BASIC LEGAL ETHICS

I. Definition

Sources

Constitution

2019 Amended Rules of Court

Code of Professional Responsibility

Practice of Law

Concept

Philippine Lawyers Association v. Celedonio Agrava, G.R. No. L-12426, February 16, 1959

Renato Cayetano v. Christian Monsod, et al, G.R. No. 100113, September 3, 1991

Mauricio C. Ulep v. The Legal Clinic, Inc., Bar Matter No. 553, June 17, 1993

Re: Letter of the UP Law Faculty, etc., A.M. No. 10-10-4-SC March 8, 2011

Supervision and Control over the Practice of Law

In the Matter of the Integration of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22

(1) Privilege

In re Edillon, 84 SCRA 554 (1978)

(2) Profession, Not Business

Qualifications

Citizenship Requirement

Rule 138, 2019 Amended Rules of Court

Bar matter No. 914, October 1, 1999

A.M. No. No. 19-03-24-SC-06

Disqualification; Moral Turpitude

Melvyn G. Garcia v. Atty. Raul H. Sesbreno, A.C. No. 7973 and A.C. No. 10457; Feb. 3, 2015

Graduates of foreign law schools

Re: Application of Adriano M. Hernandez, July 27, 1993

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 Bar Matter No. 1153; March 9, 2010

A.M. No. No. 19-03-24-SC-07

Appearance of Non-Lawyers

(1) Law Student Practice

A.M. No. No. 19-03-24-SC

(2) Non-Lawyers in Courts

(3) Non-Lawyers in Administrative Tribunals

(4) Proceedings Where Lawyers Prohibited from Appearing

Sanctions for Practice or Appearance Without Authority

(1) Lawyers Without Authority

(2) Persons Not Lawyers

Public Officials And Practice of Law

Prohibition or Disqualification of Former Government Attorneys

Lawyers Authorized to Represent the Government

Lawyer’s Oath

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LAWYER

Code of Professional Responsibility

THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY

Canon 1
Respect for Law and Legal Processes

Estrada v. Sandigan, 416 SCRA 465

Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316 (1988)

Rule

1.01 CONDUCT - Unlawful, dishonest, immoral, deceitful ;

Rule138, Section 21, Rules of Court

Figueroa v. Barranco, 216 SCRA 445

Leslie Ui v. Bonifacio, 333 SCRA 38

1.02 COUNSELLING - Defiance of law or lessen confidence

-legal system

Estrada v. Sandigan, 416 SCRA 465

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 1.03 LAW SUITS AND PROCEEDING - Corrupt motive,
interest - encourage suit or proceeding, delay cause

De Ysasi v. NLRC, 231 SCRA 173

1.04 CONTROVERSY - encourage client avoid suit, settle if fair.

Castaneda v. Ago, 65 SCRA 505 (1975)

Canon 2

LEGAL SERVICES - Efficient and convenient compatible with

independence, integrity and effectiveness of profession

Rule

2.01 LEGAL SERVICES - Not reject, except for valid reason, cause of
defenseless or oppressed

Rule 138, Section 31; Rule 116, Section 7, Rules of Court

Art. 1, Sec. 1 Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of

Legal Aid Offices of the IBP; Canon 6

Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

2.02 LEGAL SERVICES - Non-acceptance

2.03 LEGAL BUSINESS - Solicitation

Rule 138, Section 27, Rules of Court

2.04 LEGAL BUSINESS - Rates

Canon 3

LEGAL SERVICES - True, honest, fair, dignified and objective

Rule 138, Section 27, Rules of Court

In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929)

Ulep v. Legal Clinic, 223 SCRA 378

Rule

3.01 QUALIFICATIONS - False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, undignified,

self-mandatory or unfair claims

3.02 FIRM NAME - Use of false, misleading or assumed name, name of

deceased partner

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 In matter of the petition for Authority to Continue Use of the Firm
Name, - Ozaeta, Romulo, De Leon, etc., and Petition for Authority to
Continue Use of Firm Name - Sycip, Salazar, Feliciano, etc., 92 SCRA
1 (1979)

Dacanay v. Baker and McKenzie 136 SCRA 349 (1985)

3.03 PARTNER ASSUMING PUBLIC OFFICE - Drop name from firm; unless
law practice allowed

Samonte v. Gatdula, 303 SCRA 756

3.04 LAWYER AND MEDIA - shall not pay or give anything of value in
anticipation or return publicity to attract legal business

Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil. 1151

Canon 4

LEGAL REFORM - Participate in development, , initiating or supporting law

reform and improvement of administration of justice

Canon 5

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS - Participate legal education programs, standards law

schools, student practical training, disseminate information law and jurisprudence

Bar Matter No. 850 – Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Vol. 1, No. 1,
Continuing Legal Education Journal

Canon 6

LAWYERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Sec. 4, RA No. 6713

Huyssen v. Gutierrez, 485 SCRA 244

Collantes v. Romeron, AC No. 3056, 200 SCRA 594

Rule

6.01 PRIMARY DUTY GOVERNMENT LAWYER - Not to convict, see justice

done

People v. Pineda, 20 SCRA 748 (1967)

6.02 USE OF PUBLIC OFFICE - to promote or advance private interests or

interfere public duties

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 Misamin v. San Juan, 72 SCRA 491 (1976) Lim-
Santiago v. Sagucio, 486 SCRA 10

6.03 AFTER GOVERNMENT SERVICE - accept engagement or

employment in connection matter intervened with in service

Sec. 3(d) RA 3019; Sec, 7(b), RA 6713

PCGG v. Sandigan, 455 SCRA 526 (2004)

THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Canon 7

Uphold integrity and dignity

In re: 1989 Elections of the Integrated Bar, 178 SCRA 398

Rule

7.01 FALSE STATEMENT AND SUPPRESSING MATERIAL FACT

knowingly by making, re: Application for admission

Young v. Batuegas, 403 SCRA 123

7.02 SUPPORT OF UNQUALIFIED BAR APPLICANT – knowing supporting application

of unqualified

7.03 CONDUCT - adversely affecting fitness to practice law

Dionnie Ricafort v. Atty. Rene O. Medina, A.C. No.5179; May 31, 2016

Canon 8

PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES- courtesy, fairness, candor

Reyes v. Chiong, 405 SCRA 212

Camacho v. Pangulayan, 328 SCRA 631

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 Rule

8.01 LANGUAGE - abusive, offensive, improper

8.02 ENCROACHMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OF OTHER

LAWYER-Exception non-encroachment-,advise-, assistance seeking relief
unfaithful, neglectful counsel

Laput v. Remotique, 6 SCRA 45 (1962)

Canon 9

UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW - not assists directly or indirectly

Aguirre v. Rana, 403 SCRA 342 (2003)

PAFLU v. Binalbagan - Isabela Sugar Co., 42 SCRA 302 (171)

Rule

9.01 WORK DELEGATION - non delegation work unqualified

person, or by law performed only by member bar

9.02 FEES - Divide fees legal service with persons not licensed
practice law

Halili v. CIR, 136 SCRA 113

THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS

Canon 10

Rule

COURT OBLIGATIONS - candor, fairness and good faith

Cobb-Perez v. Lantin, 24 SCRA 291 (1968)

Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

10.01 TRUTHFULNESS - not do falsehood, nor mislead or allow

court be misled

Young v. Batuegas, 403 SCRA 123 (2003)

10.02 QUOTATION AND MISREPRESENTATION - not

m i s q u o t e o r misrepresent contents paper, language or arguments,
text of decision or authority, cite repealed or amended law, or assert fact
not proved

Insular Life Assurance Ltd. Employees Asso. v. Insular Life, 37 SCRA

244

10.03 RULES OF PROCEDURE

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Canon 11

RESPECT COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS

- maintain respect and insist similar conduct by others

In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595 (1949)

Surigao Mineral Reservation Board v. Cloribel, 31 SCRA 1 (1970)

Rule

11.01 ATTIRE - appear properly attired

11.02 PUNCTUALITY - court hearings

11.03 LANGUAGE - abstain scandalous; offensive, menacing language or behavior

In re Almacen, 31 SCRA (1970)

Sangalang v. IAC, 177 SCRA 87 (1989)

Re: Letter of the UP Law Faculty, etc., A.M. No. 10-10-4-SC March 8, 2011

11.04 ATTRIBUTING MOTIVES- not attribute motives, Judge not

supported by record, or no materiality case

11.05 GRIEVANCES - against judge submit proper authorities only

Art. VIII, Sec. 6; Constitution

Canon 12

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE - exert every effort and cons i der duty assist
speedy, efficient administration justice

R 138, Section 20(g), Rules of Court

Rule

12.01 CASE PREPARATION - adequate preparation on law, facts and evidence

12.02 SUITS - ACTION - not file multiple action or suits arising same cause

12.03 LAPSE OF PERIOD - no period lapse filing pleadings without

explanation

Far Eastern Shipping v. CA, 297 SCRA 30 (1998)

12.04 COURT PROCESSES - not unduly delay case-, impede execution

judgment; misuse court processes

Manila Pest Control, Inc. v. WCC, 25 SCRA 700 (1968)

12.05 to 12.07

WITNESS BEHAVIOR - refrain from talking; not knowingly assist

misrepresentation; not abuse, harass, witness

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 Canons 18 and 22

12.08 TESTIFYING - in behalf of client except on formal matters, and on substantial

matters

PNB v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phil. 337 (1932)

Canon 13

INFLUENCING COURT - rely merits of case; refrain any act of impropriety

tending to influence or give appearance of influencing Court

In re De Vera, 385 SCRA 285 (2002)

Nestle Phil., Inc. v. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542 (1987)

Rule

13.01 CONDUCT TOWARD JUDGES - not extend extraordinarily attention,

hospitality, seek opportunity cultivating familiarity with Judges

13.02 USE OF MEDIA - not make public statements tending to arouse

public opinion for or against party

Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil. 1151 (1959)

Martelino v. Alejandro, 32 SCRA 106 (1970)

13.03 OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE - not broad or invite interference

another branch or agency normal cause judicial proceedings

THE LAWYER AND THE CLIENT

Canon 14

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - not refuse to needy

Rule
14.01 PERSONAL STATUS OR GUILT - availability services regardless of

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 race, creed, status, or opinion of guilt.
Rule 138, Section 20 (h), Revised Rules of Court

14.02 COUNSEL DE OFFICIO - AMICUS CURIAE - not decline

appointment except for serious sufficient cause.

Rule 138, Section 20 (h) and Section 31, Revised Rules of Court

Rules 116, Sections 6 to 8, Revised Rules of Court

Rule 124, Section 2, Revised Rules of Court

Presidential Decree No. 543

Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

14.03 REFUSAL REPRESENTATION - cannot work effectively or

competently, conflict of interest lawyer with prospective client, or present
and prospective client.

Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989)

Ilusurio-Bildner v. Lokin, 477 SCRA 634

14.04 CONDUCT AND FREE SERVICES - same standard conduct full and
free and fee paying clients

Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

Canon 15

CONDUCT IN RELATION TO CLIENT - observe candor, fairness,

loyalty dealings and transactions.

Rule 138, Section 3, Revised Rules of Court

Rule

15.01CONFLICT INTEREST - ascertain as soon as possible, and forthwith

inform.

Rule 15.03, Code of Professional Responsibility

PCGG v. SIB, 455 SCRA 526

De Guzman v. De Dios, 350 SCRA 320
Hornilla v. Salunat, 405 SCRA 220
Pacana v. Lopez, A.C No. 8243; July 24,
2009
Ylaya v. Gacott; A.C. No. 6475, Jan. 30, 2013
Samson v. Era, A.C. No. 6664, July 16, 2013

15.02 PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION - matters disclosed by prospective

client.

People v. Sandiganbayan, 275 SCRA 505

Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262SCRA 122 (1996)
Castillo v. Sandigan, 377 SCRA 509

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 15.04 MEDIATOR, CONCILIATOR, ARBITRATOR - to act with consent of all
parties.

Dee v. Court of Appeals, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)

15.05 ADVISE - give candid, honest opinion merits and probable results, not
understating or overstating.

15.06 CLAIM OF INFLUENCE - not state, imply able influence, public

official, tribunal, legislature.

Lantoria v. Bunyi, 209 SCRA 528

15.07 LAW COMPLIANCE - impress upon clients

15.08 DUAL PROFESSION - inform clearly acting as lawyer or other

capacity.

Quiambao v. Bamba, 468 SCRA 1

Nakpil v. Valdes, 286 SCRA 758

Canon 16

MONEYS AND PROPERTIES OF CLIENTS - hold in trust

Rule

16.01 ACCOUNT - all money or property client.

Daroy v. Legaspi, 65 SCRA 304 (1975)

16.02 FUND KEEPING - client fund kept separate and apart

In re De Vera, S.C. A.M. July 16, 2006

16.03 FUND DELIVERY – LAWYER’S LIEN - deliver funds and property;

lawyer lien - notice and retention.

Navarro v. Meneses, 285 SCRA 586

16.04 BORROW-LEND MONEY - prohibited and when allowed.

Art. 1491, Civil Code of the Philippines

Cruz v. Jacinto, 328 SCRA 636

Vda. De Espino v. Presquito, 432 SCRA 609 (2004)

Canon 17

CLIENT CAUSE - Fidelity to cause, mindful of trust and confidence

Cantiller v. Potenciano, 180 SCRA 246 (1989)

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Canon 18
COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE - serve with competence and diligence
Legarda v. CA, 209 SCRA 722 (1992)

Rule

18.01 LACK OF QUALIFICATIONS - not undertake legal service if not

qualified; client consent with competent collaborating counsel

18.02 PREPARATION - not handle any legal matter without adequate

preparation

18.03 NEGLIGENCE - not neglect legal matter entrusted, liability for negligence

Garcia v. Bala, 476 SCRA 85

18.04 INFORMATION STATUS CASE - inform client status of case; respond within
reasonable time if requested

Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club v. CA, 106 Phil. 501 (1959)

Canon 19

REPRESENTATION WITH ZEAL - represent with zeal within bounds of law

Millare v. Montero, 246 SCRA 1

Rule

19.01 FAI R AND HONEST M EANS - empioy to attai n la wf ul

obje ctives; no threat or present unfounded criminal charges obtain
improper advantage

Rule 138, Section 20(d)

19.02 CLIENT FRAUD - knowledge client fraud, promptly all client rectify,
otherwise, terminate relationship

Dalisay v. Mauricio, 479 SCRA 308 (2006)

19.03 CONTROL PROCEEDINGS - client not dictate

Canon 20

FEES - charge fair and reasonable

Rule 138 Section 24; RA 5185, Sec. 6

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 Albano v. Coloma, 21 SCRA 411 (1967)

Rule

20.01 FEE GUIDE - factors

Zulueta v. Pan America World Airways, Inc., 49 SCRA 1 (1973)

Sison v. Suntay, 102 Phil. 769 (1957)
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., v. CA, 181 SCRA 367 (1990)

20.02 REFERRAL - decision of fees; client consent

Bautista v. Gonzales, 182 SCRA 151 (1990)

20.03 FEE, REWARD, COSTS, COMMISSION, INTEREST,

R E B A T E , FORWARDING, ALLOWANCE, OTHER COMPENSATION -
client consent

Research and Services Realty v. CA, 236 SCRA 731

20.04 CLIENT COMPENSATION CONTROVERSY - avoid; resort

judicial action only prevent impositions, injustice, fraud
-Rule 138, Sections 24, 32

Corpuz v. CA, 98 SCRA 424 (1980)

Roxas v. De Zuzuarregui, 481 SCRA 258 (2006) Sato v.
Rallos, 12 SCRA 84 (1964)

Canon 21

CLIENT CONFIDENCE AND SECRETS - preservation even after termination

relations

Rule 138, Section 20(e)

Art. 208 RPC; R 130 Section 21(b)

Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 122
Hilado v. David, 84 Phil. 569 (1949)
Rule

21.01 ALLOWED REVELATIONS CONFIDENCE AND SECRETS - when allowed;

Rule 130, Section 21(b)

21.02 USE OF INFORMATION LAWYER ADVANTAGE, CLIENT

DISADVANTAGE - when allowed

Bun Siong Yao v. Aurelio, 485 SCRA 552 (2006)

21.03 FURNISH INFORMATION OUTSIDE AGENCY - prohibition

21.04
21.05 DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FIRM-PARTNERS - protection

Gonzales v. Cabucana, 479 SCRA 320 (2006)

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 21.06 CONVERSATION FAMILY MEMBERS - prohibition

21.07 REVEAL - POSSIBLE CONFLICT INTEREST

Canon 22

WITHDRAWAL SERVICES - good cause and upon notice

Rule

22.01 WITHDRAWAL ALLOWED

Montano v. IBP, 358 SCRA 1

22.02 OBLIGATIONS UPON WITHDRAWAL

Obando v. Figueras, 322 SCRA 148

Administrative, Criminal and Civil Liabilities of Lawyers

Disbarment and Suspension of Lawyer

Procedure for Discipline and Reinstatement

NEW CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT

CANON 1 - INDEPENDENCE

Section

1. Independent Judgment

Ramirez v. Macandog, 144 SCRA 634

2. Independence from Colleagues

Tahil v. Eisma, 64 SCRA 378

3. Refrain from Influencing Outcome of litigation

Contreras v. Solis, 260 SCRA 572

4. Not to Allow Social Relations to Influence Judgment

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 Romero v. Valle, 147 SCRA 197

5. No Inappropriate Connections with Other Branches of Government

Galman v. SB, 144 SCRA 43

6. Independent in Relation to Parties

Lorenzo v. Marquez, 162 SCRA 546

7. Safeguards for Discharge of Judicial Duties

Salud v. Alumbres, 404 SCRA 411

8. Exhibit and promote high standards of judicial conduct

CANON 2 - INTEGRITY

Section

1. Conduct Above Reproach; Perception

Alfonso v. Juanson, 228 SCRA 239

2. Reaffirm People's Faith in Judiciary

Castillo v. Calanog, 199 SCRA 75

3. Initiate Disciplinary Action Against Erring Lawyers

In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595

CANON 3 - IMPARTIALITY

Section

1. Without Fear or Factor

In re Aguas, 1 Phil. 1

2. Enhances Confidence of the Public

Cabulisan v. Pagalilauan, 297 SCRA 593

3. Minimize Occasions for Disqualification

Paredes v. Abad, 56 SCRA 522

4. Comments on Proceedings

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 Facundo v. Berjamen, 180 SCRA 235

5.Disqualification

Aparicio v. Andal, 175 SCRA 569

Gandionco v. Poaranda, 155 SCRA 725

6.Disclosure

Lorenzo v. Marquez, 162 SCRA 546

CANON 4 - PROPRIETY

Section
1. Avoidance of Impropriety

Talens v. Arceo, 259 SCRA 354

2. Dignity

Liwanag v. Lustre, 306 SCRA 55

3. Relations with Lawyers

People v. Maceda, 188 SCRA 532

4. Family Associated with Case

Javier v. de Guzman, 192 SCRA 434

5.Use of Residence

6. Fre e Expres sion

OCA v. Judge Floro, 486 SCRA 66

7. Fiduciary Interests

8.Advancing Private Interests

Aquino v. Lontok, 184 SCRA 177

9.Confidential Information

Umale v. Villaluz, 51 SCRA 84

10.Other Activities

In re Manzano, 166 SCRA 246

11. Practice of Law

Tuzon v. Purugganan, 370 SCRA 511

12.Form Associations

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 13-15.Gifts and Favors

Ompoc v. Torres, 178 SCRA 14

CANON 5 - EQUALITY

Sections

1-5. Equality of Treatment

People v. lbasan, 129 SCRA 695

CANON 6 – COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE

Section

1. Precedence of Duties

OCA v. Lansang, 186 SCRA 646

2. Judicial Duties

Longboan v. Polig, 186 SCRA 547

Atty. Rene Medina, et al v. Judge Victor A. Canoy;

A.M. No. RTJ-11-2298; February 22, 2012

3. Keeping up with Developments

People v. Salas, 143 SCRA 163

4. International Law

Enriquez v. Caminade, 485 SCRA 98

5. Efficient and Prompt Delivery

Sangguniang Panlalawigan v. Albano, 260 SCRA 561

6. Order and Decorum

Romero v. Valle, 147 SCRA 197

7. Incompatible Conduct

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