LEGAL ETHICS AND COUNSELLING SUGGESTED SYLLABUS

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Background
1.1 Overview of the Legal Profession
The Legal Profession, A Challenge Professor by Leo L. Alma p. 5, Lawyers Review,
Sept. 30, 2005 ( Faculty Area Section)

History of the Legal Profession pp.7-21, Legal Profession by Coquia 2003 ed

Too Many Lawyers by Edgardo Angara
Challenges faced by the Legal Profession in Mindano, Justice Link Article
Butuan Lawyers, Research by Practice Court I students, 1st Sem. SY 2004-2005

1.2 The Catholic Lawyer

The Noble and Ethical Mission of the Legal Profession, pp.372, Legal by Coquia,
Goals of College of Law
Urios Mission and Vision
The Church and State Revisited by Jorge R. Conquia, p. 2. Lawyer’s Review March
31, 2006
The Parables of Christ, p. 5. The Lawyer’s Review, March 31, 2006 Reserve Section

2. State Regulation CHAPTER 1,2A

2.1 The Supreme Court – CONST., Art. VIII sec. 5 (5)
2.2 The Congress and the People - CONST., Art XII, sec. 14 (2), Art. XVII, sec.10.
Compare 1973 CONST., Art X, sec. 5 (5) and 1935 CONST., Art VIII, sec. 13
2.3 Practice of Law – What constitutes CHAPTER 2B
 Cayetano v. Monsod, 201 SCRA 210 (1991)

3. Legal Education
3.1 Pre-law: Rule 138, sec. 6, RULES OF COURT
 In re Telesforo A Diao, Adm. Case NO. 24, March 27, 1964
3.2 Law proper: Rule 138, sec. 5, RULES OF COURT
3.3 RA 7662 (1993) - An Act Providing for Reforms in Legal Education Board and
for other Purposes

4. The Bar Examinations CHAPTER 2C, D, E

4.1 Rule 138, secs. 7-16, RULES OF COURT (In the matter of Disqualification of Bar
Examinee by Helen S. Meler, 431 SCRA 146
4.2 In re Adriano Hernandez, 155 SCRA xi (1993)
4.3 Prohibition against bringing of notes
 In re Amparo, 65 SCRA 120 (1975)
 In re Victoriano Lanuevo, 66 SCRA 245 (1975)
II. LEGAL ETHICS

5. Preliminary Matters
5.1 Legal Ethics Defined – Black’s Law Dictionary
5.2 Sources of Legal Ethics
5.3 Code of Professional Responsibility
a. History and Sources
b. Structure of Code
 III. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY (CPR)

6. The Fourfold Duties of a Lawyer CHAPTER 3

6.1 The Lawyer and Society – CPR, Canons 1-5 and rules thereunder
6.1.1 Respect for Law and Legal Process – C1
 Bautista v. Gonzales, 182 SCRA 161 (1990)
 Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316 (1988)
 Lawyer’s Oath, Rule 138, sec. 20 (a)
6.1.2 Conduct – Unlawful, dishonest, immoral, deceitful – R 1.01; Rule 138, sec.
21; Rule 138, sec. 20 (d) & (g)
 In re Basa, 41 Phil 275 (1920)
 People v. Abordo, 58 Phil. 350 (1933)
 In re Guitierrez, 5 SCRA 661 (1962)
 In re Lontok, 43 Phil, 293 (1922)
 Cordova v. Cordova, 179 SCRA 680 (1989)
 People v. Tuanda, 181 SCRA 692 (1989)
6.1.3 Counseling – Defiance of law or lessen confidence – legal system – R 1.02
 In re Terrel, 2 Phil. 266 (1903)
6.1.4 Law Suits and Proceeding – Corrupt motive, interest – encourage suit or
proceeding, delay cause – R. 1.03; Rule 7, sec. 5
 Samar Mining Co, Inc. v. Amado, 24 SCRA 402 (1968)
 Vda. DE Bacaling v. Laguna, 54 SCRA 505 (1974
6.1.5 Controversy – encourage client avoid suit if fair – R 1.04
 Castañeda v. Ago, 65 SCRA 506 (1975)

6.2 Legal Services – Efficient and convenient compatible with independence, integrity
and effectiveness of profession – C 2
6.2.1 Legal Service – Not reject, except for valid reason cause defenseless or
oppressed – R. 2.01; Rule 138, sec.31; Art. 1, sec. 1, guidelines Governing the
Establishment and Operation of Legal Aid Offices, IBP Handbook; C6
 Ledesma v. Climaco, 57 SCRA 473 (1974)
6.2.2 Legal Services – Non – Acceptance – R 2.02; C14: R 14.03
6.2.3 Legal Business – Solicitstion – R 2.03; Rule 138, sec. 27
6.2.4 Legal Business – Rates – R 2.04; IBP Schedule of Minimum Fees for Legal
Services (Reserve Section)

6.3 Legal Services – True, honest, fair, dignified, and objective –C3; R 138, sec. 27–CH4
 In re Tagorda, 53 Phil 37 (1929)
 Director of religious Affairs v. Bayot, 74 Phil. 579 (1944)
 Ulep v. Legal Clinic, 223 SCRA 378 (1993)
6.3.1 Qualifications – False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, undignified, self-
laudatory of unfair claims – R 3.01; CJC, Rule 2.02, Canon 27, Chapter 4, 18-
4.22
6.3.2 Firm Name – Use of false, misleading or assumed name; name of deceased
partner – R 3.02
 In the matter of the Petition for Authority to continue use of the firm names –
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)
 6.3.3 Partner Assuming Public Office – Drop name from firm; unless law practice
allowed – R 3.03; CONST.,VI, sec. 14; VII, sec. 13, IX-A, sec. 2; XI, sec. 8:
Rule 138, sec. 35, RA 7160, Revised Katarungang Pambarangay Law, sec. 90
6.3.4 Lawyer and media – shall not pay or give anything of value in anticipation of
return publicity attract legal business – R. 3.04; En Banc resolution date Oct.
22, 1991, p. 173 Supreme Court Circulars and orders
 Legal Reform – Participate in development, initiating or supporting law schools,
student practical training, disseminate information on law and jurisprudence – C5

6.4 Legal Developments – Participate legal education programs, standards law schools,
student practical training, disseminate information on law and jurisprudence – C5
  In the matter of the Integration Bar of the Philippines, supra, note 2.3

6.5 Lawyers in Government Service – Applicability of Canons – C6, sec. 4, RA 6713

 Macoco v. Diaz, 70 Ohi; 97 (1940)
 Collantes v. Romero, 200 SCRA 584 (1991)
6.5.1 Primary Duty Government Lawyer – Not to convict, see Justice done– R 6.01
 People v. Peneda, 20 SCRA 748 (1967)
 Suarez v. Platon, 69 Phil 556 (1940)
6.5.2 Use of Public Office- to promote of advance private interests or interfere
public duties – R 6.02
 Misamin v. San Juan, 72 SCRA 491 (1976)
6.5.3 After Government Service – accept engagement or employment in connection
matter intervened within service – R 3019, sec. 3 (d); RA 6713, 7 (b); CJC
Rule 2.04
 PNB v. Cedo, 243 SCRA 1 (1995)

7. The Lawyer and the Legal Profession – Canon 7 CHAPTER 4

7.1 Uphold integrity and dignity; support activities and integrated bar, C7, CJC Canon 4,
Rule 4.01; CJC Canon 5.01 (a)
 In re; 1989Electiions of the Integrated Bar, 1978 SCRA 398 (1989)
7.1.1 False Statement and Suppressing Material Fact – knowingly by making,
re: Application for Admission – R 7.01
 Leda v. Tabang, 206 SCRA 395 (1992)
7.1.2 Support of Unqualified Bar Applicant – knowing supporting application of
unqualified – R 7.02
7.1.3 Conduct – adversely affecting fitness practice law; discredit profession – R
7.03
 Tan v. Sabandal, 206 SCRA 493 (1992)

7.2 Professional Colleagues – courtesy, fairness, candor; avoid harassing tactics: C8

 Javier v. Cornejo, 63 Phil.
7.2.1 Language – abusive, offensive, improper – R 8.01
 Macias v. Malig, 157 SCRA 762 (1988)
 Perkins v. Perkins, 57 Phil. 223 (1932)
7.2.2 Encroachment on Professional Employment of Other Lawyer; Exception non-
encroachment; advice; assistance seeking relief unfaithful, neglectful counsel,
R 8.02
 Laput v. Remotique, 6 SCRA 45 (1962)
 In re Soriano, 33 SCRA 801 (1970)

7.3 Unauthorized Practice of Law – not assists directly or indirectly , C9

 PAFLU v. Binalbangan – Isabela Sugar Co., 42SCRA 302 (1971)
 In re: Del Rosario, 52 Phil 399 (1932)
7.3.1 Work Delegation – non-delagation work unqualified person, or by law
performed only by member bar – R 9.01
7.3.2 Fees – Divide fees legal service with persons not licensed practice law – R
9.02
 Five J Taxi v. NLRC, 235 SCRA 556 (1993)
 7.4 In re Cunanan, 94 Phil. 534 (1954)
 In the matter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, 49 SCRA 22 (1973)
 IBP Dues: The Third Certainty -by Gorgonio B. Elarmo, Jr. p. 2, The Lawyer’s
Review Sept. 3, 2005 (Faculty Area Section-bound)

8. The Lawyer and the Court CHAPTER 5A

8.1 Court Obligation – candor, fairness and good faith – C10
 Cobb-Perez v. Lantin, 24 SCRA 291(1968)
 Credibility of Witnesses, Lawyers Prosecution by Leon L. Aza, p. 2, Lawyer’s
Review, Dec. 31, 2005 (Faculty Area)

8.2 Truthfulness – not do, falsehood, nor mislead or allow court be mislead – R 10.01;
R138, sec 27
 Cuaresma v. Daquis, 63 SCRA 257 (1968)
 Director of Lands v. Adorable, 77 Phil 468 (1946)

8.3 Quatation and Misrepresentation – not misquote or misrepresent contents paper,

language or argument, text of decision or authority, cite repealed or amended law, or
assert fact not proved – R 10.02
 Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. Employee Assoc. v. Insular Life Assurance Co.,
Ltd, 37 SCRA 244 (1971)
 Adez Realty Inc. v. CA, 215 SCRA 301 (1992)

8.4 Rules of Procedure – observe and not misuse to defeat ends of justice – R 10.03; R 7
sec. 3 (c) (d) and R 138, sec. 20 (b) (c)

9. Respects Courts and Juridicial Officers – maintain respect and insist similar conduct by
other – C11 CHAPTER 5B
 In re Sotto, 82 Phil 595 (1949)
 Surigao Mineral Reservation Borad v. Cloribel, 31 SCRA 1 (1970)
 Guerrero v. Villamor, 179 SCRA 589 (1995)
 Tingco v. Aguila, 240 SCRA 589 (1995)

9.1 Attire – appear properly attered – R11.01

9.2 Punctuality – court hearing – R 11.02

 De Gracia v. Warden of Makati, 69 SCRA 4 (1976)

9.3 Language – abstain from scandalous, offensive, menacing language of behavior –

R11.03; R8.01
 Fernandez v. Bello, 107 Phil 1140 (1960)
 Sangalang v. IAC, 177 SCRA 87 (1989)
 Montecillo v. Gice, 60 SCRA 234 (1974)

9.4 Attributing Motive – not attributed to a judge motives not supported by record, or
no materiality case – R 11.04
 In re Gomez, 43 Phil 376 (1922)

9.5 Grievances – against judge submit proper authorities only – R 11.05; CONST, Art
VIII, sec. 6
 Cabansag v, Fernandez, 102 Phil 152 (1957)
 Maglasang v. People, 190 SCRA 306 (1990)
 Maceda v. Ombudsman, G.R. No. 102781, April 22, 1993
10. Administrations of Justice – exert every effort and consider duty to assist speedy, efficient
administration of justce – C12; R 138, sec. 20 (g) CHAPTER 5C
 Alonto v. Memoracion, 185 SCRA 73 (1990)
 Penticostes v. Hidalgo, 190 SCRA 165 (1990)
 Gabionza v. CA, 234 SCRA 192 (1994)

10.1 Case Preparation – adequated preparation on law, facts and evidence – R

12.01, R 18.02

10.2 Suits – Action – not file multiple action or suits arising from cause of action –
R 12.02
 Masinsin v. Albanno, 232 SCRA 192 (1994)
 Interim of Trasitional Rules and Guideline Relative to the Implementation of the
Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1981 (BP 129,) sec. 17
 Forum Shopping – Supreme Court Circular 28-91, Sept. 4, 1991; 4-94, Feb. 8,
1994; Adm. Circular No. 4-94, Feb. 8, 1994; Rule 7, sec. 5; Rule 42, sec. 2

10.3 Lapse of Period – no period lapse filing pleadings without explanation – R

12.03
 Marivelles v. Mallare, 219 SCRA 44 (1993)

10.4 Court Processes – not duly delay cause; impede execution judgement, misuse
court processes – R 12.04
 Economic Co. v. Uy Realty Co., 34 SCRA 700 (1970)
 Aguinaldo v. Aguinaldom, 36 SCRA 137 (1970)
10.5 Witness Behavior – refrain from talking; not knowingly assist
misrepresentation; not abuse, harass, witness – R 12.05 – 12.07, R 132, sec. 3,
PD 1829
10.6 Testifyin g – in behalf of client except on formal matters, and on substantial
matters – R 12.08
 PNB v. Uy Teng Piao, 57 Phi; 337 (1932)

11. Influencing Court – rely merits of case; refrain any act of impropriety tending influence of
give appearance influencing court – C13 CHAPTER 5D
 Nestle Phil Inc. v. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542 (1987)
11.1 Conduct Toward Judges – not extend extraordinary attention, bospitality, seek
opportunity – cultivating familiarity with judges – R 13.01
 Lantoria v. Bungi, 209 SCRA 528 (1992)
 Canon 2, Code of Judicial Conduct, R2.02 and 2.03
11.2 Use of Media – not make public statements tending arouse public opinion for
or against party – R 13.02
 Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil 1151 (1959)
 Martelino v. Alejandro, 32 SCRA 106 (1970)
 In re Alamacen, 31 SCRA 562 (1970)
11.3 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 CHAPTER 6 Professional Services – no refuse
to needy – C14
12.1 Personal Status or Guilt – availability services regardless of race, creed, status,
or opinion guilt – R 14.01; Rule 138, sec. 20(h)
 12.2 Counsel de Officio or Amicus Curiae – not decline appointment except for
serious sufficient cause – R 14.02; Rule 138, sec. 20 (h); sec. 31; sec. 36; Rule
116, sec. 4-6; Rule 124, sec. 2; Art. 1, sec. 1, Guidelines Governing the
Establishment and Operations of Legal Aid Officers in all Chapters of IBP,
IBP Handbook; RA 6033
12.3 Refusal Representation – canoot work effectively or competently, conflict of
interest lawyer with prospective client, or present and prospective client – R
14.03
12.4 Conduct and Fees Services – same standards conduct full and free and fee
paying clients – R 14.04; Republic Act Nos. 6033, 6034, and 6035.

13. Conduct In Relation to Client – observe candor, faimess, loyalty dealing and
transactions – C15; Rule 138, sec. 3 CHAPTER 7 Conflict Interest – ascertain as soon as
possible, and forthwith inform – R 15.01 and 15.03
 Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)
13.1 Privileged Communication – matters disclosed by prospective client – R 15.02
 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 122 (1996)
13.2 Mediator, Conciliator, Arbitrator – act with consent of all parties – R 15.04
13.3 Advise – give candid, honest opinion merits and probable results, not
understanding or overstanding – R 15.05
 Gillego v. Diaz, 39 SCRA 88 (1971)
13.4 Claim of Influence – not state, imply able influence, public officials, tribunal,
ligeslator – R 15.06, Canon 2, Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 2.03
13.5 Law Compliance – impress upon clients – R 15.07; Art 19, New Civil Code
13.6 Dual Profession – inform clearly acting as lawyer of other capacity – R
15.08; CJA Rule 5.03

14. Client Cause – Fidelity to cause, mindful of trust and confidence,C17;R 138,sec.3;BP 22
 Cantiller v. Potenciano, 180 SCRA 246 (1989)
 People v. Ingco, 42 SCRA 170 (1971)
 Suarez v. CA, 220 SCRA 274 (1993)

15. Competence and Diligence – serve with competence and diligence – C 18

 De la Cruz v. CA, 174 SCRA 370 (1989)
 Legarda v. CA, 209 SCRA 722 (1992)
15.1 Lack of Qualifications – not undertake legal services if not qualified; client
consent with competent collaborating counsel – R 18.01
15.2 Preparation – not handle any legal matter entrusted; liability for negligence –
R 18.02
 San Miguel v. Laguesma, 236 SCRA 595 (1994)
15.3 Negligence – not neglect legal matter entrusted; liability for negligence – R
18.03
 Dinoy v. Rosal, 235 SCRA 419 (1994)
15.4 Information Status Case – inform client status case; respond within reasonable
time if requested – R18.04
 Wack – Wack Golf and Country Club v. CA, 106 Phil 501 (1959)
 Blanza v. Arcangel, 21 SCRA 1 (1967)

16. Representation with Zeal – represent with zeal within bounds of law – C19
16.1 Fair and hones Means – employ to attain lawful objectives; no threat of
present unfounded criminal charges obtain improper advantage – R 19.01;
Rule138, sec. 20 (d)
16.2 Client Fraud – knowledge client fraud, promptly all client rectify; otherwise,
terminate relationship – R 19.02
 16.3 Control proceedings – client not dictate – R 19.03

17. Moneys and Properties of Client – hold in trust – CHAPTER 8 C16; Art 1491, New Civil
Code
 Ordonio v. Eduarte, 207 SCRA 229 (1992)
17.1 Account – All money or property client – R 16.01
 Lemeine V. Balon, Jr. 414 SCRA 511
 Licuanan v. Melo, 170 SCRA 100 (1989)
 Dumadag v. Lumaya, 197 SCRA 303 (1991)
17.2 Fund Keeping – client fund kept separate and apart – R 16.02
17.3 Fund Delivery – Lawyer’s Lien – deliver funds and property; lawyer lien-
notice and retention – R 16.03; R 138, sec. 37
 Quilban v. Robinol, 171 SCRA 768 (1989)
17.4 Borrow – Lend Money – prohibited and when allowed – R 16.04; art 1491,
civil Code
 Rubias v. Batiller, 51 SCRA 120 (1973)
 In re Ruste, 70 Phil 243 (1973)
 Del Rosario v. Milledo, 26 SCRA 700 (1969)

18. Client confidence and Secrets – CHAPTER 9 preservation even after termination relations
– C21; Rule 138, sec. 20 (e); Art 209, RPC; R 130, sec. 21
 Genato v. Silapan 406 SCRA 75
 Regala v. Sandiganbayan, 262 SCRA 112 (1996)
18.1 Allowed Revelations Confidence and Secrets – when allowed, R 21.01; R
138, sec. 20 (b)
18.2 Use of Information Lawyer Advantage, Client Disadvantage – when allowed –
R 21.02
18.3 Furnish Information Outside Agency – prohibition R 21.03
18.4 Disclosure Information Firm – Partners – protection – R 21.04 – 21.05
18.5 Conversation Family Members – prohibition – R 21.06
18.6 Reveal – possible conflict Interest – R 21.07

19. Conflict of Interest – ascertain as soon as possible, and forthwith inform – R 15.01 and
15.03 CHAPTER 10
 Dee v. CA, 176 SCRA 652 (1989)

20. Authority of Attorney CHAPTER 11

 Espenesa v. C A, 430 SCRA 96
21. Withdrawal Services – good cause and upon notice – C22 CHAPTER 12
21.1 Withdrawal Allowed – R 22.01
 Domingo v. Aquino, 36 SCRA 472 (1971)
 Pioneer Insurance v. De Dior, 406 SCRA 639
21.2 Obligations Upon Withdrawal – R 22.02

22. Fees – charge fair and reasonable – C20; Rule 138, sec. 24; RA 5185, sec. 6 CHAPTER 13
 Emiliano Court Fourhouses v. Dioneda, 399 SCRA 296
 Albano v. Colorna, 21 SCRA 411 (1967)
 Quirante v. IAC, 169 SCRA 769 (1989)
 Tanhueco v. de Dumo, 172 SCRA 774 (1989)
 Law Firm of Raymundo A. Armovit v. CA, 202 SCRA 16 (1991)
22.1 Fee Guide – factors – R 20.01; Schedule of Minimum Fees for Legal Services
IBP Iloilo, Chapter, supra
 Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. v. CA, 181 SCRA 16 (1991)
  Pantranco c. CA, 224 SCRA 447 (1993)
22.2 Referral – decision of fees, client consent – R 20.02
22.3 Fee, Reward, Costs, Commission, Interest, Rebate, Forwarding Allowance,
Other Compensation – client consent – R 20.03; rule 138, sec. 20 (e)
22.4 Client Compensation Controversy – Avoid resort judicial action only prevent
imposition, injustice, fraud – R 20.04; Rule 138, sec. 24, 32
 Corpuz v. CA, 98 SCRA 424 (1980)
 Sato v. Rallos, 12 SCRA 84 (1964)

23. Attorney’s Liens CHAPTER 14

24. Liabilities of Attorney CHAPTER 15

25. Discipline of Lawyers, Agpalo, pp. 321 – 368, Rule 139 – B CHAPTER 16, 17
 In re laureta, 149 SCRA 570 (1987)
 Zaldivar v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 80578, Feb. 1, 1989
 In re7 Edillon, 84 SCRA 554 (1978)
 Yuseco v. Bernad, 243 SCRA 19 (1995)

26. Discipline of Judges – CHAPTER 18, 19, New Code of Judicial Conduct

27. Legal Counselling

What is Legal Counselling? Legal Counselling by BARTE p.1
 Rino v. Cawaling, 431 SCRA 128
 Office of the Court Administration v. Joven, 399 SCRA 18

The Context – The Philippine situation

A. Legal Profession
B. The Judiciary – APJR
C. The Phillipine Justice & Penal Syatem: The Dounting Road to Restorative Justice by
Rita Linda V. Jamero, p. 11 Lawyer’s Review, Sept. 30, 2005 (Faculty Area)

Conceptual Foundation
Areas to be covered
***Facts, Laws and Cases, Access to Justice, Financial and other Constraints***

_________________________________________________________________________________

Primary Sources: Constitution, Rules of court, Code of Professional

Responsibility, New Code of Judicial Conduct,
Supreme Court Decisions.

Reference: Agpalo, Ruben: Legal and Judicial Ethics (2002)