UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF LAW

LAW 120. LEGAL PROFESSION

Second Semester AY 2019 - 2020

Prof. M S Feliciano

Primary Sources: Constitution; Rules of Court; Code of Professional Responsibility,

New Code of Judicial Conduct; Supreme Court Decisions. The references to articles
and materials are available in the Reserve Section.

References: Agpalo, Ruben, The Code of Professional Responsibility (2009)

Freeland, Deborah M.H., Recovering the Lost Lawyer, 2014 JOURNAL
OF THE PROFESSIONAL Law (2014)
Kruse, Katherine R., Lawyers in Character and Lawyers in Role, 10
NEVADA L. J. 393 (Spring, 2010)
Romero, Flerida Ruth P., Morality and coverage in the legal profession
(Excerpts from speech before UP WILOCI, 02 September 2016)
Philippine Star, 16 October 2016, p. 18-19.
Elliston, Frank A. The Ethics and Ethics Tests for Lawyers, in M. DAVIS
AND F.A. ELLISTON, ETHICS AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION 50-61 (1986)

LEGAL PROFESSION

A. Supervision and Control

Supreme Court – Constitution Art. VIII, sec. 5 (5)
Congress – Constitution Art. XII, sec. 14 (2) Art. XVIII, sec. 10
- In the matter of the IBP, S. Ct. Resolution dated 09 January 1973, 49
SCRA 22 (1973)
- In re Cunanan 94 Phil 534 (1954)

B. Practice of Law – a mere privilege and not a right

- Cayetano v. Monsod, G.R. No. 10013, 03 September 1991, 201 SCRA
210 (1991)
- In re Michael Medado to Sign Roll of Attorneys After Taking Oath, B.M.
No. 2540, 24 September 2013, 706 SCRA 264 (2013)
- Paguia v. Office of the President, G.R. No. 1762-78, 22 June 2010, 621
SCRA 600 (2010)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW

A. Legal Education
1

Pre-Law: Rules of Court, Rule 138 sec. 6

Page

In re Diao, A.C. No. 244, 29 March 1963

Law Proper: Rules of Court, Rule 138 sec. 5
Republic Act No. 7662 (1993) – Legal Education Reform Act
LEB, Policies and Standards of Legal Education and Manual of Regulations
for Law Schools (2011) (available at Reserve Section)
 LEB Memorandum No. 2, April 30, 2013, Part I -. Additional Rules in the
Operation of the Law Program; Part II – Ethical Standards of Conduct for
Law Professors (Available at Reserve Section)
LEB Memorandum Circular 2018, June 8, 2018 – PHILSAT Eligibility
Requirement for Freshman in the Academic Year 2018-2019, Oscar
Pimentel, et. al v. LEB, GR No. 230642 and 242954, March 12, 2019
(Notice)
BM No. 1552-A, Guidelines on Legal Apprenticeship in the Supreme Court
and Other Collegiate Courts, 03 July 2002
A.M. No. 15-04-03-SC, Re Letters of Justice Jose C. Vitug, Founding Dean of
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) School of Law, and of Judge Ave A.
Zurbito-Alba, Municipal Trial Court, Daraga, Albay, dated 29 January
2015, 16 June 2015
A.M. No. 17-03-09-SC, 23 October 2017, Rule on Community Legal Aid
Service – includes those who will pass the 2017 Bar Examinations and are
admitted to the Bar in 2018
Patrick Coronaro v. Richard Coronaro, A.C. No. 11316, 12 July 2016

B. Citizenship
Constitution, Art. IV, secs. 3-5; Art. XII sec. 14(2)
Republic Act No. 9225 (2003) – Dual Citizenship Act
Petition to Re-Acquire the Privilege to Practice of Law by Epifanio Muneses,
B.M. No. 2112, July 24, 2012, with accompanying Supreme Court
Resolution En Banc, July 24, 2012

C. Bar Examinations
Rules of Court 138, secs. 7-16
Bar Matter No. 1153, March 9, 2010, Re: Letter of Atty. Estelito P. Mendoza
Proposing Reforms in the Bar Examinations Through Amendments to Rule
138, secs. 5 & 6 of the Rules of Court
Reforms in the Bar Examinations, B.M. No. 1161, June 8, 2004 (Reserved
Section)
2010 Bar Matter No. 2265, January 28, 2001 re Reforms in the Bar
Examinations
Bar Matter No. 2502, March 20, 2012
Re: 2003 Bar Examinations, Atty. Daniel de Guzman, B.M. No. 1722, April
24, 2009

Read: F.P. Feliciano, Random Reflections on the Bar, Corruption, and the
Practice of Law, 58 PHIL. L.J. 225-240 (2012)

D. Good Moral Character as a Prerequisite to Bar Admission

In re Al C. Argosino, B.M. No. 712, July 13, 1995, 246 SCRA 14 (1995)
In the Matter of the Disqualification of Bar Examinee Haron S. Meling in the
2

2002 Bar Examinations, B.M. No. 1154, June 8, 2004, 431 SCRA 146
Page

(2004)

See also Dela Fuente Torres v. Dalangin, AC No. 10758, December 5, 2017.
(leading lives after with the highest moral standards of the community)
 E. Law Student Practice Rule
Revised Rule 138-A, Law Student Practice, A.M. No. 19-03-24-SC takes
effect at the start of Academic Year, 2020-2021, following its publication in
2 newspapers of general circulation

F. Non-Lawyers Authorized to Appear in Courts/Quasi-Judicial Agencies

Rules of Court, Rule 138, secs. 33 & 34
Act No. 2259 (Cadastral Act), sec. 9
Labor Code, art. 222
Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) – RA 6657 as
amended by RA 9700, Rule VIII, sec. 1
Local Government Code (RA 7160 [1991]), sec. 415
Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC, effective
October 1, 2008, sec. 17

G. Restrictions/Prohibitions on Government Lawyers

- Who are public officials who cannot practice law
- Constitution, Art. VIII, sec. 13 – President, Vice-President, Members of the
Cabinet, their deputies and assistants
- Members of the Constitutional Commissions, Art. IX-A, sec. 2
- Const., art. IX, sec. 8, 2nd para. – Ombudsman and their deputies
- Judges and court employees of superior courts (Rules of Court, Rule 138,
sec. 35)
- All governors, city and municipal mayors (RA 7160, sec. 90)
- Those who by special law are prohibited from practicing law
- Solicitors and trial lawyers of the OSG (Rules of Court, Rule 138, sec. 35
- Governance Commission for Government-owned and Controlled
Corporatons – RA No. 10149 (2011)
- Government prosecutors under the DOJ, People v. Villanueva, 14 SCRA
109
- PAO lawyers, Ramos v. Imbang, AC No. 6788, 23 August 2007
- Spouses Eustaquio v. Morales, A.C. No. 10465, 08 June 2016
- RA 6713, sec. 7 (b)(2)
- Conditions for permission – Rev. Civil Service Rules, Rule XVII, sec. 12

H. Lawyer’s Oath
Sup. Ct. Resolution, dated October 25, 1979, Rev. Rules of Court, Form 28;
91 SCRA XV

PART 1
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY

3
Page

Canon 1 Promote and Respect Law and Legal Process

- In re Gutierrez, Adm. Case No. 363, July 31, 1962, 5 SCRA 661 (1962)
- Zaldivar v. Gonzales, G.R. Nos. 79690-707 and 80578, October 7, 1988,
166 SCRA 316 (1988)
Rule 1.01 – No Unlawful, Dishonest, Immoral, Deceitful Conduct
- Piatt v. Abordo 58 Phil. 350 (1933)
- Ui v. Bonifacio, A.C. No. 3319, June 8, 2000, 333 SCRA 38 (2000)
- Figueroa v. Barranco, SBC Case No. 519, July 31 1997, 276 SCRA 445
(1997)
- Pimentel v. Llorente, A.C. No. 4680, August 29, 2000, 339 SCRA 154
(2000)
- Cordova v. Cordova, A.C. No. 3249, November 29, 1989, 179 Phil 680
(1989)
- Ventura v. Samson, A.C. No. 9608, November 27, 2012, 686 SCRA 430
(2012)
- Macarrubo v. Macarrubo, A.C. No. 6148, February 27, 2004
- People v. Tuanda, A.C. No. 3360, January 30, 1990, 18 SCRA 692 (1990)
- Castillo vda. de Mijares v. Villaluz, A.C. No. 4431, June 19, 1997, 274
SCRA 1 (1997)
- Stemmerik v. Mas, A.C. No. 8010, June 16, 2009, 589 SCRA 114 (2009)
- Freeman v. Zenaida P. Reyes, A.C. No. 6246, November 15, 2011
- Cobalt Resources, Inc. V. Aguado, A.C. No. 10781, April 12, 2016
- Ecraela v. Pangalangan, A.C. No. 10676, September 8, 2015

Rule 1.02 – No Counseling to Defy Law

- In re Terrell, 2 Phil 266 (1903)
- Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. Nos. 159486-88, November 25, 2003,
416 SCRA 465 (2003)
- Kupers v. Hontanosas, AC No. 5704 May 8, 2009, 587 SCRA 325 (2009)
- Coronel v. Cunanan, AC No. 6738, August 12, 2015, 766 SCRA 258
(2015)
Rule 1.03 – Not to Encourage Lawsuit or Proceedings
Rule 1.04 – Encourage Client to Avoid Controversy
- Castaneda v. Ago, G.R. No. 28546, July 30, 1975, 65 SCRA 505 (1975)

Canon 2 Provide Efficient and Convenient Legal Services

Rule 2.01 – Not to Reject or Oppressed Defenseless or Oppressed Services

IBP Handbook, Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of
Legal Aid Office, Art.1 sec.1 (Reserve Section)
Rep. Act No. 9999 (2006), Legal Aid Law
Rep. Act No. 10389, Recognizance Act of 2012
Rule on Community Legal Service, A.M. No. 17-03-09-SC, 23 October 2017
- Ledesma v. Climaco, G.R. No. 23815, June 28, 1974, 57 SCRA 473
(1974)
Rule 2.02 – Not to Refuse to Give Legal Advice
Rule 2.03 – No Solicitation
Rule 138 sec. 27, Rules of Court
4

- In re Tagorda, 53 Phil 37 (1929)

Page

- Ulep v. Legal Clinic, B.M. No. 553, June 17, 1993, 223 SCRA 378 (1993)
- Linsangan v. Tolentino, A.C. No. 6672 September 4, 2009, 598 SCRA 133
(2009)
- Villatuya v. Tabalingcos, A.C. No. 6622, July 10, 2012, 676 SCRA 37
(2012)
Rule 2.04 – No Rates Lower Than Customarily Charged

Canon 3 Information on Legal Services that is True, Honest, Fair, Dignified

and Objective

Rule 3.01 – No False or Unfair Claim re: Qualifications

- Khan v. Simbillo, A.C. No. 5299, August 19, 2003 & G.R. No. 157053, 409
SCRA 299 (2003)
Rule 3.02 – No False or Misleading Firm Name
- Dacanay v. Baker and McKenzie, A.C. No. 2131, May 10, 1985, 136
SCRA 349 (1985)
- In re Petition of Sycip, G.R. No. X92-1, July, 30, 1979, 92 SCRA 1 (1979)
- Nebreja v. Reonel, A.C. No. 9896, March 19, 2014, 719 SCRA 385 (2014)
Rule 3.03 – Partners Assuming Public Office
Constitution Art. 6, sec. 14; Art. 7, sec. 13; Art. 9, sec. 2
- Samonte v. Gatdula, A.M. No. P-99-1292, February 20, 1999, 303 SCRA
756 (1999)
Rule 3.04 – Not Use Media to Attract Legal Business
- Cruz v. Salva 105 Phil 1151 (1959)

Canon 4 Participate in Improvement of the Legal System: Support Law

Reforms and Administration of Justice

Canon 5 Participate in Legal Education Program

Bar Matter 850 Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, amended by Sup. Ct. Reso.,
dated 17 February 2015 and effective 01 March 2015, amendment of Rule 7, sec.
2(a), effective 24 June 2015
Bar Matter No. 1922, dated June 3, 2008
- Letter of Atty. Rodrigo Cruz Lim to Justice Roberto A. Abad, G.R. No.
191837, July 20, 2013
Supreme Court Resolution dated January 14, 2014
- Rodriguez Manahan v. Flores, A.C. No. 8974, November 13, 2013, 709
SCRA 297 (2013)
- Rivera-Pascual v. Spouses Lim, G.R. No. 191837, September 19, 2012,
681 SCRA 429 (2012)

Canon 6 Canons Apply to Lawyers In Government Service

RA 6713 (1989) sec. 4

- Collantes v. Romeron, A.C. No. 3056, August 16, 1991, 200 SCRA 584
(1991)
- Ali v. Bubong, AC No. 4018, March 8, 2005, 453 SCRA 1 (2005)
- Office of the Court Administrator v. Ladaga, A.M. P-99-1287, January 26,
5

2001, 350 SCRA 326 (2001)

Page

- Pimentel v. Fabros, A.C. No. 4517, Sept. 11, 2006, 501 SCRA 346 (2006)
- Berenguer-Landers v. Florin, A.C. No 5119, April 17, 2013, 696 SCRA 589
Rule 6.01 – Primary Duty: That Justice is Done
- People v Pineda, G.R. No. 26222, July 21, 1967, 20 SCRA 748 (1967)
Rule 6.02 – Not to Use Public Position for Private Interest
 - Misamin v. San Juan, A.C. No. 1418, Aug. 31, 1976, 72 SCRA 491 (1976)
- Vitriolo v. Dasig, A.C. No. 4984, April 1, 2003, 400 SCRA 172 (2003)
- Huyssen v. Gutierrez, A.C. No. 6707, March 24, 2006, 485 SCRA 244
(2006)
- Ramos v. Imbang, A.C. No. 6788, August 23, 2007, 530 SCRA 759 (2007)
Rule 6.03 – Not to Accept Employment After Government Service
RA 6713 sec.7 (b)
Query of Atty. Karen M. Silverio, Buffe, A.M. No. 08-6-352-RTC, Aug. 19, 2009, 596
SCRA 378 (2009)
RA 3019 sec. 3 (d)
- PNB v. Cedo, A.C. No. 3701, March 28, 1995, 243 SCRA 1 (1995)
- PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. Nos. 151809-12, April 12, 2005, 455
SCRA 526 (2005)
RA 9485 (2007) – The Anti-red Tape Act of 2007, as amended by RA 11032 (2018)

THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Canon 7 Uphold Dignity and Integrity of the Profession

- In re 1989 Elections of the IBP, B.M. No. 491, Oct. 6, 1989, 178 SCRA
398 (1989)
- Fernandez v. Grecia, A.C. No. 3694, June 17, 1993, 223 SCRA 425
(1993)
- Santos Jr. v. Llamas, A.C. No. 4749, January 20, 2000, 322 SCRA 529
(2000)
- Letter of Atty. Cecilio Arevalo, B.M. No. 1370, May 9, 2005, 458 SCRA 209
(2005)
- Velez v. de Vera, A.C. No. 6697, B.M. No. 1227, A.M. No. 05-5-15-SC, July
25, 2006, 496 SCRA 345 (2006)

RA 6397 – Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Rules of Court, Rule 139-A, secs. 9 & 10.
- 2009 IBP Elections, A.M. No. 09-5-2-SC, December 14, 2010, 638 SCRA
1 (2010)
Rule 7.01 – No False Statement
- In re Diao, A.C. No.244, March 29, 1963, 7 SCRA 475 (1963)
Rule 7.02 – Not to Support Unqualified Bar Applicant
Rule 7.03 – No Conduct Adversely Affecting the Profession
- Velasco-Tamaray v. Daquis, AC No. 10868, January 26, 2016
- Zaguirre v. Castillo, A.C. No. 4921, March 6, 2003, 398 SCRA 659 (2003)
- Tan v. Sabandal, B.M. No. 44, February 24, 1992, 206 SCRA 473 (1992)
- Tapucar v. Tapucar, A.C. No. 4148, July 30, 1998, 293 SCRA 331 (1998)
- Guevara v. Eala, A.C. No. 7136, August 1, 2007, 517 SCRA 600 (2007)
- Advincula v. Macabata, A.C. No. 7204, March 7, 2007, 517 SCRA 604
(2007)
6

- Tiong v. Florendo, A.C. No. 4428, December 11, 2011, 662 SCRA 1
Page

(2011)

Canon 8 Courtesy, Fairness, Candor Towards Professional Colleagues

- Bugaring v. Espanol, G.R. No. 133090, January 19, 2001, 349 SCRA 687
(2001)
 - Reyes v. Chiong, A.C. No. 5148, July 1, 2003, 405 SCRA 212 (2003)
- Torres v. Javier, A.C. No. 5910, 21 September 2005, 470 SCRA 408
(2005)
- Mendoza v. Gadon, A.C. No. 11810, June 26, 2019 (Notice)
- Commission of Internal Revenue v. Asalus Corp., G.R. No. 221-590,
February 20, 2017

Rule 8.01 – No Abusive and Improper Language

- Dallong-Galicinao v. Castro, A.C. No. 6396, Octover 25, 2005, 474 SCRA
1 (2005)
- Alcantara v. Pefianco, A.C. No. 5398, December 3, 2002, 393 SCRA 247
(2002)
- Barandos, Jr. v. Ferrer, A.C. No. 5766, March 26, 2010, 616 SCRA 529
(2010)
- Sanchez v. Aguilos, AC No. 10543, March 16, 2016
- Belo-Henares v. “Argee” Guevarra, A.C. No. 11394, 01 December 2016
- Calapan v. Balayo, A.C. No. 10605, 17 February 2016, 784 SCRA 135
(2016)
- Roque v. Balbin, A.C. No. 7088, December 4, 2018.

Rule 8.02 – Not to Encroach on Professional Employment

- Camacho v. Pangulayan, A.C. No. 4807, March 22, 2000, 328 SCRA 631
(2000)

Canon 9 Unauthorized Practice of Law

- Spouses Suarez v. Salazar, G.R. No. 139281, September 29, 1999, 315
SCRA 502 (1999)
- Aguirre v. Rana, B.M. No. 1036, June 10, 2003, 403 SCRA 342 (2003)
- Alawi v. Alauya, A.M. No. SDC-97-2-P, February 24, 1997, 268 SCRA 639
(1997)
Exception: Rules of Court, Rule 138-A (Law Student Practice Rule)

Rule 9.01 – Not to Delegate Work

Rule 9.02 – Not to Divide Legal Fees
- Halili v. CIR, G.R. No. L-24864, April 30, 1985, 136 SCRA 113 (1985)
- Lijuaico v. Terrado, A.C. No. 6317, August 31, 2006, 500 SCRA 301
(2006)

THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS

Canon 10 Observe Candor, Fairness and Good Faith

- Ting Dumali v. Torres, A.C. No. 5161, April 14, 2004, 427 SCRA 108
(2004)
- Masinsin v. Albano, G.R. No. 86421, May 31, 1994, 232 SCRA 631 (1994)
7
Page

Rule 10.01 – Truthfulness Towards the Court

- Vasco-Tamaray v. Daquis, AC No. 10868, January 26, 2016

Canon 32, CPE

- Young v. Batuegas, A.C. No. 5379, May 9, 2003, 403 SCRA 123 (2003)
Rule 10.02 – Not to Misquote or Misrepresent Contents of Paper
- Insular Life Employees Co. v. Insular Life Association, G.R. No. L-25291,
January 30, 1971, 37 SCRA 244 (1971)
- Hipos, Sr. v. Bay G.R. Nos. 174813-15, March 17, 2009, 581 SCRA 674
- Plagiarism Cases
- Re: Letter of the U.P. Law Faculty, A.M. No. 10-10-4-SC, October 19,
2010, 633 SCRA 418 (2010); March 8, 2011, 644 SCRA 543 (2011),
June 7, 2011
- In the Matter of charges of Plagiarism against Assoc. Justice Mariano
C. Del Castillo, A.M. No. 10-7-17-SC, February 8, 2011, 642 SCRA 11
(2011)
- Cf. Vinuya v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 162230, April 28, 2010
- In re Lozano, A.M. No. 10-1-13-SC & 109-9-SC, June 15, 2012 (not in
SCRA)

Rule 10.03 – Observe Rules of Procedure

Rule 138, sec. 20 (d), Rules of Court

Canon 11 Respect Courts and Judicial Officers

- In re Sotto 82 Phil 595 (1949)
- Guerrero v. Villamor, G.R. Nos. 82238-42, November 13, 1989, 179 SCRA
355 (1989)
- Bueno v. Rañeses, A.C. No. 8383, December 11, 2012, 687 SCRA 711
(2012)
- Interview with Atty. Lorna Kapunan on Corruption in the Judiciary, A.M.
No. 13-11-09-SC, Resolution, dated 12 August 2014
- Floran v. Ediiza, A.C. No. 5325, 09 February 2016
- PHILCONSAT Holdings Corp. v. Lokin, Jr. & Labastilla, AC No. 11139, April
19, 2016

Rule 11.01 – Proper Attire

Rule 11.02 – Punctuality
Rule 11.03 – Proper Language and Behavior
- In re Almacen, G.R. No. L-27654, February 18, 1970, 31 SCRA 562
(1970)
- Soriano and Padilla v. CA, G.R. No. 100633 and G.R. No. 101550,
August 28, 2001, 363 SCRA 725 (2001)
- Lacurom v. Jacoba, A.C. No. 5921, March 10, 2006, 484 SCRA 206
(2006)
- Baculi v. Battung, A.C. No. 8920, September 28, 2011, 698 SCRA 209
(2011)
Rule 11.04 – Not to Attribute to Judge Motives
- Embido v. Pe, Jr., A.C. No. 6832, October 22, 2013, 708 SCRA 1 (2013)
Rule 11.05 – Grievances Against Judge
8
Page

Constitution Art. VII sec. 6

- Maceda v. Vasquez, G.R. No. 102781, April 22, 1993, 221 SCRA 464
(1993)
- Pontanosas v. Pamatong, A.C. 7330, 14 June 2016
Canon 12 Assist in Speedy and Efficient Administration of Justice

Rule 138 sec. 20 (g) Rules of Court

Constitution, Art. III sec. 16
Rule 12.02 and Rule 18.02 – Adequate Preparation
Rule 12.02 – Forum Shopping
Rule 12.03 – Not to Delay Cause
- Chua v. Castro, AC No. 10671, November 25, 2015
Rule 12.04 – Court Process
- Malonzo v. Principe, A.C. No. 6289, December 16, 2004, 447 SCRA 1
(2004)
- Saa v. IBP-CBD, G.R. No. 132826 September 3, 2009, 598 SCRA 6
(2009)
- Plus Builders, Inc. v. Revilla, Jr., A.C. No. 7056, February 11, 2009, 578
SCRA 432 (2009)
Rule 12.05 - Rule 12.07 – Proper Behavior
PD 1829 Penalizing Obstruction of Justice
Rule 12.08 – Not to Testify on Behalf of Client
- PNB v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phil 337 (1932)

Canon 13 Refrain from Act Giving Appearance of Influence

- Nestle Phil. v. Sanchez, G.R. No. 75209, September 30, 1987, 154 SCRA
542 (1987)
- In re de Vera, A.C. No. 6052, December 11, 2003, 385 SCRA 285 (2003)
- Perez v. Estrada, A.M. No. 01-4-03-SC, September 13, 2001, 360 SCRA
248 (2001)

Rule 13.01 – No Extraordinary Attention

Rule 13.02 – No Public Statements to Media
- Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil 115 (1959)
- Foodsphere, Inc. v. Mauricio, A.C. No 7199, July 22, 2009, 593 SCRA 367
(2009)
Rule 13.03 – Not to Invite Outside Interference
- Maglasang v. People, G.R. No. 90083, October 4, 1990, 190 SCRA 306
(1990)

THE LAWYER AND THE CLIENT

Canon 14 Service to the Needy

Republic Act No. 9999 or the Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010
Rule 14.01 – Availability of Services Regardless of Status
Rule 138 sec. 20 Rules of Court
Republic Act No. 10389 (2012) – An Act Institutionalizing Recognizance as a Mode
9

of Granting the Release of an Indigent Person in Custody of an Accused in a

Page

Criminal Case
See also Rule 2.01
S. Ct. B.M. No. 2012 approved Feb. 10, 2009 on Mandatory Legal Aid Service for
Practicing Lawyers (MLAS)
IBP, Proposed Comprehensive Legal Aid Service (CLAS) submitted to the Supreme
Court pursuant to B.M. 2012 dated June 2012, The Bar Tribune (Reserve
Section)
Rule on Community Legal Aid Service, A.M. No. 17-03-09-SC, 23 October 2017
Rule 14.02 – Providing Counsel de Oficio
Rule 138 sec. 31, 20 (h), Rules of Court
Rule 116 sec. 6-8
Rule 124 sec. 2
PD 543 – Authorizing the Designation of Municipal Judges and Lawyers in Any
Branch of the Government Service to Act As Counsel de oficio for the Accused
Who Are Indigent in Places Where There Are No Practicing Attorneys
Rule 14.03 – Valid Ground for Refusal
Rule 14.04 – Same Standard of Conduct for Paying and Non-Paying Clients – Draft
of the Proposed Implementing Regulations on the Rule on Comprehensive Legal
Aid Service
RA 6033, RA 6034, RA 6035, RA 6036
Rule on the Exemption from the Payment of Legal Fees of the Clients of the National
Legal Aid Committee and the Local Chapters of the IBP, A.M. No. 08-11-7-SC
(IRR), Sept. 10, 2009, effective Sept. 27, 2009
RA 9406 (2007), sec. 16-D

Canon 15 Observe Candor, Fairness, Loyalty

Rule 138 sec. 3, Rules of Court

Rule 15.01 and Rule 15.03 – Conflict of Interest
- Hornilla v. Salunat, A.C. No. 5804, July 1, 2003, 405 SCRA 220 (2003)
- Gonzales v. Cabucana, A.C. No. 6836, January 23, 2006, 479 SCRA 320
(2006)
- De Guzman v. de Dios, A.C. No. 4943, January 26, 2001, 350 SCRA 320
(2001)
- Perez v. de la Torre, A.C. No. 6160, March 30, 2006, 485 SCRA 547
(2006)
- Heirs of Falame v. Baguio, A.C. No. 6876, March 7, 2008, 548 SCRA 1
(2008)
- Aniñon v. Sabitsana, Jr., A.C. No. 5098, April 11, 2012, 669 SCRA 77
(2012)
- Orola v. Ramos, AC No. 9860, September 11, 2013
- Nuigue v. Sedillo, AC No. 9906, July 29, 2013
- Medina v. Lizardo, A.C. No. 10533, January 31, 2017
Rule 15.02 – Privileged Communication
- Regala v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 105938, September 20, 1996, 262
SCRA 122 (1996)
- People v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. Nos. 115439-41, July 16, 1997, 275
SCRA 505 (1997)
10

- Castillo v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 138231, February 21, 2002, 377

Page

SCRA 509 (2002)

- Dalisay v. Mauricio, A.C. No. 5655, January 23, 2006, 479 SCRA 307
(2006)
Rule 15.04 – Mediator, Conciliator or Arbiter
- Dee v. CA, G.R. No. 77439, August 24, 1989, 176 SCRA 651 (1989)
Rule 15.05 – Candid, Honest Advice
Rule 15.06 – Not to Claim Influence
- Mercado v. Security Bank, G.R. No. 160445, February 16, 2006, 482
SCRA 501 (2006)
Rule 15.07 – Impress Compliance with Laws
Rule 15.08 – Dual Profession
- Nakpil v. Valdez, A.C. No. 2040, March 4, 1998, 286 SCRA 758 (1998)

Canon 16 Hold in Trust Client’s Moneys and Properties

Art. 1491, Civil Code

Rule 16.01 – Account
- Berbano v. Barcelona, A.C. No. 6084, September 3, 2003, 410 SCRA 258
(2003)
- Licuanan v. Melo, A.C. No. 2361, February 9, 1989, 170 SCRA 100 (1989)
- Sison, Jr. v. Camacho, AC No. 10910, January 12, 2016
- Malangas v. Zaide, A.C. No. 10675, May 31, 2016
Rule 16.02 – Keep Client’s Fund Separate
- Hernandez v. Go, A.C. No. 1526, January 31, 2005, 450 SCRA 1 (2005)
Rule 16.03 – Delivery of Funds; Lawyer’s Lien
- Businos v. Ricafort, A.M. No. 4349, December 22, 1997, 283 SCRA 40
(1997)
- Quilban v. Robinol, G.R. No. 83885, December 29, 1989, 171 SCRA 768
(1989)
- Rayos v. Hernandez, G.R. No. 169079, February 12, 2007, 515 SCRA 517
(2007)
Rule 16.04 – No Borrowing, Lending
- Barnachea v. Quicho, A.C. No. 5925, March 11, 2003, 399 SCRA 1 (2003)
- Yu v. Dela Cruz, A.C. No. 10912, January 9, 2016
- Nocom v. Camerino, G.R. No. 182984, 10 February 2009, 578 SCRA 390
(2009)

Canon 17 Trust and Confidence

- Cantiller v. Potenciano, A.C. No. 3195, December 18, 1989, 180 SCRA
246 (1989)
- In re Maquera, B.M. No. 793, July 30, 2004, 435 SCRA 417 (2004)
- Solatan v. Inocentes, A.C. No. 6504, August 9, 2005, 466 SCRA 1 (2005)
- Somosot v. Pontevedra, A.C. No. 4285, May 2, 2006, 488 SCRA 416
(2006)
- Angalan v. Delante, A.C. No. 7181, February 6, 2009, 578 SCRA 113
(2009)

Canon 18 Competence and Diligence

11

Rule 18.01 – Client Consent with Collaborating Counsel

Page

Rule 18.02 – Adequate Preparation

- Sanchez v. Aguilos, A.C. No. 10543, March 16, 2016
Rule 18.03 – Not to Neglect Legal Matters
- Legarda v. CA, G.R. No. 94457, June 10, 1992, 209 SCRA 722 (1992)
- Endaya v. Oca, A.C. No. 3967, September 3, 2003, 410 SCRA 344 (2003)
 - Carandang v. Obmina, A.C. No 7813, April 21, 2009, 586 SCRA 82 (2009)
- Agot v. Rivera, A.C. No. 8000, August 5, 2014, 732 SCRA 12 (2014)
- Francisco v. Flores, A.. No. 10753, January 26, 2016
Rule 18.04 – Inform Client on Status of Case
- Blanza v. Arcangel, A.C. No. 492, September 5, 1967, 21 SCRA 1 (1967)
- Abay v. Montesino, A.C. No. 5718, December 4, 2003, 417 SCRA 77
(2003)
- Ramiscal v. Orro, A.C. No. 10945, February 23, 2016

Canon 19 Representation with Zeal

Rule 19.01 – Fair and Honest

Rule 138 sec. 20 (d)
- Enriquez v. Lavadia, A.C. No. 5686, June 16, 2015
- Chua v. De Castro, A.C. No. 10671, November 25, 2015
Rule 19.02 – Rectify Client’s Fraud
Rule 19.03 – Control Proceedings

Canon 20 Attorney’s Fees

RA No. 1706 (2015) – An Act Protecting Seafarers Against Ambulance Chasing and
Imposition of Excessive Fees, Providing Penalties Therefor (Seafarers
Protection Act)
RA 5185 sec. 6
Rule 138 sec. 24, 32, Rules of Court
- Quirante v. IAC, G.R. No. 73886, January 31, 1989, 169 SCRA 769 (1989)
- Tanhueco v. de Dumo, A.C. No. 1437 and A.C. No. 1683, April 25, 1989,
172 SCRA 760 (1989)
- Albano v. Coloma, A. C. No. 528 October 11, 196 21 SCRA 411 (1967)
- Metropolitan Bank v. CA, G.R. Nos. 86100-03, January 23, 1990, 181
SCRA 367 (1990)
Rule 20.01 – Fee Guide
- Roxas v. de Zuzuarregui, G.R. No. 152072, January 31, 2006, 481 SCRA
250 (2006)
- Masmud v. NLRC, G.R. No. 183385, February 13, 2009, 579 SCRA 509
(2009)
- Aquino v. Casabar, G.R. No. 191470, January 26, 2015, 748 SCRA 181
(2015)
- Ignacio v. Alviar, A.C. No. 11482, July 17, 2017 (attorneys fees and
acceptance fee distinguished)
Rule 20.02 – Client’s Consent of Fees for Referral
- Urban Bank v. Peña, A.C. No. 4863, September 7, 2001, 364 SCRA 597
(2001). See In re S. Ct. Resolution dated April 28, 2013 in G.R. Nos. 145817
& 148822
12

- Peña, A.C. 6332, April 17, 2012, 669 SCRA 530 (2012)– disbarred guilty of
Page

violating Canons 8, 10 & 11; Re Letter-Complaint Against Justices Antonio

Carpio and Ma. Lourdes Sereno, filed by Atty. De la Peña, dated Sept. 16,
2001, A.M. No. 12-6-11-SC, June 13, 2012
Rule 20.03 – Client’s Consent of Acceptance of Fee
Rule 138 sec. 20 (e)
Rule 20.04 – Avoid Compensation Controversy with Client
Rule 138 sec. 24, 32, Rules of Court
- Corpus v. CA, G.R. No. L-40424, June 30, 1980, 98 SCRA 424 (1980)

Canon 21 Preserve Client’s Confidence

Rules of Court, Rule 138 sec. 20 (e)

Rules of Court, Rule 130 sec. 21 (b)
Revised Penal Code, Art. 209
- Hilado v. David, 84 Phil 569 (1949)
- Genato v. Silapan, A.C. No. 4078, July 14, 2003 406 SCRA 75 (2003)
Rule 21.01 – Revelations of Confidence and Secrets Allowed
Rule 21.02 – Use of Information Received in Course of Employment Allowed
Rule 21.03 – Prohibition to Giving of Information to Outside Agency
Rule 21.04 - Rule 21.05 – Protection from Disclosure
Rule 21.06 – Prohibition of Indiscreet Conversation
Rule 21.07 – Not to Reveal that Lawyer was Consulted
cf Rule 15.01, Rule 14.03

Canon 22 Withdrawal of Services for Good Cause

Rule 22.01 – Good Causes for Withdrawal of Services

- Domingo v. Aquino, G.R. No. 28078, April 29, 1971, 38 SCRA 472 (1971)
- Montano v. IBP, A.M. No. 4215, May 21, 2001, 358 SCRA 1 (2001)
Rule 22.02 – Duties of Lawyer Who Withdraws
- Obando v. Figueras, G.R. No. 134854, January 18, 2000, 322 SCRA 148
(2000)
- Chang v. Hidalgo, A.C. No. 6934, April 6, 2016

Specific Rules of Practice

2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, Sup. Ct. A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, promulgated July 6,
2004.
- Spouses Santuyo v. Hidalgo, A.C. No. 5838, January 17, 2005, 448 SCRA
282 (2005)
- Sicat v. Ariola, A.C. No. 5864, April 15, 2005, 456 SCRA 93 (2005)
- Mondejar v. Rubia, A.C. Nos. 5907 and 5942, July 21, 2006, 496 SCRA 1
(2006)
- Lee v. Tambago, A.C. No. 5281, February 12, 2008, 544 SCRA 393
(2008)
- Automatic Conversion of Administrative Cases Against Judges and
Justices to disciplinary proceedings against them as lawyers, Samson v.
Caballera, A.M. No. RTJ-08-2138, August 5, 2009, 595 SCRA 423 (2009)
13

Discipline of Lawyers
Page

- Rules of Court, Rule 139 - B

- Supreme Court Bar Matter No. 1755, dated June 17, 2008
- Yuhico v. Gutierrez, A.C. No. 8391, November 23, 2010
- Maniago v. De Dios, A.C. No. 7472, March 30, 2010, 617 SCRA 142
(2010)
 - Ibana-Andrade v. Paita-Moya, A.C. No. 8313, July 14, 2015, 762 SCRA
571 (2015)
- Re In the matter of the Petition for Reinstatement of Rolando A. Torres as
a member of the Philippine Bar, A.C. No. 5161, August 25, 2015
- Llanar v. Ricafort, A.C. No. 6484, June 16, 2015
- Belo-Henares v. Guevara, A.C. 1494, 01 December 2016

PART II
NEW CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIARY
A.M. No. 03-05-01-SC, effective June 1, 2004

Canon 1 Independence
- Libarios v. Dabalos, A.M. RTJ-89-1286, July 11, 1991, 199 SCRA 48 (1991)
- Tan v. Rosete, A.M. No. MTJ-04-1563, September 8, 2004, 437 SCRA 581
(2004)
- Ramirez v. Corpus-Macandog, A.M. Nos. R-351, 359, 621, 684, Sept. 26, 1986,
144 SCRA 462
- Read: M.S. Feliciano, Ethics, Integrity and Judicial Accountability – The
Philippine Experience 19 ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL FORUM, SEARCHING FOR
SUCCESS IN JUDICIAL REFORM, VOICES FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC EXPERIENCE, 206-
232 (Oxford Press, 2009) – Reserve Section

Canon 2 Integrity
- In re Complaint of Mrs. Rotilla Marcos Against Judge F. Marcos, A.M. No. 97-
2-53-RTC, July 6, 2001, 360 SCRA 539 (2001)
- Dela Cruz v. Bersamira, A.M. No. RTJ-00-567, July 25, 2000, 336 SCRA 353
(2000)
- Re Letter of Pres. Justice Conrado M. Vasquez, Jr on CA-G.R. SP No. 103692,
Sept. 29, 2008
- In re Undated Letter of Mr. Luis C. Biraogo, A.M. No. 09-2-89-SC, February 24,
2009, 580 SCRA 106 (2009)
- Allegations made under oath at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing
held on 26 September 2013 against Assoc. Justice Gregory Ong, A.M. No. 09-
2-89-SC, 23 September 2014

Canon 3 Impartiality
- People v. Veneracion, G.R. Nos. 119987-88, October 12, 1995, 249 SCRA 244
(1995)
- Jorda v. Judge Bitas, A.M. RTJ-14-2376, March 5, 2014, 718 SCRA 1 (2014)

Canon 4 Propriety
- Marcos, Sr. v. Arcangel, A.M. No. RTJ-91-712, July 9, 1996, 258 SCRA 517
14

(1996)
Page

- Lorenzana v. Austria, A.M. No. RTJ-09-2200, April 2, 2014

- OCA Circular No. 173-2017, Proper Use of Social Media, 17 August 2017
- OCA v. Yu, A.M. No. MTJ-12-1813, 14 March 2017, and 8 cases, 820 SCRA
256 (2017)
Canon 5 Equality
- A.M. No. 03-03-13, December 14, 2004 (Rule on Administrative Procedure in
Sexual Harassment Case and Guidelines on Proper Work Decorum in the
Judiciary
- Tan v. Pacuribot, A.M. Nos. RTJ-06-1982-83, December 14, 2007, 540 SCRA
246 (2009)
- Benancillo v. Amida, A.M. RTJ-08-2149, March 4, 2011, 645 SCRA (2001)
- S.CT. Res., A.M. No. 06-8-21, November 8, 2011, Use of Gender-Fair
Language
- Dojillo, Jr. v. Ching, A.M. No. P-06-2245, MTJ 09-1741, July 31, 2009
- See also RA 7877 (1995) and RA 11313, Safe Spaces Act (2019)

Canon 6 Competence and Diligence

- Castro v. Malazo, A.M. No. 1237-CAR, August 21, 1980, 99 SCRA 165 (1980)
- Office of the Court Administrator v. Judge Floro, A.M. No. RTJ-99-1463, March
31, 2006, 486 SCRA 66 (2006)
- READ: M.S. Feliciano, “The New Code of Judicial Conduct and the Practicing
Lawyer,” MCLE, Sept. 17, 2012, 35 p. Unpublished
- Automatic Conversion of Some Administrative Cases Against Justices of the
CA and the Sandiganbayan, etc., A.M. No. 02-902-SC, 17 September 2002
- Case: Samson v. Caballero, A.M. No. RTJ-08-2136, 05 Augusts 2009
- Rev. Rules of Court, Rule 140, as amended by A.M. No. 18-01-05-SC, effective
02 October 2018, amending Secs. 3, 6 and 9
- Discipline of Judges of Regular and Special Courts and Justices of the Court of
Appeals and the Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Court Administrator,
Deputy Court Administrator and Assistant Court Administrator and their
personnel, re creation of Judicial Integrity Board and the Corruption Prevention
and Investigation Office.

MSF/zsa/12.27.19

NOTICE : 10 January 2020 Start of Classes

13 April 2020 Last day for dropping subjects
28 April 2020 Deadline for filing LOA
13 May 2020 End of classes
15-23 May 2020 Start of final examination
15
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