UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF LAW
LAW 120. THE LEGAL PROFESSION
(Jardeleza/Feliciano/Banez/Tantuico)
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
- In the matter of the IBP 49 SCRA 22 (1973)
- In re Cunanan 94 Phil 534 (1954)
B. Practice of Law
- 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
- LEB, Policies and Standards of Legal Education and Manual
of Regulations for Law Schools (2011)
- BM No. 1552 Guidelines on Legal Apprenticeship in the
Supreme Court and other Collegiate Courts, July 3, 2002
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
- 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

D. 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. Meling in the 2002 Bar Examinations, 431 SCRA 146
( 2004)
D. Law Student Practice Rule
- Rules of Court, Rule 138-A
- Cruz v. Mina 522 SCRA 387 (2007)
E. Public Official Who Cannot Practice Law in the
Philippines
a. Absolute disqualification
b. Relative disqualification
F. Non-Lawyers Authorized to Appear in
Courts/Quasi-Judicial Agency
- Rules of Court, Rule 138, secs. 33 & 34
- Act No. 2259, sec. 1
- Labor Code art. 222
- Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board
(DARAB) - RA 6657, amd. By RA 9700, Rule VIII, sec. 1
- Local Government Code (RA 7160 [1991]), sec 415
- Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases A.M. No. 08-87-SC, effective October 1, 2008, sec. 17

G. Lawyers Oath
- SC Resolution dated Oct. 25, 1979 Revised Rules of Court,
Form 28 91 SCRA xv (1979)
- Rules of Court, Sec
PART I
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY
Canon 1 Promote and Respect Law and Legal Process
- In re Gutierrez 5 SCRA 661 (1962)
- Zaldivar v. Gonzales 166 SCRA 316 (1988)
Rule 1.01 No Unlawful, Dishonest, Immoral, Deceitful Conduct
- Piatt v. Abordo 58 Phil. 350 (1933)
- 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)
- Stemmerik v. Mas 589 SCRA 114 (2009)
- 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

- In re Terrell, 2 Phil 266 (1903)
- Estrada v. Sandiganbayan 416 SCRA 465 (2003)
- Kupers v. Hontanosas 587 SCRA 325 (2009)
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
- In re Tagorda 53 Phil 37 (1929)
- 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
- 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
- Collantes v. Romeron 200 SCRA 584 (1991)
- Office of the Court Administrator v. Ladaga 350 SCRA 326
(2001)
- Pimentel v. Fabros 501 SCRA 346 (2006)
- 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
- 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)
- Tiong v. Florendo AC No. 4428 Dec. 12, 2011
- 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)

PNB v. Cedo 243 SCRA 1 (1995)
PCGG v. Sandiganbayan 455 SCRA 526 (2005)
THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Canon 7 Uphold Dignity and Integrity of the Profession

- In re 1989 Elections of the IBP 178 SCRA 398 (1989)
- Fernandez v. Grecia 223 SCRA 425 (1993)
- Santos Jr. v. Llamas 322 SCRA 529 (2000)
- Letter of Atty. Cecilio Arevalo 458 SCRA 209 (2005)
- Velez v. de Vera 496 SCRA 345 (2006)
- 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
- 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)

Canon 8 Courtesy, Fairness, Candor Towards Professional

Colleagues
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- Alawi 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
- Halili v. CIR 136 SCRA 113 (1985)
Lijuaico v. Terrado 500 SCRA 301 (2006)

THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS

Canon 10 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, Code of Professional Ethics
- Young v. Batuegas 403 SCRA 123 (2003)
Rule 10.02 Not to Misquote or Misrepresent Contents of Paper
- Insular Life Employees Co. v. Insular Life Association 37
SCRA 244 (1971)
- Hipos, Sr. v. Bay, 581 SCRA 674 (2009)
- Plagiarism Cases
- Re: Letter of the U.P. Law Faculty 633 SCRA 418 (2010);
March 8, 2011, 644 SCRA 543 (2011), June 7, 2011
- In the Matter of charges of Plagiarism against Assoc.
Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo 642 SCRA 11 (2011)
- Cf. 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 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
- 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 12.01 and Rule 18.02 Adequate Preparation
Rule 12.02 Forum Shopping

Rule 12.03 Not to Delay Cause

Rule 12.04 Court Process
- 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
- 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
- Cruz v. Salva, 105 Phil 115 (1959)
- Foodsphere, Inc. v. Mauricio 593 SCRA 367 (2009)
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 NonPaying 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. 08-11-7-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
- Hornilla v. Salunat 405 SCRA 220 (2003)
- 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
- Regala v. Sandiganbayan 262 SCRA 122 (1996)
- People v. Sandiganbayan 275 SCRA 505 (1997)
- Castillo v. Sandiganbayan 377 SCRA 509 (2002)
- 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
- 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
- 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 Trust and Confidence
- Cantiller v. Potenciano 180 SCRA 246 (1989)
- In re Maquera 435 SCRA 417 (2004)
- Solatan v. Inocentes 466 SCRA 1 (2005)
- Somosot v. Pontevedra 488 SCRA 416 (2006)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Quirante v. IAC 169 SCRA 769 (1989)
- 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
- 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
- Hilado v. David, 84 Phil 569 (1949)
- 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
- 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.
- Spouses Santuyo v. Hidalgo 448 SCRA 282 (2005)
- Sicat v. Ariola 456 SCRA 93 (2005)
- Mondejar v. Rubia 496 SCRA 1 (2006)
- Lee v. Tambago 544 SCRA 393 (2008)
Discipline of Lawyers
- Rules of Court, Rule 139 - B
- Supreme Court Bar Matter No. 1755, dated September 25,
2007
- Yuhico v. Gutierrez AC No. 8391, November 23, 2010
- Maniago v. De Dios 617 SCRA 142 (2010)
- Macarubbo v. Macarubbo 689 SCRA 69 (201

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
- Libarios v. Dabalos, A.M. RTJ-89-1286, July 11, 1991,
199 SCRA 48 (1991)
- Tan 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)
Canon 2 Integrity
- In re Complaint of Mrs. Rotilla Marcos Against Judge F.
Marcos, A.M. 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 CAG.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
- Tan v. Pacuribot, A.M. Nos. RTJ-06-1982-83, December
14, 2007, 540 SCRA 246 (2009)
- Guanzon v. Rufon, A.M. No. RTJ-07-2028, October 19,
2009, 537 SCRA 38 (2009)
Canon 6 Competence and Diligence
- Castro v. Malazo, A.M. No. 1237-CAR, August 21, 1980,
99 SCRA 165 (1980)
- Office of the Court Administrator v. Judge Floro, A.M. No.
RTJ-99-1463, March 31, 2006, 486 SCRA 66 (2006)