LAW 120.

THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Second Semester, AY 2006-2007 Prof. Pacifico A. Agabin

Primary Sources: Constitution, Rules of Court, Code of Professional Responsibility, New Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Decisions Secondary Sources: Treatises, Casebooks, Law Review Articles, and Committee Reports. Reference: Coquia, Legal Profession (1993); Agpalo, Ruben: Comments on The Code of Professional Responsibility (2004 Ed), Rex Printing Co. (2004)

S Y L L A B U S 1 LAWYERS IN SOCIETY Wade, "Nature and Meaning of the Legal Profession," in Coquia, p. 20. Lundberg, "The Legal Profession - A Social Phenomenon," in Coquia, p. 47. 2. STATE REGULATION 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. The Supreme Court - Constitution, Article VIII, sec. 5(5) The Congress and the People - CONSTITUTION, Article XII, sec. 14(2), Art. XVIII, Sec. 10. Cases: In re Cunanan, 94 Phil. 534 In the Matter of the Integration of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22 Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210

3.

LEGAL EDUCATION 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. Pre-law: Rule 138 sec. 6., RULES OF COURT Law proper: Rule 138, sec. 5., RULES OF COURT Reyes, "Objectives of Legal Education," in Coquia, p. 113 Agabin, "Teaching Law as a Social Science", 68 Phil. L. J. No. 1 (1993) p.1. S.C. Bar Matter No. 850, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Program

3.

THE BAR EXAMINATIONS - Rule 138, secs. 7-16, RULES OF COURT

Labrador, "The Bar Examinations as the Instrument of Legal Education," in Coquia, p. 300 11. L E G A L E T H I C S

PRELIMINARY MATTERS 5.01.1 5.01.2 5.01.3 a. b. III. Legal Ethics Defined Sources of Legal Ethics Code of Professional Responsibility History and Sources Structure of Code C O D E O F P R O FE S S I O N A L RE S P O NS I B I L I T Y THE FOURFOLD DUTIES OF A LAWYER 6.01. THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY CPR, Canons 1-5 and rules thereunder Agpalo, ch. I, supra. McIver, "The Social Significance of Professional Ethics," in Coquia, p. 47 6.01.1. Respect for Law and Legal Process - C-1; Art. V. Sec. 5,, 1973 Constitution Estrada v. Sandigan, 416 SCRA 465 Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316 (1988) 6.01.2 CONDUCT - Unlawful, dishonest, immoral, deceitful -R 1.01; Rules of Court 138, S21 Figueroa v. Barranco, 216 SCRA 445 Leslie Ui v. Bonifacio, 333 SCRA 38

6.01.3

COUNSELLING - Defiance of l aw or lessen confidence -legal system - R.1.02 Estrada v. Sandigan, 416 SCRA 465

6.01.4

LAW SUITS AND PROCEEDING - Corrupt motive, interest - encourage suit or proceeding, delay cause -R. 1.03 De Ysasi v. NLRC, 231 SCRA 173

6.01.5

CONTROVERSY - encourage client avoid suit, settle if fair -R. 1.04 Castaneda v. Ago, 65 SCRA 505 (1975)

6.02 LEGAL SERVICES - Efficient and convenient compatible with independence, integrity and effectiveness of profession - C-2 6.02.1 LEGAL SERVICES - Not reject, except for valid reason cause of defenseless or oppressed - R - 2. 01; R. 138 S31; R 116 - S7; Art. 1, Sec. 1 Guidelines Governing the Establishment and Operation of Legal Aid Offices, IBP; C-6 6.02.2. 6.02.3 6.02.4 Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

LEGAL SERVICES - Non-acceptance - R - 2.02. LEGAL BUSINESS - Solicitation - R - 2.03 R 138 S27 LEGAL BUSINESS - Rates - R - 2.04

6.03 LEGAL SERVICES - True, honest, fair, dignified and objective - C-3; R138 S27 6.03.1 6.03.2 In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929) Ulep v. Legal Clinic, 223 SCRA 378 QUALIFICATIONS - False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, indignified, self-mandatory or unfair claims - R - 3.01 FIRM NAME - Use of false, misleading or assumed name-, name of deceased partner - R-3.02; Canon 33. 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) 6,03.3 PARTNER ASSUMING PUBLIC OFFICE - Drop name from firm; unless law practice allowed - R-3.03 6.03.4 Samonte v. Gatdula, 303 SCRA 756

LAWYER AND MEDIA - shall not pay or give anything of value in anticipation or return publicity attract legal business R-3.04 Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil. 1151

6.04 LEGAL REFORM - Participate in development, , initiating or supporting law reform and improvement of administration of justice - C-4 6.05 LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS - Participate legal education programs, standards law schools, student practical training, disseminate information law and jurisprudence - C-5

Bar Matter No. 850 Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Vol. 1, No. 1, Continuing Legal Education Journal 6.06 LAWYERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE - Applicability of Canons; C-6; Sec. 4, RA No. 6713 Huyssen v. Gutierrez, 485 SCRA 244 Collantes v. Romeron, AC No. 3056, 200 SCRA 594 6.06.1 PRIMARY DUTY GOVERNMENT LAWYER - Not to convict, see justice done - R-6.01 People v. Pineda, 20 SCRA 748 (1967) 6.06.2 USE OF PUBLIC OFFICE - to promote or advance private interests or interfere public duties - R-6.02 Misamin v. San Juan, 72 SCRA 491 (1976) Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio, 486 SCRA 10 6.06.3 AFTER GOVERNMENT SERVICE - accept engagement or employment in connection matter intervened with in service -R6.03; Sec. 3(d) RA 3019; Sec, 7(b), RA 6713 PCGG v. Sandigan, 455 SCRA 526 (2004) 7 THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION Canon 7 Agpalo, ch. II, supra. Uphold integrity and dignity-, support activities of integrated bar C-7 In re: 1989 Elections of the Integrated Bar, 178 SCRA 398 (1989) 7.01.1 FALSE STATEMENT AND SUPPRESSING MATERIAL FACT knowingly by making, re: Application for admission - R-7.01 Young v. Batuegas, 403 SCR,a 123 7.01.2 7.01.3 SUPPORT OF UNQUALIFIED BAR APPLICANT - knowing supporting application of unqualified - R-7.02 CONDUCT - adversely affecting fitness practice law; discredit profession - R-7.03 - courtesy, fairness, candor; avoid

7.02 PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES harassing tactics - Canon 8

Reyes v. Chiong, 405 SCRA 212 Camacho v. Pangulayan, 328 SCRA 631 7.02.1 LANGUAGE - abusive, offensive, improper, R-8.01; Canon 17, Canons of Professional Ethics

7.02.2 ENCROACHMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OF OTHER LAWYER-, Exception non-encroachment-, advise-, assistance seeking relief unfaithful, neglectful counsel R-8.02 Laput v. Remotique, 6 SCRA 45 (1962) 7.03 UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW - not assists directly or indirectly C-9 Aguirre v. Rana, 403 SCRA 342 (2003) PAFLU v. Binalbagan - Isabela Sugar Co., 42 SCRA 302 (171) 7.03.1 7.03.2 WORK DELEGATION - non delegation work unqualified person, or by law performed only by member bar - R-9.01 FEES - Divide fees legal service with persons not licensed practice law - R-9.02; Canon 34. Code of Professional Ethics Halili v. CIR, 136 SCRA 113 8. THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS Agpalo, ch. III, supra 8.01 COURT OBLIGATIONS - candor, fairness and good faith - C-10: Canon 22, Canons of Professional Ethics Cobb-Perez v. Lantin, 24 SCRA 291 (1968) Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974) 8.02 TRUTHFULNESS - not do falsehood, nor mislead or allow court be misled - R-10.01; Canon 32, Code of Professional Ethics; Lawyer's Oath Young v. Batuegas, 403 SCRA 123 (2003) 8.03 QUOTATION AND MISREPRESENTATION - not misquote or misrepresent contents paper, language or arguments, text of decision or authority, cite repealed or amended law, or assert fact not proved -R10.02 Insular Life Assurance Ltd. Employees Asso. V. Insular Life, 37 SCRA 244 8.04 8. RULES OF PROCEDURE - observe and not misuse to defeat ends justice R-10.03; R7 S3 (c) (d) and R 138, Sec. 20 (c) (b)

RESPECT COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS - maintain respect and insist similar conduct by others - C-11 In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595 (1949) Surigao Mineral Reservation Board v. Cloribel, 31 SCRA 1 (1970)

9.01 9.02 9.03

ATTIRE - appear properly attired - R-11.01 PUNCTUALITY - court hearings - R-11.02 LANGUAGE - abstain scandalous; offensive, menacing language or behavior - R-11.03 In re Almacen, 31 SCRA (1970) Sangalang v. IAC, 177 SCRA 87 (1989)

9.04 9.05 10.

ATTRIBUTING MOTIVES - not attribute motives, Judge not supported by record, or no materiality case - R-11.04 GRIEVANCES - against judge submit proper authorities only 11.05; Constitution Art. VIII, Sec. 6

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE - exert every effort and cons i der duty assist speedy, efficient administration justice - C-12; R 138, S20(g), 10.01 10.02 10.03 CASE PREPARATION - adequate preparation on law, facts and evidence - R-12.01; Canon 21, Code of Professional Ethics SUITS - ACTION - not file multiple action or suits arising same cause -R12.02 LAPSE OF PERIOD - no period lapse filing pleadings without explanation R-12.03 Far Eastern Shipping v. CA, 297 SCRA 30 (1998) 10.04 COURT PROCESSES - not unduly delay case-, impede execution judgment; misuse court processes R-12.04 Manila Pest Control, Inc. v. WCC, 25 SCRA 700 (1968) 10.05 WITNESS BEHAVIOR - refrain from talking; not knowingly assist misrepresentation; not abuse, harass, witness - R-12.05 - 12.07. Canon 18, 22 10.06 TESTIFYING - in behalf of client except on formal matters, and on substantial matters - R-12.08: Canon 19, Code of Professional Ethics PNB v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phil. 337 (1932)

10.

INFLUENCING COURT - rely merits of case; refrain any act impropriety tending influence or give appearance influencing Court C-13 11.01 In re De Vera, 385 SCRA 285 (2002) Nestle Phil., Inc. v. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542 (1987) CONDUCT TOWARD JUDGES - not extend extraordinarily attention, hospitality, seek opportunity cultivating familiarity with Judges R-13.01

11.02 USE OF MEDIA - not make public statements tending arouse public opinion for or against party R-13.02; Canon 20, Code of Professional Ethics 11.03 Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil. 1151 (1959) Martelino v. Alejandro, 32 SCRA 106 (1970) OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE not broad or invite interference another branch or agency normal cause judicial proceedings R 13.03

12. THE LAWYER AND THE CLIENT Canon 14 Agpalo, ch. IV, supra. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - not refuse to needy - C-14 12.01 PERSONAL STATUS OR GUILT - availability services regardless of race, creed, status, or opinion of guilt - R-14.02; R 138 S 20 (h)

12.02 COUNSEL DE OFFICIO - AMICUS CURIAE - not decline appointment except for serious sufficient cause R-14.02', R 138 S 20 (h); S 31, R 116 S6-8;,P.D. 543; R-124 S2 Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)

12.03 REFUSAL REPRESENTATION - cannot work effectively or competently, conflict of interest lawyer with prospective client, or present and prospective client - R-14.03 Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989) Ilusurio-Bildner v. Lokin, 477 SCRA 634 12.04 CONDUCT AND FREE SERVICES - same standard conduct full and free and fee paying clients R-14.04 Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974) 13. CONDUCT IN RELATION TO CLIENT - observe candor, fairness, loyalty dealings and transactions. C-15; R 138 S3 13.01 CONFLICT INTEREST - ascertain as soon as possible, and forthwith inform - R-15.01 and R-15.03; Canon 16, 6. 37 Canons of Professional Ethics PCGG v. SIB, 455 SCRA 526 De Guzman v. De Dios, 350 SCRA 320 Hornilla v. Salunat, 405 SCRA 220 13.02 PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION - matters disclosed by prospective client - R-15.02 People v. Sandiganbayan, 275 SCRA 505 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 122 (1996)

Castillo v. Sandigan, 377 SCRA 509 13.03 MEDIATOR, CONCILIATOR, ARBITRATOR - to act with consent of all parties - R-15.04 Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)

13.04 ADVISE - give candid, honest opinion merits and probable results, not understating or overstating R-15.05; Canon 8, Canons of Professional Ethics 13.05 13.06 13.07 CLAIM OF INFLUENCE - not state, imply able influence, public official, tribunal, legislature - R-15.06 Lantoria v. Bunyi, 209 SCRA 528 LAW COMPLIANCE - impress upon clients R-15.07 DUAL PROFESSION - inform clearly acting as lawyer or other capacity R-15.08 Quiambao v. Bamba, 468 SCRA 1 Nakpil v. Valdes, 286 SCRA 758 14, MONEYS AND PROPERTIES OF CLIENTS - hold in trust C-16 14.01 ACCOUNT - all money or property client, R-16.01 Daroy v. Legaspi, 65 SCRA 304 (1975) 14.02 FUND KEEPING - client fund kept separate and apart R-16.02 In re De Vera, S.C. A.M. July 16, 2006 14.03 FUND DELIVERY - LAWYER LIEN - deliver funds and property; lawyer lien - notice and retention R-16.03 Navarro v. Meneses, 285 SCRA 586 14.04 15. BORROW-LEND MONEY - prohibited and when allowed R-16.04; Art. 1491, Civil Code Cruz v. Jacinto, 328 SCRA 636 Vda. De Espino v. Presquito, 432 SCRA 609 (2004)

CLIENT CAUSE - Fidelity to cause, mindful of trust and confidence C-17; R 136, S3

Cantiller v. Potenciano, 180 SCRA 246 (1989) 16. COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE - serve with competence and diligence - C-18

Legarda v. CA, 209 SCRA 722 (1992)

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16.01 16.02 16.03

LACK OF QUALIFICATIONS - not undertake legal service if not qualified; client consent with competent collaborating counsel R-18.01 PREPARATION - not handle any Izgal matter without adequate preparation R-18.02 NEGLIGENCE not neglect legal matter entrusted-, liability for negligence R-18.03 Garcia v. Bala, 476 SCRA 85

16.04

INFORMATION STATUS CASE - inform client status case; respond within reasonable time if requested R-18.04 Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club v. CA, 106 Phil. 501 (1959)

17.

REPRESENTATION WITH ZEAL - represent with zeal within bounds of law C-19

Millare v. Montero, 246 SCRA 1 17. 01 FAIR AND HO NEST MEANS - em pioy to at tain lawf ul object iv es ; no threat or present unfounded criminal charges obtain improper advantage R-19.01; R 138 S20(d) 17.02 CLIENT FRAUD - knowledge client fraud, promptly all client rectify, otherwise, terminate relationship R-19.02 -Dalisay v. Mauricio, 479 SCRA 308 (2006) 17.03 17. CONTROL PROCEEDINGS - client not dictate R-19.03

FEES - charge fair and reasonable C-20; R 138 S24: RA 5185, Sec. 6

Albano v. Coloma, 21 SCRA 411 (1967) 18.01 FEE GUIDE - factors - R-20.01, Canon 12, Code of Professional Ethics 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) 18.02 REFERRAL - decision of fees; client consent R-20.02 Bautista v. Gonzales, 182 SCRA 151 (1990) 18.03 FEE, REWARD, COSTS, COMMISSION, INTEREST, REBATE, FORWARDING, ALLOWANCE, OTHER COMPENSATION - client consent R-20.03 Research and Services Realty v. CA, 236 SCRA 731

18.04 CLIENT COMPENSATION CONTROVERSY - avoid; resort judicial action only prevent impositions, injustice, fraud R-20.04 R 138 524, 32 Corpuz v. CA, 98 SCRA 424 (1980) Roxas v. De Zuzuarregui, 481 SCRA 258 (2006) Sato v. Rallos, 12 SCRA 84 (1964) 19. CLIENT CONFIDENCE AND SECRETS - preservation even after termination relations - C-20: R 138 S20(e).- Art. 208 RPC; R 130 S21(b) 19.01 19.02 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 122 Hilado v. David, 84 Phil. 569 (1949)

ALLOWED REVELATIONS CONFIDENCE AND SECRETS - when allowed R-21.01; R 130 S21(b) USE OF INFORMATION LAWYER ADVANTAGE, CLIENT DISADVANTAGE - when allowed R-21.02 Bun Siong Yao v. Aurelio, 485 SCRA 552 (2006)

19.03 19.04

FURNISH INFORMATION OUTSIDE AGENCY - prohibition R-21.03 DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FIRM-PARTNERS - protection R21.04 - R-21.05 Gonzales v. Cabucana, 479 SCRA 320 (2006)

19.05 19.06 20.

CONVERSATION FAMILY MEMBERS - prohibition R-21.06 REVEAL - POSSIBLE CONFLICT INTEREST - R-21.07

WITHDRAWAL SERVICES - good cause and upon notice C-22 20.01 WITHDRAWAL ALLOWED - R-22.01 Montano v. IBP, 358 SCRA 1 20.02 OBLIGATIONS UPON WITHDRAWAL - R-22.02 Obando v. Figueras, 322 SCRA 148

IV. 1.

NEW CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT CANON 1 - INDEPENDENCE 1.01 Independent Judgment Ramirez v. Macandog, 144

SCRA 634 1.02 Independence from Colleagues

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Tahil v. Eisma, 64 SCRA 378 1.03 Refrain from Influencing Outcome of Litigation Contreras v. Solis, 260 SCRA 572 1.04 Not to Allow Social Relations to Influence Judgment Romero v. Valle, 147 SCRA 197 1.05 No Inappropriate Connections With Other Branches of Government Galman v. SB, 144 SCRA 43 1.06 Independent in Relation to Parties Lorenzo v. Marquez, 162 SCRA 546 1.07 Safeguards for Discharge of Judicial Duties Salud v. Alumbres, 404 SCRA 411

2.

CANON 2 - INTEGRITY 2.01. Conduct Above Reproach; Perception Alfonso v. Juanson, 228 SCRA 239 2.02 Reaffirm People's Faith in Judiciary Castillo v. Calanog, 199 SCRA 75 2.03 Initiate Disciplinary Action Against Erring Lawyers In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595

3.

CANON 3 - IMPARTIALITY 3.01 Without Fear or Factor In re Aguas, 1 Phil. 1 3.02 Enhances Confidence of the Public Cabulisan v. Pagalilauan, 297 SCRA 593 3.03 Minimize Occasions for Disqualification Paredes v. Abad, 56 SCRA 522 3.04 Comments on Proceedings 11

Facundo v. Berjamen, 180 SCRA 235 3.05 Disqualification Aparicio v. Andal, 175 SCRA 569 Gandionco v. P0aranda, 155 SCRA 725 3.06 Disclosure Lorenzo v. Marquez, 162 SCRA

546 CANON 4 - PROPRIETY 4.01 Avoidance of Impropriety Talens v. Arceo, 259 SCRA 354 4.02 Dignity Liwanag v. Lustre, 306 SCRA 55 4.03 Relations with Lawyers People v. Maceda, 188 SCRA 532 4.04 Family Associated with Case Javier v. de Guzman, 192 SCRA 434 4. 05 Use of Re sid e n ce 4 . 0 6 Fr e e E xp r e s sio n OCA v. Judge Floro, 486 SCRA 66 4.07 Fiduciary Interests

4.08 Advancing Private Interests Aquino v. Lontok, 184 SCRA

177 4.09 Confidential Information Umale v. Villaluz, 51 SCRA 84 4.10 Other Activities In re Manzano, 166 SCRA 246 4.11
k

Practice of Law Tuzon v. Purugganan, 370 SCRA 511 12

4.12 Form Associations 4.13-4.15 Gifts and Favors Ompoc v. Torres, 178 SCRA 14 5. CANON 5 - EQUALITY 5.01-5.05 Equality of Treatment People v. lbasan, 129 SCRA 695 6. CANON 6 COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE

6.01 Precedence of Duties OCA v. Lansang, 186 SCRA 646 6.02 Judicial Duties Longboan v. Polig, 186 SCRA 547 6.03 Keeping up with Developments People v. Salas, 143 SCRA 163 6.04 International Law Enriquez v. Caminade, 485 SCRA 98 6.05 Efficient and Prompt Delivery Sangguniang Panlalawigan v. Albano, 260 SCRA 561 6.06 Order and Decorum Romero v. Valle, 147 SCRA 197 6.07 Incompatible Conduct

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