UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF LAW

LAW 120. THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Second Semester AY 2015
Primary Sources: Constitution; Rules of Court; Code of Professional
Responsibility, New Code of Judicial Conduct; Supreme Court Decisions
Reference: Agpalo, Ruben, The Code of Professional Responsibility (2009)

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
1In the matter of the IBP 49 SCRA 22 (1973)

2-

In re Cunanan 94 Phil 534 (1954)

B. Practice of Law

3-

Cayetano v. Monsod 201 SCRA 210 (1991)

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW

A. Legal Education

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

Proper: Rule 138 sec. 5, Rules of Court

Republic Act No. 7662 (1993) Legal Education Reform Act

B. Citizenship

Constitution, 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

4. Good

Moral Character as a Prerequisite to Bar

Admission In re Al C. Argosino, 246 SCRA 14 (1995)
In the Matter of the Disqualification of Bar Examinee Haron S. Maling in
the 2002 Bar Examinations, 431 SCRA 146 ( 2004)

5.Law Student Practice Rule

Rules of Court, Rule 138-A
Cruz v. Mina 522 SCRA 387 (2007)

6.

Public Official Who Cannot Practice Law in the Philippines

1.
2.

Absolute disqualification
Relative disqualification

7. Lawyers Oath
SC Resolution dated Oct. 25,
1979 Revised Rules of Court,
Form 28 91 SCRA xv (1979)

PART 1

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY

Canon 1 Promote and Respect Law and Legal Process

12-

In re Gutierrez 5 SCRA 661 (1962)

Zaldivar v. Gonzales 166 SCRA 316 (1988)

Rule 1.01 No Unlawful, Dishonest, Immoral, Deceitful Conduct

1234567-

Piatt v. Abordo 58 Phil. 350 (1933)

891011121314-

Stemmerik v. Mas 589 SCRA 114 (2009)

Ui v. Bonifacio 333 SCRA 38 (2000)

Figueroa v. Barranco SCRA 445 (1997)
Pimentel v. Llorente 339 SCRA 154 (2000)
Cordova v. Cordova 179 Phil 680 (1989)
People v. Tuanda 181 SCRA 692 (1989)
Castillo vda. de Mijares v. Villaluz 274 SCRA 1

(1997)
Cordova v. Cordova 179 SCRA 680 (1989)
Calub v. Suller 323 SCRA 556 (2000)
Garrido v. Garrido 611 SCRA 508 (2010)
Ventura v. Samson 686 SCRA 430 (2012)
De Leon v. Pedrena 708 SCRA 13 (2013)
Roa v. Moreno 618 SCRA 693 (2010)

Rule 1.02 No Counseling to Defy Law

12-

In re Terrell, 2 Phil 266 (1903)

3-

Kupers v. Hontanosas 587 SCRA 325 (2009)

Estrada v. Sandiganbayan 416 SCRA 465

(2003)

Rule 1.03 Not to Encourage Lawsuit or Proceedings

Rule 1.04 Encourage Client to Avoid Controversy Castaneda v. Ago 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 )
- Ledesma v. Climaco 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
1In re Tagorda 53 Phil 37 (1929)

234-

Ulep v. Legal Clinic 223 SCRA 378 (1993)

Linsangan v. Tolentino 598 SCRA 133 (2009)
Villatuya v. Tabalingcos 676 DCRA 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 409 SCRA 299 (2003)

Rule 3.02 No False or Misleading Firm Name

12-

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

In re Petition of Sycip 92 SCRA 1 (1979)

Rule 3.03 Partners Assuming Public Office Constitution

Art. 6, sec. 14; Art. 7, sec. 13; Art. 9, sec. 2
- Samonte v. Gatdula 303 SCRA 756 (1999)

Rule 3.04 Not Use Media to Attract Legal

Business - Cruz v. Salva 105 Phil 1151 (1959)

Canon 4 Particitipate 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 Bar Matter No. 1922, dated June 3, 2008
- Rodriguez Manahan v. Flores 709 SCRA 297 (2013)

Canon 6 Canons Apply to Lawyers In Government Service

RA 6713 (1989) sec. 4

12-

Collantes v. Romeron 200 SCRA 584 (1991)

34-

Pimentel v. Fabros 501 SCRA 346 (2006)

Office of the Court Administrator v. Ladaga 350 SCRA

326 (2001)

Lahm III v. Mayor 666 SCRA 1 (2012)

Rule 6.01 Primary Duty: That Justice is Done People v Pineda 20 SCRA 748 (1967)

Rule 6.02 Not to Use Public Position for Private Interest

12345-

Misamin v. San Juan 72 SCRA 491 (1976)

Vitriolo v. Dasig 400 SCRA 172 (2003)
Huyssen v. Gutierrez 485 SCRA 244 (2006)
Ramos v. Imbang 530 SCRA 759 (2007)
In re Avecilla, A.C. No. 6683, June 21, 2011

Rule 6.03 Not to Accept Employment After Government

Service RA 6713 sec.7 (b)
Query of Atty. Karen M. Silverio, Buffe 596 SCRA 378
(2009) RA 3019 sec. 3 (d)
1PNB v. Cedo 243 SCRA 1 (1995)

2-

PCGG v. Sandiganbayan 455 SCRA 526 (2005)

THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Canon 7 Uphold Dignity and Integrity of the Profession

1-

In re 1989 Elections of the IBP 178 SCRA 398

234-

Fernandez v. Grecia 223 SCRA 425 (1993)

5-

Velez v. de Vera 496 SCRA 345 (2006)

(1989)
Santos Jr. v. Llamas 322 SCRA 529 (2000)
Letter of Atty. Cecilio Arevalo 458 SCRA 209

(2005)

RA 6397 Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Rules of Court, Rule 139-A, secs. 9 & 10.
- 2009 IBP Elections 638 SCRA 1 (2010)

Rule 7.01 No False Statement

- In re Diao 7 SCRA 475 (1963)

Rule 7.02 Not to Support Unqualified Bar Applicant

Rule 7.03 No Conduct Adversely Affecting the Profession

1234567-

Zaguirre v. Castillo 398 SCRA 659 (2003)

Tan v. Sabandal 206 SCRA 473 (1992)
Tapucar v. Tapucar 293 SCRA 331 (1998)
Guevara v. Eala 517 SCRA 600 (2007)
Advincula v. Macabata 517 SCRA 604 (2007)
Ventura v. Samson 686 SCRA 430 (2012)
Tiong v. Florendo AC No. 4428 Dec. 12, 2011

Canon 8 Courtesy, Fairness, Candor Towards Professional Colleagues

123-

Bugarin v. Espanol 349 SCRA 687 (2001)

Reyes v. Chiong 405 SCRA 212 (2003)
Barandon v. Ferrer 616 SCRA 529 (2010)

Rule 8.01 No Abusive and Improper Language

12-

Dallong-Galicinao v. Castro 474 SCRA 1 (2005)

Alcantara v. Pefianco 393 SCRA 247 (2002)

Rule 8.02 Not to Encroach on Professional Employment Camacho v. Pangulayan 328 SCRA 631 (2000)

Canon 9 Unauthorized Practice of Law

123-

Spouses Suarez v. Salazar 1999 315 SCRA 502 (1999)

Aguirre v. Rana 403 SCRA 342 (2003)
Office of the Court Administrator v. Ladaga 350 SCRA 326

(2001)

4Alawi v. Alauya 268 SCRA 639 (1997)

Exception: Rules of Court, Rule 138-A

Rule 9.01 Not to Delegate Work

Rule 9.02 Not to Divide Legal Fees

12-

Halili v. CIR 136 SCRA 113 (1985)

Lijuaico v. Terrado 500 SCRA 301 (2006)

THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS

Canon 10

12-

Observe Candor, Fairness and Good Faith

Ting Dumali v. Torres 427 SCRA 108 (2004)

Masinsin v. Albano 232 SCRA 631 (1994)

Rule 10.01 Truthfulness Towards the

Court Canon 32, CPE
- Young v. Batuegas 403 SCRA 123 (2003)

Rule 10.02 Not to Misquote or Misrepresent Contents of Paper

1-

Insular Life Employees Co. v. Insular Life Association 37 SCRA

244 (1971)
2Hipos, Sr. v. Bay, 581 SCRA 674 (2009)

3-

Plagiarism Cases

1- Re: Letter of the U.P. Law Faculty 633 SCRA 418 (2010); March 8,

2011, 644 SCRA 543 (2011), June 7, 2011

2- In the Matter of charges of Plagiarism against Assoc. Justice
Mariano C. Del Castillo 642 SCRA 11 (2011)
3Cf. Vinuya v. Executive Secretary, G.R. No. 162230, April 28,
2010

Rule 10.03 Observe Rules of Procedure

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

Canon 11

123-

Respect Courts and Judicial Officers

In re Sotto 82 Phil 595 (1949)

Guerrero v. Villamor 179 SCRA 355 (1989)
Bueno v. Raneses 687 SCRA 711 (2012)

Rule 11.01 Proper Attire

Rule 11.02 Punctuality

Rule 11.03 Proper Language and Behavior

123-

In re Almacen 31 SCRA 562 (1970)

Baculi v. Battung 658 SCRA 209 (2011)
Lacurom v. Jacoba 484 SCRA 206 (2006)

Rule 11.04 Not to Attribute to Judge Motives

Embido v. Pe Jr. 708 SCRA 1 (2013)

Rule 11.05 Grievances Against

Judge Constitution Art. VII sec. 6
- Maceda v. Vasquez 221 SCRA 464 (1993)

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

Rule 12.04 Court Process

123-

Malonzo v. Principe 447 SCRA 1 (2004)

Saa v. IBP-CBD 598 SCRA 6 (2009)
Plus Builders v. Revilla 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

123-

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

In re de Vera 385 SCRA 285 (2003)
Perez v. Estrada 360 SCRA 248 (2001)

Rule 13.01 No Extraordinary Attention

Rule 13.02 No Public Statements to Media

12(2009)

Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil 115 (1959)

Foodsphere, Inc. v. Mauricio 593 SCRA 367

Rule 13.03 Not to Invite Outside Interference

- Maglasang v. People 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 See also Rule 2.01
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

Rule 14.03 Valid Ground for Refusal

Rule 14.04 Same Standard of Conduct for Paying and Non-Paying Clients
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. 0811-7-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
1Hornilla v. Salunat 405 SCRA 220 (2003)

2345-

Gonzales v. Cabucana 479 SCRA 320 (2006)

De Guzman v. de Dios 350 SCRA 320 (2001)
Perez v. de la Torre 485 SCRA 547 (2006)
Heirs of Falame v. Baguio 548 SCRA 1 (2008)

Rule 15.02 Privileged Communication

123-

Regala v. Sandiganbayan 262 SCRA 122 (1996)

People v. Sandiganbayan 275 SCRA 505 (1997)
Castillo v. Sandiganbayan 377 SCRA 509 (2002)

4-

Dalisay v. Mauricio 479 SCRA 307 (2006)

- Aninon v. Sabitsanaa 669 SCRA 77 (2012)

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 482 SCRA 501 (2006)

Rule 15.07 Impress Compliance with Laws

Rule 15.08 Dual Profession

- Nakpil v. Valdez 286 SCRA 758 (1998)

Canon 16

Hold in Trust Clients Moneys and Properties

Art. 1491, Civil Code

Rule 16.01 Account

12-

Berbano v. Barcelona 410 SCRA 258 (2003)

Licuanan v. Melo 170 SCRA 100 (1989)

Rule 16.02 Keep Clients Fund Separate

- Hernandez v. Go 450 SCRA 1 (2005)

Rule 16.03 Delivery of Funds; Lawyers Lien

123-

Businos v. Ricafort 283 SCRA 40 (1997)

Quilban v. Robinol 171 SCRA 768 (1989)
Rayos v. Hernandez G. R. No. 169079 Feb. 12, 2007

Rule 16.04 No Borrowing, Lending

- Barnachea v. Quicho 399 SCRA 1 (2003)

Canon 17
and Confidence

Trust

1-

Cantiller v. Potenciano 180 SCRA 246

(1989)

23-

In re Maquera 435 SCRA 417 (2004)

Solatan v. Inocentes 466 SCRA 1

(2005)

4-

Somosot v. Pontevedra 488 SCRA 416

(2006)

5-

Angalan v. Delante 578 SCRA 113

(2009)

Canon 18

Competence and Diligence

Rule 18.01 Client Consent with Collaborating Counsel

Rule 18.02 Adequate Preparation

Rule 18.03 Not to Neglect Legal Matters

123-

Legarda v. CA 209 SCRA 722 (1992)

Endaya v. Oca 410 SCRA 344 (2003)
Carandang v. Obmina AC No. 7813, April

21, 2009

Rule 18.04 Inform Client on Status of Case

12-

Blanza v. Arcangel 21 SCRA 1 (1967)

Abay v. Montesino 417 SCRA 77

(2003)

Canon 19

Representation with Zeal

Rule 19.01 Fair and Honest

Rule 138 sec. 20 (d)

Rule 19.02 Rectify Clients Fraud

Rule 19.03 Control Proceedings

Canon 20

Attorneys Fees

RA 5185 sec. 6
Rule 138 sec. 24, 32, Rules of Court
1Quirante v. IAC 169 SCRA 769 (1989)

234-

Tanhueco v. de Dumo 172 SCRA 760 (1989)

Albano v. Coloma 21 SCRA 411 (1967)
Metropolitaan Bank v. CA 181 SCRA 367 (1990)

Rule 20.01 Fee Guide

12-

Roxas v. de Zuzuarregui 481 SCRA 250 (2006)

Masmud v. NLRC, G.R. No. 183385, February 13, 2009

Rule 20.02 Clients Consent of Fees for Referral

- Urban Bank v. Pea, A.C. No. 4863, September 7, 2001, 364 SCRA 597 (2001).

See In re Pea, A.C. 6332, April 17, 2012 disbarred guilty of violating
Canons 8, 10 & 11; Re Letter-Complaint Against Justices Antonio Carpio and
Ma. Lourdes Sereno, filed by Atty. De la Pea, dated Sept. 16, 2001, A.M.
No. 12-6-11-SC, June 13, 2012

Rule 20.03 Clients 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 98 SCRA 424 (1980)

Canon 21

Preserve Clients Confidence

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

Rule 130 sec. 21 (b), Rules of Court
Art. 208 Revised Penal Code
1Hilado v. David, 84 Phil 569 (1949)

2-

Genato v. Silapan 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

12-

Domingo v. Aquino 38 SCRA 472 (1971)

Montano v. IBP 358 SCRA 1 (2001)

Rule 22.02 Duties of Lawyer Who Withdraws

- Obano v. Figueras 322 SCRA 148 (2000)

Specific Rules of Practice

2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, Sup. Ct. A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, promulgated July
6, 2004.
1Spouses Santuyo v. Hidalgo 448 SCRA 282 (2005)

234-

Sicat v. Ariola 456 SCRA 93 (2005)

Mondejar v. Rubia 496 SCRA 1 (2006)
Lee v. Tambago 544 SCRA 393 (2008)

Discipline of Lawyers

12-

2007

Rules of Court, Rule 139 - B

Supreme Court Bar Matter No. 1755, dated September 25,

345-

Yuhico v. Gutierrez AC No. 8391, November 23, 2010

Maniago v. De Dios 617 SCRA 142 (2010)
Macarubbo v. Macarubbo 689 SCRA 69 (2013)

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

1- Libarios v. Dabalos, A.M. RTJ-89-1286, July 11, 1991, 199 SCRA 48

(1991)
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 (1986)

2- Tan
3-

Canon 2 Integrity

1- In re Complaint of Mrs. Rotilla Marcos Against Judge F. Marcos, A.M.

234-

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, February 24, 2009

Canon 3 Impartiality

- People v. Veneracion, G.R. Nos. 119987-88, October 12, 1995, 249 SCRA

244 (1995)

Canon 4 Propriety

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

(1996)

Canon 5 Equality

1- Tan

v. Pacuribot, A.M. Nos. RTJ-06-1982-83, December 14, 2007,

540 SCRA 246 (2009)

2- Guanzon

v. Rufon, A.M. No. RTJ-07-2028, October 19, 2009, 537

SCRA 38 (2009)

Canon 6 Competence and Diligence

1- Castro

v. Malazo, A.M. No. 1237-CAR, August 21, 1980, 99 SCRA

165 (1980)

2- Office

of the Court Administrator v. Judge Floro, A.M. No. RTJ-991463, March 31, 2006, 486 SCRA 66 (2006)

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