 1. Accord respect to the just claim
burdens on courts and the public; of the other party;
2. Supports perjury. 2. Save the client additional
3. Defrauds innocent persons by expenses;
judgments, upon manufactured 3. Help prevent clogging of the
causes of actions. docket.
4. Defrauds injured persons having
proper causes of action but
ignorant of legal rights and court
procedure by means of contracts
which retain exorbitant expenses
and by settlement made for quick
returns of fees against the rights
of the injured persons.

Duty to encourage amicable

settlement
 Rule 1.04. A lawyer shall encourage his
clients to avoid, end or settle a
controversy if it will admit of a fair
settlement.

 The function of a lawyer is not only to

conduct litigation but to avoid it where
possible, by advising settlement or
withholding suit.
 He/she must act as mediator for
compromise rather than an instigator
and conflict.
 What sometimes beclouds a lawyer’s
judgment as to what is best for his
client is his/her eye on the attorney’s

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

the responsibility of the bar to make

such services available.”
CANON 2: A lawyer shall make his legal  A wide gap exists between the need
services available in an efficient and and its satisfaction. This has been
convenient manner compatible with the mainly ascribed mainly to 2 reasons:
independence, integrity and effectiveness 1. Poverty and the consequent
of the profession. inability to pay.
2. Ignorance not only of the need of
Rule 2.01. A lawyer shall not legal services but also of where to
reject, except for valid reasons, the find a competent and dependable
cause of the defenseless or the lawyer.
oppressed.
A lawyer shall not reject the cause of
Rule 2.02. In such cases, even if the defenseless
the lawyer does not accept a case,  Rule 2.01. A lawyer shall not reject,
he shall not refuse to render legal except for valid reasons, the cause of
advice to the person concerned if the defenseless or the oppressed.
only to the extent necessary to  Stems from one of the obligations
safeguard the latter’s rights. incident to the status and privileges of a
lawyer – To represent the poor and
Rule 2.03. A lawyer shall not do or oppressed in the prosecution of their
permit to be done any act designed claims or the defense of their rights.
to primarily solicit legal business.  Even in those instances in which he
may not, for valid reasons, accept the
Rule 2.04. A lawyer shall not case, the lawyer ―shall not refuse to
charge rates lower than those render legal advice to the person
customarily prescribed unless the concerned if only to the extent
necessary to safeguard the latter’s
B. MAKING LEGAL rights.‖ (Rule 2.02.)
SERVICES
AVAILABLE  The duty of a lawyer to accept the
cause of the defenseless and the
Generally oppressed empowers the court to
 A lawyer shall make his legal services require him to render professional
available in an efficient and convenient services to any party in a case, if the
manner compatible with the party is without means to employ an
independence, integrity and attorney and the services of a lawyer
effectiveness of the profession. are necessary to protect the rights of
 A lawyer who is qualified to provide such party or secure the ends of justice.
efficient legal services should make  To designate him as counsel de oficio
available such services to those who are for an accused if the latter is unable to
in need thereof. employ a counsel de parte.
 IBP Committee that drafted the Code  The lawyer so assigned has to render
explained: “A person in need of legal effective legal services, under the pain
services should be able to find a lawyer of disciplinary sanction should he fail or
who is qualified to provide them. It is

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

neglect to do so, until he is excused 2. He shall not decline to represent a

therefrom by the court. person solely on account of the
 Every lawyer should: latter’s race, sex, creed or status of
1. Welcome the assignment as an life or because of his own opinion
opportunity to render public regarding the guilt of said person.
service; (Canon 14, Rule 14.01)
2. Show that the practice of law is a 3. If there is serious and sufficient
profession; and cause, an appointment as counsel de
3. Demonstrate that the efficient oficio or as amici curiae, or a request
discharge of his duties does not from the Integrated Bar of the
depend upon payment or amount Philippines or any of its chapters for
of fees. rendition of free legal aid. (Canon
14, Rule 14.02)
 The Integrated Bar of the Philippines
through its Committee on Legal Aid has  EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION: A
established legal aid offices throughout lawyer may refuse to accept
the country. representation of an indigent client if:
 Its objective is to provide on a a. He is not in a position to carry
nationwide basis legal services in favor out the work effectively or
of the poor segment of society. competently;
 Their policy is that legal aid is not a b. He labors under a conflict of
matter of charity. It is a means for the interests between him and the
correction of social imbalance that may prospective client or between a
and often do lead to injustice, which present client and the prospective
makes it a public responsibility of the client. (Canon 14, Rule 14.03)
Bar.
 A valid reason to refuse is when the
A lawyer shall not refuse to render lawyer is not in a position to carry out
legal advice the work effectively and competently.
 Rule 2.02. In such cases, even if the  However he shall still render legal
lawyer does not accept a case, he shall advice (such as those pertaining to
not refuse to render legal advice to the preliminary steps a person can take).
person concerned if only to the extent  But he shall refrain from giving legal
necessary to safeguard the latter’s advice if the reason for not accepting
rights. the case is that there involves a conflict
of interest (between him and a
 GENERAL RULE: A lawyer may refuse prospective client or between a present
to accept the cause of the defenseless client and a prospective client).
or the oppressed. A lawyer is not  In the case mentioned above, rendering
obliged legal advice to the prospective client
to act as legal counsel for any person who will establish an attorney-client
may wish to become his client. relationship between them and this will
constitute a violation of the rule
 EXCEPTIONS:
prohibiting a lawyer from representing
1. A lawyer shall not refuse his services conflicting interests. (Canon 15, Rule
to the needy. 15.03)
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Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

850 (Mandatory Continuing Legal

Participating in legal development Education), are required every 3 years
to complete at least 36 hours of
CANON 5: A lawyer shall keep abreast of continuing legal education activities,
legal developments, participate in with appropriate penalties for failure to
continuing legal education programs, do so.
support efforts to achieve highest
standards in law schools as well as in the C. APPLICABILITY OF CODE TO
practical training of law students and GOVERNMENT LAWYERS
assist in disseminating information
regarding law and jurisprudence. CANON 6. These Canons shall apply to
lawyers in government service in the
discharge of their official duties.
 It is the bounden duty of counsel in the Rule 6.01. The primary duty of a
active practice to keep abreast of lawyer in public prosecution is not
decisions of the Supreme Court and to convict but to see that justice is
changes in the law. done. The suppression of facts or
 It is imperative that judges should be the concealment of witnesses
conversant with basic legal principles capable of establishing the
and with the changes in the law and innocence of the accused is highly
with the latest decisions and reprehensible and is cause for
precedents. disciplinary action.
 For service in the judiciary and being in
the active practice of law require Rule 6.02. A lawyer in government
continuous study and research on the service shall not use his public
law from beginning to end. position to promote or advance his
private interests, nor allow the
 Legal education should be a continuing latter to interfere with his public
concern. duties.
 After admission to practice, a lawyer
incurs a three-fold obligation: Rule 6.03. A lawyer shall not, after
1. He owes it to himself to continue leaving government service, accept
improving his knowledge of the engagement or employment in
law. connection with any matter in
2. He owes it to his profession to which he had intervened while in
take an active interest in the
maintenance of high standards of
legal obligation.
3. He owes it to the lay public to Code is applicable to government
make the law a part of its social lawyers
consciousness.  Canon 6 makes the Code of Professional
Responsibility applicable to lawyers in
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education government service in the discharge of
(MCLE) their official duties.
 Members of the IBP, except those
exempt under Rule 7 of Bar Matter No.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 The reason for the rule is that a lawyer  Rule 6.01. The primary duty of a
does not shed his professional lawyer in public prosecution is not to
obligations upon assuming public office. convict but to see that justice is done.
 In fact, his professional obligations The suppression of facts or the
should make him more sensitive to his concealment of witnesses capable of
official obligations because a lawyer’s establishing the innocence of the
disreputable conduct is more likely to accused is highly reprehensible and is
be magnified in the public eye. cause for disciplinary action.
 As government counsel, they have the  A public prosecutor is a quasi-judicial
added duty to abide by the policy of the officer who represents, not an ordinary
State to promote a high standard of party to a controversy, but sovereignty.
ethics in public service. This sovereignty has its obligation to
 As part of the government bureaucracy, govern impartially. Therefore, the
it is incumbent upon lawyers to perform interest in a criminal prosecution is not
and discharge their duties with the that it shall win a case but that justice
highest degree of professionalism, shall be done.
intelligence, and skill, and to extend
prompt, courteous, and adequate  A public prosecutor should not hesitate
service to the public. to recommend to the court the acquittal
of the accused if the evidence in his
 Fundamental principle in public law: possession shows that the accused is
Public office is a public trust. innocent.
 A public servant owes utmost fidelity to
 If he finds no legal basis to sustain a
the public service.
conviction, he should not hesitate to
 Norms of conduct required of public
recommend that the accused be
officials:
acquitted.
1. Uphold the public interest over
 For “his finest hour is not when he wins
and above personal interest.
a case with the conviction of the
2. Discharge their duties with the
accused. His finest hour is still when,
highest degree of excellence,
overcoming the advocate’s natural
professionalism, intelligence, and
obsession for victory, he stands up
skill.
before the court and pleads not for the
3. Act with justness and sincerity.
conviction of the accused but for his
4. Provide service without
acquittal. For indeed, his noble task is
discrimination.
to prosecute only the guilty and to
5. Extend prompt, courteous, and
protect the innocent.”
adequate service to the public.
6. Be loyal to the Republic.
Restrictions on the functions of public
7. Commit themselves to democratic
prosecutor
way of life and values.
 Public prosecutors should not allow
8. Live modest lives.
giving the impression that their noble
office is being used, wittingly or
A prosecutor shall see to it that justice
unwittingly, for political ends or other
is done
purposes alien to the basic objective of
serving the interests of justice
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Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

evenhandedly, without fear or favor to

any and all litigants, whether rich or Role of the private prosecutor
poor, weak or strong, powerless or  GENERAL RULE: Where the civil action
mighty. for recovery of civil liability is instituted
in the criminal action, the offended
 It is his duty to refrain from improper party may intervene by counsel in the
methods calculated to produce a prosecution of the offense. (Rule 110,
wrongful conviction. Sec. 16. Rules of Court)
 He should not offer as proof of the guilt  EXCEPTIONS: Public prosecutor has
of the accused which is illegally seized. direction and control of the prosecution:
 Nor suppress facts or conceal witnesses 1. Where from the nature of the
capable of establishing the innocence of crime and the law defining and
the accused. punishing it, no civil liability
arises in favor of a private
 It is improper for a public prosecutor offended party.
to: 2. In cases where from the nature of
1. Assist in the escape of a prisoner. the offense, the offended party is
2. Institute a criminal action to force entitled to civil indemnity arising
settlement of a case. therefrom but he has:
3. Agree to refrain from prosecuting a. Waived the civil action or
a person in consideration of some b. Expressly reserved the
reward. right to institute it
4. Receive money for dismissing a separately from the
complaint. criminal action.
5. Induce an accused to plead
guilty.  The role of the private prosecutor in
6. Willfully fail to prosecute criminal actions is to represent the
violations of law. private offended party with respect to
7. Have a secret partner with whom the civil action for the recovery of civil
he divides the attorney’s fees. liability arising from the offense.
 His sole purpose is to enforce the civil
In appeals, the Solicitor General has liability and not to demand the
control punishment of the accused.
 GENERAL RULE: The Solicitor General
shall represent the People in criminal Intervention by private lawyer is
actions brought to the Court of Appeals subject to prosecutor’s control
and the Supreme Court.  The intervention of the private
 EXCEPTION: In all cases elevated to the prosecutor in the criminal prosecution is
Sandiganbayan and from there to the always subject to the direction and
Supreme Court, the Office of the control of the public prosecutor.
Ombudsman, through its special  Public prosecutor is duty bound to take
prosecutor, shall represent the People. charge of the prosecution until its
9RA 8249) termination.
 EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION: Cases  While he may allow the private
filed pursuant to Executive Order Nos. prosecutor to actively handle the
1, 2, 14, and 14-A issued in 1986.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

conduct of the trial, his duty to direct  Rule 6.02. A lawyer in government
and control requires that: service shall not use his public position
1. He must be present during the to promote or advance his private
proceedings. interests, nor allow the latter to
2. He must at any time, take over interfere with his public duties.
the conduct of the trial from the
private prosecutor.  If the law allows a public official to
practice law concurrently, he must not
 Where the prosecutor turned over the use his public position to feather his law
active conduct of the trial to the private practice.
prosecutor who presented testimonial  Neither should he accept any private
evidence even when the public legal business in which his duty to his
prosecutor was absent during the trial, client will or may conflict with his
the evidence presented could not be official duties, and if some unforeseen
considered as valid evidence of the conflict with his official duties arises he
People of the Philippines. should terminate his professional
 However, it applies only to courts which relationship.
are provided by law with their own
prosecutors, and not to Municipal Trial  A public official should see to it that his
Courts which have no trial prosecutors. private activity does not interfere with
 A private prosecutor taking over a the discharge of his official functions.
criminal action cannot take a stand He should avoid all impropriety and the
different from or opposed to that of the appearance of impropriety.
public prosecutor or cannot adopt a  Neither should he inferentially create a
stand inconsistent with that of the public image that he is utilizing his
Solicitor General, otherwise it would be public position to advance his
tantamount to giving him the direction professional success or personal
and control of the criminal proceedings, interest at the expense of the public.
contrary to law and settled rules on the
matter. RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and
When the public prosecutor should Employees.
take over handling of the case Sec. 7(b). In addition to acts and
 A public prosecutor should not allow the omissions of public officials and
trial in the hands of a private employees not prescribed in the
prosecutor to degenerate into a private Constitution and existing laws, the
prosecution. following shall constitute prohibited acts
 The administration of criminal law and transactions of any public official and
should never be for the accomplishment employee and are hereby declared to be
of a private gain or advantage nor it be unlawful:
a vehicle of oppression for the (b) Outside employment and other
gratification of private malice. activities related thereto.—Public officials
and employees during their incumbency
A lawyer shall not use his public shall not:
position to promote his private 1. Own, control, manage or accept
interest employment as officer employee,
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Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

consultant, counsel, broker, agent, The Court ruled that ATty Mendoza could
trustee or nominee / in any private not be disqualified from representing the
enterprise regulated, supervised or LGC. The Court explained:
licensed by their office / unless  The key to unlock Rule 6.03 lies in
expressly allowed by law; comprehending.
2. Engage in the private practice of 1. The meaning of ―matter‖
their profession unless authorized by referred to in the rules.
the Constitution or law, provided 2. The metes and bounds of the
that such practice will not conflict or ―intervention‖ made by the
tend to conflict with their official former government lawyer on
functions; or the ―matter.‖
3. Recommend any person to any  The American Bar Association, in its
position in a private enterprise which Formal Opinion 342, defined ―matter‖
has a regular or pending official as:
transaction with their office. o Any discrete, isolatable act as
well as identifiable transaction
and not merely an act of
Former official may not accept certain drafting, enforcing or
employment interpreting government or
 Rule 6.03. A lawyer shall not, after agency procedures,
leaving government service, accept regulations or laws, or briefing
engagement or employment in abstract principles of law.
connection with any matter in which he  The ―matter‖ or the act of Atty.
had intervened while in said service. Mendoza as Solicitor General is
―advising the Central Bank on how to
 The restriction covers ―engagement proceed with Genbank’s liquidation is
and employment,‖ which means that he held not to be the ―matter‖
cannot accept any work or employment contemplated by Rule 6.03.
from anyone that will involve or relate  Clearly, ABA Formal Opinion 342
to the matter in which he intervened as stresses that Atty. Mendoza’s acts did
a public official, except on behalf of the not fall within the scope of the term
body or authority which he served ―matter.‖
during his public employment.  It is given that respondent Mendoza
had nothing to do with the decision of
 PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, 455 the Central Bank to liquidate Genbank
SCRA 526 (2005)): and did not even participate in the sale
PCGG seeks to disqualify Atty. Estelito of Genbank to Allied Bank.
Mendoza as counsel for the Lucio Group of  The ―matter‖ which he got himself
Companies in the suit involving the involved was informing the Central
sequestration of shares of stock of the LGC bank on the procedure by law to
as alleged ill-gotten wealth, on the ground liquidate Genbank.
that as former Solicitor General, he  It is not the same as the subject
intervened in the matter of the liquidation ―matter‖ of the civil case of
of Genbank, which was subsequently sequestration of stocks owned by Tan in
purchased by LGC. Allied Bank on the alleged ground that

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

they are ill-gotten. This case does not

involve the liquidation of Genbank.
 Whether the shares of stock of Allied
Bank are ill-gotten is far removed from
the issue of the dissolution and
liquidation of Genbank.

―Intervention‖ is interference that may

affect the interest of and influence others.
Intervention must not be insubstantial and
insignificant.

―Substantial responsibility‖ is required by

the prohibition.

In interpreting Rule 6.03, the Court also

cast a harsh eye on its use as a litigation
tactic to harass opposing counsel as well
as deprive his client of competent legal
representation.

In the case at bar, the new attempt to

disqualify respondent Mendoza has long
been a dead issue, resuscitated after the
lapse of many years and only after PCGG
has lost many legal incidents in the hands
of the respondent.

It is also submitted that the Court should

apply Rule 6.03 in all its strictness for it
correctly disfavors lawyers who ―switch
sides‖ and intended to avoid conflict of
loyalties. It is claimed that ―switching
sides‖ carries the danger that former
government employee may compromise
confidential official information in the
process.

The act of respondent Mendoza in

informing the Central Bank on the
procedure how to liquidate Genbank is a
different matter from the subject matter of
Civil Case No. 0005 which is about
sequestration of the shares of respondents
Tan in Allied Bank. There is no switching
sides for no two sides are involved.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 4: THE LAWYER’S  It is necessary that lawyers strive to

DUTIES uphold the honor and maintain dignity
of the profession and to improve the
TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION law and the administration of justice.
 The respect of the public to the legal
profession is enhanced by the faithful
A. UPHOLDING INTEGRITY OF performance of the lawyer’s duties to
PROFESSION the court, to society, to his brethren in
the profession, and to his client.
Canon 7: A lawyer shall at all times  Such respect is diminished whenever a
uphold the integrity and dignity of the member betrays the trust and
legal profession and support the activities confidence reposed in him by his client.
of the integrated bar.  Public confidence in law and lawyers
may be eroded by the irresponsible and
Rule 7.01. A lawyer shall be improper conduct of a member of the
answerable for knowingly making a bar.
false statement or suppressing a  Thus, every lawyer should act in a
material fact in connection with his manner that would promote public
application for admission to the confidence in the integrity of the
bar. profession.
 A lawyer should also involve in and
Rule 7.02. A lawyer shall not actively support the activities of the
support the application for IBP.
admission to the bar of any person
known by him to be unqualified in A person shall make no false
respect to character, education, or statement in his application for
other relevant attribute. admission to the bar
 Rule 7.01. A lawyer shall be
Rule 7.03. A lawyer shall not answerable for knowingly making a
engage in conduct that adversely false statement or suppressing a
reflects on his fitness to practice material fact in connection with his
law, nor shall he, whether in public application for admission to the bar.
or private life, behave in a  Observance of the duties and
scandalous manner to the discredit responsibilities of a lawyer begins even
as a law student. A student’s failure to
Generally
live up to them may be a ground for SC
 Canon 7: A lawyer shall at all times to refuse admission to practice or for
uphold the integrity and dignity of the disbarment should SC learn later on
legal profession and support the about his/her transgressions.
activities of the integrated bar.  A person seeking to be admitted to the
 Maintenance of a high standard of legal bar must show that he has all the
proficiency and fair dealing is a qualifications and none of the
prerequisite to making the bar an disqualifications prescribed by law.
effective instrument in the proper
administration of justice. A lawyer shall not support
unqualified applicant to the bar
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Rule 7.02. A lawyer shall not support Gross immorality reflective of

the application for admission to the bar unfitness to practice
of any person known by him to be  Acts of personal immorality in his
unqualified in respect to character, private relation with the opposite sex.
education, or other relevant attribute.  Gross immorality of the act, not merely
 A lawyer should not readily execute an immorality, to justify suspension or
affidavit of good moral character in disbarment.
favor of an applicant who has not live  Grossly Immoral Act
up to the standard set by law. 1. One that is so corrupt and false
 He should volunteer information or as to constitute a criminal act.
cooperate in any investigation 2. Unprincipled or disgraceful as to
concerning alleged anomaly in the bar be reprehensible to a high
examination. This is to help guard the degree.
profession from candidates who are  Acts of gross immorality, justifying
unfit or unqualified. denial of application to take the
 He should expose without fear or favor lawyer’s oath or suspension or
before the SC corrupt or dishonest disbarment :
conduct in the profession and should 1. Living an adulterous life with a
not hesitate to accept professional married woman.
employment against a lawyer who has 2. Maintaining illicit relations with a
wronged his client. niece.
3. Abandonment of his lawful wife to
A lawyer shall always conduct himself live with another woman.
ethically and morally 4. Contracting marriage while first
 The best way a lawyer can uphold the marriage still subsisting.
integrity and dignity of the profession is 5. Seducing a woman to have carnal
not to engage in conduct that adversely knowledge with her on the basis
reflects on his fitness to practice law, of misrepresentation that he is
nor shall he, whether in public or going to marry her, that he is
private life, behave in a scandalous single, or that they are already
manner to the discredit of the legal married upon signing a mere
profession. (Rule 7.03.) application for marriage license.
 He should endeavor to conduct himself 6. Carnal knowledge with a student
in such a way as to give credit to the by taking advantage of his
legal profession and to inspire the position.
confidence, respect, and trust of his  However, mere intimacy between man
clients and the community. and woman either of whom possess no
 Acts which adversely reflect on the legal impediment to marry, voluntarily
lawyer’s fitness to practice law, which carried on and devoid of any deceit on
justify suspension:
the part of the lawyer, is not corrupt or
1. Gross immorality.
unprincipled to warrant disciplinary
2. Conviction of a crime involving action as member of the bar. Even if
moral turpitude. the relationship results in the woman
3. Fraudulent transactions. giving birth to a child so long as he
admits paternity and agrees to support
the child.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Cohabitation per se is not grossly 4. Concealing in an information

immoral. sheet required by law in
o Whether a lawyer’s sexual connection with his employment
congress with a woman not his the fact that he was charged with
wife should be characterized as or convicted of a crime.
grossly immoral will depend upon 5. Borrowing money as a guardian
the surrounding circumstances. for his benefit upon the ward’s
 Even if the evidence is not sufficient to property as collateral without the
hold a lawyer liable for gross court’s approval.
immorality, may nonetheless be 6. Encashing a check payable to his
reprimanded where such evidence deceased cousin by signing the
shows failure on his part to comply with latter’s name.
the rigorous standards of conduct. 7. Falsifying a power of attorney and
using it to collect the money due
Conviction of a crime involving moral the principal and converting it to
turpitude his benefit.
 Moral turpitude: 8. Misappropriating money
o Anything which is done contrary belonging to his employer.
to justice, honesty, modesty, or
good morals.
o Any act of vileness, baseness, or
depravity in the private and social
duties a man owes his fellowmen
or to society, contrary to the
accepted rule of right and duty
between man and woman.
o In general, all crimes which fraud
or deceit is an element.
 Lawyers convicted of such crime are
either suspended or disbarred.

Commission of fraud or falsehood

 Commission of such may badly reflect
on his fitness to practice law.
 He may be administratively disciplined.
 Acts of misconduct calling for
disciplinary actions:
1. Falsely stating in a deed of sale
that the property is free from
liens or encumbrances.
2. Knowingly taking part in a false
and simulated transaction.
3. Making it appear that a vendor,
long dead, executed a document
of sale in his favor.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

profession and will not receive

B. LAWYER’S RELATION WITH OTHER sympathy from the Court.
LAWYERS  Duty of lawyer to restrain his client
from improprieties and to terminate his
Canon 8. A lawyer shall conduct himself relation with him if the latter persists in
with courtesy, fairness, and candor his wrongdoing.
toward his professional colleagues, and  A lawyer should not use, to his or his
shall avoid harassing tactics against client’s benefit, the secrets of the
opposing counsel. adverse party acquired through design
or inadvertence.
Rule 8.01. A lawyer shall not, in  A lawyer who thinks a case is weak may
professional dealings, use language not criticize the lawyer who accepts it,
which is abusive, offensive or much less should he attribute to him
otherwise improper. evil motive for taking up the client’s
cause.
Rule 8.02. A lawyer shall not,  It is not, however, improper for a
directly or indirectly, encroach lawyer to accept employment to compel
upon the professional employment another lawyer to honor the just claim
of another lawyer; however, it is of a layman. His action toward such
the right of any lawyer, without end, as writing a letter of demand to
fear or favor, to give proper advice the lawyer, is not unethical since it is
and assistance to those seeking mere honest effort to serve the interest
relief against unfaithful or of the client.

A lawyer should use temperate

Generally language
 Membership in the bar imposes upon  Rule 8.01. A lawyer shall not, in
lawyers certain obligations to one professional dealings, use language
another. which is abusive, offensive or otherwise
 What makes the practice of law a improper.
profession:  His arguments, written or oral, should
o Observance of honorable, candid, be gracious to both the court and the
and courteous dealings with other opposing counsel.
lawyers.  Should be of such words as may be
o Fidelity to known and recognized properly addressed by one gentleman
customs and practices of the bar. to another.
 ―Do as adversaries do in law: strive
Candor, fairness, and truthfulness mightily but eat and drink as friends.‖
should characterize relations  Whatever may be the ill-feelings
 The Court reminds parties and counsels between the clients should not influence
to:avoid further squabbles and counsel in their conduct and demeanor
unnecessary filing of administrative toward each other.
cases against each other.  They should scrupulously avoid all
 Mutual bickering and unjustified personalities and personal history or
recriminations between attorneys personal peculiarities and idiosyncrasies
detract from the dignity of the legal of the other.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

should deal only with his counsel. It is

A lawyer shall not encroach upon incumbent upon the lawyer most
business of another particularly to avoid everything that
 Rule 8.02. A lawyer shall not, directly may tend to mislead a party not
or indirectly, encroach upon the represented by counsel, and he should
professional employment of another not undertake to advise him as to the
lawyer; however, it is the right of any law.‖
lawyer, without fear or favor, to give  A lawyer should not, in the absence of
proper advice and assistance to those the adverse party’s counsel, interview
seeking relief against unfaithful or the adverse party and question him as
neglectful counsel. to the facts of the case even if the
 A lawyer should not steal the other adverse party was willing to do so.
lawyer’s client nor induce the latter to Neither should he sanction the attempt
retain him by promise of better service, of his client to settle a litigated matter
good result or reduced fees for his with the adverse party without the
services. Neither should he disparage consent nor knowledge of the latter’s
another, make comparisons or publicize counsel.
his talent as a means to further his law
practice. Association as a colleague in a case
 It is, however, the right of a lawyer,  A client’s proffer of assistance of
without fear or favor, to give proper additional counsel should not be
advice to those seeking relief against regarded as evidence of want of
unfaithful or neglectful counsel. confidence but the matter should be left
 He may accept employment to handle a to the determination of the client.
matter previously handled by another  The 2nd lawyer should communicate
lawyer, provided that the other lawyer with the 1st before making an
has been given notice of termination of appearance. Should the 1st lawyer
service. Without such notice, he shall object, he should decline association
only appear once he has obtained but if the 1st lawyer is relieved, he may
conformity or has, at the very least, come into the case.
given sufficient notice of contemplated  When there is conflict of opinions
substitution. between two lawyers jointly associated
 A lawyer’s appearance in the case in a case, the client should decide. The
without notice to the first lawyer decision should be accepted unless the
amounts to an improper encroachment nature of the difference makes it
upon the professional employment of impracticable for the lawyer whose
the original counsel. judgment has been overruled to
cooperate effectively. In this event, it is
Negotiation with opposite party his/her duty to ask client to relieve
 Canon 9 of the Canons of Professional him/her.
Ethics provides that a ―lawyer shall not
in any way communicate upon the
subject of controversy with a party C. PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED
represented by counsel, much less PRACTICE OF LAW
should he undertake to negotiate or
compromise the matter with him, but

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

Canon 9. A lawyer shall not, directly or unlicensed to practice law and not
indirectly, assist in the unauthorized subject to the disciplinary control of the
practice of law. court.
 The law makes it a misbehavior on the
Rule 9.01. A lawyer shall not part of the lawyer to aid a layman in
delegate to any unqualified person the unauthorized practice of law.
the performance of any task which  A person not admitted to the bar may
by law may only be performed by a not hold himself out to the public as
member of the Bar in good engaged in the practice of law, either
standing. alone or as associated with a practicing
attorney under a firm name. (US v.
Rule 9.02. A lawyer shall not Ney (1907))
divide or stipulate to divide a fee  He may not form a partnership with a
for legal services with persons not lay accountant to specialize in income
licensed to practice law, except: tax work unless he ceases to hold
1. there is a pre-existing himself out as a lawyer and strictly
agreement with a partner or confine his activities to such as are
associate that, upon the latter’s open to lay accountants.
death, money shall be paid over a
reasonable period of time to his Intervention of intermediary not
estate or to persons specified in the allowed
agreement; or  Prohibition on intermediary to intervene
2. Where a lawyer undertakes to in the performance of lawyer’s
complete unfinished or legal professional obligations.
business of a deceased lawyer; or  Lawyer’s relation to client is personal
3. Where a lawyer or law firm and responsibility is direct.
includes non-lawyer employees in a  Intervention of lay agency between
retirement plan, even if the plan is lawyer and the client is forbidden.
 It is thus improper for a lawyer to
Duty to prevent unauthorized practice accept employment from an automobile
of law club which, in soliciting membership,
 Canon 9. A lawyer shall not, directly or offers free services of it legal
indirectly, assist in the unauthorized department to members.
practice of law.  Employment should not include the
 Public policy requires that the practice rendering of legal services to members
of law be limited to those individuals of such an organization in respect to
found duly qualified in education and their individual affairs.
character.  A charitable society rendering aid to the
 The permissive right conferred on the indigent is not, however, an
lawyer is an individual and limited intermediary within the meaning of the
privilege subject to withdrawal if he rule.
fails to maintain proper standards of
moral and professional conduct. A lawyer shall not delegate legal work
 Purpose is to protect the public, the to non-lawyers
court, the client, and the bar from  Rule 9.01. A lawyer shall not delegate
incompetence and dishonesty of those to any unqualified person the

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

performance of any task which by law  The third exception to the rule does not
may only be performed by a member of involve, strictly speaking, a division of
the Bar in good standing. legal fees with non-lawyer employees.
 He should not delegate to a layman any The retirement benefits in the form of
work which involves the application of pension represent additional deferred
law, such as: wages or compensation for past
1. The computation and services of the employees
determination of the period within  Impropriety arises where the effect of
which to appeal and adverse the arrangement is to make the estate
judgment. or heir a member of the partnership
2. Examination of witnesses.
along with the surviving partners, or
3. Presentation of evidence.
where the estate or heir is to receive a
 Can employ secretaries, investigators, percentage of fees that may be paid
detectives, researches as long as they from future business of the deceased
are not involved in the practice of law lawyer’s clients. Such fees no longer
(e.g., not ―writing‖ pleadings, appearing represent compensation for past
in court, etc.) services of the deceased lawyer.
 An agreement between a union lawyer
A lawyer shall not divide fees with and a layman president of the union to
non-lawyers divide equally the attorney’s fees that
 Rule 9.02. A lawyer shall not divide or may be awarded in a labor case violates
stipulate to divide a fee for legal the rule.
services with persons not licensed to
practice law.
 Exceptions: D. SOLICITATION AND ADVERTISING
1. Where there is a pre-existing
agreement with a partner or A lawyer shall not solicit legal
associate that, upon the latter’s business
death, money shall be paid over a  The law prohibits lawyers from soliciting
reasonable period of time to his cases for the purpose of gain, either
estate or to persons specified in the personally, or through paid agents or
agreement. brokers, and makes the act
2. Where a lawyer undertakes to malpractice. (Rule 138, Sec. 27, Rules
complete unfinished or legal or Court)
business of a deceased lawyer.  Sec. 27. Attorneys removed or
3. Where a lawyer or law firm includes suspended by Supreme Court on what
non-lawyer employees in a grounds. - A member of the bar may be
retirement plan, even if the plan is removed or suspended from his office
based in whole or in part, on as attorney by the Supreme Court for
profitsharing arrangement. any deceit, malpractice, or other gross
misconduct in such office, grossly
 The first two exceptions to the rule immoral conduct, or by reason of his
represent compensation for legal conviction of a crime involving moral
service rendered by the deceased turpitude, or for any violation of the
lawyer during his lifetime, which is paid oath which he is required to take before
to his estate or heirs. admission to practice, or for a wilfull
ralc20 4
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

disobedience of any lawful order of a indigent or a person having difficulty

superior court, or for corruptly or paying the usual fee.
wilfully appearing as an attorney for a
party to a case without authority so to A lawyer cannot advertise his talent;
do. The practice of soliciting cases at reasons therfor
law for the purpose of gain, either  General rule: A lawyer cannot advertise
personally or through paid agents or his talent as a shopkeeper advertises
brokers, constitutes malpractice. his wares.
 Rule 2.03. A lawyer shall not do or  Restriction originated from practices in
permit to be done any act designed to the Inns of Court of England.
primarily solicit legal business.  Young men studying to become
 Among those that fall under the barristers regarded the law as primarily
prohibition: a form of public service in which the
1. A lawyer who recommends gaining of a livelihood was but a
employment of himself, his secondary consideration.
partner, associate, or member of  A lawyer is a member of an honorable
his legal staff to a non-lawyer profession whose primary purpose is to
who has not sought his advice render public service and help secure
regarding employment of a justice and in which remuneration is a
lawyer. mere incident.
2. A lawyer who compensates and  To allow a lawyer to advertise his talent
gives anything of value to a or skill is to commercialize the practice
person or organization to of law, lower the profession in public
recommend or secure his confidence and lessen its ability to
employment of a client. render efficiently that high character of
3. A lawyer who gives a reward for service to which every member of the
having made a recommendation bar is called.
resulting in his employment by a  If competitive advertising were
client. permitted, the conscientious and ethical
lawyers will unavoidably be at the
A lawyer shall not charge lower rates mercy of the braggart.
to attract business
 An unethical practice of indirect Proper or permissible advertising or
solicitation of legal business. solicitation
 Rule 2.04. A lawyer shall not charge  Not all advertising or solicitation are
rates lower than those customarily prohibited.
prescribed unless the circumstances so  What makes solicitation improper is:
warrant. 1. the employment of such methods
 What the rule prohibits is the as are incompatible with the
competition in the matter of charging traditional dignity of a lawyer and
professional fees for the purpose of maintenance of correct
attracting clients in favor of a lawyer professional standards or
with lower rates. 2. the use of artificial means to
 The rule does not prohibit the charging augment the publicity that
of a reduced fee or none at all, to an normally results from what a
lawyer does.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Best advertising for a lawyer: A well-  full time position as corporate

merited reputation for professional counsel;
capacity and fidelity to trust.  if in media, those acts incidental to
 Good and efficient service to a client as his practice (i.e., not his own
well as to the community has a way of initiative);
publicizing itself and catching public  write articles for publication giving
attention. information upon the law (and not
 That publicity is a normal by-product of individual rights or advising through
effective service. column/ TV broadcast, lest such be
 A good and reputable lawyer needs no considered indirect advertising);
artificial stimulus to generate it and to  if entering into other businesses
magnify his success. (which are not inconsistent with
 EXCEPTIONS: lawyer’s duties) then it is advisable
1. Those which are expressly that they be entirely separate and
allowed. apart such that a layman could
2. Those which are necessarily distinguish between the two
implied from the restrictions. functions.
 publication in reputable law list with Writing legal articles
brief biographical and other  An attorney ―may with propriety write
informative data which may include articles for publications in which he
name, associates, address, phone gives information upon the law; but he
numbers, branches of law practised, should not accept employment from
birthday, day admitted to the bar, such publications to advise inquiries in
schools and dates attended, degrees respect to their individual rights.‖
and distinctions, authorships, (Canon 40, Code of Professional Ethics)
teaching positions, associations,  A lawyer may properly write and sell for
legal fraternities and societies, publication, articles of general nature
references and regularly represented on legal subjects in a law journal.
clients must be published for that
purpose;  What should be guarded against is the
 an ordinary, simple professional violation of the ethical principles
card; concerning:
 publication of simple announcement 1. Improper advertising by a lawyer.
of opening of law firm, change of 2. Giving of legal advice to one with
firm; whom no attorney-client
 telephone directory (but not under relationship exists.
designation of special branch of 3. Aiding of a layman to engage in
law); unauthorized practice of law.
 if acting as an associate (specialising
in a branch of law), may publish a Engaging in business or other
brief and dignified announcement to occupation
lawyers (law list, law journal);  It is not uncommon to see lawyers
 seeking a public office (which can be combining law practice with some other
filled only by a lawyer); lawful occupation.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 The fact that he is a lawyer does not regarding his qualifications or legal
preclude him from engaging in services.
business.  Rule 3.04. A lawyer shall not pay or
 Impropriety arises when the nature and give anything of value to
manner of business is inconsistent with representatives of the mass media in
the duties of the lawyer such as when it anticipation of, or in return for, publicity
is used as a cloak for indirect to attract legal business.
solicitation on his behalf.  Similarly, he should not resort to
 It is necessary that the lawyer keeps indirect advertisements, such as
any business in which he is engaged, furnishing or inspiring newspaper
entirely separate and apart from his comments, or procuring his photograph
practice. to be published.
 He shall make it clear to his client in
what capacity he is acting.
 Businesses closely associated with the
CANON 3: A lawyer in making known his
practice of law:
legal services shall use only true, honest,
o Collection agency.
fair, dignified and objective information or
o Real estate brokerage. statement of facts.
o Insurance agency.
o Mortgage service. Rule 3.01. A lawyer shall not use or
o Tax service and consultancy. permit the use of any false,
fraudulent, misleading, deceptive,
A lawyer shall make clear whether he undignified, self- laudatory, or unfair
is acting in another capacity statement or claim regarding his
 Rule 15.08. A lawyer who is engaged qualifications or legal services.
in another profession or occupation
Rule 3.02. In the choice of a firm
concurrently with the practice of law
name, no false, misleading or
shall make clear to his client whether assumed name shall be used. The
he is acting as a lawyer or in another continued use of the name of a
capacity. deceased partner is permissible
 The reason is that certain ethical provided that the firm indicates in all
considerations governing the attorney- its communications that said partner
client relationship may be operative in is deceased.
one and not in the other.
Rule 3.03. Where a partner accepts
Lawyer shall not use false statement public office, he shall withdraw from
the firm and his name shall be
regarding his qualification or service
dropped from the firm name unless
 CANON 3: A lawyer in making known the law allows him to practice law
his legal services shall use only true, concurrently.
honest, fair, dignified and objective
information or statement of facts. Rule 3.04. A lawyer shall not pay or
 Rule 3.01. A lawyer shall not use or give anything of value to
permit the use of any false, fraudulent, representatives of the mass media in
misleading, deceptive, undignified, self- anticipation of, or in return for,
laudatory, or unfair statement or claim publicity to attract legal business.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 It is not a business partnership under

the Civil Code.
 It is highly unethical for an attorney to  No person should be admitted or held
advertise his talents or skill as a out as a member who is not a lawyer.
merchant advertises his wares. The law  Rule 3.02. In the choice of a firm
is a profession and not a business. The name, no false, misleading or assumed
lawyer may not sell or obtain name shall be used. The continued use
employment himself or through others of the name of a deceased partner is
for to do so would be unprofessional. It permissible provided that the firm
is destructive of the honor of a great indicates in all its communications that
profession. It lowers the standards of said partner is deceased.
that profession. It works against the  The reason for allowing the continued
confidence of the community and it use of the name of a deceased partner
results in needless litigation. (In Re: is that all the partners, by their joint
Tagorda, 53 Phil 37 (1929))7 efforts over a period of time,
 Tagorda was suspended for soliciting contributed to the goodwill attached to
business. Before Tagorda’s election to the firm name, and this goodwill is
the provincial board of Isabela, he disturbed by a change in firm name
used a card offering services as an every time a partner dies.
attorney and a notary public free. The  Filipino lawyers cannot practice law
card also stated that he was a under the name of a foreign law firm,
candidate for the provincial board. as the latter cannot practice law in the
After his election, he wrote a letter to Philippines.
the barrio lieutenant informing him  The use of the foreign law firm in the
that he would continue his practice as country is unethical:
lawyer and asking that the lieutenant o The respondent’s use of the firm
transmit this information to the barrio. name constitutes a
 Examples of improper advertising: representation that being
o Distribution of a diary which has associated with Baker and
an attorney’s card printed in McKenzie they could ―render legal
the cover. services to the highest quality to
o Procuring a lawyer’s name to be multinational business enterprises
written in an automobile and others engaged in foreign
insurance policy with direction to trade and investment.‖ This is
the insured to contact the unethical because Baker &
attorney in case of accident. McKenzie is not authorized to
practice law here. (Dacanay v.
Baker and McKenzie, 136
A lawyer shall not use false SCRA 349 (1985))
or misleading firm name
 Law partnership among lawyers for the A partner who accepts public office
general practice of law is common. should withdraw from the firm;
 Such partnership is a mere association exception
of lawyers for such purpose and is a  Rule 3.03. Where a partner accepts
non-legal entity. public office, he shall withdraw from the
firm and his name shall be dropped

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

from the firm name unless the law national organization of the legal
allows him to practice law concurrently. profession based on the recognition of
 The purpose of the rule is to prevent the lawyer as an officer of the court.
the law firm from using his name to  Integration fosters cohesion among
attract legal business and to avoid lawyers and ensures the promotion of
suspicion of undue influence. the objectives of the legal profession
pursuant to the principle of maximum
A lawyer shall not seek media bar autonomy with minimum
publicity supervision by the Supreme Court.
 Rule 3.04. A lawyer shall not pay or
give anything of value to Power to integrate the bar
representatives of the mass media in  The Constitution vests upon the
anticipation of, or in return for, publicity Supreme Court the power to integrate
to attract legal business. the Philippine bar.
 Media publicity, as a normal by-product  Such power is an inherent part of the
of efficient legal service, is not Court’s constitutional authority over the
improper. bar.
 What is improper is for a lawyer to  ―Supreme Court may adopt rules of
resort to propaganda to secure media court to effect the integration of the
publicity for the purpose of attracting Philippine Bar.‖ (RA 6397 AN ACT
legal business. PROVIDING FOR THE INTEGRATION OF
 The purpose of the rule is to prevent THE PHILIPPINE BAR)
some lawyers from gaining unfair  However, RA 6397 neither confers a
advantage over others through the use new power nor restricts the Court’s
of gimmickry. inherent power but is a mere legislative
o Procuring his photograph to be declaration that the integration will
published in connection with promote public interest or will raise the
cases he is handling.
standard of the legal profession.
o Making a courtroom scene to  January 16, 1973, Supreme Court
attract the attention of
ordained the integration of the
newspapermen.
Philippine Bar.
o Arranging for the purpose an
 Presidential Decree 181
interview with him by media
(CONSTITUTING THE INTEGRATED BAR
people.
OF THE PHILIPPINES INTO A BODY
CORPORATE AND PROVIDING
E. THE INTEGRATED BAR OF
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE THERETO
THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ITS
PURPOSES) constituted the Integrated
Integration of the bar
Bar into a corporate body.
 The official unification of the entire
lawyer population.
Constitutionality of integration
 Requires membership and financial
 Constitutionality hinges on the effects
support of every attorney as a condition
of bar integration on the lawyer’s
sine qua non to the practice of law.
constitutional rights of freedom of
 Bar integration signifies the setting up
association and freedom of speech and
by the government authority of a

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on the nature of the dues exacted from as an exercise of the police

him. power of the State.
 In upholding the constitutionality of  The inherent power of the
integration, the Supreme Court quoted Supreme Court to regulate
approvingly the report of the the bar includes the
Commission on Bar Integration on the authority to integrate the
matter as follows: bar.
o Freedom of Association – ―To o Regulatory fee – For the Court to
compel a lawyer to be a member prescribe dues does not mean
of an integrated bar is not that the Court levies a tax.
violative of his constitutional  A membership fee is an
freedom to associate (or the exaction for regulation,
corollary right not to associate).‖ while the purpose of a tax
 ―Integration does not is revenue.
make a lawyer a member  An integrated bar program
of any group of which he is would not be possible to
not already a member. He push through without
became a member of the means to defray the
bar when he passed the bar concomitant expenses.
exams. All that integration  The public interest
does is to provide an promoted by integration far
official national outweighs the
organization for the well- inconsequential
defined but unorganized inconvenience to a member
and incohesive group of that might result from his
which every lawyer is required payment of annual
already a member.‖ dues.
 ―Bar integration does not o Freedom of Speech – ―A lawyer
compel the lawyer to is free, as he has always been, to
associate with anyone. He voice his views on any subject in
is free to attend or not any manner he wishes, even
attend the meetings.‖ though such views be opposed to
 ―The compulsion to which positions taken by the unified
he is subjected is the bar.‖
payment of annual dues.‖  ―For the Integrated Bar to
 The issue, therefore, is a use a member’s dues to
question of compelled promote measures to which
financial support of group said member is opposed,
activities, not involuntary would not nullify or
membership in any other adversely affect his
aspect. freedom of speech.‖
 Assuming that bar  ―Since a State may
integration does compel a constitutionally condition
lawyer to be a member, the right to practice law
such compulsion is justified upon membership, it is
difficult to understand why
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it should become 2. Foster and maintain, on the

unconstitutional for the bar part of its members, high
to use the member’s dues ideals of integrity, learning,
to fulfill the very purposes professional competence,
for which it was public service and conduct;
established.‖ 3. Safeguard the professional
o Fair to all lawyers – ―Bar interests of its members;
integration is not unfair to 4. Cultivate among its
lawyers already practicing members a spirit of
because although the cordiality and brotherhood;
requirement to pay dues is a new 5. Provide a forum for the
regulation. It will give the discussion of law,
member a new system which jurisprudence, law reform,
they hitherto have not had, and pleading, practice and
through which, by proper work, procedure, and the
they will receive benefits they relations of the Bar to the
have not hereto enjoyed. Bench and to the public,
Because it will apply equally to all and publish information
lawyers. Because it is a new relating thereto;
regulation in exchange for new 6. Encourage and foster legal
benefits, it is not retroactive, education; and
unequal, or unfair.‖ 7. Promote a continuing
program of legal research
Purposes and objectives of the in substantive and
Integrated Bar adjective law, and make
 By-laws Integrated Bar Philippines reports and
 Sec. 2. Objectives and purposes. - The recommendations thereon.
following are the general objectives of
the Integrated bar:  The purposes of an integrated Bar, in
o to elevate the standards of the general, are:
legal profession, 1. Assist in the administration of
o to improve the administration of justice;
justice; and
2. Foster and maintain on the part
o to enable the Bar to discharge its of its members high ideals of
public responsibilities more
integrity, learning, professional
effectively.
competence, public service and
o The purposes of the Integrated
conduct;
Bar include, without being limited
3. Safeguard the professional
to, those specified in the per
interests of its members;
curiam Resolution of the Supreme
4. Cultivate among its members a
Court dated January 9, 1973
spirit of cordiality and
ordaining the integration of the
brotherhood;
Philippine Bar, to wit:
5. Provide a forum for the discussion
1. Assist in the administration
of law, jurisprudence, law reform,
of justice;
pleading, practice and procedure,
and the relations of the Bar to the
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Bench and to the public, and the country so that the poor may not
publish information relating lack competent legal service;
thereto; 9. Distribute educational and
6. Encourage and foster legal informational materials that are
education; difficult to obtain in many of our
7. Promote a continuing program of provinces;
legal research in substantive and 10. Devise and maintain a
adjective law, and make reports program of continuing legal
and recommendations thereon; education for practising attorneys in
and order to elevate the standards of the
8. Enable the Bar to discharge its profession throughout the country;
public responsibility effectively. 11. Enforce rigid ethical
standards, and promulgate minimum
 Integration of the Bar will, among other fees schedules;
things, make it possible for the legal 12. Create law centers and
profession to: establish law libraries for legal
1. Render more effective assistance in research;
maintaining the Rule of Law; 13. Conduct campaigns to
2. Protect lawyers and litigants against educate the people on their legal
the abuse of tyrannical judges and rights and obligations, on the
prosecuting officers; importance of preventive legal
3. Discharge, fully and properly, its advice, and on the functions and
responsibility in the disciplining duties of the Filipino lawyer; and
and/or removal of incompetent and 14. Generate and maintain
unworthy judges and prosecuting pervasive and meaningful country-
officers; wide involvement of the lawyer
4. Shield the judiciary, which population in the solution of the
traditionally cannot defend itself multifarious problems that afflict the
except within its own forum, from nation. (In re Integration of the
the assaults that politics and self- Bar of the Philippines)
interest may level at it, and assist it
to maintain its integrity, impartiality Non-political bar
and independence;  By-laws Integrated Bar Philippines
5. Have an effective voice in the  Sec. 4. Non-political bar. - The
selection of judges and prosecuting Integrated Bar is strictly non-political,
officers; and every activity tending to impair this
6. Prevent the unauthorized practice of basic feature is strictly prohibited and
law, and break up any monopoly of shall be penalized accordingly. No
local practice maintained through lawyer holding an elective, judicial,
influence or position; quasi-judicial, or prosecutory office in
7. Establish welfare funds for families the Government or any
of disabled and deceased lawyers; political subdivision or instrumentality
8. Provide placement services, and thereof shall be eligible for
establish legal aid offices and set up election or appointment to any
lawyer reference services throughout position in the Integrated Bar or
any Chapter thereof. A Delegate,
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Governor, officer or

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employee of the Integrated Bar, or an practice of law shall, not later

officer or employee of any Chapter than December 31, 1974, register
therof shall be considered ipso facto in the Integrated Bar as
resigned from his position as of the hereunder required, at the
moment he files his certificate of national office or at the office of
candidacy for any elective public office his Chapter.
or accepts appointment to any judicial,
quasi-judicial, or prosecutory office in Every person admitted to the
the Government or any political practice of law after these by-
subdivision or instrumentality thereof. laws become effective shall
register in like manner not later
 The election of IBP officers is required than sixty days after such
to be conducted on a non-political admission.
basis. Partisan politics may thus
invalidate the elections. Registration shall be
 Partisan political activities of candidates accomplished by signing and
for IBP positions, such as setting up filing in duplicate the prescribed
campaign headquarters, island-hopping registration form containing such
to solicit votes of chapter presidents, information as may be required
made a political circus of the by the Board of Governors,
proceedings and tainted the whole including the following:
election process. The candidates a. Full name, sex and civil
violated the IBP by-laws and of the status;
ethics of the legal profession. b. Month, date, year and
place of birth;
Membership, resignation, retirement, c. Office address(es);
and reinstatement d. Residence address(es);
 By-laws Integrated Bar Philippines e. Occupation(s) or
o Sec. 18. Membership. - The employment;
following persons are, f. Name of law school and
automatically and without year of graduation;
exception members of the g. Year of admission to the
Integrated Bar of the Philippines: Bar; and
a. All lawyers whose names h. Field(s) of specialization in
were in the Roll of law, if any.
Attorneys of the Supreme
Court as of January 16, It shall be the duty of the Secretary
1973; and of every Chapter to promptly
b. All lawyers whose names forward a copy of each accomplished
were included or are registration form to the national
entered therein after the office.
said date.
o Sec. 19. Registration. - Unless o Sec. 20. Members in good
he has already previously standing. - Every member who
registered, every member has paid all membership dues
heretofore admitted to the and all authorized special
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assessments, plus surcharges

owing thereon, and who is not
under suspension from the Membership dues and effect of
practice of law or from nonpayment thereof
membership privileges, is a  Sec. 23. Membership dues. - On or
member in good standing. before the 31st day of December, every
member of the Integrated Bar shall pay
o Sec. 21. Voluntary termination of annual dues for the ensuing fiscal year
membership; reinstatement. - A in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED PESOS
member may terminate his at the National Office or at the office of
membership by filing a verified his Chapter, to take effect on January
notice to that effect with the 1, 1995.
Secretary of the Integrated Bar,
who shall immediately bring the  Subject to approval by the Supreme
matter to the attention of the
Court, the Board of Governors may
Supreme Court. Forthwith, he
increase the annual membership dues,
shall cease to be a member and
or modify the apportionment thereof.
his name shall be stricken from
the Roll of Attorneys.
All lawyers shall indicate in all
pleadings, motions and papers
Reinstatement may be made in
signed and filed by them in any
accordance with rules and
court in the Philippines - and in the
regulations prescribed by the
case of government lawyers, in all
Board of Governors and approved
official documents issued by them -
by the Court.
the number and date of their official
receipt indicating payment of their
o Sec. 22. Retirement;
annual membership dues to the
reinstatement. - Any member in Integrated Bar of the Philippines for
good standing who shall have the current year, or in the case of
attained the age of seventy-five life members, their life membership
years, or who shall have been roll number. (As amended pursuant
forty years as lawyer shall, by to Bar Matter No. 668).
reason of physical disability or
judicially adjudged mental Sec. 24. Effect of non-payment of
incapacity, be unable to engage dues. - Except for the fiscal year
in the practice of Law, may be 1974- 1975, any member who has
retired from the Integrated Bar not paid his membership dues for
upon verified petition to the any given fiscal year on or before
Board of Governors. Retired the last day (June 30) of the
members shall not practice law or immediately preceding fiscal year
be required to pay dues. shall be considered as dues-
delinquent members. For the fiscal
A retired member may be
year 1974-1975 any member who
reinstated to active membership
has not paid the annual dues on or
upon written application to and
before November 30, 1974 shall be
approval by the Board.
considered a dues-delinquent. If the
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by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

delinquency continues until the respective members, but each Chapter

following December 31, the Board of shall have at least one Delegate.
Governors shall by Resolution  At the local level are the Chapter
forthwith suspend all his officials.
membership privileges other than  Sec. 26. Chapters. - A Chapter of the
the practice of law. Integrated Bar shall be organized in
every province existing on the date of
Sec. 25. Remission or lifting of the effectivity of the Integration Rule.
sanctions. - The Board of Governors Except as hereinbelow provided, every
may, for justifiable reasons, remit or city shall be considered part of the
lift sanctions already imposed and province within which it was
authorize the retroactive geographically situated prior to its
reinstatement of the member creation as a city.
concerned. However, sanctions
imposed or approved by the National officers
Supreme Court may be remitted or  Sec. 50. Duties of officers. - (a)
lifted only by the Court. President: The President shall be
the chief executive of the Integrated
Organizational Setup Bar, and shall preside at all meetings
 Sec. 47. National Officers. - The of the Board of Governors.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines shall  (b) Executive Vice President: The
have a President and Executive Vice Executive Vice President shall
President to be chosen by the Board of exercise the powers and perform the
Governors from among nine (9) functions and duties of the President
regional governors, as much as during the absence or inability of the
practicable, on a rotation basis. The latter to act, and shall perform such
governors shall be ex officio Vice other functions and duties as are
President for their respective regions. assigned to him by the President and
There shall also be a Secretary and the Board of Governors.
Treasurer of the Board of Governors to  (c) Governors: In addition to his
be appointed by the President with the duties as a member of the Board of
consent of the Board. (As amended Governors, each elective Governor
pursuant to Bar Matter 491). shall act as representative of his
 The deliberative body is the House of Region in the Board. He shall
Delegates. promote, coordinate and correlate
 Sec. 30. Composition of the House.
activities of the Chapters within his
- The Integrated Bar shall have a House Region.
of Delegates composed of not more  (d) Secretary: The Secretary shall
than one hundred and twenty members attend all meetings of the Board of
apportioned among all the Chapters. Governors, and keep a record of all
On or before December 31, 1974, and the proceedings thereof; prepare
every two years thereafter, the Board and maintain a register of all
of Governors shall make a members of the Integrated Bar;
reappointment of Delegates among all notify national officers as well as
the Chapters as nearly as may be members of national committees of
according to the number of their their election or appointments;
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cause to be prepared the necessary activities of the Integrated Bar. It shall

official ballots for the election of have authority, inter alia, to:
Governors; and perform such other a. Fix the date, time and place of every
duties as are assigned to him by convention of the House of Delegates;
these By-Laws, by the President and b. Make appropriations and authorize
by the Board of Governors. disbursements from the funds of the
 (e) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall Integrated Bar;
collect, receive, recorder and c. Engage the services of employees,
disburse ad funds of the Integrated define their duties and fix their
Bar; compensation;
 Sec. 49. Terms of office. - The d. Receive, consider and act on reports
President and the Executive Vice and recommendations submitted by the
President shall hold office for a term House of Delegates or its committees;
of two years from July 1 following e. Provide for the publication of the
their election until June 30 of their Journal of the Integrated Bar;
second year in office and until their f. Administer the Welfare Fund;
successors shall have been duly g. Fill vacancies, however arising in the
chosen and qualified. positions of officers of the Integrated
Bar;
Board of Governors h. Subject to the approval of the Supreme
 Sec. 39. Nomination and election of the Court, promulgate Canons of
Governors. - At least one (1) month Professional Responsibility for all
before the national convention the members of the Integrated Bar;
delegates from each region shall elect i. Promulgate rules and regulations for
the governor for their region, the choice the establishment and maintenance of
of which shall as much as possible be lawyer referral services throughout the
rotated among the chapters in the Philippines;
region. j. Subject to the approval of the Supreme
 The Integrated bar is governed by a Court, impose special assessments for
Board of Governors consisting 9 specific national purposes, and impose,
Governors from the 9 regions. or recommend sanctions for non-
 The President and the Executive Vice payment or delinquency in the payment
President, if chosen by the Governors thereof;
from outside themselves, shall ipso k. Prescribe such rules and regulations as
facto become members of the board. may be necessary and proper to carry
 Sec. 38. Term of office. - The out the objectives and purposes of the
Governors shall hold office for a term of Integrated Bar; and
two years from July 1 immediately l. Perform such other functions as may be
following their election to June 30 of necessary or expedient in the interest
their second year in office and until of the Integrated Bar.
their successors shall have been duly
chosen and qualified.
 Sec. 41. Functions of the Board. -  In the discharge of its duties, the Board
The Board of Governors shall have of Governors is assisted by national
general charge of the affairs and committees.
o Committee on Chapter Affairs.
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o Committee on Legal Aid. Delegate. Additional Delegates and

o Committee on Administration of alternates shall in proper cases be
Justice. elected by the Board of Officers of the
o Committee on Legal Education Chapter. Members of the Board of
and Bar Admissions.
Governors who are not Delegates shall
o Committee on Professional be members ex oficio of the House,
Responsibility, Discipline and
without the right to vote.
Disbarment.
 Sec. 34. Special convention. -
o Committee on Research Services.
Special conventions of the House may
o Committee on Legislation.
be called by the Board of Governors
o Committee on Public Services.
motu proprio, or upon written petition
o Committee on Inter-Professional
therefor filed with the Secretary of the
and Business Relations.
Integrated Bar signed by not less than
o Committee on Books and
thirty Delegates.
Publications.
 Sec. 33. (b) The President and
o Committee on Unauthorized
Executive Vice President of the IBP shall
Practice of Law.
be the Chairman and Vice-Chairman,
o Committee on Law Reporting.
respectively, of the House of Delegates.
o Budget committee.
The Secretary, Treasurer, and
Sergeant-at-Arms shall be appointed by
House of Delegates
the President with the consent of the
 The deliberative body of the IBP is the
House of Delegates.
House of delegates.
 Sec. 30. Composition of the House.
Chapter Government
- The Integrated Bar shall have a House
 The fundamental objective of the
of Delegates composed of not more
Chapter is to administer the affairs of
than one hundred and twenty members
the IBP within its territorial jurisdiction
apportioned among all the Chapters.
under the general direction and
On or before December 31, 1974, and
supervision of the Board of Governors.
every two years thereafter, the Board
 Sec. 2. Objectives and purposes. -
of Governors shall make a
The following are the general objectives
reappointment of Delegates among all
of the Integrated bar:
the Chapters as nearly as may be
o to elevate the standards of the
according to the number of their
legal profession,
respective members, but each Chapter
o to improve the administration of
shall have at least one Delegate.
justice; and
 Sec. 31. Membership. - The
o to enable the Bar to discharge its
membership of the House of Delegates
public responsibilities more
shall consist of all the Chapter
effectively.
Presidents and in the case of Chapters
 Each chapter has its own government.
entitled to more than one Delegate
 The chapter government is vested in a
each, the Vice Presidents of the
Board of Officers composed of a
Chapters and such additional Delegates
President, a Vice-President, a
as the Chapters are entitled to. Unless
Secretary, a Treasurer, and five
the Vice President is already a
Directors who shall be elected at the
Delegate, he shall be an alternate

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biennial meeting and shall hold office

for a term of 2 years.

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CHAPTER 5: LAWYER’S A lawyer should be candid and truthful

DUTIES TO COURTS to the court
 Canon 10. A Lawyer owes candor, fairness
and good faith to the Court.
 He is an officer of the court exercising a
A. LAWYER OWES CANDOR privilege, which is indispensable in the
AND FAIRNESS TO THE COURTS administration of justice.
 If he were to act other than candidly,
Canon 10. A Lawyer owes candor, fairness and fairly, and truthfully, the administration
good faith to the Court. of justice will suffer as a result thereby.
 Supreme Court aptly underscored
Rule 10.01. A lawyer shall not do any
falsehood, nor consent to the doing of reasons:
any in Court, nor shall he mislead or o He is an officer of the court
allow the Court to be misled by an exercising privileges
artifice. indispensable to the
administration of justice.
Rule 10.02. A lawyer shall not
o Courts are entitled to expect only
knowingly misquote or misrepresent the
contents of a paper, the language or the
complete honesty from lawyers
argument of opposing counsel, or the appearing before them.
text of a decision or authority, or o Like the court itself, he is an
knowingly cite as law a provision already instrument to advance its ends –
rendered inoperative by repeal or the speedy, efficient, and
amendment, or assert as a fact that impartial adjudication of cases.
which has not been proved.
 It is thus unprofessional to deal other
Rule 10.03. A lawyer shall observe the than candidly with the facts in taking
statements of witnesses, in drawing
Lawyer’s duties to court, generally affidavits, and other documents, and in
 A lawyer is, first and foremost, an the presentation of causes.
officer of the court.  A lawyer, however, though an officer of
 His duties to the court are more the court, is not an umpire but an
significant than those which he owes to advocate.
his client.  His personal belief in the soundness of
 His first duty is not to his client but to his cause or of the authorities
the administration of justice. supporting it is irrelevant.
 Client’s success is wholly subordinate.
 His conduct ought to be scrupulously A lawyer shall do no falsehood
observant of the law and ethics of the  Rule 10.01. A lawyer shall not do any
profession. falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in
Court, nor shall he mislead or allow the Court
 Should there be conflict between his
to be misled by an artifice.
duty to his client and that to the court,
 He swore, upon his admission to the
he should resolve such conflict in favor
practice, that will do no falsehood and
of the latter.
conduct himself according to the best of
 Primary responsibility being to uphold
his knowledge and discretion with all
the cause of justice.
good fidelity to the court and to his
client; never to seek to mislead the

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courts by an artifice or false statement lawyers to reproduce or copy the same

of fact or law. word for word and punctuation mark by
 The oat embodies the fundamental punctuation mark.
duties of a lawyer, which he must honor  Only from the Supreme Court’s rulings
as there would be a great detriment to, do all other courts, as well as lawyers
if not a failure of, the administration of and litigants, take their bearing.
justice if courts could not rely on the  New Civil Code, Article 8. Judicial
representations of the lawyers in the decisions applying or interpreting the
handling of their cases. laws or the Constitution shall form a part
 A lawyer should not conceal the truth of the legal system of the Philippines.
from the court, nor mislead the court in  Thus, ever present is the danger that if
any manner no matter how demanding not faithfully and exactly quoted, the
his duties to his client may be. decisions and rulings of the Supreme
 No client is entitled to receive from the Court may lose their proper and correct
lawyer any service involving dishonesty meaning, to the detriment of other
to the courts. courts, lawyers, and the public who
 A lawyers should neither endeavor by may be misled.
dishonest means to mislead the court or  If inferior courts and members of the
the adverse party nor make false bar meticulously check and recheck
allegations in a pleading. their citations of authorities, appellate
 It is improper for counsel of the courts will be precluded from acting on
accused to ask him to plead guilty to an misinformation and save precious time
offense which counsel knows his client in finding out whether the citations are
did not commit. correct.

A lawyer shall not misuse rules of

procedure
A lawyer should not misquote nor  Rule 10.03. A lawyer shall observe the rules
misrepresent of procedure and shall not misuse them to
 Rule 10.02. A lawyer shall not knowingly defeat the ends of justice.
misquote or misrepresent the contents of a  Rules of procedure offer innumerable
paper, the language or the argument of opportunities and means for delay and
opposing counsel, or the text of a decision or
to defeat the ends of justice.
authority, or knowingly cite as law a provision
already rendered inoperative by repeal or
 Procedural rules are instruments in the
amendment, or assert as a fact that which speedy and efficient administration of
has not been proved. justice. They should be used to achieve
 A lawyer who deliberately made it such end and not to derail it.
appear that the quotations in his motion  Filing of multiple petitions constitutes
for reconsideration were findings of the abuse of the court’s processes.
Supreme Court, when they were just  He should not use his knowledge of law
part of the memorandum of the Court as an instrument to harass a party.
Administrator, and who misspelled the  While a lawyer owes fidelity to the
name of the complainant and made the cause of his client, it should not be at
wrong citation of authority. the expense of truth and administration
 In signing the Court’s decisions, it is the of justice.
bounden duty of courts, judges, and

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 A judicious study of the facts and the  A lawyer violates Canon 11 of the code
law should advise him when a case when:
should not be filed, as it would only o He threatens the judge with the
clutter the dockets. filing of an administrative charge
if his motion is not granted.
B. OBSERVING AND MAINTAINING o Berating the researcher of the
RESPECT DUE THE COURTS AND court in his pleading is
JUDICIAL OFFICERS disrespectful to the court itself.
o A lawyer who openly defied the
temporary restraining order
Canon 11. A lawyer shall observe and maintain issued by the Court of Appeals.
the respect due to the courts and judicial
officers and should insist on similar conduct by
others.
Obeying court orders
 Lawyers are particularly called upon to
Rule 11.01. A lawyer shall appear in obey court orders and processes. They
court properly attired. should stand foremost in complying
with the court’s directives and
Rule 11.02. A lawyer shall punctually instructions.
appear at court hearings.
 Disrespect to judicial incumbents is
Rule 11.03. A lawyer shall abstain from disrespect to that branch of the
scandalous, offensive or menacing government to which they belong as
language or behavior before the courts. well as to the State which has instituted
the judicial system.
Rule 11.04. A lawyer shall not attribute  It may happen that counsel possesses
to a Judge motives not supported by the
greater knowledge of the law than the
record or have no materiality to the
case.
judge who presides. It may also happen
that since no court claims infallibility,
Rule 11.05. A lawyer shall submit judges may grossly err in their
decisions. Nevertheless, discipline and
Respect due the courts self-restraint on the part of the
 Canon 11. A lawyer shall observe and members of the bar even under these
maintain the respect due to the courts and adverse conditions are necessary to the
judicial officers and should insist on similar orderly administration of justice.
conduct by others.  Obedience to lawful orders of the court
 This canon should constantly remind is underscored by the fact that a willful
lawyers that second only to the duty of disregard thereof may subject the
maintaining allegiance to the Republic, lawyer not only to punishment for
and to support the Constitution, and contempt but to disciplinary action as
obey the laws of the land, it is the duty an officer of the court.
of all attorneys to observe and maintain  The word ―willful‖ conveys the idea of
the respect due to the courts of justice flagrant misconduct such as would
and judicial officers. indicate a disposition on the part of a
 Respect of courts helps build the high lawyer so refractory in character as to
esteem and regard toward them, which affect his qualifications and standing for
is essential to the proper administration the further exercise of his profession.
of justice.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 A lawyer who gives a clearly  Inexcusable absence from, or repeated

unsatisfactory explanation as to why he tardiness in attending a pre-trial or
failed to comply with a lawful order hearing may subject the lawyer to
commits an act within the meaning of disciplinary action and may prejudice
the term ―willful disobedience.‖ his client who may be declared in
default.
Defending judges from unjust
criticism A lawyer shall abstain from offensive
 It is the attorney’s duty as an officer of language or behavior
the court to defend a judge from  A lawyer’s language should be forceful
unfounded criticism or groundless but dignified, emphatic but respectful
personal attack. as befitting an advocate and in keeping
 This requires of him not only to refrain with the dignity of the legal profession.
from subjecting the judge to wild and  His arguments should be gracious to
groundless accusation but also to both the court and opposing counsel
discourage other people from so doing. and be of such words as may be
 By the very nature of his position as properly addressed by one gentleman
judge, he lacks the power, outside of to another.
his court, to defend himself against  The use of abusive language by counsel
unfounded criticism and it is the against the opposing counsel
attorney who can better more constitutes at the same time, a
appropriately support the judiciary. disrespect to the dignity of the court.
 Rule 11.03. A lawyer shall abstain from
A lawyer shall appear in proper attire scandalous, offensive or menacing language
 Rule 11.01. A lawyer shall appear in court or behavior before the courts.
properly attired.  While he should so abstain from using
 Should be a Barong Tagalog or a coat such language, he may use strong
and tie, either of which is the language to drive home a point. He has
recognized formal attire in the country. the right to be assiduous and zealous in
 Respect to the court must begin with the prosecution or defense of the
the lawyer’s outward physical client’s cause.
appearance in court.  He should be courageous enough to
 Sloppy or informal attire adversely point out errors, arbitrariness, and
reflects on the lawyer and demeans the injustice of the courts and judges. The
dignity and solemnity of the court fear of provoking displeasure of the
proceedings. offended judges must not deter him
 If he dresses improperly, he may be from complying with this duty to object
cited for contempt. to illegal or erroneous judicial decisions.
 He should be allowed some latitude of
Lawyers shall be punctual remark or comment in the furtherance
 A lawyer shows respect to the court by of the causes he upholds.
appearing during the trial punctually  It must never be forgotten that a lawyer pleads;
and in proper attire. he does not dictate. He should be courageous, fair,
 He owes it to his client, to the court, and circumspect, not petulant, combative, or
and to the public. bellicose in his dealings with the court .
 A lawyer should not assail, without basis, the
personal integrity of a judge and accuse him of

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

misfeasance in an attempt to hide his own

 His right to criticize the acts of courts and judges
inadequacies and omissions to escape criticism of
in a proper and respectful way and through
his client. legitimate channels is well recognized.
 Rule 11.04. A lawyer shall not attribute to a
Judge motives not supported by the record or A lawyer shall submit grievances to proper
have no materiality to the case. authorities
 Disrespectful, abusive, and abrasive  The duty to support the judge does not, however,
preclude a lawyer from filing administrative
language, offensive personalities, complaints against erring judges.
unfounded accusations, or intemperate  Rule 11.05. A lawyer shall submit grievances
words tending to obstruct, embarrass, against a Judge to the proper authorities only.
or influence the court have no place in a  That they be filed with the Supreme Court
pleading. which has administrative supervision over all
 Neither does the mistake of a judge in some of his courts and the power to discipline judges of
rulings warrant the use of offensive language. lower courts.
 In championing the cause of his client, a lawyer  Constitution Article VIII Section 6.
should not resort to insulting or disparaging
The Supreme Court shall have
language amounting to disrespect toward the
court. administrative supervision over all
courts and the personnel thereof.
A judge should be courteous to the lawyer to  Constitution Article VIII Section
merit respect
 The duty to observe and maintain respect is not a
11.
one-way duty from a lawyer to a judge. A judge xxx
should also be courteous to counsel, especially The Supreme Court en banc shall have
those who are young and inexperienced. the power to discipline judges of lower
Upholding court’s authority and dignity courts, or order their dismissal by a
 As an officer of the court, a lawyer vote of a majority of the Members who
should uphold the dignity and authority actually took part in the deliberations
of the court and not promote distrust in on the issues in the case and voted
the administration of justice (Canon thereon.
10).  A lawyer may prefer charges against a judge
only after proper circumspection and without
 He should seek to preserve faith in the
the use of disrespectful language or offensive
courts and help build and not destroy personalities.
the high esteem and regard toward  A lawyer may not file administrative
them. complaints against judges until he has
 He should prevent anybody from exhausted judicial remedies which result in a
harboring and encouraging discontent. finding that the judge has gravely erred.

A lawyer shall not attribute to a judge C. ASSISTING THE COURT IN SPEEDY

improper motives AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF
 A judge may commit errors, he may abuse his JUSTICE
discretion in the resolution of issues before him.
 They do not, however, justify a lawyer to
―attribute to a Judge, motives not Canon 12. A lawyer shall exert every effort and
consider it his duty to assist in the speedy and
supported by the record or have no efficient administration of justice.
materiality to the case.‖ (Rule 11.04).
 He should not make hasty accusation against the Rule 12.01. A lawyer shall not appear for
judge without any cogent and valid ground existing trial unless he has adequately prepared
in the record. himself on the law and the facts of his case,
 The rule allows criticism so long as it is supported the evidence he will adduce and the order of
by the record or is material to the case. its preference. He should also be ready with
the original documents for comparison with
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

Rule 12.02. A lawyer shall not file multiple

actions arising from the same cause. A lawyer should come to court
adequately prepared
Rule 12.03. A lawyer shall not, after
 Rule 12.01. A lawyer shall not appear for trial
obtaining extensions of time to file pleadings,
unless he has adequately prepared himself on the
memoranda or briefs, let the period lapse
law and the facts of his case, the evidence he will
without submitting to the same or offering an
adduce and the order of its preference. He should
explanation for his failure to do so.
also be ready with the original documents for
comparison with the copies.
Rule 12.04. A lawyer shall not unduly delay
a case, impede the execution of a judgment  Rule 18.02 - A lawyer shall not handle
or misuse court processes. any legal matter without adequate
preparation.
Rule 12.05 A lawyer shall refrain from
talking to his witness during the break or  Canon 18 - A lawyer shall serve his
recess in the trial, while the witness is still client with competence and diligence.
under examination.  Without adequate preparation, the lawyer may not
be able to effectively assist the court in the
Rule 12.06 A lawyer shall not knowingly efficient administration of justice. Nonobservance
assist a witness to misrepresent himself or to of this rule might result in:
impersonate another. 1. The postponement of the pre-trial or
hearing, which would thus entail delay in
Rule 12.07 A lawyer shall not abuse, the early disposition of the case,
browbeat or harass a witness nor needlessly 2. The judge may consider the client
inconvenience him. nonsuited or in default or
3. The judge may consider the case deemed
Rule 12.08 - A lawyer shall avoid testifying submitted for decision without client’s
in behalf of his client, except: evidence, to his prejudice.

(a) on formal matters, such as the mailing, A lawyer shall not file multiple actions
authentication or custody of an instrument,  Litigation must end and terminate
and the like; or sometime and somewhere.
 Once a judgment has become final, the
(b) on substantial matters, in cases where
his testimony is essential to the ends of
winning party be not deprived of that
justice, in which event he must, during his verdict.
testimony, entrust the trial of the case to  For this reason, a lawyer should not file
several actions arising from the same
Duty to assist in the administration cause or seeking substantially identical
of justice, generally reliefs as those that had already been
 Being an officer of the court, he is an finally disposed of.
instrument to advance its ends – the  A lawyer violates his oath when he
speedy, efficient, impartial, correct, and prostitutes judicial process to secure for
inexpensive adjudication of cases and his client what is not justly and validly
the prompt satisfaction of final due him such as improper steps taken
judgments. as a means of draining the resources of
 Canon 12. A lawyer shall exert every effort and the proper party.
consider it his duty to assist in the speedy and
efficient administration of justice.
 He is first and foremost an officer of the A lawyer shall not resort to forum
court. His duties to the court are more shopping
significant than those which he owes to  Rule 12.02. A lawyer shall not file multiple actions
arising from the same cause.
his client.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 He is prohibited from filing a petition Duty to disclose pending case

with the Court of Appeals or the  Every party filing an initiatory pleading
Regional Trial Court where a similar is required to swear under oath that he
petition has been filed or pending with has not and will not commit forum
the Supreme Court, and vice versa. shopping.
 Section 5, Rule 7 of the Rules of  This requires disclosure of any pending
Court: case at the time the initiatory pleading
The plaintiff or principal party shall certify under
oath in the complaining or other initiatory pleading is filed.
asserting a claim for relief, or in a sworn  The fact that the initiatory pleading is
certification annexed thereto and simultaneously not based on the same cause of action
filed therewith:
as the pending case is not a valid
a) that he has not theretofore commenced any excuse for non-compliance with the
action or filed any claim involving the same issues disclosure requirement.
in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency and,
to the best of his knowledge, no such other action
or claim is pending therein; Verification must be signed by the
party, not his counsel; exception
b) if there is such other pending action or claim, a  The certification against forum shopping
complete statement of the present status thereof;
must be signed by the party himself as
and
he has personal knowledge of the facts
c) if he should thereafter learn that the same or therein stated. It should not be
similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, executed by his counsel.
he shall report that fact within 5 days therefrom to
the court wherein his aforesaid complaint or
 Exceptions:
initiatory pleading has been filed. o Where there are two or more
parties, all of them must sign the
Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements
verification and non-forum
shall not be curable by mere amendment of the
complaint or other initiatory pleading but shall certification, unless the one who
cause for the dismissal of the case without signs, has been authorized to
prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon motion execute the same on behalf of
after hearing. The submission of false certification
or non-compliance with any of the undertaking
the petitioner.
therein shall constitute indirect contempt of court, o Where the joint parties are
without prejudice to the corresponding husband and wife involving their
administrative and criminal actions. If the acts of property, only the husband may
the party or his counsel clearly constitute willful
and deliberate forum shopping, the same shall be
sign the verification.
ground for summary dismissal with prejudice and o If the party is a juridical person
shall constitute direct contempt, as well as a cause (corporation, partnership), the
for administrative sanctions.
certification must be executed by
 Forum shopping is the improper a corporate officer or agent duly
practice of going from one court to authorized by its board of
another in the hope of securing a directors.
o A non-forum certification
favorable relief in one court which
another court has denied or the filing of executed by counsel of the party
repetitious suits or proceedings in is fatally defective, unless the
different courts concerning substantially counsel certifies in the
the same subject matter. certification that he has personal
knowledge of the facts therein
stated and gives justifiable
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

reason why the party himself offended party recover damages twice for the
cannot sign. same act or omission charged in the criminal
 The reason is that only the party action.
himself has actual knowledge of Sanctions for violation
whether or not he has initiated similar  Failure to file the certification against forum
actions in different courts or agencies. shopping is fatal to the complaint or petition.
 Subsequent filing of the certification does not cure
the fatal defect.
Test to determine forum shopping  Rules of Court, Rule 7, Section 5, paragraph 2:
 The test in determining is whether the Failure to comply with the foregoing requirement
elements of litis pendentia (a pending shall not be curable by mere amendment of the
complaint or other initiatory pleading, but shall be
suit) are present or whether final cause for the dismissal of the case without
judgment in one case will amount to res prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon motion
judicata in the other. and after hearing. The submission of a false
certification or non-compliance with any of the
 Res judicata – a doctrine which
undertakings therein shall constitute indirect
precludes parties from re-litigating contempt of court, without prejudice to the
issues actually litigated and determined corresponding administrative and criminal actions.
by a prior and final judgment. It requires: If the acts of the party or his counsel clearly
constitute willful and deliberate forum shopping,
o That there be a decision on the
the same shall be ground for dismissal with
merits; prejudice and shall constitute direct contempt, as
o By a court of competent jurisdiction; well as cause for administrative sanctions.
o The decision is final;
o And the two actions involved identical Lawyer to temper client’s propensity to litigate
parties, subject matter, and causes of  It is the duty of the lawyer to resist the
action.
If any one of these elements is absent, there is no whims and caprices of his client and to
forum shopping. temper the client’s inclination to
 There is forum shopping where there are identity litigate.
of parties or interest, rights asserted, and reliefs
sought in different tribunals.
 Rules of Court, Rule 7, Section 3,
 EXCEPTION: paragraph 2: The signature of counsel
The filing of a civil case in court does not constitutes a certificate by him that he
preclude the filing of a criminal action arising has read the pleading; that to the best
from the same set of facts on which the civil
action is based, as the law allows it. There is of his knowledge, information, and
no forum-shopping in such instances. belief, there is good ground to support
it; and that it is not interposed for
Rules of Court, Rule 111, Section 1: Institution
of criminal and civil actions (a) When a
delay.
criminal action is instituted, the civil action for  This rule imposes upon a lawyer the
the recovery of civil liability arising from the affirmative duty to check useless
offense charged shall be deemed instituted litigations, willful violation of which may
with the criminal action unless the offended
party waives the civil action, reserves the right subject him to disciplinary action, or
to institute it separately, or institutes the civil render him liable for costs of litigation.
action prior to the civil action.  A litigant may seek his legal assistance
for reasons other than to vindicate a
Section 3: When civil action may proceed
independently. – In the cases provided in legal wrong or other than to prosecute
Articles 32, 33, 34, and 2176 of the Civil Code a valid cause.
of the Philippines, the independent civil action  The purpose may either be:
may be brought by the offended party. It shall
o To harass a party or injure the
proceed independently of the criminal action
and shall require only a preponderance of opposite party or work oppression
evidence. In no case, however, may the or wrong.
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

oTo pre-empt the initiative of an alive and its decision is binding upon
honest claimant by filing the suit the heirs of the deceased client.
to delay the payment of a just  Similarly, it is his duty to inform the
claim.
court of any change of his address.
o To drain the resources of the
Although his failure to do so will not
poorer party by way of
prevent any notice sent to his address
compelling him to submit out of
of record to be effective, his conduct
sheer exhaustion.
may delay the disposition of the case
 While a client may withhold facts from
and prejudice the interest of his client.
his counsel or give him false
information to attain unlawful ends, a
A lawyer shall not delay or impede the
lawyer can easily see through the
execution of judgment
client’s action. When that purpose
 Rule 12.04. A lawyer shall not unduly delay a
becomes evident, the lawyer should not case, impede the execution of a judgment or
allow himself to be a party to its misuse court processes.
realization or even withdraw from the  The law makes it the lawyer’s duty to
case. delay no man for money or malice.
 Rules of Court, Rule 7, Section 3,
A lawyer shall file his pleadings within paragraph 2: The signature of counsel
the period constitutes a certificate by him that he
 Rule 12.03. A lawyer shall not, after obtaining has read the pleading; that to the best
extensions of time to file pleadings, memoranda or
of his knowledge, information, and
briefs, let the period lapse without submitting to
the same or offering an explanation for his failure belief, there is good ground to support
to do so. it; and that it is not interposed for
 Pressure of work or the need for more delay.
time to finish the job often constrains a  For where a lawyer insisted on the
lawyer to ask the court for an extension client’s patently unmeritorious case or
of time to file a pleading, interposed an appeal merely to delay
memorandum, or brief. The lawyer’s litigation or thwart the prompt
failure to make an explanation satisfaction of the prevailing party’s just
constitutes discourtesy to the court. and valid claim, the court may adjudge
 Where a lawyer’s motion for extension of time to the lawyer liable to pay treble costs.
file a pleading, memorandum or brief has remained
unacted by the court, the least that is expected of
 Procedural rules are precisely designed
him is to file it within the period asked for. to accomplish the purpose of rendering
justice to the parties to a lawsuits free
Duty to inform client’s death and change from the ―law’s delays.‖
of counsel’s address
 Rules of Court, Rule 3, Section 16: Death of  A lawyer should use those rules for the
party; duty of counsel: Whenever a party to a purpose and not for its frustration.
pending action dies, and the claim is not thereby  Litigation is not a game of technicalities
distinguished, it shall be the duty of his counsel to
in which one, more deeply schooled and
inform the court within thirty (30) days after such
death of the fact thereof, and to give the name skilled in the subtle art of movement
and address of his legal representative or and position, entraps and destroys the
representatives. Failure of counsel to comply with other. It is rather a contest in which
this duty shall be a ground for disciplinary action.
each contending party fully and fairly
 If no such notice is made, the court will
lays before the court the facts in issue
proceed to conclusion as if the party is

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

and then asks that justice be done upon  Rule 12.06 A lawyer shall not knowingly assist a
the merits. witness to misrepresent himself or to impersonate
 A lawyer should not hide behind a maze another.
of technicalities to delay if not defect  While he may interview witnesses in
the recovery of what is justly due and advance of trial or attend to their needs
demandable. if they have no adequate means of
defraying their own expenses, the
Lawyer to discourage appellate review lawyer should avoid any such action as
 If a lawyer is honestly convinced of the may be misinterpreted as an attempt to
futility of an appeal in a civil suit, he influence the witness as to what to say
should not hesitate to inform his in court.
disappointed client that most likely the  A lawyer who presents a witness whom
verdict would not be altered. he knows will give a false testimony
 He should advise his client to accept the may be subjected to disciplinary action.
judgment of the trial court and thus
accord respect to the just claim of the Lawyers shall not harass a witness
 Rule 12.07 A lawyer shall not abuse, browbeat or
opposite party.
harass a witness nor needlessly inconvenience
 He should temper his client’s desire to him.
seek appellate review of such decision.  Duty to always treat adverse witnesses
 Unless he could sufficient cause for with fairness and due consideration.
reversal, he would only succeed in  Rules of Court, Rule 138, Section 20:
planting false hopes in his client’s mind,
increase the burden on appellate (f) To abstain from all offensive
tribunals, prolong litigation personality and to advance no fact
unnecessarily, and expose his client to prejudicial to the honor or reputation of
useless expenses of suit. a party or witness, unless required by
 It has also been held that the failure of the justice of the cause with which he is
counsel to file an appeal is negligent in charged;
the performance of his duties to his
client. If the lawyer does not hear from A lawyer shall avoid testifying for a
the client, he should perfect an appeal client
within the period.  Rule 12.08 - A lawyer shall avoid testifying in
behalf of his client, except:
A lawyer shall not talk to a witness
during recess (a) on formal matters, such as the mailing,
 Rule 12.05 A lawyer shall refrain from talking to
authentication or custody of an instrument,
his witness during the break or recess in the trial,
while the witness is still under examination. and the like; or
 The purpose of the rule is to avoid any
(b) on substantial matters, in cases where his
suspicion that he is coaching the testimony is essential to the ends of justice, in
witness of what to say during the which event he must, during his testimony,
resumption of the examination. entrust the trial of the case to another counsel.

A lawyer shall not assist a witness to  The rule prohibits the practice of the
misrepresent lawyer taking the witness stand and
asking questions to him and answering
them as a witness.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 While the law does not disqualify a

lawyer from being a witness and an
advocate at the same time in a case, A lawyer should rely on the merits of
the practice is violative of the rule on his case
professional conduct.  CANON 13 - A lawyer shall rely upon the merits of
 It would also be improper for a lawyer his cause and refrain from any impropriety which
to accept employment in a case where tends to influence, or gives the appearance of
it would be his duty to attack the influencing the court.

testimony to be given by his partner on  Improper acts lessen the confidence of

behalf of the opposite side. the public in the impartial
 The underlying reason for the administration of justice and should be
impropriety of a lawyer acting in such avoided.
dual capacity:
o The function of a witness is to tell A lawyer shall not extend hospitality
the facts. to a judge
o The function of an advocate is  Rule 13.01 - A lawyer shall not extend
extraordinary attention or hospitality to, nor seek
that of a partisan. opportunity for cultivating familiarity with Judges.
 It is difficult to distinguish between the  The unusual attention may subject both
zeal of an advocate and the fairness the judge and the lawyer to suspicion.
and impartiality of a disinterested o The common practice of some lawyers
witness. making judges and prosecutors godfathers
of their children to enhance their influence
 It is hard to disassociate his relation to and their law practice should be avoided by
his client as an attorney and his relation judges and lawyers alike.
to the party as a witness. o A lawyer should not see a judge in
chamber and talk to him about a case he is
handling and pending in the judge’s court.
D. AVOIDING IMPROPRIETY THAT o A lawyer should not communicate to the
TENDS TO INFLUENCE THE COURT judge the merits of a pending case.

A lawyer shall not publicly discuss

CANON 13 - A lawyer shall rely upon the merits of pending cases
his cause and refrain from any impropriety which  Rule 13.02 - A lawyer shall not make public
tends to influence, or gives the appearance of statements in the media regarding a pending case
influencing the court. tending to arouse public opinion for or against a
party.

Rule 13.01 - A lawyer shall not extend

 Newspaper publications by a lawyer
extraordinary attention or hospitality to, nor concerning pending litigation may
seek opportunity for cultivating familiarity interfere with a fair trial and prejudice
with Judges. the impartial administration of justice.
 The restriction, however, does not
Rule 13.02 - A lawyer shall not make public prohibit issuance of statements made
statements in the media regarding a pending by public officials charged with the duty
case tending to arouse public opinion for or of prosecuting or defending actions in
against a party.
court.
 However, such statements should avoid
Rule 13.03 - A lawyer shall not brook or
invite interference by another branch or
any statement of fact likely to create an
agency of the government in the normal adverse attitude in the public mind.
course of judicial proceedings.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

Criticism of pending and concluded  A lawyer is expected to consider it his

lititation duty to expose the shortcomings and
 The right of a lawyer to comment on a indiscretions of courts and judges.
pending litigation or to impugn the  In the prosecution of appeals, for
impartiality of a judge to decide it is example, he points out the errors of
much circumscribed. lower courts.
 What he can ordinarily say against a  In articles written for law journals, he
concluded litigation the manner the dissects with detachment the doctrinal
judge handed down the decision therein pronouncement of courts and fearlessly
may not be generally said to a pending lays bare for all to see the flaws and
action. inconsistencies of the doctrines.
 The court, in a pending litigation, must
be shielded from embarrassment or A lawyer shall not invite judicial
influence in its duty of deciding the interference
case.  Rule 13.03 - A lawyer shall not brook or invite
 On the other hand, once a litigation is interference by another branch or agency of the
concluded, the judge is subject to the government in the normal course of judicial
proceedings.
same criticism as any other public
 It endangers the independence of the
official. A lawyer enjoys wider latitude
judiciary.
of comment or criticism.

Limitations on right to criticize

 The right of a lawyer to comment is not
unlimited. It is the cardinal condition of
all such criticism that it shall be bona
fide and shall not spell over the walls of
decency and propriety.
 Unfair criticism is a gross violation of
the lawyer’s duty to respect the courts.

Right and duty of lawyer to criticize

the courts
 The rule is not, however, intended to
prevent criticism of the judicial acts. For
the guarantees of free speech and free
press include the right to criticize the
judicial conduct.
 Whether the law was wisely or badly
enforced is a fit subject for proper
comment.
 If the people cannot criticize a judge
the same as any other public official,
public opinion will be effectively
muzzled.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 6: NATURE AND CREATION OF  The lawyer is also as independent as a judge,

ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
with powers entirely different from and
superior to those of an ordinary agent.
CANON 14. A lawyer shall not refuse his Moreover, he is an officer of the court.
services  The relation of attorney and client is strictly
to the needy. personal and highly confidential.
 Its creation breathes life to the rules and
Rule 14.01. A lawyer shall not decline ethics of the legal profession and requires of
to represent a person solely on account an attorney who accepts a retainer a high
of the latter’s race, sex, creed or status standard of conduct and an appreciation of
of life, or because of his own opinion his duties to his client, to the court, to the
regarding the guilt of said person. bar, and to the public.

Rule 14.02. A lawyer shall not decline, Relation as strictly personal

except for serious and sufficient cause,  The relationship involves mutual trust and
an appointment as counsel de oficio or confidence to the highest degree.
as amici curiae, or a request from the  The personal character of the relation
Integrated Bar of the Philippines or any prohibits its delegation in favor of another
of its chapters for rendition of free legal attorney without the client’s consent.
aid.  What may not be delegated: The relationship
itself.
Rule 14.03. A lawyer may refuse to  It also terminates upon the death of either
accept representation of an indigent the client or the attorney.
client if:  The deceased attorney’s personal
representative has no right to assign pending
a. He is not in a position to carry cases to a counsel of his choice. Such matter
out the work effectively or is for the client to decide.
competently;  A client can terminate the relationship at any
time with or without cause.
b. He labors under a conflict of  An attorney, however, being an officer of the
interests between him and the court, enjoys no similar right. He may be
prospective client or between a permitted to withdraw from the case only with
present client and the prospective the consent of the client or that of the court.
client.  Only a proper sense of detachment will
enable the attorney to adequately serve the
Rule 14.04. A lawyer who accepts the interest of his client.
cause of a person unable to pay his  The personal relation does not require an
professional fees shall observe the same attorney to adopt as his own, the troubles of
standard of conduct governing his his client for he is likely to lose his composure
and equanimity.
A. NATURE OF RELATION
 It is advisable for a lawyer who is a party
litigant not to appear for himself or for a close
Nature of client relationship, generally
relative.
 Historically, the nature of lawyer-client
 His personal involvement may blur his sense
relationship is premised on the Roman Law
of duty and purpose and affect his
concepts of location conduction operarum
performance, to his or the client’s detriment.
(contract of lease of services) and mandato
 In that situation, he should ask another
(contract of agency)
lawyer who can act with more detachment
 In modern day, an attorney is more than a
and less emotional involvement to undertake
mere agent or servant because he possesses
the active prosecution or defense of the case.
special powers of trust and confidence
reposed on him by his client.
Relation as fiduciary and confidential

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 The relation is highly fiduciary in nature and  The term “retainer” may refer to either of 2
of a very delicate, exacting, and confidential concepts:
character. 1. The act of the client engaging the
 It demands undivided allegiance, a high services of an attorney to render legal
degree of good faith, disinterestedness, advice or defend or prosecute his
candor, fairness, loyalty, fidelity, and absolute cause in court.
integrity in all his dealings with his clients and a. General Retainer – its purpose
utter renunciation of every personal is to secure beforehand, the
advantage conflicting with the interest of his services of an attorney for any
client. legal problem that may
 His responsibilities to his client should, afterward arise.
however, be reconciled with his duties to the b. Special Retainer – has
court. Each of them requires fidelity and reference to a particular case or
loyalty in varying degrees within limits. service only.
 Deviation from such limits may invite the 2. The retaining fee which a client pays
exercise of disciplinary power by the court. to an attorney when the latter is
retained.
Rules protective of relation
o It is a preliminary fee paid to
 The preservation and protection of that insure and secure his future
relation will encourage a client to entrust his services.
legal problems to an attorney, which is of o To remunerate him for being
paramount importance to the administration
deprived of the opportunity of
of justice. rendering services to the other
 Rules promulgated, in the nature of
party by being retained by one
injunctions peculiarly addressed to an party.
attorney:
o It is apart from what the client
1. To exert his best effort and learning in
has agreed to pay for the
the protection of the interest of his
services which he has retained
client;
him to perform.
2. To promptly account for any fund or
 Its purpose: To prevent undue hardship on
property entrusted by or received for
the part of the attorney based on the rule
his client;
forbidding him from acting as counsel for the
3. Not to purchase or acquire, any
other party after he has been retained by or
property or interest of is client in
has given professional advice to the opposite
litigation;
party.
4. To forever keep inviolate his client’s
secrets or confidence, and not to
abuse them; Necessity of retainer
5. Not to represent a party whose  An attorney has no power to act as counsel or
interest is adverse to that of his client legal representative for a person without
even after the termination of the being retained.
relation.  He may not appear in court for a party
 The Supreme Court requires strict obedience without being employed, unless by leave of
to those rules and subjects the attorney to court.
discipline and administrative liability for  Rules of Court, Rule 138, Sec. 21.
inexcusable breach thereof to protect the ….
public, the court, and the client from An attorney willfully appearing in court for a
dishonesty and incompetence of unfaithful person without being employed, unless by
lawyers. leave of the court, may be punished for
contempt as an officer of the court who has
B. RETAINER OR EMPLOYMENT misbehaved in his official transactions.
 Neither the purported client nor the adverse
Concept of term “retainer” party may be bound by his appearance unless
ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

the former ratifies or is stopped to deny the

o Signing a pleading for and on behalf of
assumed authority. another counsel of record.
Sufficiency of professional employment
 In the absence of a written retainer, the
 The essential feature of the relation is the fact establishment of the attorney-client
of employment. relationship depends upon the circumstances
 While a written agreement for professional of the case.
services is the best evidence to show the  The employment or authority to employ an
relation, formality is not an indispensable attorney need not be proved in writing; such
element of the employment of an attorney. fact could be inferred from circumstantial
 It is not necessary that a retainer should have
evidence.
been paid, promised, or charged.
 The moment complainant approached the
 Nor is it material that the attorney who was
then receptive respondent to seek legal
consulted does not afterward undertake the
advice, a veritable lawyer-client relationship
case. evolved between the two. Such relationship
 The absence of a written contract will not
imposes upon the lawyer certain restrictions
preclude a finding that there is a professional circumscribed by the ethics of the profession.
relationship. To keep inviolate, confidential information
 The contract may be express or implied.
acquired or revealed during legal
 An acceptance is implied when the attorney consultations. The fact that one is not inclined
acts in pursuance of a request. to handle the client’s case, at the end of the
 There is an implied contract of professional day, is hardly of consequence. Of little
employment where an attorney appears on moment is the fact that no formal
behalf of a party without the latter professional engagement follows the
interposing any objection to it. consultation. (Hadjula vs Madianda)
 To establish professional relation, it is
sufficient that the advice and assistance of an Employment of law firm
attorney is sought and received in any matter  The employment of a law firm is equivalent to
pertinent to his profession. the retainer of the member even though only
 If a person consults with an attorney in his one of them is consulted.
professional capacity with the view of  Conversely, the employment of one member
obtaining professional advice or assistance, is generally considered as employment of the
and the attorney voluntarily permits or law firm.
acquiesces in such consultation as when he  When a client employs the services of a law
listens and gives advice, the professional firm, he employs the entire law firm and not
employment is regarded as established. the lawyer assigned to personally handle the
 Circumstances which do not establish an case.
attorney client relationship:  In the event that the counsel appearing for
o That an attorney for buyer wrote the client resigns or dies, the firm is bound to
letters to tenants giving them a period provide a replacement.
to exercise their preferential right to  Reason for the rule: Information obtained
buy the land, that he prepared the from a client by a member of the law firm is
deed of sale in favor of the buyer, and information imparted on the firm.
that he charged the seller the fees for  The member acts in the name and interest of
such services do not make the the firm.
attorney the counsel for the seller as
 Death of the member does not extinguish the
those matters were wrapped up in the
lawyer-client relationship. The responsibility
sale, and could have been done as
to continue representation devolves upon the
counsel for the buyer in the
remaining lawyers of the firm until they have
furtherance of the latter’s interests.
withdrawn from the case.
o By helping an appellant perfect his
appeal but without entering his
Who can employ an attorney
appearance or signing a pleading.

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Generally, any person who has the legal

capacity to contract can employ an attorney.
 A person suffering from some legal disability
cannot retain a lawyer to appear for him in
court.
 Only a general guardian ad litem has the
authority to employ an attorney to represent
a minor or incompetent.
 However, the appearance of a lawyer as
authorized by a relative of the minor or
incompetent is intrusive and will have no
effect, except to show the attorney’s good
faith in appearing in court.
 An agent clothed by his principal with the
power to deal with the principals’ property or
interest has the authority to engage the
services of an attorney as counsel for the
principal.
 The agent’s authority to employ an attorney
for his principal need not be in writing. It may
be inferred from circumstantial evidence.
 General Rule: A wife has the authority to
engage the services of counsel even without
her husband’s consent in any of the instances
where she may prosecute or defend an action
without the necessity of joining her husband
as a party litigant.
o Exception: She cannot, however, bind
the conjugal partnership for the
payment of the fees of her lawyer
without the husband’s authority.
o Exception to the exception: In a suit
between her and her husband, which
she is compelled to institute or resist
to protect her rights.
 General Rule: In a corporation, only the board
of directors has the authority to employ an
attorney to sue or defend an action for the
corporation as the power to sue and be sued
is lodged in them.
o Exceptions:
 Such power to employ an
attorney may be delegated in
favor of any of its corporate
officers, expressly or impliedly.
 A single stockholder may
institute a derivative suit on
behalf of a corporation and
employ an attorney for that
purpose.

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

Without clients, a lawyer may not be able to

C. ETHICAL NORMS AND RESTRICTIONS make a name as a practitioner though how
talented he may be.
Canon 15. A lawyer shall observe candor,  On the other hand, a lawyer cannot just
fairness and loyalty in all his dealings and accept any case nor can he employ business
transactions with his clients. methods to solicit professional employment or
Rule 15.01. A lawyer, in conferring with to advertise his talent and skill to attract
a prospective client, shall ascertain as prospective clients.
soon as practicable whether the matter
would involve a conflict with another Lawyer shall ascertain possible conflict of
client or his own interest, and if so, shall interests
forthwith inform the prospective client.  Rule 15.01. A lawyer, in conferring with a
prospective client, shall ascertain as soon as
Rule 15.02. A lawyer shall be bound by practicable whether the matter would involve
the rule on privileged communication in a conflict with another client or his own
respect of matters disclosed to him by a interest, and if so, shall forthwith inform the
prospective client. prospective client.
 It is the duty of a lawyer to disclose and
Rule 15.03. A lawyer shall not explain to a prospective client all
represent conflicting interests except by circumstances of his relations to the parties,
written consent of all concerned given and any interest in connection with the
after a full disclosure of the facts. controversy, which in his honest judgment,
might influence the client in the selection of a
Rule 15.04. A lawyer may, with the counsel.
written consent of all concerned, act as  The disclosure is more for the protection of
mediator, conciliator or arbitrator in the lawyer than that of the client.
settling disputes.  If a lawyer conceals the fact that the adverse
party used to be his client, the new client
Rule 15.05. A lawyer when advising his may have reason to suspect, in case of an
client shall give a candid and honest unfavorable judgment, that the circumstance
opinion on the merits and probable prevented him from the full discharge of his
results of the client’s case, neither duty.
overstating nor understanding the  Concealment of facts material to employment
prospects of the case. may cause his client to lose confidence in
him.
Rule 15.06. A lawyer shall not state or
imply that he is able to influence any Duty to decline employment
public official, tribunal or legislative  A lawyer should decline professional
body. employment even though how attractive the
fee may be if its acceptance will involve a
Rule 15.07. A lawyer shall impress violation of any of the rules of the legal
upon his client compliance with the laws profession.
and the principles of fairness.  After giving advice to a plaintiff concerning a
claim, the lawyer may not thereafter accept
Rule 15.08. A lawyer who is engaged in retainer from the defendant to defeat that
another profession or occupation claim.
concurrently with the practice of law  He may not accept employment from another
shall make clear to his client whether he in a matter adversely affecting any interest of
his former client with respect to which,
confidence has been reposed.
Generally  Nor may he handle a case to nullify a contract
 A lawyer may only be as successful in the which he prepared.
practice as he has enough paying clientele.

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 He should not accept employment as an to be bad? Johnson: Sir, you do not know it
advocate in any matter in which he had to be good or bad till the judge determines
intervened while in the government service. it..
This canonical injunction is based upon the
necessity that professional integrity and
public confidence in that integrity be It is his business to judge; and you are not to
maintained. be confident in your opinion that a cause is
 He may not accept employment from an bad, but to say all you can for your client.‖
organization to render legal services to  A lawyer certainly knows whether a case is
members thereof concerning questions good or bad because it is not only his function
submitted by the members, the answers to but his duty to find out.
which are printed for circulation.  In a criminal action, it is the ―right of the
 He may not accept employment as a
lawyer to undertake the defense of a person
columnist to answer inquiries for advice as to accused of crime, regardless of his personal
individual rights through the medium of a opinion as to the guilt of the accused;
newspaper column. otherwise, innocent persons, victims only of
 Nor may he accept employment from a
suspicious circumstances, might be denied
collection agency which solicits business to
proper defense.‖
collect its claims.
 It is improper for a lawyer to assert in
 EXCEPTIONS: Rule 14.03. A lawyer may
argument his personal belief in his client’s
refuse to accept representation of an indigent
innocence or in the justice of his cause.
client if:
 In a civil action, the rules and ethics of the
o He is not in a position to carry out the
profession enjoin a lawyer from taking a bad
work effectively or competently;
case.
o He labors under a conflict of interests
o Firstly, the signature of counsel
between him and the prospective
constitutes a certificate by him that he
client or between a present client and
has read the pleading; that to the best
the prospective client.
of his knowledge, information, and
belief there is good ground to support
A lawyer shall preserve the secrets of a
it; and that it is not interposed for
prospective client
delay.
 Rule 15.02. A lawyer shall be bound by the
rule on privileged communication in respect of Counsel who deliberately files an
matters disclosed to him by a prospective unsigned pleading, or signs a pleading
client. in violation of this Rule, or alleges
 Matters disclosed by a prospective client to a scandalous or indecent matter therein,
lawyer are protected by the rule on privileged or fails to promptly report to the court
communications even if the prospective client a change of his address, shall be
does not thereafter retain the lawyer or the subject to appropriate disciplinary
lawyer declines the employment. action. (Rule 7, Section 3, Rules of
 Reason: To make the prospective client Court)
discuss freely whatever he wishes with the o Secondly, it is the duty of an attorney:
lawyer without fear that what he discloses will
To counsel or maintain such actions or
not be divulged nor used against him and for proceedings only as appear to him to
the lawyer to be equally free to obtain be just, and such defenses only as he
information from such prospective client. believes to be honestly debatable
under the law; (Rule 138, Section 20
Ethical considerations in taking a bad case (c), Rules of Court)
 “How can a lawyer take a case which he does o Thirdly, it is the duty of an attorney:
not believe in?” Not to encourage either the
 The classical answer to the question is the commencement or the continuance of
familiar dialogue ―Boswell: But what do you an action or proceeding, or delay any
think of supporting a cause which you know man's cause, from any corrupt motive
ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

or interest; (Rule 138, Section 20  The primary task of a lawyer, as an advocate,

(g), Rules of Court)
is to represent a party litigant in court, either
o Finally, he ―must decline to conduct a as counsel for plaintiff or for defendant, or as
civil cause or to make a defense when a public prosecutor or as defense counsel.
convinced that it is intended merely to 1. General Rule: A private practitioner is
harass or injure the opposite party or not obligated to act as counsel for any
to work oppression or wrong.‖
person who may wish to become his
 If a lawyer were to take a bad civil suit client. He has the right to decline
against a defendant, it will either be to exert employment.
his best efforts toward a compromise or, if 2. Exception: Public prosecutor who
unsuccessful, to advice his client to confess cannot choose cases to prosecute.
judgment.
 The reason why laymen often ask the ethical  Canon 14: Duty of a lawyer to accept
question – how can a lawyer take a case employment insofar as the needy and poor
which he does not believe in? – is due partly are concerned. Refusal to accept being made
to unfamiliarity with the rules and ethics of the exception. Two reasons:
the legal profession and partly to a lack of 1. The poor and the needy need most the
appreciation of the rights of an accused. services of a lawyer but hesitate to
secure such because they cannot
D. LAWYER MAY NOT REFUSE HIS SERVICES afford to pay or fear refusal for their
inability to compensate the lawyer.
CANON 14. A lawyer shall not refuse his services to 2. IBP objective to make legal services
the needy. available for those who need them.
Requires a lawyer should not lightly
Rule 14.01. A lawyer shall not decline to
represent a person solely on account of the
decline employment.
latter’s race, sex, creed or status of life, or
because of his own opinion regarding the A lawyer shall not decline to represent
guilt of said person. unpopular clients
 Rule 138, sec. 20 (h-i). Duties of attorneys.—
Rule 14.02. A lawyer shall not decline, It is the duty of an attorney: (h) Never to
except for serious and sufficient cause, an reject, for any consideration personal to
appointment as counsel de oficio or as amici himself, the cause of the defenseless or
curiae, or a request from the Integrated Bar
oppressed.
of the Philippines or any of its chapters for
rendition of free legal aid.
 Rule 14.01. A lawyer shall not decline to
represent a person solely on account of the
Rule 14.03. A lawyer may refuse to accept latter’s race, sex, creed or status of life, or
representation of an indigent client if: because of his own opinion regarding the guilt
of said person.
a. he is not in a position to carry out
the work effectively or competently;  Regardless of his personal feelings, a lawyer
should not decline representation just
b. he labors under a conflict of
because a client or a cause is unpopular or
interests between him and the
prospective client or between a
community reaction is adverse.
present client and the prospective  History is replete with instances of
client. distinguished and sacrificial services by
lawyers who had represented unpopular
Rule 14.04. A lawyer who accepts the cause clients and causes, and received accolade for
of a person unable to pay his professional such services from peers in the bar.
fees shall observe the same standard of
conduct governing his relations with paying  It is his duty not to decline to represent the
Lawyer as advocate, generally accused regardless of his opinion as to his
guilt.

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 The law presumes the accused innocent, and 3. Appointment of counsel de oficio for
entitled to acquittal unless his guilt is proved the accused.—If it appears from the
beyond reasonable doubt. If the rule were record of the case transmitted that
otherwise, innocent persons, victims of a. the accused is confined in
suspicious circumstances, might be denied prison,
proper defense. b. is without counsel de parte on
appeal, or
A lawyer shall not decline appointment by c. Has signed the notice of appeal
the court or by the IBP
himself, the clerk of court of
 The relation of attorney and client may be the CA shall designate a
created not only by voluntary agreement but counsel de oficio.
also by appointment as counsel de oficio for a
poor or indigent litigant. An appellant who is not confined in prison
 Rule 138, sec. 31 Attorney’s for destitute may, upon request, be assigned a counsel de
litigants.—A court may assign an attorney to oficio within the 10 days from receipt of the
render professional aid free of charge to any notice to file brief and he establishes his right
party in a case, if upon investigation it thereto by affidavit. (Rule 124, Sec. 2, Rules
appears that the party is destitute and unable of Court)
to employ an attorney, and that the services
of counsel are necessary to secure the ends  The court may not assign a counsel de oficio
of justice and to protect the rights of the to defend an accused when he previously
party. It shall be the duty of the attorney so manifested his desire to secure the services
assigned to render the required service, of a counsel de parte. If the court does so, it
unless he is excused therefrom by the court violates the defendant’s right to counsel, and
for sufficient cause shown. his conviction may be set aside on that
 In a criminal action, the court may appoint a
ground. If a counsel de oficio is appointed, he
counsel de oficio in the following instances:
must protest such appointment.
1. Duty of court to inform accused of his
 Where a counsel de oficio has been assigned
right to counsel.—Before arraignment,
to an accused and such counsel has acted
the court shall inform the accused of
without objection from the accused, the
his right to counsel and ask him if he
conviction cannot be set aside on the sole
desires to have one. Unless the
ground that said counsel was not the choice
accused is allowed to defend himself in
of the accused.
person or has employed counsel of his
choice, the court must assign a
Frequent appointment of same counsel
counsel de oficio to defend him. (Rule
discouraged
116, Sec. 6, Rules of Court)
 The burden of regular practice and the
2. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the
possibility of compensation as counsel de
trial court, upon filing a notice of
oficio as a regular source of income should
appeal, to ascertain from the
caution a court from frequently appointing the
appellant, if confined in prison,
same lawyer.
whether he desires the Regional Trial  The overburdened counsel may have too little
Court, Court of Appeals, or the time to spare for his de oficio cases or may be
Supreme Court to appoint a counsel de eager to finish such cases to be able to collect
oficio to defend him and to transmit his fees within the earliest possible time.
with the record on a form to be  The accused stands to suffer, denied effective
prepared by the clerk of court of the assistance.
appellate court, a certification of
compliance with this duty and the A lawyer may refuse to represent indigent
response of the appellant to his on valid grounds
inquiry. (Rule 122, Sec. 13, Rules of  GENERAL RULE: A lawyer is not obliged to act
Court) as counsel for any person who may wish to

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

become his client. He has the right to decline  Amount of attorney’s fees or client’s financial
employment.
capability to pay should not serve as a test to
 EXCEPTIONS:
determine the extent of the lawyer’s devotion
1. A lawyer shall not refuse his services to to his client’s cause.
the needy or indigent.
2. He shall not decline to represent a person
solely on account of the latter’s race, sex,
creed or status of life or because of his
own opinion regarding the guilt of said
person. (Canon 14, Rule 14.01)
3. If there is serious and sufficient cause, an
appointment as counsel de oficio or as
amici curiae, or a request from the
Integrated Bar of the Philippines or any of
its chapters for rendition of free legal aid.
(Canon 14, Rule 14.02)

 A government lawyer called upon to represent

the government, any agency, or any officer in
his official capacity either as plaintiff or
defendant in a case, may not generally
decline the assignment.
o Exception: He is disqualified to act as
counsel.
 The Solicitor General is the principal law
officer and legal defender of the Government.
o Has discretion in choosing whether to
prosecute or not, or to abandon a
prosecution already started.
o To take a position adverse to the
people of the Philippines in a criminal
case or to that of a government
agency or official when he believes
that justice will be served by taking a
different stand.
o But cannot refrain from performing his
duty as lawyer of the government.
o Mandamus will lie to compel him to
perform if refusal is based on flimsy
grounds.

A lawyer shall observe the same standard

for all clients
 Rule 14.04. A lawyer who accepts the cause
of a person unable to pay his professional
fees shall observe the same standard of
conduct governing his relations with paying
clients.
 The purpose of the legal profession is to
render public service and secure justice for
those who seek its aid.
 The gaining of a livelihood is only a secondary
consideration.

ralc20 7
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

CHAPTER 7 – LAWYER’S
DUTIES IN HANDLING A. ENTIRE DEVOTION WITHIN THE LAW
CLIENT’S CAUSE
Generally
 No lawyer is obliged to act as advocate for
every person who may wish to secure his
Canon 15. A lawyer shall observe candor,
services. He has the right to decline
fairness and loyalty in all his dealings and
employment.
transactions with his clients.
 No fear of judicial disfavor or public
unpopularity should restrain him from the full
Rule 15.01. A lawyer, in conferring with a
discharge of his duty.
prospective client, shall ascertain as soon
 In the judicial forum, the client is entitled to
as practicable whether the matter would
the benefit of any and every remedy and
involve a conflict with another client or his
defense that is authorized by law, and he may
own interest, and if so, shall forthwith
expect his lawyer to assert every such
inform the prospective client.
remedy or defense.
Rule 15.02. A lawyer shall be bound by
 Once he agrees to take up the cause of a
the rule on privileged communication in
client, the lawyer owes fidelity to such cause
respect of matters disclosed to him by a
and must always be mindful of the trust and
prospective client.
confidence reposed in him.
 He must serve the client with competence
Rule 15.03. A lawyer shall not represent
and diligence, and champion the latter’s
conflicting interests except by written
cause with whole-hearted fidelity, care, and
consent of all concerned given after a full
devotion.
disclosure of the facts.
 A lawyer who performs his duty with diligence
and candor not only protects the interest of
Rule 15.04. A lawyer may, with the
his client; he also serves the ends of justice,
written consent of all concerned, act as
does honor to the bar, and helps maintain the
mediator, conciliator or arbitrator in
respect of the community to the legal
settling disputes.
profession. (Aromin v. Atty. Boncavil)
Rule 15.05. A lawyer when advising his
client shall give a candid and honest
 Every case a lawyer accepts deserves his full
opinion on the merits and probable results
attention, diligence, skill, and competence
of the client’s case, neither overstating
regardless of its importance and whether he
nor understanding the prospects of the
accepts it for a fee or free. Certainly, a
case.
member of the Bar who is worth his title
cannot afford to practice the profession in a
Rule 15.06. A lawyer shall not state or
lackadaisical fashion. A lawyer’s lethargy is
imply that he is able to influence any
both unprofessional and unethical (Jardin v.
public official, tribunal or legislative body.
Atty. Villar)
Rule 15.07. A lawyer shall impress upon
 The court as guardian of the legal profession
his client compliance with the laws and
expects a lawyer to employ all the energies at
the principles of fairness.
his command. It demands of him the most
scrupulous performance of his duty.
Rule 15.08. A lawyer who is engaged in
Negligence thereof will cause delay in the
another profession or occupation
administration of justice or prejudice the
concurrently with the practice of law shall
litigant’s rights.
make clear to his client whether he is
acting as a lawyer or in another capacity.

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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Public interest requires that an attorney exert statute shall have been construed and
his best efforts in the prosecution or defense interpreted by competent jurisdiction, he is
of his client’s cause. free and is entitled to advice as to its validity
and as to what he conscientiously believes to
A lawyer shall perform duty within the law its just meaning and extent.
 Rule 15.07. A lawyer shall impress upon his
client compliance with the laws and the
principles of fairness.  But above all a lawyer will find his highest
 Duties of attorneys. - It is the duty of an
honor in a deserved reputation for fidelity to
attorney: (c) To counsel or maintain such private trust and to public duty, as an honest
actions or proceedings only as appear to him man and as a patriotic and loyal citizen.
to be just, and such defenses only as he
believes to be honestly debatable under the
law. (Rule 138, Sec. 20, Rules of Court) A lawyer shall give candid advice on merits
 Duty to secure for the client, through
of case
honorable means, only what is justly due him.  A lawyer should endeavor to obtain full
knowledge of his client's cause before
 A lawyer is required to represent his client advising thereon.
within the bounds of the law. The CPR enjoins  Rule 15.05. A lawyer when advising his
him to employ only fair and honest means to client shall give a candid and honest opinion
attain the lawful objectives of his client and on the merits and probable results of the
warns him not to allow his client to dictate client’s case, neither overstating nor
procedure in handling the case. He may use understanding the prospects of the case.
arguable construction of the law or rules  It is incumbent upon a lawyer to give his
which are favorable to his client. But he is not client an honest opinion on the probable
allowed to knowingly advance a claim or results of the case, with the end vie of
defense that is unwarranted under existing promoting respect for the law and legal
law. processes.
 The trust confided to an attorney must be
 As officers of the court, counsels are under
performed within the bounds of law.
obligation to advice their clients against
 His office does not permit violation of law or
making untenable and inconsistent claims.
any manner of fraud or chicanery.
 He swore, upon his admission to the practice,
to uphold the cause of justice, obey the law,  If a lawyer finds his client’s contemplated civil
and do no falsehood.
suit totally devoid of merit or wholly
defenseless, he should inform his client and
 There is nothing in the duty to a client which
dissuade him from filing or to compromise
makes it necessary for a lawyer to swear to rather than traverse the incontrovertible.
that which is false, to disregard the truth and
 If, on the other hand, he finds that his client’s
defy the clear purpose of the law, or to obtain
cause is fairly meritorious and ripe for judicial
for his client something to which he is not
adjudication, he should refrain from making
justly and fairly entitled.
bold and confident assurances of success.
 To permit lawyers to resort to unscrupulous  Rule 15.06. A lawyer shall not state or imply
practices for the protection of the supposed that he is able to influence any public official,
rights of their clients is to defeat the tribunal or legislative body.
administration of justice.  The miscarriages to which justice is subject,
 When rendering any improper service or by reason of surprises and disappointments in
advice, the lawyer invites stern and just evidence and witnesses, through mistakes
condemnation. and errors of courts, even though only
occasional, admonish lawyers to beware of
 He must also observe and advise his client to bold and confident assurances to clients,
observe the statute law, though until a

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

especially where the employment may trial when he is under affliction or

depend upon such assurance.
bereavement; forcing the trial on a particular
day to the injury of the opposite lawyer when
no harm will result from a trial at different
time; agreeing to an extension of time for
Duty to comply with client’s lawful request signing a bill of exceptions, cross
 A lawyer should endeavor to seek instruction interrogatories and the like
from his client on any substantial matter
concerning the litigation, which may require  No client has a right to demand that his
decision on the part of the client, such as
counsel shall be illiberal, or that he does
whether to compromise the case or to appeal
anything therein repugnant to his own sense
an unfavorable judgment.
 He should give his client sound advice on any of honor and propriety.
similar matters and comply with the client’s
lawful instructions. Duty to restrain client from impropriety
 He should resist and should never follow any  A lawyer should use his best efforts to
unlawful instruction of his client. restrain and to prevent his clients from doing
 In matters of law, it is the client who should those things which the lawyer himself ought
yield to the lawyer. not to do, particularly with reference to their
 Rule 19.03. A lawyer shall not allow his conduct towards courts, judicial officers,
client to dictate the procedure in handling the jurors, witnesses and suitors. If a client
case. persists in such wrongdoings the lawyer
 He should not act like an errand boy at the should terminate their relation.
beck and call of his client, ready and eager
to do his bidding. A lawyer shall not undertake influence-
 He must obey his own conscience and peddling
not that of his client.  Rule 15.06. A lawyer shall not state or imply
that he is able to influence any public official,
 The responsibility for advising as to tribunal or legislative body.
 Influence peddling is highly unethical and
questionable defenses is the lawyer's
may constitute violation of the Anti-Graft and
responsibility. He cannot escape it but urging Corrupt practices Act.
as an excuse that he is only following his
client's instructions.

 A lawyer who files a pleading which contains B. EMPLOYMENT OF HONORABLE MEANS

contemptuous allegations cannot evade
responsibility by saying that he is merely the
―mouthpiece‖ of his client and that his client Duty to employ honorable means only
 Rule 19.01. A lawyer shall employ only fair
verified the same.
and honest means to attain the lawful
objectives of his client and shall not present,
 He is not just an instrument of his client.
participate in presenting or threaten to
While he owes devotion to him, he cannot present unfounded criminal charges to obtain
overstep the bounds set by his responsibility an improper advantage in any case or
as a lawyer. For his duty to the court is not proceeding.
secondary to that of his client.  Rule 138, Sec. 20(d). Duties of attorneys.—
It is the duty of an attorney: (d) To employ,
 As to incidental matters pending trial, not for the purpose of maintaining the causes
affecting the merits of the cause, or working confided to him, such means only as are
substantial prejudice to the rights of the consistent with truth and honor, and never
seek to mislead the judge or any judicial
client, such as forcing the opposite lawyer to

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

officer by an artifice or false statement of fact Prosecuting or defending matrimonial

or law. cases
 (c) To counsel or maintain such actions or  Civil Code, Art. 52. Marriage is not a mere
proceedings only as appear to him to be just, contract but an inviolable social
and such defenses only as he believes to be institution.
honestly debatable under the law;  Civil Code, Art. 88. No judgment annulling
 (f) To abstain from all offensive personality a marriage shall be promulgated upon a
and to advance no fact prejudicial to the stipulation of facts or by confession of
honor or reputation of a party or witness, judgment.
unless required by the justice of the cause  Civil Code, Art. 101. No decree of legal
with which he is charged; separation shall be promulgated upon a
 It is improper for a lawyer to assert in stipulation of facts or by confession of
argument his personal belief in his client's judgment.
innocence or in the justice of his cause.  Art. 222. No suit shall be filed or
1. The lawyer’s personal belief has no maintained between members of the same
real bearing on the case. family unless it should appear that earnest
2. If expression of belief were permitted, efforts toward a compromise have been
it would give improper advantage to made.
the older and better known lawyer
whose opinion would carry more  In annulment and legal separation
weight. proceedings, the circumstance that the
3. If such were permitted, omission to State is vitally interested in the
make such assertion might be taken maintenance of the marriage relation does
as an admission of the lack of belief in not make improper the lawyer’s
the soundness of his client’s cause. appearance in securing for his client what
is due him under the law.
Technical defense  What is unethical is the lawyer’s
 Some defenses, when employed to defeat participation in any collusion between the
clearly valid claims, may raise questions parties such as:
of propriety. o By encouraging the commission of
 Some hold the view that the defenses of a matrimonial offense.
infancy or lack of capacity to be sued, o Fabricating evidence of such
statute of frauds, and statute of offense not actually committed.
limitations may not, in the absence of o Suppressing evidence of a valid
some other defense, be properly raised to defense.
frustrate honest and just demands.  A lawyer should also avoid any act which
 Much can be said against the soundness of may raise suspicion of collusion.
that view.
 The fact that those defenses have been  A lawyer should always incline the scale of
provided by law shows that a litigant may his decision in favor of that solution which
avail of them and his counsel may assert will serve best all his loyalties, by
and make them effective. declining the professional employment or
 The statute of fraud is designed to prevent terminating a professional relationship.
fraud and the law denies relief to a party
who sleeps on his rights. A lawyer shall rectify client’s fraud
 Rule 19.02 A lawyer who has received
 The negative defense of lack of knowledge information that his client has, in the course
or information as permitted by the rules of the representation, perpetuated a fraud
must be availed of with sincerity and in upon a person or tribunal, shall promptly call
good faith. It must not be employed to upon the client to rectify the same, and failing
delay the litigation. which he shall terminate the relationship with
such client in accordance with the Rules of
Court.

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 When a lawyer discovers that some fraud or defective complaint that it did not suspend
deception has been practiced, which was the prescriptive period to file an action
unjustly imposed upon the court or party, he betrayed his client’s trust and did not
should endeavor to rectify it; at first by champion his cause.
advising his client, and if his client refuses to
forego the advantage thus unjustly gained, he
Duration and extent of a lawyer’s duty
should promptly inform the injured person or
to safeguard client’s interest
his counsel, so that they may take  The attorney’s duty to safeguard the client’s
appropriate steps. (Canon 41, Code of interest commences from his retainer until his
Professional Ethics) effective release from the case.
 During that period, he is expected to take
 Canon 41 may collide with the lawyer’s duty such reasonable steps and such ordinary care
to keep the client’s confidence inviolate, as his client’s interests may require.
which may be the reason why the Code of  The failure of his client to pay him his fees
Professional Responsibility merely requires does not warrant his abandoning the case.
the lawyer to terminate his relationship with
the client in the event the latter fails or A lawyer shall render service only when
refuses to rectify the fraud. qualified to do so
 Rule 18.01. A lawyer shall not undertake a
legal service which he knows or should know
C. WHAT ARE REQUIRED TO PROTECT that he is not qualified to render. However he
CLIENT’S INTERESTS may render such service if, with the consent
of his client, he can obtain as collaborating
Generally counsel a lawyer who is competent on the
 Canon 18. A lawyer shall serve his client with matter.
competence and diligence.
 By accepting a retainer, a lawyer impliedly
represents that: A lawyer shall not handle a case
a. He possesses requisite degree of without adequate preparation
learning, skill, ability which is  Rule 18.02. A lawyer shall not handle any
necessary to the practice of his legal matter without adequate preparation.
profession and which other similarly  Lawyer should safeguard his client’s rights
situated possess; and interests by:
b. He will exert his best judgment in the 1. Thorough study and preparation;
prosecution or defense of the litigation 2. Mastering applicable law and facts
entrusted to him; involved in a case, regardless of the
c. He will exercise reasonable and nature of the assignment; and
ordinary care and diligence in the use 3. Keeping constantly abreast of the
of his skill and in the application of his latest jurisprudence and developments
knowledge to his client’s cause; in all branches of the law.
d. He will take such steps as will
adequately safeguard his client’s  Inadequate preparation spawns adverse
interest. A client may reasonably effects that go far beyond the personal
expect that counsel will make good his interest of the client.
representations.  When the merits of one side of a case are
 Rule 18.03. A lawyer shall not neglect a not properly presented because of
legal matter entrusted to him, and his inadequate legal presentation, the court may
negligence in connection therewith shall be misled by looking at the case in an
render him liable. uneven light.
 Careless preparation may cast doubt upon the
 A lawyer who delayed filing an action to lawyer’s intellectual honesty.
revive a judgment and thereafter filed a

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

 Thorough study and preparation will not executed by a corporate officer who has been
ensure winning the litigation, but there is duly authorized by its board of directors. If
deep satisfaction of having lost a case but there are two or more parties, all of them
won the esteem and respect of his client and should sign.
the approbation of the court in the manner he o Except:
espoused his client’s cause with skill,
 When one has been duly
diligence, ability, and candor.
authorized to do so by his co-
party.
 Where the petitioners are
husband and wife involving
Preparation of pleadings
their property, in which case
 A lawyer’s pleading:
only one of them may sign.
o Shows the extent of his study and
preparation;
 In verifying a pleading, the certification of the
o Articulates his ideas as an officer of
notary public must state that the affiant
the court;
personally appeared before him, that the
o Mirrors his personality and reflects his
affiant is personally known to the notary
conduct and attitude toward the court,
public or that the affiant exhibited to him an
the opposing party and his counsel.
official identification issued by a government
o Is a document embodying the result of
agency showing his picture and signature. As
his work and furnishing the basis on
required by the notarial law and rule issued
which to judge his competence.
by the Supreme Court.
 All of the above considerations emphasize the  If a lawyer fails to comply with these
need for utmost care in the preparation of a requirements, the complaint may be
pleading. dismissed or his client may lose the case.
 A pleader should bear in mind the substantive  ―The client is bound by the action of his
and procedural requirements of the pleading counsel, as well as by his mistake or
to be filed in the court. negligence,‖ and may even subject the lawyer
 He should not suppress or distort material to disciplinary action.
and vital facts nor omit relevant documents
which bear on the merit or lack of merit of his Interviewing witnesses
 A lawyer may interview a witness in advance
petition.
 Honesty toward the court to enable it to of trial to guide him in the management of
litigation.
better appraise its merit or deficiency.
 A witness is the human instrumentality
 The Rules of Court prescribe the procedural
through which the law and the judges and
requirements, such as in the verification and
lawyers, endeavor to ascertain the truth and
in the certification against forum shopping.
to dispense justice to the contending parties.
 Rule 7, Sec. 4., Rules of Court: Verification.
 An attorney violates no ethical rule when he
ascertains from a witness what the latter
Except when otherwise specifically required know and does not know about the facts in
by law or rule, pleadings need not be under controversy.
oath, verified or accompanied by affidavit.  What is unethical is to tell the witness to say
something which is false.
A pleading is verified by an affidavit that the
 A lawyer may properly interview any witness
affiant has read the pleading and that the
or prospective witness for the opposing side
allegations therein are true and correct of his in any civil or criminal action without the
knowledge and belief. consent of opposing counsel or party. In
doing so, however, he should scrupulously
 In the verified certification against forum avoid any suggestion calculated to induce the
shopping, it is signed only by the party witness to suppress or deviate from the truth,
himself and not his lawyer, and it may only be or in any degree to affect his free and
ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

untrammeled conduct when appearing at the  Rule 13, Sec. 10. Rules of Court
trial or on the witness stand.
Completeness of service.
 A lawyer may properly obtain statements
from witnesses whose names were furnished Service by ordinary mail is complete upon the
by the opposing counsel or interview the expiration of ten (10) days after mailing,
employees of the opposing party even though unless the court otherwise provides.
they are under subpoena to appear as Service by registered mail is complete upon
witnesses for the opposite side. actual receipt by the addressee, or after five
 If after trial resulting in defendant’s
(5) days from the date he received the
conviction, his counsel has been advised that
first notice of the postmaster, whichever
a prosecution witness committed perjury, it is
the lawyer’s duty to endeavor honorably to date is earlier.
obtain such witness’ retraction.
 An adverse party, though he may be used as  This rule imposes upon a lawyer the duty to
a witness, is not a witness within the meaning maintain a system that will insure his prompt
of the rule permitting a lawyer to interview receipt of notices and communications sent to
the witness of the opposing party. him by mail at his address of record.
 A lawyer should not in any way communicate  The failure or refusal of a lawyer to claim
upon the subject of controversy with a party registered mails addressed to him may prove
represented by counsel, much less should he prejudicial to his client’s interests, as when as
undertake to negotiate or compromise the a consequence thereof, he fails to attend a
matter with him, but should deal only with his hearing, to file a responsive pleading on time,
counsel. pay the docket fee, or appeal an adverse
judgment.
What to do in case of conflict of trial dates  Circumstances that will not warrant reopening
 Two or more cases set for trial in different of the litigation nor prevent the service by
courts and on the same date without the registered mail from being effective after 5
lawyer’s previous knowledge should ask for days’ notice:
postponement of the latter cases as he should 1. That a lawyer could not afford to hire a
not give undue preference for the work in one regular clerk to claim his mail.
against the other. 2. That his clerk failed to call his
o Except: In favor of that case wherein attention to it.
the court has served warning in view 3. That the demands of his work required
of previous repeated postponements him to be in different places.
 Motion for postponement should be presented 4. That he changed his address without
at such time as practicable to prevent the notice to the court thereof.
adverse party from coming to court with his
witnesses on the date of trial as to spare Notice of change of address
unnecessary expense.  Without his address being recorded in the
 A lawyer should not assume that his motion case, a lawyer will not be entitled to be
for postponement will be granted even if the served with judicial notice.
adverse party conforms since the court is not  Without informing the court in writing of such
bound thereby. change, a notice served at the attorney’s
 When the motion for postponement has been original address is binding upon the client.
denied or the case has been set for trial for  Insofar as the court is concerned, the last
the last time, the lawyer must take address on record is the place where all
precautionary measures such as notifying the notices shall be served until the court is
court or asking his clients to secure the officially informed to the contrary.
services of another lawyer or requesting
another attorney to appear for him. Notice of death of client
 Rule 3, Sec. 16. Rules of Court: Death of
Adoption of a system to insure receipt of party; duty of counsel:
mails

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

Whenever a party to a pending action dies, What is required when moving from time to
and the claim is not thereby extinguished, it file pleading or to postpone hearing
shall be duty of his client to inform the court  Pressure of work or some unavoidable
within 30 days after such death of the fact reasons may constrain a lawyer to file a
thereof, and to give the name and address of motion for extension of time to file pleadings.
his legal representative or representatives.  A lawyer should not assume that such motion
Failure of counsel to comply with this duty will be granted.
shall be a ground for disciplinary action.  A lawyer should inquire from the clerk of
court the court’s action thereon.
 The legal representatives can be substituted  He runs the risk of time running out on him.
as parties.  Where a motion for extension has remained
 The failure of giving such notice binds his
unacted, the least that is expected of a
client as well as the heirs of any judgment. lawyer in the meanwhile is to file it within the
 The court does not take judicial notice of the
time asked for.
death of a party and will render decision as if
 When there is failure after the lapse of the
the party is alive.
period, he should nonetheless file it with a
motion for leave to admit it, stating the
Requiring clerk of court to do his duty
reasons for the delay.
 Rule 20, Section 1. Rules of Court: Calendar
 Rule 12.03. A lawyer shall not, after
of cases. obtaining extensions of time to file pleadings,
The clerk of court, under the direct memoranda or briefs, let the period lapse
supervision of the judge, shall keep a without submitting to the same or offering an
calendar of cases for pre-trial, for trial, those explanation for his failure to do so.
whose trials were adjourned or postponed,  Rule 12.04. A lawyer shall not unduly delay
a case, impede the execution of a judgment
and those with motions to set for hearing.
or misuse court processes.
 The court frowns upon the lawyers’ practice of
 If the clerk of court is negligent, it is the
repeatedly seeking extensions and thereafter
lawyer’s duty to call the attention of the court
simply letting the period lapse without
to that fact so that the administration of
submitting any pleading or even explanation
justice will not suffer any delay.
for their failure.
 While an appellant may expect the clerk of
 Postponement is not a matter of right but of
court to do his duty, it does not discharge the
sound judicial discretion.
counsel from the responsibility of seeing that
the record on appeal and evidence are
Diligence in handling case
elevated to the appellate court.
 A lawyer must exercise ordinary diligence or
that reasonable degree of care and skill
Duty to keep client fully informed
having reference to the character of the
 Duty to advise promptly the client of any
business he undertakes to do.
important information.
 He is not, however, bound to exercise
 Notify client of an adverse decision within the
extraordinary diligence.
period to appeal to enable the client to decide
 What amounts to carelessness or negligence
whether to seek appellate review.
depends upon the circumstances of the case.
 Keeping the client fully informed of important
 There is want of diligence where:
developments of his case will minimize
1. The lawyer failed, without sufficient
occasions for misunderstanding or loss of
justification, to bring an action
trust and confidence.
immediately.
 The client should not, however, sit idly by. It
2. Failure to file the answer to the
is also the client’s duty to make proper
complaint within the reglementary
inquiries from his counsel concerning his
period.
case.
3. Failure to notify his client of the date
of the hearing.

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

4. Failure to attend the scheduled pre-  Where the client refuses to cooperate or is
trial conference or hearing.
nowhere to be found, a lawyer should ask
5. Failure to prosecute the action for a that he be discharged or should apply to the
reasonable period.
court that he be released.
6. Failure to inform the client of an  Retirement from the case should be made on
adverse judgment within the
record. His impending release from
reglementary period to appeal.
professional obligation does not excuse him
7. Failure to take steps to have the
from the non-performance thereof.
adverse decision reconsidered or
appealed.
8. Failure to ascertain the correct date of D. STANDARD OF DUTY IN CRIMINAL
receipt of the decision. ACTIONS
9. Failure to acquaint himself with what
has happened to the litigation.
10. Failure to pay the docket fee on Duty to render effective legal service
appeal.
 The lawyer must decline to conduct a civil
11. Failure to claim judicial notices sent to
cause or to make a defense when convicted
him by mail.
that it is intended merely to harass or to
12. Failure to file the appellant’s brief.
injure the opposite party or to work
oppression or wrong.
 A new counsel, who enters his appearance in
 It is the right of the lawyer to undertake the
midstream, has the duty not only to
defense of a person accused of crime,
thoroughly study the case but also to inquire
regardless of his personal opinion as to the
as to the status of the case. Failure to do so
guilt of the accused.
prevents him from taking required steps and
 The right of an accused to counsel finds
may adversely affect his client’s interests.
substance in the performance by the lawyer
 Rule 18, Sec. 4, Rules of Court: Appearance
of his sworn duty of fidelity to his client. It
of Parties.
means an efficient and truly decisive legal
assistance and not simply a perfunctory
It shall be the duty of the parties and their
representation.
counsel to appear at the pre-trial.
 Rule 138, Sec. 20 (i) In the defense of a
person accused of crime, by all fair and
The non-appearance of a party may be
honorable means, regardless of his personal
excused only if a valid cause is shown
opinion as to the guilt of the accused, to
therefor or if a representative shall appear in
present every defense that the law permits,
his behalf fully authorized in writing to enter
to the end that no person may be deprived of
into an amicable settlement, to submit to
life or liberty, but by due process of law.
alternative modes of dispute resolution, and
 A lawyer may not cause the transfer, through
to enter into stipulations or admissions of
misrepresentation, of a case pending in one
facts and of documents.
sala to another of the same court without the
knowledge and consent of the judge taking
 Pressure and large volume of legal work
cognizance of said case for the purpose of
provide no excuse for the lawyer’s inability to
obtaining from the second sala a more
exercise due diligence in the performance of
satisfactory remedy.
his duty to take the necessary legal steps to
 A lawyer, in seeking reversal of a lower
protect his client’s interest.
court’s conviction of his client, may not
 A lawyer who finds it impracticable to
attribute to the trial judge personal motives
continue representing a client should inform
or attacking him acrimoniously behind his
the latter of his predicament and ask that he
back in his appeal brief.
be allowed to withdraw from the case to  The interest of the public requires that every
enable the client to engage the services of verdict be rendered only upon the issues
another counsel who can study the situation raised and evidence presented, uninfluenced
and work out a solution.

ralc20 8
 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

by pleas of counsel to passion, prejudice, or Duty of defense counsel when accused

distorted sense of justice. intends to plead guilty
 It is a disgrace to the bar and an affront to  Plea of guilty: An admission by the accused of
the court for a lawyer to plead that, on behalf his guilt of a crime as charged in the
of an accused charged with killing a person information and of the truth of the facts
for monetary consideration, that his accused alleged, including the qualifying and
client was a ―poor, ignorant man blinded by aggravating circumstances.
the promise of wealth,‖ and it was too great a  The imposition of sentence proceeds from a
temptation to resist.
plea that is truthful and made voluntarily by
 It is improper for a lawyer to assert in
the accused with full awareness of its
argument his personal belief in his client's consequences and of his rights.
innocence or in the justice of his cause. The  It is the duty of defense counsel when his
lawyer is bound, by all fair and honorable client desires to enter a plea of guilty, to:
means, to present every defense that the law 1. Fully acquaint himself with the records
of the land permits, to the end that no person and surrounding circumstances of the
may be deprived of life or liberty but by due case;
process of law. 2. Confer with the accused and obtain
from him his account of what had
What is required of counsel de oficio
happened;
 He is expected to render effective service and 3. Advise him of his constitutional rights;
to exert his best efforts on behalf of an 4. Thoroughly explain to him the import
indigent accused. of a guilty plea and the inevitable
 He has the bounden duty to exert utmost conviction that will follow; and
efforts to defend his client and protect his 5. See to it that the prescribed procedure
rights, no matter how guilty or evil he which experience has shown to be
appears to be. necessary to the administration of
 The performance of his duty is all the more justice is strictly followed and
imperative because the life of the accused disclosed in the court records.
hangs in the balance.
 He failed in the performance of such duty as  In grave offenses, after the plea of guilty, the
counsel for the accused: prudent and proper course to follow is for the
o Where he refused to cross-examine trial court to require the taking of testimony
the offended party in a rape case of the accused so as to establish the precise
because he believed she was telling degree of his culpability and leave no room
the truth and did not present evidence for doubt that there is no mistake or
for the accused. misunderstanding as to the nature of the
o Where barely days after accused client charges.
pleaded ―not guilty‖ he filed a  The review by the Supreme Court of a lower
manifestation in open court that his court’s judgment would permit judicial inquiry
client was changing his plea to that of as to the extent a defense counsel has
―guilty.‖
performed his duty to an accused who
 The court requires strict accountability in the
pleaded guilty to a capital offense and would
performance of a lawyer’s duty to the
minimize the denial of an accused’s right to
impoverished client.
an effective assistance of counsel.
 A counsel de oficio ought not to ask to be
 Taking of testimony after a plea of guilty
excused from his responsibility for any trivial
could also prevent the imposition of an
reason.
incorrect penalty.
 Nor does his appointment as an election
registrar justify his release from his  The guilty plea system is not conducive to a
responsibility as counsel de oficio unless on sound attorney-client relationship.
valid grounds.  It has been asserted that there are some
―professional writrunners and pleaders‖ –
lawyers who handle large volume of cases for
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 LEGALETHICS
Based on the book
“Legal and Judicial Ethics”
by Atty. Ruben E. Agpalo

less than spectacular fees by advising,

influencing, cajoling, or even coercing clients Consequences to a client for lawyer’s breach
to plead guilty, irrespective of their guilt or of trust
innocence.  The client may lose his case due to the
 A lawyer who has been thrice appointed
negligence or misconduct of his counsel
counsel de oficio, cautions the courts from because the client is generally bound by his
frequently appointing the same attorney to lawyer’s omission or mistake.
prevent the possibility of having the
compensation for services rendered as a
regular source of income, as the counsel
might be inordinately eager to finish the
cases to be able to collect his fees at the
earliest possible time.
 And the quickest and easiest way to
accomplish that purpose is to ask an accused
to plead guilty even when counsel knows his
client did not commit the offense.

 The guilty plea system puts even the most

reputable lawyer into a trying situation.
 Where a guilty plea would be an advantage in
view of the evidence of guilt and the
prosecutions’ offer to charge him with a lesser
offense, notwithstanding the accused insisting
his innocence.
 If he were to advise his client to enter a plea
of not guilty, he may be less than true to his
duty of extending the best legal assistance to
the accused.
 On the other hand, if he were to advise a
guilty plea to the lesser offense, a problem
arises as to the correctness of the step taken
especially when evidence is adduced, the
accused appears to be innocent.
 There appears to be no immediate solution in
sight to the ethical and economic problems
posed by the guilty plea system.
 Such problems underscore the need for a
defense counsel to be conscientious and
diligent in the discharge of his duties to the
accused.

E. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE
TO PERFORM DUTIES

Generally
 Failure of the lawyer may render him
administratively liable, which may be a
reprimand, warning, suspension from the
practice of law, and even disbarment
depending upon the circumstances and
prejudice caused to the client.

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