PROBLEM AREAS IN LEGAL ETHICS

2019 Syllabus

Prepared by: Atty. Angelica Grace Gabriana-Reyes

Before the start of this course, the students are enjoined to master the
Lawyer’s Oath as well as Canons 1 to 22 of the Code of Professional Responsibility,
to include the rules under each Canon; because a Graded Oral Recitation will be
held sometime this November 2019 (on a date that will be announced later),the
results of which will comprise 20% of your FINAL GRADE.

The rest of your FINAL GRADE will be computed as follows:

Midterm Examination 30%

Final Examination 30%
Class Standing (Recits, Groupwork, Quizzes) 20%

The following are our topics for discussion and the cases that will be
discussed under each topic. Please bring this syllabus every class meeting so that
you will be guided accordingly.

LEGAL ETHICS
Topics for Discussion Cases

Part I. Practice of Law

1. Concept
• Read Rule 138 of the Rules of Court
a. Cayetano vs. Monsod, GR No. 100113,
September 3, 1991
b. In re Edillon, A.C. No. 1928, Dec. 19. 1980;
c. Re: Letter of the U.P. Law Faculty to the SC on
the Allegations of Plagiarism and
Misrepresentations in the SC, A.M. No.
10-10-4-SC, Mar. 8, 2011;
d. Dizon v. De Taza, A.C. No. 7676, Jun. 10,
2014;
e. Brunet v. Guaren, A.C. No. 10164, Mar. 14,
2014;
f. Sanchez v. Aguilos, A.C. No. 10543, Mar. 16,
2016
g. Pacao v. Limos, A.C. No. 11246, Jun. 14,
2016;
h. Plumptre v. Rivera, A.C. No. 11350, Aug. 9,
2016)

2. Qualifications for admission to the Bar
(Bar Matter No. 1153)
Page 1 of 8
a. Al C. Argosino, B.M. No. 712 July 13, 1995;
b. Alawi v. Alauya, A.M. No. SDC-97-2-P, Feb. 24,
1997;
c. Aguirre v. Rana, B.M. No. 1036, Jun. 10, 2003;
d. In re Dacanay, B.M. No. 1678, Dec. 7, 2007;
e. Llunar v. Ricafort, A.C. No. 6484, Jun. 16,
2015;
f. Caronan v. Caronan, A.C. No. 11316, Jul. 12,
2016)
3. Continuing requirements for
membership in the bar
4. Appearance of Non-Lawyers
• Law student practice rule (Rule 138-
A)
• Non-lawyers in courts and/or
administrative tribunals
• Proceedings where lawyers are
prohibited from appearing as counsels
5. Prohibited practice of non-lawyers
and appearance without authority
6. Public officials and the practice of law; a. Ramos v. Manalac, 89 Phil. 270;
prohibitions and disqualifications
7. The Lawyer’s Oath
Page 2 of 8
a. Rolly Pentecostes vs Atty. Hermenegildo
Marasigan, A.M. No. P-07-2337, August 03,
2007
b. Father Ranhilio C. Aquino et al vs. Atty.
Edwin Pascua A.C. No.5095, November 28,
2007
c. Administrative case filed against Judge
Jaime V. Quitain, JBC No.013, August 22,
2007
d. Rodolfo M. Bernardo vs. Atty Ismael F. Mejia,
Adm Case No.2984, August 31, 2007
e. Velez vs. Atty. De Vera A.C. No. 6697, July
25, 2006
a. In re Joaquin, 241 SCRA 405;
b. Catimbuhan v. Cruz, G.R. 51813-14, Nov.
29, 1983;
c. Cruz vs. Mina, GR No. 154207, April 27,
2007
a. Villahermosa v. Caracol, A.C. No. 7325, Jan.
21, 2015)
b. In re David, 93 Phil. 461
c. Peo v. Villanueva, 14, SCRA 109
d. Noriega v. Sison, 125 SCRA 293;
e. Lingan v. Baliga, A.C. No. 5377, June 30,
2014;
f. Eustaquio v. Navales, A.C. No. 10465, June
8, 2016;
g. Fajardo v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9018, April 20,
2016
a. Ong v. De Los Santos, A.C. 10179, March 4,
2014;
b. Madrid v. Dealca, A.C. 7474, Sept. 9, 2014;
c. Salabao v. Villaruel, A.C. No. 8084, Aug. 4,
2015;
d. Nulada v. Paulma, A.C. No. 8172, April 12,
2016;
e. Kruysel v. Abion, A.C. No. 5951, July 12,
2016
Part II. Code of Professional
Responsibility
1. Duty of the Lawyer to Society
A. Duty to Uphold the Constitution and
Obey the Laws of the Land
B. Duty to Make His Legal Services
Available to the Public
C. Duty to Observe Candor and
Fairness
D. Duty to Take Part in the Improvement
of the Legal System
E. Duty to Keep Abreast with Legal
Development
F. Duty of a Lawyer Employed in the
Government
Page 3 of 8
a. Jimenez v. Verano, A.C. 8108, July 15, 2014;
b. Foster v. Agtang, A.C. 10579, Dec. 10, 2014;
c. Agot v. Rivera, A.C. 8000, Aug. 5, 2014;
d. Re: Violation of Rules on Notarial Practice,
A.M. 09-6-01-SC, Jan. 21, 2015;
e. Chu v. Guico, A.C. 10573, Jan. 13, 2015;
f. Sosa v. Mendoza, A.C. 8776, Mar. 23, 2015;
g. ACA v. Salvado, A.C. No. 10952, Jan. 26,
2016;
h. Canlapan v. Balayo, A.C. 10605, Feb. 17,
2016;
i. De Veza v. Del Prado, A.C. No. 9574, Jun.
21, 2016;
j. Perez v. Katindig and Baydo, A.C. 5816,
Mar. 10, 2015;
k. Ecraela v. Atty. Pangalangan, A.C. 10676,
Sept. 8, 2015;
l. Advincula v. Advincula, A.C. No. 9226, Jun.
14, 2016
a. In re Ozaeta, 92 SCRA 1, Jul. 30, 1979
a. Bumactao v. Atty. Fano, A.C. 10286, Apr. 7,
2014;
b. Uy v. Atty. Maghari, A.C. 10525, Sept. 1,
2015;
c. Aims and Objectives of MCLE;
d. Arnado v. Adaza, A.C. No. 9834, Aug. 26,
2015
a. Cuenca vs CA, GR No. 109870, December
1, 1995
b. PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, 455 SCRA 526;
c. Catu v. Rellosa, 546 SCRA 209;
d. Heck v. Gamotin, A.C. 5329, Mar. 18, 2014;
e. Areola v. Atty. Mendoza, A.C. 10135, Jan. 15,
2014;
f. Facturan v. Barcelona, A.C. No. 11069, Jun.
8, 2016
2. Duty of the Lawyer to His Profession
A. Duty to Maintain the Dignity of the
Profession
INTEGRATED BAR OF THE
PHILIPPINES (RULE 139-A)
*Membership and dues
B. Duty of Courtesy towards Fellow
Lawyers
C. Duty to be Fair to Fellow Lawyers
D. Duty to Prevent Unauthorized
Practice of Law
3. Duty of the Lawyer to the Courts
A. Duty of Candor
B. Duty of Respect
C. Duty to Assist in the Administration of
Justice
D. Duty to Refrain from Impropriety
Page 4 of 8
a. Rodolfo M. Bernardo vs Atty. Ismael F. Mejia,
Adm. Case No.2984, August 31, 2007
b. Bansig v. Celera, AC 5581, Jan. 14, 2014;
c. Nuezca v. Villa Garcia, A.C. No. 8210, Aug.
8, 2016
d. PP vs. Hon. Maceda, GR No. 89591-96,
January 24, 2000
e. Zeta vs. Malinao, AM No. P-220, December
20, 197839
f. Tan and Pagayokan vs. Balajadia, GR No.
169517, March 14,2006
a. Saberon v. Larong, A.C. No. 6567, Apr. 16,
2008;
b. Que vs. Atty. Revilla Jr. AC No.
7054,December 4, 2009
c. Gimeno v. Zaide, AC 10303, April 21, 2015;
d. Noble v. Ailes, AC 10628, July 1, 2015;
e. Malabed v. De la Pena, A.C. No. 7594, Feb.
9, 2016
Binay-an v. Addog, AC 10449, July 28, 2014
a. Tapay v. Bancolo, AC 9604, Mar. 20, 2013;
b. Angeles v. Baggay, AC 8103, Dec. 3, 2014
a. Umaguing v. De Vera, A.C. No. 10451, Feb. 4,
2015
a. Nestle Phils. V. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542;
b. Maglucot-Aw v. Maglucot, 295 SCRA 78;
c. Habawel v. CTA, G.R. No. 174759, Sep. 7,
2011;
d. In re Kapunan, A.M. No. 13-11-09 SC, Aug.
12, 2014;
e. Enriquez v. Lavadia, A.C. No. 5686, June 16,
2015
f. Henry Samonte v. Atty. Gines Abellana, A.C.
No. 3454, June 23, 2014
a. Crisostomo v. Nazareno, A.C. No. 6677,
June 10, 2014;
b. De los Santos v. Barbosa, AC 6681, July 17,
2015;
c. Floran v. Ediza, A.C. No. 5325, Feb. 9, 2016
a. In re Almacen, 31 SCRA 532;
b. In re Bagabuyo, A.C. No. 7006, Oct. 9, 2007
4. Duty of the Lawyer to His Clients
a. Nery v. Sampana, A.C. No. 10196, Sep. 9,
2014;
A. Duty not to Refuse to Provide His
b. Ruby v. Bayot, A.C. No. 10558, Feb. 23,
Services 2015;
c. Campugan v. Caluya, A.C. No. 8

B. Duty of Confidentiality a. Aninon v. Sabitsana, A.C. No. 5098, Apr. 11,

2012;
b. Lee v. Simando, A.C. No. 9537, Jun. 10,
2013;
c. Samson v. Era, A.C. No. 6664, Jul 15, 2013;
d. Jimenez v. Francisco, A.C. No. 10548, Dec.
10, 2014;
e. Diongzon v. Mirano, A.C. No. 2404, Aug. 17,
2016

C. Duty of Loyalty a. Justo v. Galing, A.C. No. 6174, Nov. 16,

2011;
b. Sabitsana v. Muertegui, G.R. No. 181359,
Aug. 5, 2013;
c. Daging v. Davis, A.C. No. 9395, Nov. 12,
2014;
d. Jimenez v. Francisco, A.C. No. 10548, Dec.
10, 2014;
e. Anglo v. Valencia, A.C. No. 10567, Feb. 25,
2015;
f. Tulio v. Buhangin, A.C. No. 7110, Apr. 20,
2016

D. Duty of Fidelity a. Trinidad v. Villarin, A.C. No. 9310, Feb. 27,

2013;
b. Pesto v. Millo, A.C. No. 9612, Mar. 13, 2013;
c. Ramirez v. Margallo, A.C. No. 10537, Feb. 3,
2015;
d. Maglente v. Agcaoili, A.C. No. 10672, Mar.
18, 2015;
e. Re: Decision dated Aug. 19, 2008, 3rd
Division, Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No.
79904 v. Atty. Ferrer, A.C. No. 8037, Feb. 17,
2016;
f. AVIDA v. Argosino, A.C. No. 7437, Aug. 16,
2016

Page 5 of 8
E. Duty to Maintain Fiduciary
Relationship
F. Duty of Fairness
G. Duty of Competence and Diligence
Part III. Discipline of Lawyers
A. Nature and Characteristics of
a. Ylaya v. Gacott, A.C. No. 6475, Jan. 13,
Disciplinary Actions Against Lawyers
1. Sui Generis
2. Confidential
3. Prescription
Page 6 of 8
a. Jison v. Jiz, A.C. No. 9615, Mar 5, 2013;
b. San Pedro v. Mendoza, A.C. No. 5440, Dec
10, 2014;
c. Luna v. Galarrita, A.C. No. 10662, Jul. 7,
2015;
d. Foronda v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9976, Jun. 25,
2014;
e. Navarro v. Solidum, A.C. No. 9872, Jan 28,
2014;
f. Viray v. Sanicas, A.C. No. 7337, Sep. 29,
2014;
g. Concepcion v. De la Rosa, A.C. No. 10681,
Feb. 3, 2015;
h. Yu v. De la Cruz, A.C. No. 10912, Jan. 19,
2016;
i. Ramos v. Mandagan, A.C. No. 11128, Apr. 6,
2016;
j. Malangas v. Zaide, A.C. No. 10675, May 31,
2016
a. Cadavedo v. Lacaya, G.R. No. 173188, Jan.
15, 2014;
b. Dalupan v. Gacott, A.C. No. 5067, Jun. 29,
2015
a. Penilla v. Alcid, A.C. No. 9149, Sep 4, 2013;
b. Sotto v. Palicte, G.R. No. 159691, Feb. 17,
2014;
c. Figueras v. Jimenez, A.C. No. 9116, Mar. 12,
2014;
d. Baens v. Sempio, A.C. No. 10378, Jun. 9,
2014;
e. Foronda v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9976, Jun. 25,
2014;
f. Layos v. Villanueva, A.C. No. 8085, Dec. 1,
2014;
g. Tejano v. Baterina, A.C. No. 8235, Jan. 27,
2015;
h. Nonato v. Fudolin, A.C. No. 10138, Jun. 16,
2015;
i. Enriquez v. Lavadia, A.C. No. 5686, Jun. 16,
2015;
j. Francisco v. Flores, A.C. No. 10753;
k. Gimena v. Sabio, A.C. No. 7178, Aug. 23,
2016
2013
b. Bernaldez v. Anquilo-Garcia, A.C. 8698, Aug.
31, 2016
Tan v. Carpio Morales, G.R. 173940, Sept. 5,
2006
Calo v. De Gamo, A.C. 516, June 27, 1967
4. Res Ipsa Loquitor
5. It may be initiated Motu Propio
B. Grounds for Disbarment
C. Proceedings
• Read Rule 139-B of the Rules of Court
D. Discipline of Filipino Lawyer’s
Practice in Foreign Jurisdiction
E. Contempt
F. Effect of Pardon
G. Readmission to the Bar
1. Lawyers who have been suspended
2. Lawyers who have been disbarred
3. Lawyers who have been repatriated
JUDICIAL ETHICS
Part I. New Code of Judicial Conduct
A. Bangalore Draft
B. Applicability of the Canons of Judicial
Ethics and the Code of Judicial Conduct
C. Qualities of an Ideal Judge
1. Independence
2. Integrity
Page 7 of 8
The Christian Spiritists in the Philippines v.
Mangallay, A.C. No. 10483, Mar. 18, 2016
Borres v. Abela, G.R. No. 131023, July, 17, 2007
a. Agno v. Cagatan, A.C. No. 4515, July 14,
2008;
b. Tamaray v. Daquis, A.C. No. 10868, Jan. 16,
2016
a. Montecillo v. Gica, G.R. L-36800, Oct. 21,
1974;
b. Silva v. Lee Jr., A.M. R-225-RTJ, Jan. 26,
1989;
c. Laurel v. Francisco, A.M. No. RTJ-06-1992,
July 6, 2010
d. Re Verified Complaint of Thomas Merdegia,
IPI 13-205-CA-J, A.C. No. 10300, Dec. 10,
2013;
e. PhilComSat v. Lokin and Labastilla, A.C. No.
11139, Apr. 19, 2016
In re Atty. Tranquilino Rovero, A.C. No. 126, Dec.
29, 1980
Maniago v. De dios, A.C. No. 7472, Mar. 30,
2010
Cui v. Cui, L-18727, Aug. 1964
In re Dacanay, B.M. No. 1678, Dec, 17, 2007
a. Decena v. Malanyaon, A.M. No.
RTJ-02-1669, Apr. 8, 2013;
b. Ongcuangco v. Pinlac, A.M. No.
RTJ-14-2402, Apr. 15, 2015
a. Anonymous v. Achas, A.M. No.
MTJ-11-1801, Feb. 27, 2013;
b. In re Gregory Ong, A.M. No. SB-14-21-J,
Sept. 23, 2014;
c. Barias v. Rubia, A.M. No. RTJ-14-2388, Jun.
10, 2014
3. Impartiality a. Bernas v. Reyes, A.M. MTJ-09-1728, Jul. 21,
2010;
b. Jorda v. Bitas, A.M. RTJ-14-2376, Mar. 4,
2014;
c. Lopez v. Lucmayon, A.M. No. MTJ-13-1837,
Sept. 24, 2014;
d. Tormis v. Paredes, A.M. No. RTJ-13-2366,
Feb. 4, 2015;
e. Pangandag v. Abinal, A.M. No. MTJ-16-1877,
June 13, 2016

4. Propriety a. Lorenzana v. Austria, A.M. No. RTJ-09-2200,

Apr. 2, 2014;
b. Arevalo v. Mantua, A.M. RTJ-13-2760, Nov.
19, 2014

5. Equality a. Oca v. Necessario, A.M. No. MTJ-07-1691,

Apr. 2, 2013;
b. Garado v. Torres, A.M. No. MTJ-11-1778,
6. Competence and Diligence
June 5, 2013;
c. Carbajosa v. Patricio, A.M. No. MTJ-13-1834,
Oct. 20, 2013;
d. Junio v. Beltran, A.M. RTJ-14-2367, Jan. 14,
2014;
e. Tupal v. Rojo, A.M. MTJ-14-1842, Feb. 24,
2014;
f. Marcelo v. Pichay, A.M. MTJ-13-1838, Mar.
12, 2014;
g. Garay v. Venadas, A.M. No. RTJ-06-2000,
June 16, 2014;
h. Uy v. Flores, A.M. RTJ-12-2332, June 25,
2014;
i. Andres v. Nambi, A.C. No. 7158, Mar. 9,
2015;
j. Complaint by Parreno against Justices
Leagogo, Ybanez, Lazaro-Javier, OCA IPI
14-220-CA-J, Mar. 17, 2015;
k. Bandoy v. Jacinto, A.M. No. RTJ-14-2399,
Nov. 19, 2015;
l. Balanay v. White, A.M. No. RTJ-16-2443,
Jan. 11, 2016

Part II. Discipline of Members of the a. In the matter of the charges of Plagiarism
Judiciary against J. Del Castillo, A.M. No. 10-7-17—
SC, Feb. 8, 2011
b. REPUBLIC of the PHILIPPINES,
A. Supreme Court represented by SOLICITOR GENERAL
JOSE C. CALIDA, vs. MARIA LOURDES
P.A. SERENO G.R. No. 237428 June 19,
2018

B. Lower Court Judges and Justices of
the CA, SB and CTA
a. Office of the Court Administrator v. Amor,
A.M. RTJ-08-2440, Oct. 7, 2014;
b. Campos v. Campos, A.C. 8644, Jun. 20,
2014;
c. OCA v. Tormis, Resolution 5, A.C. No. 9920,
Aug. 30, 2016

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