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Chapter I
INTRODUCTORY
§1.01 Preliminary.
The law is not a trade nor a craft but a profession.1 Its basic ideal is to render public service and secure justice for those who seek its aid.2 If it has to remain an honorable profession and attain its basic ideal, those enrolled in its ranks should not only master its tenets and principles but should also, by their lives, accord continuing delity to them.3 This obligation is not an easy task, and its performance is made dif cult by the ever-growing pressure of commercialism in all elds of human endeavor as well as by the fact that those tenets and principles have steadily grown through the years from numerous and scattered sources.4 The ful llment of this obligation requires that professional standards be constantly inculcated among lawyers and that the rules and ethics of the profession be collated into a body of principles and made readily available to every attorney as his “manual of equipment without which he cannot do his part to keep
1Director of Religious Affairs v. Bayot, 74 Phil. 749 (1944); Ledesma v. Climaco, G.R. No. 12815, June 28, 1974; In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929); People v. Daban, G.R. No. 31429, January 21, 1972.
2Mayer v. State Bar, 2 Call2d 71, 39 2d 206 (1934). 3Docena v. Limon, 295 SCRA 262, 266 (1998), citing Agpalo, Legal Ethics, 1983
ed., p. 1.4The sources of legal ethics are the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court,
related laws, controlling decisions of the Supreme Court, The Code of Professional Responsibility, the Canons of Professional Ethics, applicable doctrines laid down by the court and writings of legal scholars on the subject. The Philippine system of legal ethics was taken from that of the United States (In re Cunanan, 4 Phil. 543 (1954); Mortel v. Aspiras, 100 Phil. 586 (1956). And the Canons of Professional Ethics observed in this jurisdiction are those of the American Bar Association. (In re Tagorda, Phil. 37 [1927]). Accordingly, this research study makes use of selected cases decided by courts in the United States as well as opinions of the Committee on Professional Ethics and Grievances of the American Bar Asso-ciation, cited hereinafter as A.B.A. Op. No.
LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS2
the law on the level of a profession.”5 This study seeks to partly ll up the need for the latter and to generate interest in the former.
A lawyer, whether he be a private practitioner or a public prosecutor, forms part of the machinery of justice administered by the courts. Hence, included in this book are chapters XVIII and XIX which discuss in detail judicial conduct and liabilities of judges, respectively; and in order to re ect the same in the title of the book, the title has been changed from Legal Ethics to Legal and Judicial Ethics.
§1.02. De nitions.
The term “legal ethics” is the embodiment of all principles of morality and re nement that should govern the conduct of every member of the bar.6 It has also been broadly de ned as the “living spirit of the profession, which limits yet uplifts it as a livelihood.”7 Speci cally, it refers to that branch of moral science which treats of the duties which an attorney owes to the court, to his client, to his colleagues in the profession and to the public.8
A number of terms are used to describe a member of the legal profession, such as the words lawyer, attorney or attorney-at-law, advocate, barrister, counsel or counselor, proctor and solicitor. While there are theoretical differences among these terms,9 the actual distinctions, which have been practically abolished in the United States,10 do not exist in this jurisdiction.
A member of the Philippine bar is commonly known by the term lawyer or attorney or attorney-at-law or counsel, by the Spanish
5Re Rothman, 12 NJ 528, 97 A2d 621, 39 ALRd 1032 (1953).6Justice Manuel V. Moran’s Foreword to MALCOLM’S LEGAL AND JUDI-
CIAL ETHICS, ix (1949). 7Re Rothman, 12 NJ 528, 97 A2d 621, 39 ALR2d 1032, 1045 (1953), quoting
Dean H. Wigmore’s Foreword to CARTER’S THE ETHICS OF THE LEGAL PRO-FESSION (1915).
8MALCOLM, LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS, 8 (1949). 9The words lawyer, attorney and attorney-at-law are synonymous. A lawyer is
one skilled in the law. An advocate is a person learned in the law and duly admitted to practice, who advises a client and pleads for him in court. A barrister is a person entitled to practice as an advocate or counsel in superior courts in England. A counsel or counselor is an advocate or leader, a member of the legal profession. A doctor is an attorney in the admiralty and ecclesiastical courts. A solicitor is a person prosecuting or defending suits in courts of chancery. 7 C.J.S. 702-703.
10Re Paschal, 10 Wall (US) 483, 19 L ed 992 (1890).
3INTRODUCTORY
word abogado11 or the Filipino word manananggol. The term has a xed and general signi cation and refers to that class of persons who by license are of cers of the court and who are empowered to appear, prosecute and defend and on whom peculiar duties, responsibilities and liabilities are devolved by law as a consequence.12 A person who is a member of the Philippine Bar and who, by the warrant of another, practices law13 or who acts professionally in legal formalities, negotiations or proceedings, by authority of his client, is an attorney within the meaning of the term.14 A counsel is an adviser, a person professionally engaged in the trial or management of a cause in court; a legal advocate managing a case at law.15
Those who pass the Shari’a Bar are not entitled to be called “Attorneys,” unless they have also been admitted to the Philippine Bar.16 In other words, only those who are admitted to the Philippine Bar can be called “attorneys.”
The other terms commonly encountered in the practice of law are counsel de parte, counsel de o cio, attorney of record, of counsel, amicus curiae, bar and bench. A counsel de parte is an attorney retained by a party litigant, usually for a fee, to prosecute or defend his cause in court. The term implies freedom of choice either on the part of the attorney to decline or accept the employment17 or on the part of the litigant to continue or terminate the retainer at any time.18 A counsel de o cio is an attorney appointed by the court to defend an indigent defendant in a criminal action19 or to represent a destitute party in a case.20 The term connotes little or no other choice than the acceptance by the indigent party of whoever is appointed as his counsel21 and, unless excused therefrom by the court, the
11This term means not only possession of the academic degree of Bachelor of Laws but membership in the bar as well as after due admission thereto, qualifying one for the practice of law. Cui v. Cui, 11 SCRA 755 (1964).
12Cui v. Cui, 11 SCRA 755 (1964). 13Re Bailey. 50 Mont. 365, 146 p. 1101. 14National Savings Bank v. Ward, 100 U.S. 195, 25 L ed 621 (1880). 15Villegas v. Legaspi, 113 SCRA 39 (1982). 16Alawi v. Alauya, 268 SCRA 628 (1997). 17Canon 31, Canons of Professional Ethics; Enriquez, Sr. v. Gimenez, 107 Phil.
932 (1960). 18Rustia v. CFI of Batangas, 44 Phil. 62 (1922); Bacaro v. Court of Appeals, 37
SCRA 36 (1971). 19Rule 116, Secs. 3, 4, 5; Rule 122, Sec. 13; Rule 138, Sec. 32, Rules of Court. 20Rule 138, Sec. 31, Rules of Court; Cf. In re Filart, 40 Phil. 205 (1919). 21U.S. v. Laranja, 21 Phil. 500 (1912).
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PREFACE
It has been more than twenty (20) years since the publication of the fi rst edition of this book in 1980. Since then, this book had undergone several editions. This is the eighth revised edition, which has been made necessary to include therein signifi cant rulings of the Supreme Court on legal and judicial ethics. This necessitates updating the book. The last chapter on judicial conduct has been expanded. The detailed discussion on judicial deportment and liabilities of judges requires that the same be refl ected in the title of the book; hence, the title has been changed from Legal Ethics to Legal and Judicial Ethics. It however preserves, on the whole, the style and manner of presentation of the previous editions.
It is gratifying to know that a number of law schools and colleges are using this book as textbook on legal ethics. It is satisfying to read a number of decisions of the Supreme Court citing this book. They more than reward the author’s efforts. It is hoped that this revised edition will receive the same favorable response and will better serve as a manual for lawyers and judges to imbibe the ethical values in the practice of law and in judicial conduct, respectively.
RUBEN E. AGPALO
Quezon CityYear 2009
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER I — INTRODUCTORY
1.01 Preliminary ................................................................... 11.02 Defi nitions ..................................................................... 21.03 Power to regulate practice of law ................................. 41.04 Nature of offi ce of attorney ........................................... 61.05 Privileges of attorney .................................................... 81.06 Duties of offi ce, generally ............................................. 101.07 Public versus private and personal duties................... 111.08 Practice of law a profession .......................................... 121.09 Necessity of representation by counsel ........................ 151.10 Need for, and right to, counsel ..................................... 171.11 Consequences of denial of right to counsel .................. 201.12 When appearance by counsel not obligatory ............... 231.13 Canons of professional responsibility .......................... 24
CHAPTER II — ADMISSION TO PRACTICE
A. JUDICIAL CONTROL
2.01 Admission to practice a judicial function ..................... 282.02 Legislative power to repeal, alter or supplement ........ 292.03 Executive power in relation to practice ....................... 312.04 Prescribing standards for law schools ......................... 32
B. WHAT CONSTITUTES PRACTICE OF LAW
2.05 Practice of law, generally .............................................. 332.06 Characteristics of term “practice of law” ..................... 342.07 Representation before the court ................................... 352.08 Representation before other agencies .......................... 362.09 Activity outside of court ................................................ 37
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C. WHO MAY PRACTICE LAW
2.10 Persons entitled to practice law, generally .................. 392.11 Right and privilege to practice ..................................... 402.12 Practice without examination ...................................... 422.13 Practice without admission .......................................... 432.14 Right of party to represent himself .............................. 452.15 Practice by corporation ................................................. 462.16 Persons authorized to represent the government ....... 472.17 Disability of public offi cials to practice ........................ 472.18 Liability for unauthorized practice .............................. 542.19 Remedies against unauthorized practice ..................... 56
D. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION
2.20 Generally ....................................................................... 562.21 Citizenship and residence ............................................. 572.22 Good moral character .................................................... 572.23 Educational qualifi cations ............................................ 592.24 Bar examination ............................................................ 61
E. PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION
2.25 Bar examination committee ......................................... 622.26 Application and supporting documents ....................... 622.27 Disclosure of involvement in any criminal case .......... 632.28 Burden of proof to show qualifi cations......................... 642.29 Written examinations ................................................... 642.30 Restrictions to insure integrity in examination .......... 652.31 Correction and revaluation of grades........................... 662.32 Administration of oath .................................................. 672.33 Issuance of certifi cate ................................................... 692.34 Payment of IBP dues and privilege tax ....................... 69
CHAPTER III — LAWYER’S DUTIES TO SOCIETY
A. UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAW
3.01 Duty to uphold Constitution and obey the law............ 713.02 Duty not to engage in unlawful conduct ...................... 723.03 Duty not to counsel illegal activities ............................ 733.04 Duty not to encourage lawsuits .................................... 743.05 Duty to encourage amicable settlement ...................... 75
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B. MAKING LEGAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
3.06 Generally ....................................................................... 763.07 A Lawyer shall not reject the cause of the defenseless .................................................. 773.08 A Lawyer shall not refuse to render legal advice ........................................................... 783.09 Participating in legal development .............................. 793.10 Lawyer shall keep abreast of legal developments ........................................................ 793.11 Mandatory continuing legal education ........................ 80
C. APPLICABILITY OF CODE TO GOVERNMENT LAWYERS
3.12 Code is applicable to government lawyers ................... 803.13 A prosecutor shall see to it that justice is done ........... 813.14 Restrictions on the functions of public prosecutor ............................................................. 833.15 In appeals, the Solicitor General has control .............. 853.16 Role of private prosecutor ............................................. 853.17 Intervention by private lawyer is subject to prosecutor’s control .......................................... 873.18 When public prosecutor should take over handling of case .................................................... 883.19 A Lawyer shall not use his public position to promote his private interest ................................ 893.20 Former offi cial may not accept certain employment .......................................................... 90
CHAPTER IV — THE LAWYER’S DUTIES TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION
A. UPHOLDING INTEGRITY OF PROFESSION
4.01 Generally ....................................................................... 1004.02 A person shall make no false statement in his application for admission to the bar .................... 1014.03 A Lawyer shall not support unqualifi ed applicant to the bar .............................................. 1024.04 A Lawyer shall always conduct himself ethically and morally ............................................ 1034.05 Gross immorality refl ective of unfi tness to practice .............................................................. 104
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4.06 Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude ........ 1064.07 Commission of fraud or falsehood ................................ 106
B. LAWYER’S RELATION WITH OTHER LAWYERS
4.08 Generally ....................................................................... 1074.09 Candor, fairness and truthfulness should characterize relations ........................................... 1074.10 A Lawyer shall use temperate language ..................... 1094.11 A Lawyer shall not encroach upon business of another .............................................................. 1114.12 Negotiation with opposite party ................................... 1124.13 Association as a colleague in a case ............................. 112
C. PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW
4.14 Duty to prevent unauthorized practice of law ............. 1134.15 Intervention of intermediary not allowed .................... 1144.16 A Lawyer shall not delegate legal work to non-lawyers ...................................................... 1154.17 A Lawyer shall not divide fees with non-lawyers ........................................................... 116
D. SOLICITATION AND ADVERTISING
4.18 A Lawyer shall not solicit legal business ..................... 1174.19 A Lawyer shall not charge lower rates to attract business .................................................... 1184.20 A Lawyer cannot advertise his talent; reasons therefor .................................................... 1184.21 Proper or permissible advertising or solicitation ........ 1194.22 Writing legal articles .................................................... 1234.23 Engaging in business or other occupation ................... 1244.24 A lawyer shall make clear whether he is acting in another capacity ............................................... 1254.25 A Lawyer shall not use false statement regarding his qualifi cation or service .................. 1264.26 A Lawyer shall not use false or misleading fi rm name .............................................................. 1294.27 A partner who accepts public offi ce should withdraw from the fi rm; exception ...................... 1304.28 A Lawyer shall not seek media publicity ..................... 130
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E. THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES
4.29 Integration of the bar .................................................... 1314.30 Power to integrate the bar ............................................ 1324.31 Constitutionality of integration ................................... 1324.32 Purposes and objectives of the Integrated Bar ............ 1344.33 Non-political bar ........................................................... 1364.34 Membership, resignation, retirement and reinstatement ................................................ 1364.35 Membership dues and effect of nonpayment thereof ................................................................... 1374.36 Organization setup........................................................ 1384.37 National offi cers ............................................................ 1384.38 Board of Governors ....................................................... 1394.39 House of Delegates ........................................................ 1404.40 Chapter government ..................................................... 141
CHAPTER V — LAWYER’S DUTIES TO COURTS
A. LAWYER OWES CANDOR AND FAIRNESS TO THE COURT
5.01 Lawyer’s duties to court, generally .............................. 1425.02 A Lawyer should be candid and truthful to court ....... 1435.03 A Lawyer shall do no falsehood .................................... 1455.04 A Lawyer should not misquote nor misrepresent ....... 1465.05 A Lawyer shall not misuse rules of procedure ............ 147
B. OBSERVING AND MAINTAINING RESPECT DUE THE COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
5.06 Respect due the courts .................................................. 1495.07 Obeying court orders ..................................................... 1505.08 Defending judges from unjust criticism ....................... 1525.09 A Lawyer shall appear in proper attire ....................... 1525.10 Lawyer shall be punctual ............................................. 1535.11 A lawyer shall abstain from offensive language or behavior ............................................ 1535.12 A Judge should be courteous to lawyer to merit respect ..................................................... 1565.13 Upholding court’s authority and dignity ..................... 1565.14 A Lawyer shall not attribute to a judge improper motives .................................................. 157
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5.15 A Lawyer shall submit grievances to proper authorities ............................................................. 158
C. ASSISTING THE COURT IN SPEEDY AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
5.16 Duty to assist in the administration of justice, generally ............................................................... 1595.17 A Lawyer should come to court adequately prepared ................................................................ 1595.18 A Lawyer shall not fi le multiple actions ...................... 1605.19 Lawyer shall not resort to forum shopping ................. 1615.20 Duty to disclose pending case ....................................... 1635.21 Verifi cation must be signed by party, not his counsel; exception .................................... 1635.22 Test to determine forum shopping ............................... 1645.23 Sanctions for violation .................................................. 1675.24 Lawyer to temper client’s propensity to litigate.......... 1685.25 A Lawyer shall fi le his pleadings within the period .............................................................. 1695.26 Duty to inform client’s death and change of counsel’s address .............................................. 1705.27 A Lawyer shall not delay nor impede execution of judgment .......................................... 1715.28 Lawyer to discourage appellate review ........................ 1725.29 A Lawyer shall not talk to a witness during recess .... 1735.30 A Lawyer shall not assist a witness to misrepresent ..................................................... 1745.31 Lawyer shall not harass a witness ............................... 1745.32 A Lawyer shall avoid testifying for a client ................. 174
D. AVOIDING IMPROPRIETY THAT TENDS TO INFLUENCE THE COURT
5.33 Lawyer should rely on merits of his case ..................... 1765.34 A Lawyer shall not extend hospitality to a judge ........ 1765.35 A Lawyer shall not publicly discuss pending cases ........................................................ 1775.36 Criticism of pending and concluded litigation ............. 1785.37 Limitations on right to criticism .................................. 1795.38 Right and duty of lawyer to criticize courts ................. 1795.39 A Lawyer shall not invite judicial interference ........... 181
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CHAPTER VI — NATURE AND CREATION OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
A. NATURE OF RELATION
6.01 Nature of client-relationship, generally....................... 1826.02 Relation as strictly personal ......................................... 1836.03 Relation as fi duciary and confi dential ......................... 1856.04 Rules protective of relation ........................................... 185
B. RETAINER OR EMPLOYMENT
6.05 Concept of term “retainer” ............................................ 1866.06 Necessity of retainer ..................................................... 1876.07 Suffi ciency of professional employment ....................... 1876.08 Employment of law fi rm ............................................... 1916.09 Who can employ attorney ............................................. 191
C. ETHICAL NORMS AND RESTRICTIONS
6.10 Generally ....................................................................... 1936.11 Lawyer shall ascertain possible confl ict of interests ............................................................ 1936.12 Duty to decline employment ......................................... 1946.13 A Lawyer shall preserve the secrets of a prospective client .................................................. 1956.14 Ethical considerations in taking bad case ................... 196
D. LAWYER MAY NOT REFUSE HIS SERVICES
6.15 Lawyer as advocate, generally ..................................... 1986.16 A Lawyer shall not decline to represent unpopular clients .................................................. 1996.17 A Lawyer shall not decline appointment by the court or by the IBP .................................... 2006.18 Frequent appointment of same counsel discouraged ........................................................... 2016.19 A Lawyer may refuse to represent indigent on valid grounds ................................................... 2026.20 A Lawyer shall observe the same standard for all clients ......................................................... 204
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CHAPTER VII — LAWYER’S DUTIES IN HANDLINGCLIENT’S CAUSE
A. ENTIRE DEVOTION WITHIN THE LAW
7.01 Generally ....................................................................... 2057.02 A Lawyer shall perform duty within the law .............. 2087.03 A Lawyer shall give candid advice on merits of case .. 2107.04 Duty to comply with client’s lawful request ................ 2117.05 Duty to restrain client from impropriety ..................... 2137.06 A Lawyer shall not undertake infl uence-peddling ...... 213
B. EMPLOYMENT OF HONORABLE MEANS
7.07 Duty to employ honorable means only ......................... 2137.08 Technical defense .......................................................... 2157.09 Prosecuting or defending matrimonial cases............... 2167.10 A Lawyer shall rectify client’s fraud ............................ 217
C. WHAT ARE REQUIRED TO PROTECT CLIENT’S INTERESTS
7.11 Generally ....................................................................... 2187.12 Duration and extent of lawyer’s duty to safeguard client’s interest .................................... 2197.13 A Lawyer shall render service only when qualifi ed to do so ................................................... 2207.14 A Lawyer shall not handle a case without adequate preparation ........................................... 2207.15 Preparation of pleadings ............................................... 2227.16 Interviewing witnesses ................................................. 2257.17 What to do in case of confl ict in trial dates.................. 2267.18 Adoption of system to insure receipt of mails.............. 2277.19 Notice of change of address .......................................... 2287.20 Notice of death of client ................................................ 2297.21 Requiring clerk of court to do his duty ........................ 2297.22 Duty to keep client fully informed ............................... 2307.23 What is required when moving for time to fi le pleading or to postpone hearing .......................... 2317.24 Diligence in handling case ............................................ 232
D. STANDARD OF DUTY IN CRIMINAL ACTIONS
7.25 Duty to render effective legal service ........................... 236
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7.26 What is required of counsel de ofi cio ............................ 2397.27 Duty of defense counsel when accused intends to plead guilty ......................................... 240
E. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO PERFORM DUTIES
7.28 Generally ....................................................................... 2447.29 Consequences to client for lawyer’s breach of duties .. 244
CHAPTER VIII — LAWYER’S FIDUCIARY
OBLIGATIONS
A. EFFECTS OF FIDUCIARY RELATION
8.01 Generally ....................................................................... 2468.02 Dealings with client closely scrutinized....................... 2468.03 Abuse of client’s confi dence .......................................... 2488.04 Rebates and commissions ............................................. 2498.05 A Lawyer shall not borrow from, nor lend money to, client ..................................................... 250
B. ACCOUNTING OF CLIENT’S FUNDS
8.06 A Lawyer shall account for client’s funds .................... 2518.07 A Lawyer shall not commingle client’s funds .............. 2568.08 A Lawyer shall deliver funds to client, subject to his lien .................................................. 257
C. RESTRICTION AGAINST BUYING CLIENT’S PROPERTY
8.09 Purchase of client’s property in litigation .................... 2588.10 Application of rule ......................................................... 2598.11 Where rule inapplicable ................................................ 2608.12 Effects of prohibited purchase ...................................... 2628.13 Purchase of choses in action ......................................... 263
CHAPTER IX — LAWYER’S DUTY TO PRESERVE
CLIENT’S CONFIDENCE
A. PRESERVATION OF CLIENT’S CONFIDENCE
9.01 Duty to preserve client’s confi dence, generally ........... 264
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9.02 Duration of duty ............................................................ 2669.03 Reason for the rule ........................................................ 2679.04 A Lawyer shall not use client’s secrets without his consent .............................................. 2679.05 A Lawyer shall not give information from his fi les ..... 2689.06 A Lawyer may disclose affairs of client to partners ............................................................ 2699.07 A Lawyer shall adopt measures against disclosures of client’s secrets ............................... 2699.08 A Lawyer shall avoid indiscreet conversation about client’s affairs ............................................. 2699.09 A Lawyer shall not reveal his having been consulted ............................................................... 270
B. SCOPE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE
9.10 Requisites of privilege ................................................... 2709.11 Relation of attorney and client ..................................... 2739.12 Confi dentiality ............................................................... 2759.13 Form or mode of communication .................................. 2769.14 Persons entitled to claim privilege ............................... 2769.15 Application of rule ......................................................... 2789.16 Privileged matters ......................................................... 2789.17 Matters not privileged .................................................. 2809.18 A Lawyer shall not reveal client’s confi dence .............. 282
C. EXCEPTIONS TO RULE ON PRIVILEGE
9.19 Exceptions to rule against disclosure of client’s secrets ................................................... 2859.20 Client’s waiver of privilege ........................................... 2859.21 Disclosure to protect attorney’s rights ......................... 2879.22 Communications as to crime ........................................ 2879.23 Communications as to fraud......................................... 290
CHAPTER X — LAWYER’S DUTIES OF FAIR DEALINGSAND AVOIDING CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
A. FAIRNESS IN DEALINGS WITH CLIENT
10.01 Duty to be candid, fair and loyal in all dealings with client, generally ............................. 29510.02 A Lawyer shall ascertain possible confl ict of interests ............................................... 296
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10.03 Duty to decline employment ......................................... 29610.04 A Lawyer shall preserve the secrets of a prospective client .................................................. 29810.05 A Lawyer may act as mediator ..................................... 298
B. REPRESENTING CONFLICTING INTERESTS
10.06 A Lawyer shall not represent confl icting interests ................................................................ 29910.07 Effect of termination of relation ................................... 30510.08 Materiality of confi dential information ....................... 30510.09 Foundation of, and reason for, the rule ....................... 30610.10 Opposing clients in same or related suits .................... 30710.11 Opposing clients in unrelated actions .......................... 30910.12 New client against former client .................................. 31010.13 Confl icting duties .......................................................... 31210.14 Attorney’s interest versus client’s interest .................. 31310.15 Rule applicable to law fi rm ........................................... 31310.16 Limitations on general rule .......................................... 31410.17 Where no confl ict of interests exists ............................ 31410.18 Where clients knowingly consent ................................. 31510.19 Where no true attorney-client relationship exists ................................................ 31710.20 Effects of representation of confl icting interests ........ 318
CHAPTER XI – AUTHORITY OF ATTORNEY
A. IN GENERAL
11.01 Power to bind client, generally ..................................... 32011.02 Attorney as agent of client ............................................ 32111.03 Collection of claims ....................................................... 32211.04 Acceptance of service of summons ............................... 32311.05 Delegation of authority ................................................. 32411.06 Delegation of legal work ............................................... 324
B. AUTHORITY TO APPEAR
11.07 Generally ....................................................................... 32511.08 Appearance .................................................................... 32611.09 General and special appearance .................................. 32711.10 Presumption of authority ............................................. 32811.11 Presumption disputable ................................................ 33011.12 Disclosure of authority.................................................. 331
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11.13 Effects of unauthorized appearance ............................. 33111.14 Ratifi cation of unauthorized appearance ..................... 332
C. CONDUCT OF LITIGATION
11.15 Generally ....................................................................... 33311.16 Determination of procedural questions ....................... 33511.17 Making admissions ....................................................... 33511.18 Entering into stipulations ............................................ 33711.19 Agreement as to what witness would testify ............... 33911.20 Compromise of cause of action ..................................... 34011.21 Effect of want of special authority ............................... 34211.22 Ratifi cation of unauthorized compromise .................... 34311.23 Confession of judgment ................................................. 34511.24 Dismissal of action or withdrawal of appeal ............... 34511.25 Client’s right to dismiss or compromise action............ 34711.26 Limitations on client’s right ......................................... 34811.27 Authority after judgment ............................................. 349
D. MATTERS IMPUTED TO CLIENT
11.28 Knowledge acquired by attorney .................................. 35011.29 Notice to counsel as notice to client ............................. 35011.30 Notice to one as notice to other counsel; Exceptions ............................................................. 35311.31 Exceptions to rule that notice to counsel is notice to client ................................................... 35411.32 Mode of service of notice ............................................... 35611.33 Personal service preferred; explanation required ....... 35811.34 Mistake or negligence of counsel binding upon client ............................................................ 35911.35 Exceptions to rule that negligence of counsel binds client ............................................................ 363
CHAPTER XII — TERMINATION OF ATTORNEY’S AUTHORITY AND CHANGE OF COUNSEL
A. TERMINATION OF COUNSEL’S AUTHORITY
12.01 Generally ....................................................................... 36912.02 Limitations on client’s right ......................................... 37012.03 Necessity of notice of discharge .................................... 37112.04 Effect of discharge of attorney ...................................... 372
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12.05 Death or incapacity of client ......................................... 37312.06 A Lawyer shall withdraw only for good cause ............. 37412.07 Grounds for withdrawal without client’s consent ........................................................................... 37512.08 Procedure for withdrawal ............................................. 37912.09 Death of attorney .......................................................... 38012.10 Acceptance of incompatible offi ce ................................. 381
B. CHANGE OR SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
12.11 Change of counsel ......................................................... 38112.12 Requirements for substitution ..................................... 38212.13 Defective substitution and effects thereof ................... 38312.14 Employment of additional counsel ............................... 384
CHAPTER XIII — COMPENSATION OF ATTORNEY
A. RIGHT TO ATTORNEY’S FEES
13.01 Generally ....................................................................... 38613.02 Right to protection of counsel fees ............................... 38713.03 Requisites for right to accrue ....................................... 38813.04 Written agreement ........................................................ 38813.05 Quantum meruit ........................................................... 38913.06 Who is liable for attorney’s fees ................................... 39013.07 Liability of persons benefi ted by counsel’s services .... 39113.08 Liability of assignee ...................................................... 39213.09 Liability in labor cases .................................................. 39213.10 Liability in derivative suits .......................................... 39313.11 Liability in receivership proceedings ........................... 39313.12 Liability in trusteeship or guardianship proceedings ........................................................... 39413.13 Liability in estate proceedings ..................................... 39413.14 Who are entitled to or to share in attorney’s fees ....... 39613.15 Non-lawyer not entitled to fees .................................... 39713.16 Restrictions on some lawyers to charge fees ............... 39813.17 Right of counsel de ofi cio to fees ................................... 39913.18 Attorney’s conduct affecting his right to fees .............. 39913.19 Withdrawal of counsel from the case ........................... 40013.20 Representation of adverse interests ............................. 40113.21 Lawyer’s right unaffected by client’s conduct ............. 40213.22 Attorney’s discharge by client ...................................... 40213.23 Client’s dismissal of action ........................................... 403
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13.24 Client’s compromise of action ....................................... 404
B. CONTRACT FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES
13.25 Generally ....................................................................... 40413.26 Kinds of retainer: general and special ......................... 40513.27 Validity of contract ........................................................ 40613.28 Effect of nullity of contract ........................................... 40713.29 Effect of unconscionability of amount .......................... 40713.30 Contingent fee contract................................................. 40813.31 Validity of contingent fee .............................................. 41013.32 Effect of agreement to pay litigation expenses ............ 41113.33 Construction of professional contract .......................... 412
C. MEASURE OF COMPENSATION
13.34 Amount fi xed in valid contract ..................................... 41413.35 Amount based on quantum meruit .............................. 41413.36 Where agreement is invalid.......................................... 41513.37 Where amount stipulated is unconscionable ............... 41513.38 Where there is no express contract .............................. 41613.39 Where attorney and client disregard contract............. 41713.40 Where counsel is precluded from concluding litigation ............................................. 41713.41 Factors taken into account ........................................... 41713.42 Nature of services ......................................................... 41913.43 Skill and standing of attorney ...................................... 42013.44 Value of interest involved ............................................. 42113.45 Loss of opportunity for other employment................... 42213.46 Diffi culty of issues involved .......................................... 42213.47 Test case ........................................................................ 42313.48 Results secured ............................................................. 42313.49 Whether fee is contingent ............................................. 42413.50 Capacity of clients to pay .............................................. 42413.51 Statutory limitation as to fees ...................................... 42513.52 Fees in cases of referral ................................................ 42613.53 A Lawyer shall not receive fee from another without client’s consent .......................... 42613.54 A Lawyer shall avoid controversies with clients concerning his fees ................................... 427
D. PROCEDURE TO RECOVER FEES
13.55 Generally ....................................................................... 427
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13.56 Lawyer’s application to pay his fees ............................ 42813.57 Petition as incident of main action .............................. 42813.58 Independent civil action ............................................... 43013.59 Remedies in estate proceedings ................................... 43013.60 Court jurisdiction .......................................................... 43213.61 Necessity of hearing ...................................................... 43313.62 Defenses ......................................................................... 43413.63 Execution ....................................................................... 434
E. ATTORNEY’S FEES AS DAMAGES
13.64 Two concepts of attorney’s fees compared ................... 43513.65 Fee as damages not recoverable — general rule ......... 43613.66 Fees as damages recoverable — exception to rule ...... 43713.67 Right to private counsel, a precondition ...................... 44213.68 Award of attorney’s fees discretionary ......................... 44213.69 Pleading and practice ................................................... 443
CHAPTER XIV — ATTORNEY’S LIENS
A. IN GENERAL
14.01 Generally ....................................................................... 44514.02 Retaining and charging liens distinguished ................ 446
B. RETAINING LIEN
14.03 Defi nition ....................................................................... 44614.04 Nature and essence of retaining lien ........................... 44714.05 Requisites for validity ................................................... 44714.06 Property to which lien attaches.................................... 44814.07 When lien attaches........................................................ 44914.08 Bond for return of documents ....................................... 44914.09 Extinguishment of retaining lien ................................. 45014.10 Satisfaction of lien......................................................... 450
C. CHARGING LIEN
14.11 Nature and essence of charging lien ............................ 45114.12 Requisites for validity of charging lien ........................ 45214.13 Recordal and notice of lien............................................ 45314.14 To what charging lien attaches .................................... 45614.15 Effects of charging lien ................................................. 457
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14.16 Extinguishment of charging lien .................................. 45814.17 Assignment of charging lien ......................................... 45914.18 Satisfaction of judgment ............................................... 46014.19 Enforcement .................................................................. 460
CHAPTER XV — LIABILITIES OF ATTORNEY
A. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
15.01 Degree of care required ................................................. 46115.02 Civil liability to client ................................................... 46115.03 Liability for breach of fi duciary obligations ................. 46315.04 Civil liability to third party; no counterclaim against him ........................................................... 46315.05 Libelous words in pleadings; privileged communication ..................................................... 46415.06 Liability for costs of suit ............................................... 466
B. CRIMINAL LIABILITY
15.07 Prejudicing client or revealing his secrets ................... 46615.08 Representing adverse interests .................................... 46715.09 Introducing false evidence ............................................ 46815.10 Misappropriating client’s funds ................................... 468
C. CONTEMPT OF COURT
15.11 Nature and purpose ...................................................... 46815.12 Kinds of contempt ......................................................... 46915.13 Acts constituting contempt ........................................... 47015.14 Misbehavior ................................................................... 47015.15 Disobedience .................................................................. 47115.16 Publication concerning pending litigation ................... 47115.17 Publication tending to degrade the court; disrespectful language in pleadings .................... 47215.18 Misleading the court or obstructing justice ................. 47315.19 Unauthorized practice of law ....................................... 47415.20 Belligerent attitude ....................................................... 47415.21 Unlawful retention of client’s funds ............................. 47415.22 Penalty for direct contempt; remedy ............................ 47515.23 Charge and hearing in indirect contempt .................... 47515.24 Penalty ........................................................................... 479
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CHAPTER XVI — SUSPENSION AND DISBARMENT
A. IN GENERAL
16.01 Generally ....................................................................... 48216.02 Authority to discipline .................................................. 48216.03 Purpose of disciplinary proceedings ............................. 48316.04 Administrative cases against lawyers a class of their own .................................................. 48516.05 Duty to discipline or protect lawyers ........................... 486
B. GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE
16.06 Generally ....................................................................... 48816.07 Enumerated grounds not exclusive .............................. 48916.08 Misconduct before or incident to admission ................ 49116.09 Misconduct committed outside Philippine jurisdiction…………………………… ........... 492
C. BREACH OF DUTIES TO COURT
16.10 Generally ....................................................................... 49916.11 Obstructing justice and abuse of legal process ............ 49916.12 Misleading the court ..................................................... 50116.13 Forum shopping ............................................................ 50216.14 Preferring false charges ................................................ 50316.15 Introducing false evidence ............................................ 50516.16 Blackmail; Violation of Canon 19 ................................. 50916.17 Willfully disobeying court orders and disrespect to court ................................................ 51016.18 Using vicious or disrespectful language ...................... 51616.19 Continuing to practice after suspension…………….. .. 518
D. BREACH OF DUTIES TO CLIENT
16.20 Generally ....................................................................... 51816.21 Negligence in the performance of duties ..................... 51816.22 Employment of unlawful means................................... 52516.23 Deceit or misrepresentation ......................................... 52616.24 Representing adverse interests and revealing client’s secrets ....................................................... 52716.25 Purchasing client’s property in litigation .................... 52916.26 Failing to account or misappropriating client’s property .................................................... 530
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16.27 Collecting unreasonable fees ........................................ 53216.28 Acting without authority .............................................. 53316.29 Willfully appearing without being retained ................ 533
E. BREACH OF DUTIES TO THE BAR
16.30 Unethical conduct, generally ........................................ 53416.31 Defaming fellow lawyers............................................... 53416.32 Communicating with adverse party ............................. 53516.33 Encroaching upon business of another ........................ 53516.34 Soliciting business......................................................... 53616.35 Advertising .................................................................... 53616.36 Cooperating in illegal practice of law........................... 53616.37 Nonpayment of IBP dues .............................................. 537
F. OTHER GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE
16.38 Nonprofessional misconduct, generally ....................... 53716.39 Gross immorality........................................................... 53916.40 Conviction of crime involving moral turpitude ........... 54916.41 Promoting to violate or violating penal laws ............... 55516.42 Misconduct in the discharge of duties as a public offi cer .................................................. 55516.43 Commission of fraud or falsehood ................................ 55816.44 Misconduct as notary public ......................................... 56016.45 Other grounds for discipline…………………………… . 565
CHAPTER XVII — PROCEDURE FOR DISCIPLINEAND REINSTATEMENT
A. INVESTIGATION OF CHARGES
17.01 Nature of proceedings ................................................... 56617.02 Proceedings are confi dential ......................................... 56817.03 Who and how instituted ................................................ 56917.04 Action on, and investigation of, complaint .................. 57117.05 Report of investigator and decision by Board of Governors ............................................... 57317.06 Proceedings in the Supreme Court and by other courts ...................................................... 57617.07 Res Ipsa Loquitur .......................................................... 57717.08 Defenses generally ........................................................ 57717.09 Executive pardon .......................................................... 581
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17.10 Desistance of complainant ............................................ 58117.11 Privileged communications........................................... 58317.12 Presumption; burden of proof; evidence required ................................................. 58417.13 Modifying circumstances .............................................. 58617.14 Judgment ....................................................................... 58717.15 Dismissal of case ........................................................... 58817.16 Disciplinary sanctions; basic considerations ............... 58917.17 Effects of suspension or disbarment ............................ 59317.18 Reinstatement ............................................................... 59317.19 Matters taken into account .......................................... 59417.20 Effect of reinstatement ................................................. 596
CHAPTER XVIII — NEW CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT
18.01 Preliminary ................................................................. 59718.02 New Code of Judicial Conduct .................................... 597
A. UPHOLDING THE INTEGRITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY
18.03 Generally .................................................................... 60618.04 Who is a judge ............................................................. 60718.05 What a judge should be, generally ............................. 607
B. AVOIDING IMPROPRIETY OR APPEARANCE THEREOF
18.06 A judge should be free from impropriety and appearance thereof ...................................... 61018.07 A judge exhibit the cold neutrality of impartial judge ................................................... 61118.08 Judge’s demeanor in social functions ......................... 613
C. PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES
18.09 Generally…………………………………………………. 61418.10 A judge should be a man of learning .......................... 61418.11 A judge should be a visible representation of law and justice ................................................ 61518.12 Fitting dignity and decorum ....................................... 61618.13 Attitude toward lawyers, litigants or witnesses ....... 617
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18.14 Judge should not resort to intemperate language .............................................................. 61818.15 Questioning witnesses ................................................ 62018.16 Undue interference in questioning witnesses ........... 62218.17 Compulsory disqualifi cation of a judge ...................... 62218.18 Voluntary disqualifi cation .......................................... 62418.19 Procedure for disqualifi cation .................................... 62918.20 Prompt disposition of cases ........................................ 63018.21 Adjudication of cases ................................................... 63218.22 Dispensation of criminal justice ................................. 63518.23 Rendition of judgment ................................................ 636
D. ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN DISCHARGEOF JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS
18.24 Personal or private relations, generally .................... 63818.25 Judge should not practice law .................................... 63918.26 Personal investments .................................................. 64018.27 Prohibited acts and transactions ............................... 64118.28 Restriction against accepting certain employment ........................................................ 64218.29 Prohibition against soliciting gifts ............................. 64318.30 Restriction against using public offi ce to promote private interest ................................ 64418.31 Financial disclosure and divestment ......................... 64518.32 Extra-judicial appointments ....................................... 64818.33 Prohibition against partisan political activities ........ 64918.34 Municipal Judge acting as notary public ................... 651
CHAPTER XIX — LIABILITIES OF JUDGES
A. IN GENERAL
19.01 Judges are not liable, generally ................................. 653
B. CIVIL LIABILITY
19.02 When civilly liable, generally ..................................... 65419.03 Statutory basis of civil liability .................................. 65519.04 Liability arising from bad faith .................................. 65919.05 Immunity of state from suit, as defense of public offi cial ..................................... 66119.06 Liability for unexplained wealth ................................ 662
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C. CRIMINAL LIABILITIES UNDER THE REVISED PENAL CODE
19.07 Criminal liability, generally ....................................... 66419.08 Knowingly rendering unjust judgment ...................... 66419.09 Judgment rendered through negligence .................... 66519.10 Unjust interlocutory order .......................................... 66519.11 Malicious delay in the administration of justice ....... 66619.12 Direct bribery .............................................................. 66619.13 Indirect bribery ........................................................... 66819.14 Infi delity in the custody of documents ....................... 66819.15 Open disobedience ....................................................... 66919.16 Prolonging performance of duties and powers .......... 66919.17 Abandonment of offi ce or position .............................. 66919.18 Usurpation of legislative powers ................................ 67019.19 Usurpation of executive functions .............................. 67019.20 Disobeying request for disqualifi cation ..................... 67019.21 Abuses against chastity .............................................. 67019.22 Falsifi cation by public offi cer, employee, or notary or ecclesiastical minister ................... 671
D. CRIMINAL LIABILITY UNDER THE ANTI-GRAFT ACT
19.23 Section 3(a), RA 3019, as amended ........................... 67219.24 Section 3(b), RA 3019, as amended ........................... 67219.25 Section 3(c), RA 3019, as amended ............................ 67319.26 Section 3(d), RA 3019, as amended ........................... 67319.27 Section 3(e), RA 3019, as amended ............................ 67319.28 Section 3(f), RA 3019, as amended ............................. 67619.29 Statement of assets and liabilities ............................. 67719.30 Penalties for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act .................................. 679
E. OTHER CRIMES OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
19.31 Crime of plunder ......................................................... 68019.32 Violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Offi cials .............................................. 68119.33 Violation of PD 46 ....................................................... 68119.34 Transfer of unlawfully acquired property.................. 68219.35 Violation of right to counsel........................................ 68219.36 Election offenses .......................................................... 683
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F. ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY
19.37 Generally .................................................................... 68519.38 Authority to discipline ................................................ 68619.39 Administrative charges, generally ............................. 68619.40 Classifi cations of charges in serious, less serious and light charges ............................ 68719.41 Serious charges .......................................................... 68819.42 Commission of more than one less serious offense ... 70819.43 Less serious charges ................................................... 70919.44 Light charges ............................................................... 71819.45 Resort to judicial remedies required, in some administrative cases ............................. 718
G. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
19.46 How proceedings are instituted.................................. 74419.47 Action on the complaint .............................................. 74519.48 By whom complaint investigated ............................... 74619.49 Hearing…………………………………………………… 74719.50 Report and recommendation………………………….. 74819.51 Quantum of evidence required ................................... 74819.52 Res ipsa loquitur ......................................................... 75119.53 Decision; sanction ....................................................... 75219.54 Confi dentiality of proceedings .................................... 75419.55 Reinstatement of judge previously dismissed ........... 755
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
RULES OF COURT
RULE 138 — ATTORNEYS AND ADMISSION TO THE BAR
Section 1. Who may practice law .................................... 756Section 2. Requirements for all applicants for admission to the bar .............................. 756Section 3. Requirement for lawyers who are citizens of the United States of America ........... 756Section 4. Requirements for applicants from other jurisdictions ........................................... 757
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Section 5. Additional requirements for other applicants ............................................... 757Section 6. Pre-law ............................................................ 757Section 7. Time for fi ling proof of qualifi cations ........... 758Section 8. Notice of application ..................................... 758Section 9. Examinations; subjects .................................. 758Section 10. Bar examination, by questions and answers, and in writing ....................... 758Section 11. Annual examination .................................... 759Section 12. Committee of examiners .............................. 759Section 13. Disciplinary measures ................................ 759Section 14. Passing average ........................................... 759Section 15. Report of the committee; fi ling of examination papers ........................... 759Section 16. Failing candidates to take review course .... 760Section 17. Admission and oath of successful applicants ............................................... 760Section 18. Certifi cate .................................................... 760Section 19. Attorney’s roll ............................................... 760Section 20. Duties of attorney ......................................... 760Section 21. Authority of attorney to appear ................... 761Section 22. Attorney who appears in lower court presumed to represent client on appeal ................................................ 761Section 23. Authority of attorneys to bind clients ......... 762Section 24. Compensation of attorneys; agreement as to fees ................................................. 762Section 25. Unlawful retention of client’s funds; contempt................................................. 762Section 26. Change of attorneys ..................................... 762Section 27. Disbarment or suspension of attorneys by Supreme Court, grounds therefor .... 763Section 28. Suspension of attorney by the Court of Appeals or Court of First Instance ....... 763Section 29. Upon suspension by Court of Appeals or Court of First Instance, further proceedings in Supreme Court 763Section 30. Attorney to be heard before removal or suspension ......................................... 763Section 31. Attorneys for destitute litigants ................. 764Section 32. Compensation for attorneys de ofi cio .......... 764Section 33. Standing in court of persons authorized to appear for government ...................... 764
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Section 34. By whom litigation conducted .................... 764Section 35. Certain attorneys not to practice ............... 764Section 36. Amicus curiae ............................................... 764
Section 37. Attorney’s lien .............................................. 764
RULE 139-B — DISBARMENT AND DISCIPLINE OF ATTORNEYS
Section 1. How instituted ........................................... 765
A. Proceedings in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Section 2. National Grievance Investigators ................. 766Section 3. Duties of the National Grievance Investigator ............................................ 766Section 4. Chapter assistance to complainant ............... 766Section 5. Service or dismissal ....................................... 766Section 6. Verifi cation and service of answer ................ 767Section 7. Administrative counsel .................................. 767Section 8. Investigation .................................................. 767Section 9. Depositions .................................................... 768Section 10. Report of investigator ................................. 768Section 11. Defects .......................................................... 768Section 12. Review and decision by the Board of Governors ........................................... 768
B. Proceedings in the Supreme Court
Section 13. Investigation by Solicitor General............... 769Section 14. Report of the Solicitor General or other Court designated Investigator .............. 769
C. Common Provisions
Section 15. Suspension of attorney by Supreme Court . 770Section 16. Suspension of attorney by the Court of Appeals or a Regional Trial Court ........ 770Section 17. Upon suspension by Court of Appeals or Regional Trial Court, further proceedings in Supreme Court ............. 770Section 18. Confi dentiality .............................................. 770Section 19. Expenses ....................................................... 770
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Section 20. Effectivity and Transitory Provision .......... 771
RULE 140 — DISCIPLINE OF JUDGES OF REGULAR AND SPECIAL COURTS AND JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND THE SANDIGANBAYAN
Section 1. How instituted ............................................... 771Section 2. Action on the complaint ................................ 771Section 3. By whom complaint investigated .................. 771Section 4. Hearing .......................................................... 772Section 5. Report ............................................................. 772Section 6. Action ............................................................. 772Section 7. Classifi cation of charges ............................... 772Section 8. Serious charges ............................................. 772Section 9. Less serious charges ..................................... 773Section 10. Light charges ............................................... 773Section 11. Sanctions ..................................................... 773Section 12. Confi dentiality of proceedings .................... 774
APPENDIX B
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Chapter I — THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY
Canon 1 ................................................................................. 775Canon 2 ................................................................................. 775Canon 3 ................................................................................. 776Canon 4 ................................................................................. 776Canon 5 ................................................................................. 776Canon 6 ................................................................................. 777
Chapter II — THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION
Canon 7 ................................................................................. 777Canon 8 ................................................................................. 777Canon 9 ................................................................................. 778
Chapter III — THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS
Canon 10 ................................................................................. 778Canon 11 ................................................................................. 779
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Canon 12 ................................................................................. 779Canon 13 ................................................................................. 780
Chapter IV — THE LAWYER AND THE CLIENT
Canon 14 ................................................................................. 780Canon 15 ................................................................................. 781Canon 16 ................................................................................. 782Canon 17 ................................................................................. 782Canon 18 ................................................................................. 782Canon 19 ................................................................................. 783Canon 20 ................................................................................. 783Canon 21 ................................................................................. 784Canon 22 ................................................................................. 785
APPENDIX C
CANONS OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
PREAMBLE
1. The duty of the lawyer to the courts .............................. 786 2. The selection of judges .................................................... 787 3. Attempts to exert personal infl uence of the court ......... 787 4. Counsel for an indigent prisoner .................................... 787 5. The defense or prosecution of those accused of crime ...................................................... 787 6. Adverse infl uence and confl icting interests ................... 788 7. Professional colleagues and confl icts of opinions ........... 788 8. Advising upon the merits of a client’s cause .................. 789 9. Negotiations with opposite party ................................... 78910. Acquiring interest in litigation ...................................... 78911. Dealing with trust property ............................................ 78912. Fixing the amount of the fee ........................................... 79013. Contingent fees ................................................................ 79014. Suing a client for a fee..................................................... 79015. How far a lawyer may go in supporting a client’s cause ........................................................... 79116. Restraining clients from improprieties .......................... 79117. Ill-feelings and personalities between advocates ......... 79118. Treatment of witnesses and litigants ............................. 79219. Appearance of lawyer as witness for his client .............. 79220. Newspaper discussion of pending litigation .................. 792
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21. Punctuality and expedition ............................................. 79222. Candor and fairness ........................................................ 79223. Attitude towards jury ...................................................... 79324. Right of lawyer to control the incidents of the trial ................................................................ 79325. Taking technical advantage of opposite counsel; agreements with him .............................................. 79426. Professional advocacy other than before courts............. 79427. Advertising, direct or indirect......................................... 79428. Stirring up litigation, directly or through agents .......... 79529. Upholding the honor of the profession ........................... 79530. Justifi able and unjustifi able litigations ........................ 79631. Responsibility for litigation ............................................ 79632. The lawyer’s duty in its last analysis ............................. 79633. Partnership — names .................................................... 79734. Division of fee .................................................................. 79735. Intermediaries ................................................................. 79736. Retirement from judicial position or public employment .................................................. 79837. Confi dence of a client ...................................................... 79838. Compensation, commissions and rebates ...................... 79839. Witness............................................................................. 79940. Newspapers...................................................................... 79941. Discovery of imposition and deception ........................... 79942. Expenses .......................................................................... 79943. Approved law lists ........................................................... 79944. Withdrawal from employment as attorney or counsel ................................................................ 79945. Specialists ........................................................................ 80046. Notice of specialized legal service ................................... 80047. Aiding the unauthorized practice of law ........................ 800
APPENDIX D
CANONS OF JUDICIAL ETHICS(Administrative Order No. 162, dated 1 August 1946
of the Department [Ministry] of Justice)
1. Relations of the judiciary ................................................ 801 2. The public interest .......................................................... 801 3. Avoidance of appearance of impropriety ........................ 801 4. Essential conduct ............................................................ 802 5. Industry ........................................................................... 802
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6. Promptness ...................................................................... 802 7. Punctuality ...................................................................... 802 8. Court organization .......................................................... 802 9. Consideration for witnesses and others ......................... 80210. Courtesy and civility ....................................................... 80211. Appointments of the judiciary and their Compensation ......................................................... 80312. Kinship or infl uence of parties and counsel .................. 80313. Independence ................................................................... 80314. Interference in conduct of trial ....................................... 80315. Ex parte applications ...................................................... 80416. Continuances ................................................................... 80417. Judicial opinions .............................................................. 80418. Infl uence of decisions upon the development of the law ........................................... 80519. Idiosyncrasies and inconsistency .................................... 80520. Review .............................................................................. 80521. Legislation ....................................................................... 80622. Infractions of law ............................................................. 80623. Inconsistent obligations .................................................. 80624. Business promotions and solicitations for charity ................................................................ 80625. Personal investments and relations ............................... 80626. Executorships and trusteeships ..................................... 80727. Partisan politics ............................................................... 80728. Self-interest ..................................................................... 80729. Gifts and favors ............................................................... 80830. Social relations ................................................................ 80831. A summary of judicial obligations .................................. 808
APPENDIX E
CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT
PREAMBLE
Canon 1 ..................................................................................... 809Canon 2 ..................................................................................... 809Canon 3 ..................................................................................... 810 Administrative responsibilities ...................................... 811 Disqualifi cations ............................................................. 811 Remittal of Disqualifi cation ........................................... 812Canon 4 ..................................................................................... 812
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Canon 5 ..................................................................................... 813 A vocational, civic and charitable activities ................... 813 Financial activities .......................................................... 813 Fiduciary activities .......................................................... 814 Practice of law and other profession .............................. 814 Financial disclosure ........................................................ 814 Extra-judicial appointments ........................................... 814 Political activities ............................................................ 814 Compliance with the code of judicial conduct ................ 815 Date of effectivity ............................................................ 815
APPENDIX F
RULES ON MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
(MCLE) FOR MEMBERS OF THE IBP
Rule 1 — PURPOSE
Section 1. Purpose of the MCLE ..................................... 816 Rule 2 — MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (MCLE)
Section 1. Constitution of the MCLE committee ........... 816 Section 2. Requirements of Completion of MCLE ......... 816
Rule 3 — COMPLIANCE PERIOD
Section 1. Initial compliance period ............................... 817Section 2. Compliance Group 1 ....................................... 817Section 3. Compliance Group 2 ....................................... 817Section 4. Compliance Group 3 ....................................... 817Section 5. Compliance period for members admitted or readmitted after establishment of the program ........................................... 817
Rule 4 — COMPUTATION OF CREDIT UNITS
Section 1. Guidelines ...................................................... 818 Section 2. Limitation on certain credit units ................. 819
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Rule 5 — CATEGORIES OF CREDIT
Section 1. Classes of credits ............................................ 819 Section 2. Claim for participatory credit ........................ 820 Section 3. Claim for non-participatory credit ............... 820
Rule 6 — COMPUTATION OF CREDIT HOURS
Section 1. Computation of credit hours .......................... 820
Rule 7 — EXEMPTIONS
Section 1. Parties exempted from the MCLE ................ 820Section 2. Other parties exempted from the MCLE ..... 821Section 3. Good cause for exemption from or modifi cation of requirement .................. 821Section 4. Change of status ............................................. 822Section 5. Proof of exemption ......................................... 822
Rule 8 — STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Section 1. Approval of MCLE program .......................... 822 Section 2. Standards for all education activities ........... 822
Rule 9 — APPROVAL OF PROVIDERS
Section 1. Approval of providers ..................................... 823Section 2. Requirements for approval of providers ....... 823Section 3. Requirements of all providers ....................... 823Section 4. Renewal of provider approval ....................... 824Section 5. Revocation of provider approval ................... 824
Rule 10 — ACTIVITY AND PROVIDER APPROVAL FEE
Section 1. Payment of fees ............................................. 824
Rule 11 — GENERAL COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
Section 1. Compliance card ............................................ 824 Section 2. Member record keeping requirement ........... 825
Rule 12 — NON-COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
Section 1. What constitutes non-compliance ................ 825
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Section 2. Non-compliance notice and 60-day period to attain compliance ................... 825
Rule 13 — CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
Section 1. Non-compliance fee ........................................ 826 Section 2. Listing as delinquent member ....................... 826
Rule 14 — REINSTATEMENT
Section 1. Process ........................................................... 826Section 2. Termination of delinquent listing administrative process .......................... 826
Rule 15 — MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Section 1. Composition ................................................... 827 Section 2. Duty of the Committee .................................. 827 Section 3. Staff of the IBP ............................................... 827 Section 4. Submission of annual budget ....................... 827
