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College of Law University of the Philippines

LEGAL PROFESSION
2 Semester, SY 2011-2012 Prof. E. (Leo) D. Battad
nd

The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. -- Micah, 6:8

SOURCES: (Primary) Constitution, Rules of Court, Code of Professional Responsibility, Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Decisions (Secondary) Treatises, Law Review Articles, and Committee Reports (Reference) Agpalo, Ruben E., Comments on the Code of Professional Responsibility and the Code of Judicial Conduct. Rex Bookstore, Inc. (2004) Coquia, Jorge R., Legal Profession (1993)

REQUIREMENTS: Participation/Recitation/Reaction Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mid-Term Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Final Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONSULTATION: TTh, 4 to 6 PM (preferably by appointment) REMINDERS: 1. 2. Close book during recitation; No open laptop, and other electrical gadgets during classes Voluntary recitation is encouraged, but the professor reserves the right to call on students for recitation. A student who is absent when called for recitation shall get a grade of 5. 30% 30% 40%

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3.

The 20% rule on absences will be strictly observed. If late three (3) times, excused or unexcused, the student shall be considered absent. The number of absences shall be considered for purposes of grading. Please observe: After 15 minutes late; After 30 minutes absent No make-up mid-term and final examination shall be given. Passing mark is 70 points, but the professor may lower the passing mark if circumstances warrant.

4. 5.

COURSE OUTLINE: I. Readings: Garcia, Legal and Judicial Ethics, Preliminary Considerations, citing Pound, Origins: The Lawyer from Antiquity to Modern Times, pp. 920 Wade, Nature and Meaning of the Legal Profession, in Coquia, p. 20 Lundberg, The Legal Profession A Social Phenomenon, in Coquia, p. 47 II. A. Realities and Problems Readings: B. Magallona, Comments on Legal Education in the Third World, 53 Phil. L.J. 87 (1978) Rockwell, The Education of the Capitalist Lawyer (Reflection Paper, not more that 5 pages, double space, arial, font 12) LEGAL EDUCATION THE LAWYER

Pre-Law Studies, Rule 138, sec. 6 1. Issues Relating to Pre-Law Studies

C.

Law Proper, Rule 138, sec. 5 Readings: 1. 2. Te, Legal Education in the Philippines: Confronting the Issues of Relevance and Responsiveness, 63 Phil. L.J. 198 (1988) Reyes, Objectives of Legal Education, in Coquia, p. 113 Cortes, Legal Education in a Changing World, 46 Phil. L.J. 444 (1971) Agabin, Teaching Law as a Social Science Objective of Legal Education The Law Curriculum

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3. 4. 5. III. A.

Teaching Methods Law Faculty; Law Students Legal Apprenticeship or Internship; Law Student Organizations ADMISSION TO THE BAR AND PRACTICE OF LAW

State Regulation 1. 2. The Supreme Court, Consti., Article VIII, sec. 5 (5) The Congress and the People, Consti., Art. XII, sec. 14(2), Art. XVIII, sec. 10; Compare 1973 Consti., Art. X, sec. 5(5) and 1935 Consti., Art. VIII, sec. 13 Cases: In re: Cunanan, et al., 94 Phil. 534 (1954) In re Integration of the Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22 (1973)

B.

Qualifying Process 1. The Bar Examination, Rule 138, secs. 7-16; SC Bar matter No. 1161 re: Proposed Reforms in the Bar Examinations (July 15, 2004) Readings: 2. Labrador, The Bar Examinations as an Instrument of Legal Education, in Coquia, p. 300 Cortes, The Bar Examination as a Qualifying Process, 53 Phil. L. J. 130 (1978) Mendoza, Towards Meaningful Reforms in the Bar Examinations, 77 Phil. L.J. 239 (2003)

Who May Practice Law, Rule 138, sec. 1-5; Rule 138-A; Consti., Art. VII, sec. 5 (5) and XII, sec. 14(2) Case: Petition for Leave to Resume Practice of Law, Benjamin M. Dacanay, 540 SCRA 424 (2007)

C.

Practice of Law 1. 2. The Lawyers Oath, Rule 138, sec. 3 and 17: Form 28, Attorreys Oath What Constitutes the Practice of law Case:

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Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210 (1991) IV. LEGAL ETHICS

A. Legal Ethics, Defined B. Sources of Legal Ethics C. Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR): Background V. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: FOURFOLD DUTIES OF A LAWYER

A. The Law and Society, C 1-5 and R thereunder, CPR Reading: 1. Cortes, Public Responsibilities of the Lawyer MacIver, The Social Significance of Professional Ethics, in Coquia, p. 38 Promote and Respect Law and Legal Process, C 1 ; 1973 Constitution, Art. V, sec. 5 Case: 1.01 Reddi v. Serbio, Jr., 577 SCRA 175 (2009) No Unlawful, dishonest, Immoral, Deceitful Conduct, R 1.01; Rule 138, sec. 27 Cases: 1.2. Figueroa v. Barranco, 276 SCRA 445 (1997) Vda de Mijares v. Villaluz, 274 SCRA 1 (1997) Ui v. Bonifacio, 333 SCRA 38 (2000) Guevarra v. Eala, 529 SCRA 1 (2007)

No Counseling to Defy Law or Lessen Confidence In Legal System, R 1.02; Rule 138, sec. 21 Cases: Estrada v. Sandiganbayan, 416 SCRA 465 (2003)

1.3.

Not to Encourage Law Suits or Proceedings; Not to Delay Cause, R 1.03 Case: Saburnido v. Madroo, 366 SCRA 1 (2001)

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1.4.

Encourage Client to Avoid Controversy, R 1.04 Case: Castaeda v. Ago, 65 SCRA 505 (1975)

2.

Provide Efficient and Convenient Legal Services, C 2 2.1 Not to Reject Defenseless or Oppressed, R 2.01; Rule 138, sec. 31; Rule 116, sec. 7; Consti., Art. III, s 11; Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of Legal Aid Offices, IBP, Art. 1; C 6 Case: 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

Not to Refuse to give Legal Advice, R 2.02 No Solicitation, R 2.03; Rule 138, sec. 27 No Rates Lower than that Customarily Charged, R 2.04

3.

Information on Legal Services that is True, Honest, Fair, Dignifled, and Objective, C 3; Rule 138, sec. 27 3.1. No False or Unfair Claims Re: Qualifications, R 3.01 Cases: 3.2. In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929) Ulep v. Legal Clinic, 223 SCRA 299 (1993) Khan, Jr. v. Simbillo, 409 SCRA 199 (2003)

No False or Misleading Firm Name, R 3.02; C 33 Cases: In the Matter of the Petition for Authority to Continue Use of the Firm Name Ozaeta, Romulo, etc., and Petition for Authority to Continue use of Firm Name Sycip, Salazar, Feliciano, etc. , 92 SCRA 1 (1979) Dacanay v. Baker & Mckenzie, 136 SCRA 349 (1985)

3.03.

Partner Assuming Public Office to Drop name from Firm, R 3.03 Case: Samonte v. Gatdula, 303 SCRA 756 (1999)

3.4

No Use of Media to Attract Legal Business, R 3.04

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4.

Participate In Development: Administration of Justice, C 4 4.1. Development, Defined 4.2.

Support

Legal

Reform

and

Developmental Legal Advocacy Battad, Developmental Legal Advocacy: Meeting the Challenge of Relevance and Responsiveness

5.

Participate in Legal Education Program, C 5, Rule 138-A; S.C. Bar Matter No. 850, Revised Rules on the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (15 September 2000) and its Implementing Regulation (1 December 2001); S.C. Bar Matter No. 1922 Canons Apply to Lawyers In Government Services, C 6; RA 6713, sec. 4 Cases: 6.01. Collantes v. Renomeron, 200 SCRA 584 (1991) Huyssen v. Gutierrez, 485 SCRA 244 (2006) Primary Duty: That Justice is Done, R 6.01 Case: 6.2. People v. Pineda, 20 SCRA 748 (1967)

6.

Not to Use Public Position for Private Interest, R 6.02 Cases: Misamin v. San Juan, 72 SCRA 491 (1976) Vitriolo v. Dasig, 400 SCRA 172 (2003)

6.3

Not to Accept Employment After Government Service Re Matters While in Service, R 6.03; RA 3019, sec. 3(d); RA 6713, sec. 7(b) Case: PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, 455 SCRA 526 (2005)

B.

The Lawyer and the Legal Profession, C 7-9 7. Uphold Dignity and Integrity of Profession; Support Activities of IBP, C 7 Cases: 398 (1989) In re: 1989 Elections of the Integrated Bar, 178 SCRA

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Letter of Atty. Cecilio Y. Arevalo, Jr., Requesting Exemption from Payment of IBP Dues, 458 SCRA 209 (2005) Tan, Jr. v. Gumba, A.C. No. 9000, 5 October 2011 No False Statement re: Application for Admission, R 7.01 Case: Leda v. Tabang, 206 SCRA 395 (1992)

7.01.

7.02 7.03

Not to Support Unqualified Bar Applicant, R 7.02 No Conduct Adversely Affecting Fitness to Practice Law; Not to Discredit Profession, R 7.03 Cases: Advincula v. Macabata, 517 SCRA 600 (2007) Zaguirre v. Castillo, 398 SCRA 659 (2003)

8.

Courtesy, Fairness, Candor Towards Professional Colleagues; Avoid Harrassing Tactics, C 8 Cases: Javier v. Cornejo, 63 Phil. 293 (1936) Macias v. Malig, 157 SCRA 762 (1988) Not to use Abusive and Improper Language, R8.01; C 17 Case: 8.2. Dallong-Galiciano v. Castro, 474 SCRA 1 (2005) Pobre v. Defensor-Santiago, 597 SCRA 1 (2009)

8.1.

Not to Encroach on Professional Employment of Other Lawyer; Exception, R 8.02 Case: Laput v. Remotique, 6 SCRA 45 (1962)

9.

Unauthorized Practice of Law, C 9 Cases: Office of the Court of Administration v. Ladaga, 350 SCRA 326 (2001) Aguirre v. Rana, 403 SCRA 342 (2003) Not to Delegate Work to Unqualified Person, or By Law Performed Only by Bar Member, R 9.01

9.1.

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9.2

Not to Divide Legal Fees with Non-Lawyers; Exceptions, R 9.02; C 34 Case: Five J Taxi v. NLRC, 235 SCRA 556 (1994)

C.

The Lawyer and the Courts, C 10-13 Reading: 10. Pertnoy, Order in the Court. Observe Candor, Fairness and Good Faith, C 10, 22 10.1 Truthfulness towards the Court, R 10.01; C 32; Lawyers Oath Cases: Santos, Jr. v. Llamas, 322 SCRA 529 (2000) Young v. Batuegas, 403 SCRA 123 (2003) De Leon v. Castillo, A.C. No. 8620, 12 January 2011

10.02. Not to Misquote or Misrepresent Contents of Papers, Language, Decisions; Cite Repealed or Amended Law , R 10.02 Case: 10.3. Adez Realty, Inc. v. CA, 215 SCRA 301 (1992)

Observe and Not Misuse Rules of Procedures, R 10.03; Rule 7, sec. 2(c) & 7(d); Rule 138, sec. 20 (c) & (b) Case: Garcia v. Francisco, 220 SCRA 512 (1993) Re: Letter of the UP Law Faculty, A.M. No. 10-10-4SC, 8 March 2011

11.

Respect Courts and Judicial Officers, C 11 Cases: In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595 (1949) Guerrero v. Villamor, 197 SCRA 355 (1989) Re: Letter dated 21 February 2005 of Atty. Noel S. Sorreda, 501 SCRA 369 (2006) Pobre v. Defensor-Santiago, supra

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11.1. 11.2. 11.3.

Proper Attire, R 11.01 Punctuality, R 11.02 Proper Language and Behavior, R 11.03 Cases: In re Almacen, 31 SCRA 562 (1970) Sangalang v. IAC, 177 SCRA 87 (1989)

11.4.

Not to Attribute to Judge Motives Not supported by Facts, R 11.04 Case: Balaoing v. Calderon, 221 SCRA 533 (1993)

11.5

Grievance Against Judge, Submit to Proper Authorities Only, R 11.05; Consti., Art. VIII, sec. 6 Case: Maceda v. Vasquez, 221 SCRA 464 (1993)

Sir, justice has prevailed, said the young defense attorney to his boss. APPEAL at once!, instructed the latter. -- Author unknown

12.

Assist In Speedy and Efficient Administration of Justice, C12; Rule 138, sec. 20 (g) Case: Penticostes v. Hidalgo, 190 SCRA 165 (1990)

12.1 Adequate Preparation, R 12.02; C 21 12.2 No Multiple Action or Suits, R 12.02 Case: Que v. Revilla, Jr., 607 SCRA 1 (2009)

12.3 Not to Let Period Lapse in Filing Pleadings, R 12.03 12.4 Not to Unduly Delay Case; Impede Execution; Misuse Court Processes, R 12.04 Cases:

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12.5 12.6

Ford v. Daitol, 250 SCRA 7 (1995) Masinsin v. Albano, SCRA 631 (1994)

Proper Behavior Towards Witness, R 12.05-07; C 18, 22 Not to Testify on Behalf of Client; Exception, R 12.08; C 19 Case: Philippine National Bank v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phil. 337 (1932)

13.

Refrain from any Act Tending to Influence or Give Appearance of Influencing Court, C 13; A.M. No. 98-7-02, 7 July 1998 on Re: Guidelines on the Conduct of Demonstration, Pickets, Rallies and Other Similar Gatherings in the Vicinity of the Supreme Court of All Other Courts Case: Nestle Phil., Inc. v. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542 (1987) In re: Published Alleged Threats Against Members of Court in the Plunder Law Case Hurled by Atty. de Vera, 385 SCRA 285 (2003) No Extraordinary Attention, Hospitality, or Familiarity, R 13.01 Case: 13.2 Lantoria v. Bunyi, 209 SCRA 528 (1992)

13.1.

No Public Statements to Media Tending to Arouse Public Opinion, R 13.02; C 20 Cases: Re: Request Radio-TV Coverage of the Trial in the Sandiganbayan of the Plunder Cases Against Former President Estrada, 360 SCRA 248 (2001) Foodsphere, Inc. v. Mauricio, Jr., 593 SCRA 367 (2009)

13.2. D.

Not to Invite Outside Interference, R 13.03

The Lawyer and the Client, C 14-22 14. Services to the Needy, C 14; Consti., Art. III, sec. 11; B.M. 2012; R.A. 9999; R.A. 6033, R.A. 6034, R.A. 6035, R.A. 6036 14.1. Availability of Services Regardless of Personal Status or Guilt, R 14.02; Rule 138, sec. 20 (h)

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14.2 Providing Counsel de Officio; Amicus Curiae, R 14.02; Rule 138, sec. 20 (h), sec. 31; Rule 116, secs. 6-8; PD 542; Rule 124, sec. 2 Case: 14.2 People v. Ingco, 42 SCRA 170 (1971)

Valid Grounds for Refusal to Represent, R 14.03 Case: Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989)

14.4. 15.

Same Standard of Conduct of Paying and Non-Paying Clients, R 14.04

Observe Candor, Fairness, Loyalty, C 15; Rule 138, sec. 3 15.1. 15.2. Inform Prospective Client in Case of Conflict of Interest, R 15.01 & 15.03; C 16, 6, 17 Observe Privileged Communication, R 15.02 Cases: 15.3. Regala v. Sandiganbayan, First division, 262 SCRA 122 (1996) People v. Sandiganbayan, 275 SCRA 505 (1997) Palm v. Iledan, Jr., 602 SCRA 12 (2009)

Not to Represent Conflicting Interests Cases: Hornilla v. Salunat, 405 SCRA 220 (2003) Frias v. Lozada, 477 SCRA 393 (2005) Pacana v. Pascual-Lopez, 594 SCRA 1(2009)

15.4.

Acting as Mediator, Conciliator, or Arbitrator with Consent of All, R 15.04 Case:

15.5.

Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 651 (1989) Give Candid, Honest Advise, R 15.05; C 8 Case: Gillego v. Diaz, 39 SCRA 88 (1971)

15.6.

Not to Claim or Imply Influence, R 15.06

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Case: 15.7. Lantoria v. Bunyi, supra with laws and

Impress upon Clients Compliance Principles of Fairness, R 15.07 Case:

15.8.

Gonzales v. Sabacajan, 249 SCRA 276 (1995) Dual Professions; Inform if Acting as Lawyer or Other Capacity, R 15.08 Case: Nakpil v. Valdes, 286 SCRA 758 (1998)

16.

Hold in Trust Clients Moneys and Properties, C 16; Civil Code, Art. 1491 Case: 16.1. Hernandez v. Go, 450 SCRA 1 (2005)

Account, R 16.01 Cases: Dumadag v. Lumaya, 197 SCRA 303 (1991) Belleza v. Macasa, 593 SCRA 549 (2009)

16.2.

Keep Clients Fund Separate and Apart, R 16.02 Case: Busios v. Ricafort, 283 SCRA 407 (1997)

16.3.

Delivery of Funds, Subject to Lawyers Lien, R 16.03 Cases: Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989) Arellano University, Inc. v. Mijares III, 605 SCRA 93 (2009) Barnachea v. Quiocho, 399 SCRA 1 (2003)

16.4. 17.

No borrowing-Lending of Money; When Allowed, R 16.04; Civil Code, Art 1491

Fidelity to Client Cause: Trust and Confidence, C 17; Rule 136, s3 Cases:

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18.

Cantiller v. Potenciano, 180 SCRA 246 (1989) Stemmerik v. Mas, 589 SCRA 114 (2009)

Competence and Diligence, C 18 18.1. 18.2. 18.3. Client Consent with Collaborating Counsel, R 18.01 Adequate Preparation, R 18.02 Not to Neglect Legal Matters Entrusted, R 18.03 Cases: 18.4. Belleza v. Macasa, A.C. No. 7815, 23 July 2009 De Juan v. Baria III, A.C. No. 5817, 27 MAY 2004 Conlu v. Aredonia, Jr., A.C. No. 4955, 12 September 2011

Inform Client on Status of Case, R 18.04 Case: Blanza v. Arcangel, 21 SCRA 1 (1967) Conlu v. Aredonia, Jr., supra

19.

Representation with Zeal, C 19 19.1 Employ Fair and Honest Means, R 19.01; Rule 138, sec. 20 (d) Case: Millare v. Montero, 246 SCRA 1 (1995)

19.02 Rectify Clients Fraud, Otherwise, Terminate Relationship, R 19.02 Case: 19.2 20. Dalisay v. Mauricio, 479 SCRA 308 (2006)

Control Proceedings, R 19.03

Charge Fair and Reasonable Attorneys Fees, C 20; Rule 138, secs. 24 &32; RA 5185, sec. 6; Civil Code, Art 2208 Case: (1990) Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. v. CA, 181 SCRA 387

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20.01 Fee Guide; Factors, R 20.01, C 12 Art 2208, Civil Code Case: 20.2 Traders Royal Bank Employees Union- Independent v. NLRC, 269 SCRA 733 (1997)

Clients Consent of Fees for Referral, R 20.02 Case: Bautista v. Gonzales, 182 SCRA 151 (1990)

20.03 Clients Consent of acceptance of Fee, Reward, Costs, Commission, Other Compensation, R 20.03 20.4 Avoid Compensation Controversy with Client, R 20.04; Rule 138, secs. 24, 32 Case: 21. Corpuz v. CA, 98 SCRA 242 (1990)

Preserve Clients confidence and Secrets Even After Relations, C 20; Rule 138, sec. 20(e); RPC, Art. 208; Rule 130, sec. 21 (b) Case: 21.1. 21.2. 21.3. 21.4. 21.5. 21.6. Hilado v. David, 84 Phil. 569 (1949) When Revelations of Confidence and Secrets are Allowed, R 21.02; Rule 130, sec. 21 (b) When Use of Information Received in the Course of Employment is Allowed, R 21.02 Prohibition to Giving of Information Outside Agency, R 21.03 Protection from Disclosure of Information to Firm Partners; Measures of Protection, R 21.04, R 21.05 Prohibition of Indiscreet Conversations with Family Members, R 21.06 Not to Reveal that Lawyer was Consulted; Exceptions, R 21.07; cf: R 15.01, 14.04

22.

Withdrawal of Services for Good Cause and Upon Notice, C 22 22.1. Good Causes for Withdrawal of Services, R 22.01 Case:

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22.2.

Montano v. IBP, 358 SCRA 1 (2001)

Duties of Lawyer who withdraws or is Discharged, R 22.02 Case: Obando v. Figueras, 322 SCRA 148 (2000) Heirs of Retuya v. CA, et al., supra BASIC RULES ON NOTARIAL PRACTICE Notarial Act of 2004, A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC

VI. A.

Competent Evidence of Identity Cases: Gonzales v. Padiernos, 573 SCRA 164 (2008) Maligsa v. Catanting, 272 SCRA 408 (1997)

B. C. D. D.

Qualifications of a Notary Public Jurisdiction of a Notary Public and Place of Notarization Term of Office Powers and Limitations of a Notary Public Cases: 2011 Espinosa v. Omaa, A.C. No. 9081, 12 October 2011 Caalim-Verzonilla v. Paxua, A.C. No. 6655, 11 October

E. F.

Notarial Register Revocation of Commission VII. SUSPENSION, DISBARMENT, & DISCIPLINE OF LAWYERS

A.

DISCIPLINE, DISBARMENT OR SUSPENSION OF LAWYERS, Rule 138; 139-B 1. Nature and Characteristics of Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers Case: (2010) Plaza v. Amamio, Clerk of Court, et. al., 616 SCRA 191

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2.

Grounds, Rule 138, s 27 Case: Marcelo v. Javier, Jr., 214 SCRA 1 (1992)

3. 4. B.

How Instituted and by Whom, Rule 139-B, s 1 Procedure, Rule 139, secs. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (in IBP); secs. 13 &14 (in SC)

READMISSION TO THE BAR

VIII.

JUDICIAL CONDUCT

A.M. No. 03-05-01 SC, New Code of Judicial Conduct in the Judiciary, 27 April 2004; New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary (Annotated), February 2007

A.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, C 1-6 1. Independence Case: 2. Sabitsana, Jr. v. Villamor, 202 SCRA 445 (1991)

Integrity Case: Tan v. Rosete, 437 SCRA 581(2004)

3.

Impartiality Case: Webb v. People, 276 SCRA 243 (1997)

4.

Impropriety Cases: Liwanag v. Lustre, 306 SCRA 55 (1999) Dionisio v. Escano, 302 SCRA 411 (1999) Tobias v. Limcaoco, Jr., A.M. No. MTJ-09-1734, 19 Janaury 2011

5.

Equality

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6.

Competence and Diligence Cases: Salcedo v. Bollozos, A.M. No. RTJ-12236, 5 July 2010. Inoturan v. Limcaoco, Jr., A,M. No. MTJ-01-1362, 22 February 2011

B.

ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN HUMAN RIGHTS Mahoney, The Role of the Judiciary in Human Rights: (1980)

C.

DISCIPLINE OF JUDGES, Rule 140


Even the most rational approach to ethics is defenseless if there isnt the will to do what is right -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn

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