PROGRAM COURSE

FOR
BASIC LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS

Prepared by:
ATTY. ROSE STEPHANIE D. FLORENDO, R.N., M.N.

A person who is fundamentally honest doesn't need a code of ethics. The Ten Commandments
and the Sermon on the Mount are all the ethical code anybody needs.
—   Harry Truman,  1884-1972,  American President [1945-1953]

Course Title: BASIC LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS

Subject Code: JD 201

Course Description: This course focuses on the canons of legal ethics, pertinent
provisions of law and rules on norms of conduct, and other similar principles involving
the duties and responsibilities of the lawyer and law student practitioners with respect
to the public or society, the Bar or legal profession, the Courts, and the clients. The
course also covers the ethical norms of conduct for the members of the judiciary,
whether judicial or non-judicial.

Syllabus

1. Lawyer’s Oath
 Rufina Luy Lim v. Atty. Manuel V. Mendoza, A.C. No. 10261, July 16,
2019 https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/6546/

 Verlita V. Mercullo and Raymond Vedan v. Atty. Marie Frances E.

Ramon, A.C. no. 11078, July 19, 2016
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2016julydecisions.php?id=593

 Petition For Leave to Resume Practice of Law, Benjamin M. Dacanay,

Petitioner, B.M. No. 1678, December 17, 2007
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2007decemberdecisions.php?id=1379

2. Introduction
a. Legal Ethics (Code of Professional Responsibility)
https://www.chanrobles.com/codeofprofessionalresponsibility.html#.Yy
ca53ZBy3A

b. Judicial Ethics (A.M. no. 03-05-01-SC, New Code of Judicial Conduct for
the Philippine Judiciary) http://source.gosupra.com/docs/statute/1251

3. Definition of Terms
i. Bar and Bench
ii. Lawyer and Trial lawyer
iii. Attorney-at-Law and Attorney-in-fact

1
 iv. Counsel de officio and Attorney of record
v. Lead counsel and Collaborating counsel
vi. Amicus Curiae and Expert witness
vii. Practice of Law

4. Practice of Law (Rule 138, Rules of Court)

 Atty. Melvin D.C. Mane v. Judge Medel Belen, A.M. No. RTJ-08-
2119, June 2008
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2008/jun2008/am_rtj-08-
2119_2008.html

 Eduardo B. Manalang v. Atty. Cristina Benosa Buendia, A.C. No.

12079, November 10, 2020
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2020/nov2020/ac_12079_2020.ht
ml

 Cayetano v Monsod 201 SCRA 210

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1991/sep1991/
gr_100113_1991.html

a. Power of the Supreme Court to regulate the practice of law (par. 5, Sec. 5,
Article VIII, 1987 Constitution)
 In re: Cunanan, 94 Phil. 534
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1954/mar1954/gr_l-1_1954.html

 In re: Lanuevo, 66 SCRA 245

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1975/aug1975/am_1162_1975.ht
ml

 Oscar B. Pimentel, et.al. v. Legal Education Board as represented

by its Chairperson, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, and LEB member
Hon. Zenaida N. Elepaño, G.R. No. 230642, September 10, 2019
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2021/nov2021/pdf/gr_230642_leo
nen.pdf

b. Revised Law Student Practice Rule (A.M. 19-03-24-SC), (Rule 138-A)

https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/4808/

c. Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_138_bar.html

 Mercuria D. So v. Ma. Lucille P. Lee, B.M. No. 3288, April 10,

2019 https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/4674/

 Diao v. Martinez, 7 SCRA 475

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1963/mar1963/ac_244_1963.html

d. Who may Practice Law

https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_138_bar.html

2
  In Re: Petition to Sign on the Roll of Attorneys, Michael A.
Medado, Petitioner B.M. No. 2540, September 24, 2013
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2013septemberdecisions.php?
id=786

 Aguirre v. Rana B.M. No. 1036, June 10, 2003, 451 SCRA 428
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2003/jun2003/bm_1036_2003.htm
l

e. Duties of an Attorney (Sec. 20, Rule 138, Rules of Court)

f. Judicial and Bar Council (Section 8 & 9, Article VIII, 1987 Constitution)
 Republic of the Philippines, represented by Solicitor General Jose
C. Calida v. Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno G. R. No. 237428, May
11, 2018
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2018junedecisions.php?
id=404

5. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Rule 139-A), (P.D. 181)

 Soliman M. Santos, Jr. v Atty. Francisco R. Llamas, A.C. No.
4749, January 20, 2000
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2000januarydecisions.php?
id=39

6. Code of Professional Responsibility

https://www.chanrobles.com/
codeofprofessionalresponsibility.html#.Y0XRMnZBy3A

a. The Lawyer and Society (Canon 1-6)

 Vidalyn Yamon-Leach v. Atty. Arturo B. Astorga, A.C. No. 5987,
August 28, 2019
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2019augustdecisions.php?
id=682

 Manuel Valin and Honorio L. Valin v. Atty. Rolando T. Ruiz,

A.C. No. 10564, November 7, 2017
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2017novemberdecisions.php?
id=868

 Emma T. Dantes v. Atty. Crispin G. Dantes, A.C. No. 6486,

September 22, 2004
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2004septemberdecisions.php?
id=786

 Jerry M. Palencia v. Atty. Pedro Linsangan, Atty. Gerard M.

Linsangan, and Atty. Glenda M. Linsangan-Binoya, A.C. No.
10557, July 10, 2018
https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2018/jul2018/ac_10557_201
8.html

3
  Wilfredo Catu v. Atty. Vicente G. Rellosa, A.C. No. 5738,
February 19, 2008
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2008februarydecisions.php?
id=80

b. The Lawyer and the Legal Profession (Canon 7-9)

 In re: Ramon Galang, 66 SCRA 282
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1975/aug1975/am_1162_1975.ht
ml

 Joselano Guevarra v Atty. Jose Emmanuel Eala, A.C. no. 7136,

August 1, 2007
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2007augustdecisions.php?
id=827

 Gimeno v Atty. Zaide, A.C. 10303, April 22, 2015

https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2015aprildecisions.php?
id=337

 Maria Victoria G. Belo-Henares v. Atty. Roberto “Argee” C.

Guevarra, A.C. No. 11394, December 1, 2016
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2016decemberdecisions.php?
id=1016

 Tapay v. Atty. Bancolo, et.al., A.C. No. 9604, March 20, 2013
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2013/mar2013/ac_9604_2013.htm
l

c. The Lawyer and the Courts (Canon 10-13)

 Tolentino v. Atty. Millado and Atty. Sibayan, A.C. No. 10737,
November 9, 2015
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2015novemberdecisions.php?
id=1006

 Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd., Employees Association v. Insular

Life Assurance Co., Ltd., G.R. No. L-25291, January 30, 1971, 37
SCRA 244
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1971/jan1971/gr_25291_1971.htm
l

 Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1988/oct1988/gr_79690_707_198
8.html

 In Re: Almacen, G.R. no. L-27654, February 18, 1970

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1970/feb1970/gr_27654_1970.htm
l

4
  Monticillo v. Gica 60 SCRA 235
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1974/oct1974/gr_l_36800_1974.ht
ml

 People v Jardin 124 SCRA 167

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1983/aug1983/gr_l_33037_42_19
83.html

 Garcia v Francisco, A.C. No. 3923, March 30, 1993

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1993/mar1993/ac_3923_1993.htm
l

 Re: Show cause order in the decision dated May 11, 2018 in G.R.
No. 237428 (Republic of the Philippines, represented by Solicitor
General Jose C. Calida v. Maria Lourdes P.A. sereno) A.M. No.
18-06-01-SC, July 17, 2018
https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2018/jul2018/am_18-06-01-
sc_2018.html

d. The Lawyer and the Client (Canon 14-22)

 Ruel Tuano y Hernandez v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No.
205871, September 28, 2016
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2016septemberdecisions.php?
id=841

 Norma and Josephine G. Umali v. People of the Philippines, G.R.

No. 211917, February 27, 2017
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2017februarydecisions.php?
id=132

 Joy T. Samonte v. Atty. Vivencio V. jumamil, A.C. no. 11668,

July 17, 2017
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2017julydecisions.php?
id=493

 Paces Industrial Corporation v Atty. Edgardo M. Salandanan,

A.C. No. 1346, July 25, 2017
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2017julydecisions.php?
id=499

 Mabini Colleges, Inc. v. Pajarillo, A.C. No. 10687, July 22, 2015
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2015julydecisions.php?
id=451

 Aquino v. Cabasa, G.R. No. 191470, January 26, 2015

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2015/jan2015/gr_191470_2015.ht
ml

5
  Heirs of Juan de Dios E. Carlos v. Atty. Jaime S. Linsangan, A.C.
No. 11494, July 24, 2017
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2017julydecisions.php?
id=559

 Atty. Agustin v. Cruz-Herrera, G.R. No. 174564, February 12,

2014
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2014/feb2014/gr_174564_2014.ht
ml

 Atty. Roxas v. Republic Real Estate Corp., G.R. No. 208205, June
1, 2016
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2016junedecisions.php?
id=508

 Heirs of Sixto L. Tan, Sr., represented by Recto A. Tan v. Atty.

Nestor B. Beltran, A.C. No. 5819, February 1, 2017
https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2017/feb2017/ac_5819_2017.html

 Marilou Balabas, et. al. v. Roberto L. Uy Realty & Development

Corporation, G.R. No. 187544, October 3, 2016
https://www.chanrobles.com/cralaw/2016octoberdecisions.php?
id=897

 People v Sy Juco, 64 Phil 667

https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1937/aug1937/gr_l-
41957_1937.html

7. New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary (A.M. no. 03-05-01-
SC)
a. Canon 1- Independence
 Go v. Court of Appeals, 206 SCRA 165
 Sabitsana Jr. v. Villamor, 202 SCRA 445
 Borromeo v. Mariano, 41 Phil 322
 Arban v. Birja, 143 SCRA 634
 Abad v. Bleza, 145 SCRA 1
b. Canon 2- Integrity
 Jacinto v. Vallarta, 453 SCRA 83
 Masangacay v. Aggabao, 238 SCRA 427
 Cabrera v. Pajares, 142 SCRA 127
 OCA v. Judge Hermoso, 150 SCRA 278
 Martinez v. Pahimulin, 116 SCRA 136
c. Canon 3- Impartiality
 Tan, Jr. v. Gallardo, 73 SCRA 315
 Felongco v. Dictado, 223 SCRA 696
 Datuin, Jr. v. Soriano, 391 SCRA 2
 Palang v. Zosa, 58 SCRA 776
 Pimentel v. Salanga, 21 SCRA 160
 Geotina v. Gonzales, 41 SCRA 69

6
  Oktubre v. Valano, 434 SCRA 636
d. Canon 4- Propriety
 Dayuno v. Barillo, 472 SCRA 218
 Padilla v. Zantua, Jr., 237 SCRA 670
 J. King and Sons v. Hontanosas, Jr., 438 SCRA 527
 Carual v. Brusala, 317 SCRA 54
 Omico Mining & Industrial Corp. v. Judge Vallejos, 63 SCRA
285
e. Canon 5- Equality
 Cabreana v. Avelino, 107 SCRA 640
 Balasabas v. Aquilizan, 106 SCRA 489
f. Canon 6- Competence and Diligence
 Re: Complaint Against Justice Asuncion of the Court of Appeals,
A.M. No. 06-6-8-CA, 518 SCRA 512 (Atty. Padilla v. Justice
Asuncion, A.M. No. 06-44-CA-J)
 Macalintal v. The, 280 SCRA 623
 Boiser v. Aguirre Jr., 458 SCRA 430
 Cruz v. Huralde, 402 SCRA 65
 Maquiran v. Grageda, 451 SCRA 15
 Dadula v. GineteMina v. Mupas, A.M. No. RTJ-07-2067, June
18, 2008
 Briones v. Ante, Jr., 380 SCRA 409

8. Disbarment and Discipline of Attorneys (Rule 139), (Rule 139-B)

a. Judicial Clemency (OCA Circular No. 99-2021)

9. Notarial Laws
a. 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice (A.M. No. 02-08-13-SC)
b. 2020 Interim Rules on remote Notarization of Paper Documents (A.M. No.
20-07-04-SC)
 Flora C. Mariano v. Atty. Anselmo Echavez A.C. No. 10373, May
31, 2016
 Dr. Basilio Malvar v. Atty. Cora Jane P. Baleros, A.C. No. 11346,
March 8, 2017

10. Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (B.M. No. 850)

 Marilu C. Turla v. Atty. Jose M. Caringal, A.C. No. 11641,
March 12, 2019

References:

1. Agpalo, R. (2020). Legal and Judicial Ethics. Philippines: Rex Book Store.
2. Anciano, F. (2021). Updates of Jurisprudence and Notes in Legal Ethics.
Philippines: Rex Book Store.
3. Pineda, E. (2009). Judicial Ethics. Philippines: Central Book Supply, Inc.
4. Pineda, E. (2009). Legal Ethics. Philippines: Central Book Supply, Inc.

Grading System (Weighted Grade)

Oral Recitation 40%

Attendance 10%

7
 Final Exam 50%