I.

Introduction to Legal Ethics

Legal practice as profession
Practice of law as public service
II. Practice of Law
Constitution, VIII, sec.5(5)
Attorneys Oath Rules of Court, Form 26.
In re Cunanan, March 18, 1954 (94 Phil. 534)
In the Matter of the Integration of the Integrated Bar
of the Philippines, January 9, 1973
Cayetano v. Monsod, G.R. No. 100113, Sept 3, 1991
Ulep v. The Legal Clinic, Bar Matter No. 553, June
17, 1993
III. Legal Ethics: Code of Professional Responsibility
A. The Lawyer and Society
Canon 1 - Duty to uphold the Constitution and
Obey the Law
Brion, Jr. v. Brillantes, Jr., Adm. Case No. 5305,
March 17, 2003
Bautista v. Gonzales, Adm. Matter No. 1625,
February 12, 1990
Unlawful, Dishonest & Immoral Conduct
Arciga v. Maniwang, Adm. Case No. 1608, August
14, 1981
Zaguirre v. Castillo, Adm. Case No. 4921, March
6, 2003
Cordova v. Cordova, Adm. Case No. 3249,
November 29, 1989
Crimes involving moral turpitude
In re Basa, 41 Phil. 275 (1920)
People v. Tuanda, Adm. Case No. 3360, January
30, 1989
In re Al Argosino, B.M. 712, July 13, 1995; March
19, 1997
Re: Sc Decision Dated May 20, 2008 In G.R. No.
161455 Under Rule 139-B of the Rules of

Court, v. Atty. Rodolfo D. Pactolin, Adm. Case

No. 7940. April 24, 2012
Teves v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 180363, 04-282009 [for enumeration of crimes involving
moral turpitude; not assigned]
Effect of Executive Pardon
In re Lontok, 43 Phil. 293 (1922)
In re Vailoces, Adm. Case No. 439, September
30, 1982
In re Rovero, Adm. Case No. 126, December 29,
1980
In re Gutierrez, Adm. Case No. 363, July 31, 1962
Non-Professional Misconduct
Lizaso v. Amante, Adm. Case No. 2019, June 3,
1991
Toledo v. Abalos, Adm. Case No. 5141,
September 29, 1999
Sebastian v. Calis, Adm. Case No. 5118,
September 9, 1999
Duty to overcome evidence of wrong-doing
Reyes v. Gaa, Adm. Matter No. 1048, July 14,
1995
Duties of Notaries Public
Nadayag v. Grageda, Adm. Case No. 3232,
September 27, 1994
Nunga v. Viray, Adm. Case No. 4758, April 30,
1999
Villarin, et al. v. Sabate, Jr., Adm. Case No. 3324,
February 9, 2000
Isenhardt v. Real, Adm. Case No. 8254, February
15, 2012
Imson-Souweha v. Rondez, Adm. Case No. 3961,
September 18, 1997
Flores v. Chua, Adm. Case No. 4500, April 30,
1999

Counselling/ Abetting Illegal

Activities
In re Turrel, 2 Phil. 266 (1903)
Oronce v. CA, G.R. No. 125766.
October 19, 1998
Avoiding Controversy, Encouraging
Settlement
Castaeda vs, Ago, G.R. No.
28546, July 30, 1975
De Ysasi III v. NLRC, G.R. No.
104599, March 11, 1994
Canon 2 Legal Services
Compatible with Independence,
Integrity of Profession
Cause of defenseless & oppressed
IBP Guidelines, Art.1, sec.1. Public
Service
Rep. Act No. 9999
Aguirre,
Legal
Aid
in
the
Philippines: Option for the Poor.
Soka
Law
Journal
(Soka
University, Tokyo Japan) 1999
Ledesma v. Climaco, G.R. No. L23815. June 28, 1974
Re: Request Of National
Committee On Legal Aid To
Exempt Legal Aid Clients From
Paying Filing, Docket And Other
Fees, Adm. Matter No. 08-11-7SC. August 28, 2009.
Soliciting legal business
In re Tagorda, 53 Phil. 37 (1929)
Linsangan v. Tolentino, Adm.Case
No. 6672. September 4, 2009
Canon 3 Making Known Legal
Services: Fair, dignified,
objective information
Ulep v. The Legal Clinic, supra.
Dacanay v. Baker & McKenzie,
Adm. Case No. 2131, May 10, 1985
Canon 5 Keep Abreast of Legal
Developments
People v. Gacott, G.R. No. 116049,
March 20, 1995

Payod v. Metila, Adm. Case No.

3944. July 27, 2007
Mandatory Continuing Legal
Education, Agpalo, Appendix F
Canon 6 Lawyers in
Government Service
Collantes v. Renomeron, Adm.
Case No. 3056, August 16, 1991
Pimentel v. Llorente, et al., Adm.
Case No. 4680, August 29, 2000
Suarez v. Platon, 69 Phil. 556
(1940)
Misamin v. San Juan, Adm. Case
No. 1418, August 31, 1976
Lahm v. Mayor, Adm.Case No.
7430. February 15, 2012
PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, et al.,
G.R. Nos. 151809-12. April 12,
2005
B. The Lawyer and the Legal
Profession
Canon 7 Upholding the
Integrity of the Legal Profession;
Support of IBP Activities
The Integrated Bar of the
Philippines
Re 1989 Elections of the Integrated
Bar of the Philippines, Bar Matter
No. 491, October 6, 1989
In the Matter of the Brewing
Controversies in the Election in
the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines, Adm. Matter No. 095-2-SC. December 14, 2010
Santos, Jr. v. Llamas, Adm. Case
No. 4749, January 20, 2000
Knowingly making false statement
in application for admission to the
bar; Integrity of the Bar
Leda v. Tabang, Adm. Case No.
2505, February 21, 1992
In the Matter of the Disqualification
of Bar Examinee Haron S.
Meling in the 2002 Bar
Examinations and for
Disciplinary Action as Member
of the Philippine Shari'a Bar,
2

Atty. Froilan R. Melendrez, Bar

Matter No. 1154, June 8, 2004
In re Parazo, G.R. No. 120348.
December 3, 1948
Conduct affecting fitness to practice
law; Requisite of good moral
character
Tan vs, Sabandal, Bar Matter No.
44, February 24, 1992
Tapucar v. Tapucar, Adm. Case No.
4148, July 30, 1998
Canon 8 Courtesy, Fairness &
Candor Toward Colleagues
Bugaring v. Espaol, G.R. No.
133090, January 19, 2001
Encroachment on Professional
Employment of Another
Likong v. Lim, Adm. Case No.
3149, August 17, 1994
Camacho v. Pangulayan, et al.,
Adm. Case No. 4807, March 22,
2000
In re Clemente M. Soriano, G.R.
No. 24114, June 30, 1970
Linsangan v. Tolentino, supra.
Canon 9 - Assisting in
Unauthorized Practice of Law
U.S. v. Ney, 8 Phil. 146 (1907)
Alawi v. Alauya,, Adm. Matter SDC97-2-P, February 24, 1997
Five J Taxi v. NLRC, G.R. No.
111474, August 22, 1994
Amalgamated Laborers Assn. v.
CIR, G.R. No. L-23467. March 27,
1968
C. The Lawyer and the Courts
Canon 10 Candor, Fairness &
Good Faith to the Court
Masinsin v. Albano, G.R. No.
86421, May 31, 1994
Libit v. Oliva, Adm. Case No. 2837,
October 7, 1994
Knowingly misquoting contents of a
document
COMELEC v. Noynay, G.R. No.
132365. July 9, 1998

Adez Realty, Inc. vs. Court Of

Appeals, G.R. No. 100643.
October 30, 1992
Misuse of rules of procedure
Cobb-Perez v. Lantin, G.R. No. L22320, July 29, 1968.
Canon 11 - Respect due to courts
Montecillo v. Gica, G.R. No. L36800, October 21, 1974
In re Sotto, 82 Phil. 595 (1949)
Guerrero v. Villamor, G.R. Nos.
82238-42, November 13, 1989
Re: Letter Of The UP Law Faculty
Entitled "Restoring Integrity: A
Statement By The Faculty Of
The University Of The
Philippines College Of Law On
The Allegations Of Plagiarism
And Misrepresentation In The
Supreme Court", A.M. No. 1010-4-SC. March 8, 2011 (Read
also dissenting opinions)
Punctual attendance at hearings
De Gracia v. Warden of Makati,
G.R. No. L-42032, January 9,
1976.
Scandalous, offensive language
Sangalang v. Intermediate
Appellate Court, G.R. No.
71169, August 30, 1989
Fernandez v. Bello, G.R. No. L14277. April 30, 1960
Attributing motives to judges not
supported by records
Penticostes v. Hidalgo, Adm. Matter
No. RTJ-89-331, September 28,
1990
Mocles v. Maravilla, Adm. Matter
No. RTJ-93-873
Wicker v. Arcangel, G.R. No.
112869, January 29, 1996
Grievance against judges: Proper
venue
Const., VIII, s.6
Maceda v. Vasquez, G.R. No.
102781, April 22, 1993

Canon 12 Duty to Assist in

Speedy and Efficient
Administration of Justice
Li Kim Tho v. Sanchez, G.R. No. L2676. January 31, 1949
Bergonia v. Merrera, Adm. Case
No. 5024, February 20, 2003
Economic Insurance Co. v. Uy
Realty Co., G.R. No. L-28056,
August 31, 1970
Alcantara, et al. v. De Vera,
Adm.Case No. 5859. November
23, 2010
Olivares v. Villalon, Adm.Case No.
6323. April 13, 2007
Canon 13 Influencing or Giving
Appearance of Influencing
Court
Nestle Philippines v. Sanchez, G.R.
No. L-75209, September 30,
1987
Lantoria v. Bunyi, Adm. Case No.
1769, June 8, 1992
Cruz v. Salva, G.R. No. L-12871.
July 25, 1959
In re Almacen, G.R. No. L-27654,
February 18, 1970
Maglasang v. People, G.R. No.
90083, October 4, 1990
Re: Request Radio-Tv Coverage of
the Trial in the Sandiganbayan
of the Plunder Cases Against
the Former President Joseph E.
Estrada, Adm..Matter No. 01-403-SC. June 29, 2001
D. The Lawyer and the Client
Canon 14- Services to the Needy
Ledesma v. Climaco, supra.
Canon 15 Candor, Fairness and
Loyalty in Dealings with Clients
Santiago, et al. v. Fojas, A.C. No.
4103. September 7, 1995
Conflict of Interest
Dee v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
77439, August 24, 1989
Rosacia v. Bulalacao, Adm. Case
No. 3745, October 2, 1995

Maturan v. Gonzales, Adm. Case

No. 2597, March 12, 1998
Abragan, et al. v. Rodriguez, Adm.
Case No. 4346, April 3, 2002
Artezuela v. Maderazo, Adm. Case
No. 4354, April 22,2002
Abaqueta v. Florido, Adm.Case No.
5948. January 22, 2003
Pormento, Sr. v. Pontevedra, Adm.
Case No. 5128, March 31, 2005
Pacana vs. Pascual-Lopez,
Adm.Case No. 8243. July 24, 2009
Santos Ventura Hocorma
Foundation, Inc. v. Funk,
Adm.Case No. 9094. August 15,
2012
Nakpil v. Valdez, Adm. Case No.
2040, March 4, 1998
Privileged Communication
Revised Penal Code, Art.209
PNB v. Cedo, Adm. Case No. 3701,
March 28, 1995
Canon 16 Shall Hold in Trust
Moneys and Properties of Client
Civil Code, Art. 1491
In re Atty. Melchor E. Ruste, Adm.
Case No. 632 . June 27, 1940
(70 Phil. 243)
Quilban v. Robinol, Adm. Case No.
2144. April 10, 1989
Dumadag v. Lumaya, Adm. Case
No. 2614. May 21, 1991
Ordonio v. Eduarte, Adm. Matter
No. 3216, March 16, 1992
Licuanan v. Melo, Adm. Case No.
2361, February 9, 1989
Burbe v. Magulta, Adm. Case No.
5713, June 10, 2002
Dhaliwal v. Dumaguing, Adm. Case
No. 9390. August 1, 2012
Champertous contracts
Bautista v. Gonzales, Adm. Matter
No. 1625. February 12, 1990
Lien for Attorneys Fees
Manalang, et al. v. Angeles, Adm.
Case No. 1558, March 10, 2003
Tanhueco v. De Dumo, Adm. Case
No. 1437, April 25, 1989
4

Canon 17 Fidelity to Clients

Cause
Manalang, et al. v. Angeles, supra.
Cantiller v. Potenciano, Adm. Case
No. 3195, December 18, 1989
Solatan v. Inocentes, Adm. Case
No. 6504, August 9, 2005
Villafuerte v. Cortez, Adm. Case
No. 3455, April 14, 1998
Canon 18 Competence and
Diligence
Reontoy v. Ibadlit, Adm. Case CBD
No. 190, January 28, 1998
Moton v. Cadiao, Adm. Case No.
5169. November 24, 1999
Sencio v. Calvadores, Adm.Case
No. 5841, January 20, 2003
Hernandez v. Padilla, Adm.Case
No. 9387. June 20, 2012
Edquibal v. Ferrer, Adm. Case No.
5687, February 3, 2005
People v. Ingco, G.R. No. L-32994,
October 29, 1971
Barbuco v. Beltran, Adm. Case No.
5092, August 11, 2004
Legarda v. Court of Appeals, G.R.
No. 94457, June 10, 1992
Suarez v. Court of Appeals, G.R.
No. 91133, March 22, 1993
Perea v. Almadro, Adm. Case No.
5246, March 20, 2003
Blanza v. Arcangel, Adm. Case No.
492, September 5, 1967
Canon 19 Represent With Zeal
Within Bounds of Law
Fernandez v. Novero, Jr., Adm.
Case No. 5394, December 22,
2002
Ong v. Unto, Adm. Case No. 2417.
February 6, 2002
Cosmos Foundry Shop Workers
Union v. Lo Bu, G.R. No. L40136, March 25, 1997
Canon 20 Charge Only Fair and
Reasonable Fees
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. v.
Court of Appeals, G.R. Nos.
86100-03, January 23, 1990

Albano v. Coloma, Adm. Case No.

528, October 11, 1967
Corpuz v. Court of Appeals, G.R.
No. L-40424, June 30, 1980
Mendoza-Parker v. Court of
Appeals, G.R. No. 109219,
March 11, 1994
Research and Services Realty, Inc.
v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
124074, January 27, 1997
Yu v. Bondal, Adm. Case No. 5534,
January 17, 2005
Miranda v. Carpio, Adm. Case No.
6281. September 26, 2011
Attorneys fees as contract and as
award for damages
Traders Royal Bank Employees
Union-Independent v. NLRC,
G.R. No. 120592, March 14,
1997
Attorneys Lien, When & where
claimed
Rules of Court, Rule 138, sec.37
Quirante v. Intermediate Appellate
Court, G.R. No. 73886, January
31, 1989
Cadalin v. POEA, G.R. No. 104776,
December 5, 1994
Canon 21 Client Confidence
and Secrets
Regala, et al. v. Sandiganbayan,
G.R. No. 105938, September
20, 1996 [read also dissenting
opinion]
Natan v. Capule, Adm. Case No.
76, July 23, 1952
Hilado v. David, G.R. No. L-961.
September 21, 1949
Palm v. Iledan, Jr., Adm. Case No.
8242. October 2, 2009
Canon 22 Withdrawal of
Services for Good Cause and
Upon Notice
Arambulo v. Court of Appeals, G.R.
No. 105818, September 17,
1993
Nacuray v. NLRC, G.R. Nos.
114924-27, March 18, 1997
5

Orcino v. Gaspar, Adm. Case No.

3773, September 24, 1997
Municipality of Pililla, Rizal v. Court
of Appeals, G.R. No. 105909,
June 28, 1994
Laput v. Ramotigue, Adm. Case
No. 219, September 29, 1962
Gonzaga v. Villanueva, Jr., Adm.
Case No. 1954, July 23, 2004
Venterez, et al. v. Cosme, Adm.
Case No. 7421. October 10,
2007
Domingo v. Aquino, G.R. No. L28078. April 29, 1971
Obando v. Figueras, G.R. No.
134854. January 18, 2000
IV. Discipline of Lawyers (see Rule 138,
Rules of Court)
Nature of disciplinary proceedings
against lawyers: In re Almacen, G.R.
No. L-27654. February 18, 1970;
Gatchalian Promotions Talents Pool,
Inc. v. Naldoza, Adm. Case No. 4017,
September 29, 1999; Gerona v.
Datingaling, Adm. Case No. 4801, Feb
27, 2003.
Grounds for disciplinary action
o Rules of Court, Rule 138,
sec.27
Re Atty. Leon G. Maquera, Bar Matter
No. 793, July 30, 2004
o Nature and extent of sanction:
In re Almacen, supra; Roldan v.
Panganiban, AC No.4552, Dec
14, 2004 [not assigned]; In re
Tionko, March 17, 1922
Procedure (see Rule 139-B)
o How instituted and who may
file complaint: Atty. Navarro,
for and in behalf of Pan-Asia
International Commodities, Inc.
v. Atty. Meneses III, CBD Adm.
Case No. 313, January 30,
1998; Fernandez v. Novero, Jr.,
Adm. Case No. 5394, Dec 2,
2002; Bautista v. Gonzales,

Adm. Matter No. 1625, Feb 12,

1990.
o Proceedings in the IBP:
Investment and Management
Services Corp. v. Roxas, Adm.
Case No. 1417, April 17, 1996;
Dumadag v. Lumaya, Adm.
Case No. 2614, June 29, 2000;
Ingles v. Dela Serna, Adm. Case
No .5763, Dec 31, 2002.
o RTC or Court of Appeals: see
Rule 138, sec.27, 28, 29.
V. Judicial Conduct: A.M. No. 03-05-01-SC,
Adopting the New Code of Judicial
Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary of
2004 [see amendment of Canon 4, sec.9,
OCA Cir. No. 103-6, July 28, 2006; see also
proviso in New Code re suppletory character
of the Canons of Judicial Ethics and the 1989
Code of Judicial Conduct ]
[cf Rule 140, Rules of Court]
Impartiality, Independence and
Integrity of the Judiciary (Canons 1-3)
o Talens-Dabon v. Arceo, A.M.
No. RTJ-96-1336, July 25,
1996; Director of Prisons v. Ang
Cho Kio, GR No. L-30001, June
23, 1970; Pico v. Combong, Jr.,
A.M. No. RTJ-91-764, Nov 6,
1992; Office of the Court
Administrator v. Estacion, Jr.,
A.M. No. RTJ-87-104, August
23, 1995; Gutierrez v. Belan,
A.M. No. MTJ-95-1059, August
7, 1998
o Disqualifications, Inhibition:
see also Rule 3.12, 1989 Code
of Judicial Conduct; Albos v.
Alaba, A.M. No. MTJ-91517,
March 11, 1994; Parayno v.
Meneses, G.R. 112684, April 26,
1994; People v. Sesbreo, G.R.
121764, Sep 9, 1999; Maliwat v.
Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
107041, May 15, 1996; Villaluz
v. Mijares, A.M. No. RTJ-981402, April 3, 1998;
6

Commissioner of Internal
1369, Feb 17, 1997; State
Revenue v. Court of Appeals,
Prosecutors v. Muro, A.M. No.
G.R. 119322, Feb 6, 1997
RTJ-92-876, Dec 1, 1995; Del
Rosario v. Cedillo, A.M. No.
Propriety and Equality (Canons 4-5)
MTJ-04-1557, Oct 21, 2004
o Javier v. De Guzman, A.M. No.
o Knowingly rendering unjust
RTJ-89-380, Dec 19, 1990;
judgment: De la Cruz v.
Dawa, et al. v. De Asa, A.M. No.
Concepcion, supra.
MTJ-98-1144, July 22, 1998;
o
Failure to obey existing law;
Balayon, Jr. v. Ocampo, A.M.
Inexcusable negligence: People
No. MTJ-91-619, Jan 29, 1993;
v. Gacott, Jr., G.R. No. 116049,
Alfonso v. Juanson, A.M. No.
March 20, 1995; People v.
RTJ 92-904, Dec 7, 1993; Co v.
Veneracion, G.R. Nos. 119987Calimag, A.M. No. RTJ-9988, Oct 12, 1995
1493, June 20, 2000; Re Badoy,
o
Prompt disposition of cases:
Jr., A.M. No. 01-12-01-SC, A.M.
No. SB-02-10-J, Jan 16, 2003;
Rodriguez v. Barro, A.M. No.
Ramos v. Barot, A.M. No. MTJ1587-CTJ, Aug 23, 1978; Yu00-1338, Jan 21,, 2004;
Asensi v. Villanueva, A.M. No.
Maquiran v. Grageda, A.M. No.
MTJ-001245, Jan 19, 2000
RTJ-04-1888, Feb 11, 2005
o Mandatory 90-day period for
o Makalintal v. Teh, A.M. No. RTJdeciding cases in lower courts
97-1375, Oct 16, 1997; Yulo[see Const., Art. VIII, sec.15(1)]:
Tuvilla v. Balgos, A.M. No. MTJMoya v. Tensuan, A.M. No.
98-1149, March 31, 1998;
2507-CFI, August 10, 1981;
Gacayan v. Pamintuan, A.M.
Salvador v. Salamanca, A.M.
No. RTJ-99-1483, Sep 17,
No. R-177-MTJ, Sep 24, 1986;
1999; Padilla v. Zantua, Jr., A.M.
Query of Judge Danilo M.
No. MTJ-93-888, Oct 24, 1994;
Tenerife, A.M. No. 94-5-42Office of the Court Administrator
MTC, March 20, 1996; Re:
v. De Guzman, Jr., A.M.No.
Report on the Judicial Audit
RTJ-93-1021, January 31, 1997
Conducted in the Regional Trial
o Vistan v. Nicolas,A.M. No. MTJCourt, Branch 144, Makati City,
A.M. No. 03-11-628-RTC, Nov
87-79, Sep 13, 1991; Ruiz v.
25, 2004
Bringas, A.M. No. MTJ-00-1266,
o Administrative responsibilities:
April 6, 2000; Re Badoy, Jr.,
supra.
Tan v. Madayag, A.M. No. RTJo Assistant Special Prosecutor v.
93-995, March 11, 1994;
Request of Judge Cartagena,
Ong, A.M. No. 08-19-SB-J.
A.M. No. 95-9-98-MCTC, Dec 4,
August 24, 2010 [new]
1997.
Competence and Diligence (Canon 6)
o Gross ignorance of the law: De VI. Discipline of Judges
[Rules of Court, Rule 140; Resolution
la Cruz v. Concepcion, A.M. No.
A.M. No. 02-9-02-SC, September 17,
RTJ-93-1062, August 25, 1994;
2002]
Ualat v. Ramos, A.M. No. MTJ Imbang v. Del Rosario, A.M. No. 0391-567, Dec 6, 1996
1515-MTJ, Nov 19, 2004; Office of the
o Errors of judgment: Callar v.
Court Administrator v. Fuentes, A.M.
Salvador, A.M. No. RTJ-977

No. RTJ-94-1270, August 23, 1995;

Gallo v. Cordero, A.M. No. MTJ-951035. June 21, 1995; Office of the
Court Administrator v. Sumilang, A.M.
No. MTJ-94-989. April 18, 1997; Heck
v. Santos, A.M. No. RTJ-01-1657, Feb
23, 2004

Bartolome v. de Borja, A.M. No. 1096CFI. May 31, 1976; Salcedo v. Inting,
A.M. No. 1810-CTJ. June 29, 1979
Icasiano v. Sandiganbayan, G.R.
95642, May 28, 1992; Maceda v.
Vasquez, G.R. No. 102781, April 22,
1993