CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY Rule 2.

02 - In such cases, even if the lawyer does not accept a

(Promulgated June 21, 1988) case, he shall not refuse to render legal advice to the person
concerned if only to the extent necessary to safeguard the
CHAPTER I. THE LAWYER AND SOCIETY latter's rights.

CANON 1 - A LAWYER SHALL UPHOLD THE Rule 2.03 - A lawyer shall not do or permit to be done any act
CONSTITUTION, OBEY THE LAWS OF THE LAND AND designed primarily to solicit legal business.
PROMOTE RESPECT FOR LAW OF AND LEGAL
PROCESSES. Rule 2.04 - A lawyer shall not charge rates lower than those
customarily prescribed unless the circumstances so warrant.
Rule 1.01 - A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest,
immoral or deceitful conduct. - UNDID CANON 3 - A LAWYER IN MAKING KNOWN HIS LEGAL
SERVICES SHALL USE ONLY TRUE, HONEST, FAIR,
Rule 1.02 - A lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed DIGNIFIED AND OBJECTIVE INFORMATION OR
at defiance of the law or at lessening confidence in the legal STATEMENT OF FACTS.
system. Rule 3.01 - A lawyer shall not use or permit the use of any
false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, undignified, self-
Rule 1.03 - A lawyer shall not, for any corrupt motive or laudatory or unfair statement or claim regarding his
interest, encourage any suit or proceeding or delay any man's qualifications or legal services.
cause. Rule 3.02 - In the choice of a firm name, no false, misleading
or assumed name shall be used. The continued use of the
Rule 1.04 - A lawyer shall encourage his clients to avoid, end name of a deceased partner is permissible provided that the
or settle a controversy if it will admit of a fair settlement. firm indicates in all its communications that said partner is
deceased.
CANON 2 - A LAWYER SHALL MAKE HIS LEGAL
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN AN EFFICIENT AND Rule 3.03 - Where a partner accepts public office, he shall
CONVENIENT MANNER COMPATIBLE WITH THE withdrawal from the firm and his name shall be dropped from
INDEPENDENCE, INTEGRITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF the firm name unless the law allows him to practice law
THE PROFESSION. currently.
Rule 2.01 - A lawyer shall not reject, except for valid reasons,
the cause of the defenseless or the oppressed.
Rule 3.04 - A lawyer shall not pay or give anything of value to
representatives of the mass media in anticipation of, or in
return for, publicity to attract legal business. CHAPTER II. THE LAWYER AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION

CANON 4 - A LAWYER SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THE CANON 7 - A LAWYER SHALL AT ALL TIMES UPHOLD THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM BY INITIATING INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION
OR SUPPORTING EFFORTS IN LAW REFORM AND IN THE AND SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTEGRATED
IMPROVEMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. BAR.
CANON 5 - A LAWYER SHALL KEEP ABREAST OF LEGAL
DEVELOPMENTS, PARTICIPATE IN CONTINUING LEGAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS, SUPPORT EFFORTS TO Rule 7.01 - A lawyer shall be answerable for knowingly making
ACHIEVE HIGH STANDARDS IN LAW SCHOOLS AS WELL a false statement or suppressing a material fact in connection
AS IN THE PRACTICAL TRAINING OF LAW STUDENTS with his application for admission to the bar.
AND ASSIST IN DISSEMINATING THE LAW AND Rule 7.02 - A lawyer shall not support the application for
JURISPRUDENCE. admission to the bar of any person known by him to be
unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant
CANON 6 - THESE CANONS SHALL APPLY TO LAWYERS attribute.
IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN THE DISCHARGE OF
THEIR TASKS. Rule 7.03 - A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that
adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor shall he
Rule 6.01 - The primary duty of a lawyer engaged in public whether in public or private life, behave in a scandalous
prosecution is not to convict but to see that justice is done. manner to the discredit of the legal profession.
The suppression of facts or the concealment of witnesses
capable of establishing the innocence of the accused is highly
reprehensible and is cause for disciplinary action. CANON 8 - A LAWYER SHALL CONDUCT HIMSELF WITH
Rule 6.02 - A lawyer in the government service shall not use COURTESY, FAIRNESS AND CANDOR TOWARDS HIS
his public position to promote or advance his private interests, PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES, AND SHALL AVOID
nor allow the latter to interfere with his public duties. HARASSING TACTICS AGAINST OPPOSING COUNSEL.

Rule 6.03 - A lawyer shall not, after leaving government

service, accept engagement or employment in connection with Rule 8.01 - A lawyer shall not, in his professional dealings, use
any matter in which he had intervened while in said service. language which is abusive, offensive or otherwise improper.
Rule 8.02 - A lawyer shall not, directly or indirectly, encroach
upon the professional employment of another lawyer, CANON 10 - A LAWYER OWES CANDOR, FAIRNESS AND
however, it is the right of any lawyer, without fear or favor, to GOOD FAITH TO THE COURT.
give proper advice and assistance to those seeking relief
against unfaithful or neglectful counsel.
Rule 10.01 - A lawyer shall not do any falsehood, nor consent
to the doing of any in Court; nor shall he mislead, or allow the
CANON 9 - A LAWYER SHALL NOT, DIRECTLY OR Court to be misled by any artifice.
INDIRECTLY, ASSIST IN THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE Rule 10.02 - A lawyer shall not knowingly misquote or
OF LAW. misrepresent the contents of a paper, the language or the
argument of opposing counsel, or the text of a decision or
authority, or knowingly cite as law a provision already
Rule 9.01 - A lawyer shall not delegate to any unqualified rendered inoperative by repeal or amendment, or assert as a
person the performance of any task which by law may only be fact that which has not been proved.
performed by a member of the bar in good standing.
Rule 9.02 - A lawyer shall not divide or stipulate to divide a fee Rule 10.03 - A lawyer shall observe the rules of procedure and
for legal services with persons not licensed to practice law, shall not misuse them to defeat the ends of justice.
except:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

(a) Where there is a pre-existing agreement with a partner or CANON 11 - A LAWYER SHALL OBSERVE AND MAINTAIN
associate that, upon the latter's death, money shall be paid THE RESPECT DUE TO THE COURTS AND TO JUDICIAL
over a reasonable period of time to his estate or to persons OFFICERS AND SHOULD INSIST ON SIMILAR CONDUCT
specified in the agreement; or BY OTHERS.
(b) Where a lawyer undertakes to complete unfinished legal
business of a deceased lawyer; or
Rule 11.01 - A lawyer shall appear in court properly attired.
(c) Where a lawyer or law firm includes non-lawyer employees Rule 11.02 - A lawyer shall punctually appear at court
in a retirement plan even if the plan is based in whole or in hearings.
part, on a profit sharing agreement.
Rule 11.03 - A lawyer shall abstain from scandalous, offensive
or menacing language or behavior before the Courts.
CHAPTER III. THE LAWYER AND THE COURTS
Rule 11.04 - A lawyer shall not attribute to a Judge motives not Rule 12.06 - A lawyer shall not knowingly assist a witness to
supported by the record or have no materiality to the case. misrepresent himself or to impersonate another.

Rule 11.05 - A lawyer shall submit grievances against a Judge Rule 12.07 - A lawyer shall not abuse, browbeat or harass a
to the proper authorities only. witness nor needlessly inconvenience him.

Rule 12.08 - A lawyer shall avoid testifying in behalf of his

CANON 12 - A LAWYER SHALL EXERT EVERY EFFORT client, except:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
AND CONSIDER IT HIS DUTY TO ASSIST IN THE SPEEDY
AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. (a) on formal matters, such as the mailing, authentication or
custody of an instrument, and the like; or
(b) on substantial matters, in cases where his testimony is
Rule 12.01 - A lawyer shall not appear for trial unless he has essential to the ends of justice, in which event he must, during
adequately prepared himself on the law and the facts of his his testimony, entrust the trial of the case to another counsel.
case, the evidence he will adduce and the order of its
proferrence. He should also be ready with the original
documents for comparison with the copies. CANON 13 - A LAWYER SHALL RELY UPON THE MERITS
Rule 12.02 - A lawyer shall not file multiple actions arising from OF HIS CAUSE AND REFRAIN FROM ANY IMPROPRIETY
the same cause. WHICH TENDS TO INFLUENCE, OR GIVES THE
APPEARANCE OF INFLUENCING THE COURT.
Rule 12.03 - A lawyer shall not, after obtaining extensions of
time to file pleadings, memoranda or briefs, let the period
lapse without submitting the same or offering an explanation Rule 13.01 - A lawyer shall not extend extraordinary attention
for his failure to do so. or hospitality to, nor seek opportunity for cultivating familiarity
with Judges.
Rule 12.04 - A lawyer shall not unduly delay a case, impede Rule 13.02 - A lawyer shall not make public statements in the
the execution of a judgment or misuse Court processes. media regarding a pending case tending to arouse public
opinion for or against a party.
Rule 12.05 - A lawyer shall refrain from talking to his witness
during a break or recess in the trial, while the witness is still Rule 13.03 - A lawyer shall not brook or invite interference by
under examination. another branch or agency of the government in the normal
course of judicial proceedings.
 CANON 15 - A LAWYER SHALL OBSERVE CANDOR,
FAIRNESS AND LOYALTY IN ALL HIS DEALINGS AND
CHAPTER IV. THE LAWYER AND THE CLIENT TRANSACTIONS WITH HIS CLIENTS.

CANON 14 - A LAWYER SHALL NOT REFUSE HIS

SERVICES TO THE NEEDY. Rule 15.01. - A lawyer, in conferring with a prospective client,
shall ascertain as soon as practicable whether the matter
would involve a conflict with another client or his own interest,
Rule 14.01 - A lawyer shall not decline to represent a person and if so, shall forthwith inform the prospective client.
solely on account of the latter's race, sex. creed or status of Rule 15.02.- A lawyer shall be bound by the rule on privilege
life, or because of his own opinion regarding the guilt of said communication in respect of matters disclosed to him by a
person. prospective client.
Rule 14.02 - A lawyer shall not decline, except for serious and
sufficient cause, an appointment as counsel de officio or as Rule 15.03. - A lawyer shall not represent conflicting interests
amicus curiae, or a request from the Integrated Bar of the except by written consent of all concerned given after a full
Philippines or any of its chapters for rendition of free legal aid. disclosure of the facts.

Rule 14.03 - A lawyer may not refuse to accept representation Rule 15.04. - A lawyer may, with the written consent of all
of an indigent client if:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary concerned, act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator in settling
disputes.
(a) he is not in a position to carry out the work effectively or
competently; Rule 15.05. - A lawyer when advising his client, shall give a
(b) he labors under a conflict of interest between him and the candid and honest opinion on the merits and probable results
prospective client or between a present client and the of the client's case, neither overstating nor understating the
prospective client. prospects of the case.

Rule 14.04 - A lawyer who accepts the cause of a person Rule 15.06. - A lawyer shall not state or imply that he is able to
unable to pay his professional fees shall observe the same influence any public official, tribunal or legislative body.
standard of conduct governing his relations with paying clients.
Rule 15.07. - A lawyer shall impress upon his client
compliance with the laws and the principles of fairness.
Rule 15.08. - A lawyer who is engaged in another profession
or occupation concurrently with the practice of law shall make
clear to his client whether he is acting as a lawyer or in CANON 17 - A LAWYER OWES FIDELITY TO THE CAUSE
another capacity. OF HIS CLIENT AND HE SHALL BE MINDFUL OF THE
TRUST AND CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM.

CANON 16 - A LAWYER SHALL HOLD IN TRUST ALL CANON 18 - A LAWYER SHALL SERVE HIS CLIENT WITH
MONEYS AND PROPERTIES OF HIS CLIENT THAT MAY COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE.
COME INTO HIS PROFESSION.

Rules 18.01 - A lawyer shall not undertake a legal service

Rule 16.01 - A lawyer shall account for all money or property which he knows or should know that he is not qualified to
collected or received for or from the client. render. However, he may render such service if, with the
Rule 16.02 - A lawyer shall keep the funds of each client consent of his client, he can obtain as collaborating counsel a
separate and apart from his own and those of others kept by lawyer who is competent on the matter.
him. Rule 18.02 - A lawyer shall not handle any legal matter without
adequate preparation.
Rule 16.03 - A lawyer shall deliver the funds and property of
his client when due or upon demand. However, he shall have Rule 18.03 - A lawyer shall not neglect a legal matter
a lien over the funds and may apply so much thereof as may entrusted to him, and his negligence in connection therewith
be necessary to satisfy his lawful fees and disbursements, shall render him liable.
giving notice promptly thereafter to his client. He shall also
have a lien to the same extent on all judgments and Rule 18.04 - A lawyer shall keep the client informed of the
executions he has secured for his client as provided for in the status of his case and shall respond within a reasonable time
Rules of Court. to the client's request for information.

Rule 16.04 - A lawyer shall not borrow money from his client
unless the client's interest are fully protected by the nature of CANON 19 - A LAWYER SHALL REPRESENT HIS CLIENT
the case or by independent advice. Neither shall a lawyer lend WITH ZEAL WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE LAW.
money to a client except, when in the interest of justice, he has
to advance necessary expenses in a legal matter he is
handling for the client.
Rule 19.01 - A lawyer shall employ only fair and honest means
to attain the lawful objectives of his client and shall not (f) The customary charges for similar services and the
present, participate in presenting or threaten to present schedule of fees of the IBP chapter to which he belongs;
unfounded criminal charges to obtain an improper advantage
in any case or proceeding. (g) The amount involved in the controversy and the benefits
Rule 19.02 - A lawyer who has received information that his resulting to the client from the service;
client has, in the course of the representation, perpetrated a
fraud upon a person or tribunal, shall promptly call upon the (h) The contingency or certainty of compensation;
client to rectify the same, and failing which he shall terminate
the relationship with such client in accordance with the Rules (i) The character of the employment, whether occasional or
of Court. established; and

Rule 19.03 - A lawyer shall not allow his client to dictate the (j) The professional standing of the lawyer.
procedure in handling the case.
Rule 20.02 - A lawyer shall, in case of referral, with the
consent of the client, be entitled to a division of fees in
CANON 20 - A LAWYER SHALL CHARGE ONLY FAIR AND proportion to the work performed and responsibility assumed.
REASONABLE FEES. Rule 20.03 - A lawyer shall not, without the full knowledge and
consent of the client, accept any fee, reward, costs,
commission, interest, rebate or forwarding allowance or other
Rule 20.01 - A lawyer shall be guided by the following factors compensation whatsoever related to his professional
in determining his fees:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary employment from anyone other than the client.
(a) the time spent and the extent of the service rendered or
required; Rule 20.04 - A lawyer shall avoid controversies with clients
(b) the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved; concerning his compensation and shall resort to judicial action
only to prevent imposition, injustice or fraud.
(c) The importance of the subject matter;

(d) The skill demanded; CANON 21 - A LAWYER SHALL PRESERVE THE

CONFIDENCE AND SECRETS OF HIS CLIENT EVEN
(e) The probability of losing other employment as a result of AFTER THE ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATION IS
acceptance of the proffered case; TERMINATED.
 Rule 21.07 - A lawyer shall not reveal that he has been
consulted about a particular case except to avoid possible
Rule 21.01 - A lawyer shall not reveal the confidences or conflict of interest.
secrets of his client except;
(a) When authorized by the client after acquainting him of the
consequences of the disclosure; CANON 22 - A LAWYER SHALL WITHDRAW HIS SERVICES
(b) When required by law; ONLY FOR GOOD CAUSE AND UPON NOTICE
APPROPRIATE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
(c) When necessary to collect his fees or to defend himself, his
employees or associates or by judicial action.
Rule 22.01 - A lawyer may withdraw his services in any of the
Rule 21.02 - A lawyer shall not, to the disadvantage of his following case:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
client, use information acquired in the course of employment, (a) When the client pursues an illegal or immoral course of
nor shall he use the same to his own advantage or that of a conduct in connection with the matter he is handling;
third person, unless the client with full knowledge of the (b) When the client insists that the lawyer pursue conduct
circumstances consents thereto. violative of these canons and rules;
Rule 21.03 - A lawyer shall not, without the written consent of
his client, give information from his files to an outside agency (c) When his inability to work with co-counsel will not promote
seeking such information for auditing, statistical, bookkeeping, the best interest of the client;
accounting, data processing, or any similar purpose.
(d) When the mental or physical condition of the lawyer
Rule 21.04 - A lawyer may disclose the affairs of a client of the renders it difficult for him to carry out the employment
firm to partners or associates thereof unless prohibited by the effectively;
client.
(e) When the client deliberately fails to pay the fees for the
Rule 21.05 - A lawyer shall adopt such measures as may be services or fails to comply with the retainer agreement;
required to prevent those whose services are utilized by him,
from disclosing or using confidences or secrets of the clients. (f) When the lawyer is elected or appointed to public office;
and
Rule 21.06 - A lawyer shall avoid indiscreet conversation (g) Other similar cases.
about a client's affairs even with members of his family.
Rule 22.02 - A lawyer who withdraws or is discharged shall,
subject to a retainer lien, immediately turn over all papers and
property to which the client is entitled, and shall cooperative
with his successor in the orderly transfer of the matter,
including all information necessary for the proper handling of
the matter.