Republic of the Philippines
Supreme Court
Manila
A.M. No. 22-09-01-SC
THE PROPOSED CODE OF
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Salient Features
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Salient Features
THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Salient Features
I.
Structure
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II.
The present Code of Professional Responsibility
(CPR) follows a duty-based structure (society,
legal profession, courts, and client)
The New Code of Judicial Conduct, based on
the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct,
is divided into six discrete principles:
Independence, Integrity, Impartiality,
Propriety, Equality, and Competence and
Diligence
Restructured the proposed Code of Professional
Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA)
to create a parallelism to the New Code of
Judicial Conduct
The 6 principles under the proposed CPRA –
Independence, Propriety, Fidelity, Competence
and Diligence, Equality, and Accountability
A seventh principle – Integrity – can also be
found in the proposed CPRA: the sum total
of all the ethical values that every lawyer
must embody and exhibit
Preamble
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The Preamble announces a seventh principle
– Integrity. An ethical lawyer is one who
acts with integrity.
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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Preamble - to explain the overall paradigm
and framework of the proposed CPRA,
introduce lawyers to the context of morality
socio-culturally and the standards that must
necessarily be imposed on the legal profession
because of its role in the administration of
justice
III. Canon I – Independence
Duty to maintain independence
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With respect to matters pending before a
court or tribunal, a lawyer must:
• solely rely on the merits of a cause; and
• not influence or interfere in any pending
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matter, unless authorized by law or a
court.
In discharging one’s duties, a lawyer shall
not:
• be influenced by any dishonest or immoral
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considerations; or
• allow the client to dictate the procedure
and strategy in handling the case, but
shall nevertheless respect the latter’s
decision to settle after being informed
of the legal consequences thereof.
It is imperative that a lawyer maintains
independence in the discharge of his or her
duties, without any improper influence,
restriction, pressure or interference.
IV. Canon II – Propriety
Duty to act with propriety in personal and
professional dealings (Sections 1 to 10)
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In all his or her personal and professional
dealings, a lawyer shall:
• maintain dignified conduct, respecting
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the law, the courts, tribunals and other
government agencies, including their
employees, and fellow members of the
Bar;
• promptly correct any inaccuracy or falsity;
• use only dignified, gender-fair, child- and
culturally-sensitive language.
A lawyer shall not:
• create or promote an unsafe environment,
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both in private and public settings,
including the online space;
• coach, discriminate, or harass a witness;
• obstruct another lawyer’s access to
evidence, or alter, destroy, or conceal
evidence.
A lawyer shall, at all times, act with propriety
and maintain the appearance of propriety in
personal and professional dealings, observe
honesty, respect and courtesy, and uphold
the dignity of the profession consistent with
the high standards of ethical behavior.
Prohibition against false representations or
statements; duty to correct and report (Sections
11-14, 16)
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A lawyer shall not:
• make false representations or statements;
• impute or accuse another lawyer of any
misconduct without factual or legal basis;
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
• directly or indirectly, file or cause to be
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filed, or assist in the filing of frivolous or
baseless administrative, civil or criminal
complaints against another lawyer.
A lawyer is duty-bound to:
• immediately report any dishonest, deceitful
or misleading conduct related to any
proceeding in court, tribunal, or other
government agency;
• submit grievances against any officer of
a court, tribunal, or other government
agency only through the appropriate
remedy and before the proper authorities;
• immediately report any life-threatening
situation that is likely to develop in
relation to any proceeding before any
court, tribunal, or other government
agency.
Prohibition against claim of influence or
familiarity, solicitation, self-promotion or selfaggrandizement (Sections 15, 17-19)
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The following acts remain prohibited:
• making claims of power, influence, or
relationship with any officer of a court,
tribunal, or other government agency;
• direct and indirect solicitation of legal
business;
• paying or giving any benefit or consideration
to any media practitioner or personality in
anticipation of, or in return for, publicity;
• commenting or publicizing opinion
pertaining to a pending proceeding (subjudice rule); and
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• making public appearances and statements
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on behalf of a client for the purpose of
promoting or aggrandizing oneself or
obtaining public sympathy.
Advertisement of one’s legal services may
be allowed, provided:
• dignified, verifiable and factual information
is used, including biographical data,
contact details, fields of practice, services
offered, and the like; and
• the purpose of the advertisement is to
allow potential clients to make informed
choices.
Duty to disclose relationship or connection
(Sections 20 to 23)
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A lawyer shall not:
• give gifts to any court, tribunal or
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government agency, or any of its officers
or personnel;
• take advantage of a non-lawyer’s lack
of knowledge of the law;
• institute multiple cases amounting to
forum shopping, to gain leverage, harass
a party or increase cost of litigation.
It is unethical for a lawyer to use his or
her relationship or connections, or even
just the appearance thereof (which may
be a consequence of gift-giving), to gain
professional or personal favors. It is likewise
unethical for a lawyer to take advantage of
the rules to the point of circumventing their
import.
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Duty to respect another lawyer’s engagement
(Sections 24 to 25)
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A lawyer shall not:
• directly or indirectly, encroach upon or
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interfere in the professional engagement
of another lawyer;
• attempt to communicate, negotiate,
compromise, or otherwise deal with a
client represented by another lawyer.
A lawyer may
• give proper advice and assistance to
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anyone seeking relief against perceived
unfaithful or neglectful counsel.
Emphasis is placed on the proscription against
professional encroachment on another’s
representation as well as prohibition against
approaching an adverse party to effect
compromise or settlement of a case without
the latter’s lawyer being present or apprised.
However, if the current counsel is negligent
or unfaithful to his or her client’s interest,
then a lawyer is bound to give advice and
render assistance if only for that client to
be given relief.
Law firm, defined (Section 26)
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A law firm is any private office, partnership,
or association, exclusively comprised of a
lawyer or lawyers engaged to practice law,
and who hold themselves out as such to the
public.
The phrase “exclusively comprised of a
lawyer or lawyers engaged to practice law”
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highlights that only a lawyer or group of
lawyers may practice law in our jurisdiction.
A group comprised of mixed professions,
such as lawyers and accountants, may not
engage in the practice of law.
Lawyers who hold themselves out to the
public as a law firm are estopped from
claiming otherwise.
Lawyers in government service (Sections 27-33)
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A lawyer who assumes public office:
• shall have his or her name removed from
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the firm name, when applicable;
• shall not advance his or her private or
financial interest, or that of another, in
any transaction requiring approval of
his or her office;
• shall not solicit gifts or receive anything
of value in relation to any matter pending
in his or her office.
A lawyer who was formerly in government
service shall not:
• engage in private practice pertaining to
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any matter before the office where he or
she used to be connected within a period
of one (1) year from his or her separation
from such office;
• appear before any court, tribunal, or other
government agency within the territorial
jurisdiction or station where he or she
previously served.
A public prosecutor, or a lawyer authorized
to prosecute, shall not:
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
•
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suppress facts;
conceal or tamper with evidence;
coach a witness; or
offer false testimony.
Members, officials or employees of the
judiciary shall not engage in the private
practice of law, except when allowed by
law or the Supreme Court.
The provisions pertaining to lawyers assuming
public office have been expanded to ensure
DIGNIFIED GOVERNMENT SERVICE imbued
with integrity and accountability.
Duty of lawyers in the academe (Sections 34
and 35)
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The proposed provisions:
• Set the standard of behavior for a lawyer
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in the academe serving in any capacity;
• Highlight what is expected of the lawyer
in the event a conflict of interest, or the
semblance of one, arises.
Lawyers in the academe play a vital role
in molding future lawyers. The behavior
expected of them therefore requires propriety
and respectability inside and outside of their
classrooms.
Duties of lawyers who supervise paralegals
(Sections 36 to 37)
A paralegal is one who performs tasks that
require familiarity with legal concepts, employed
or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation,
governmental agency or other entity for non-
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diagnostic and non-advisory work in relation
to legal matters delegated by such lawyer, law
office, corporation, governmental agency or
other entity.
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A lawyer must direct or supervise a paralegal
in the performance of the latter‘s delegated
duties.
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The duty of confidentiality shall also extend
to the services rendered by the paralegal,
who is equally bound to keep the privilege.
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Supervising lawyers must take note of the
tasks enumerated in the proposed CPRA
which may not be delegated to non-lawyers.
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Lawyers should not hide behind paralegals
and other staff members in the performance
of their duties. Thus, the proposed CPRA
holds them accountable, not only for their
own act, but likewise for the acts of those
they supervise.
Responsible use of social media (Sections 38-46)
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In all his or her social media interactions, a
lawyer must:
• uphold the dignity of the legal profession
and the rule of law;
• be mindful of the consequences and
ethical implications of his or her posts
and online conduct;
• verify the truthfulness of what he or she
shares on any platform;
• exercise prudence so as not to violate
the provisions on conflict of interest;
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
• exert effort to prevent any inadvertent
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disclosure, use, or access to client
confidences and information;
• be mindful of the legal advice that he
or she provides, which can give rise to
a lawyer-client relationship.
A lawyer shall not:
• disseminate false or unverified statements
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V.
or claims, or otherwise commit any other
act of disinformation;
• maintain social media accounts for the
purpose of circumventing the provisions
of the proposed CPRA;
• communicate with an officer of any court,
tribunal, or other government agency
through social media to influence the
latter’s performance of official duties.
With the proliferation of social media sites and
platforms, their unregulated use has resulted
in abuse even from users who are lawyers,
which necessitated the inclusion of rules on
the responsible use of social media in the
proposed CPRA. The proposed provisions
emphasize the responsibility of all lawyers
to uphold the dignity of the profession in
all their actions and transactions, whether
public or private.
Canon III – Fidelity
Fidelity, defined
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Duty to uphold the Constitution and the laws
of the land, to assist in the administration
of justice as an officer of the court, and to
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advance or defend a client’s cause, with full
devotion, genuine interest, and zeal in the
pursuit of truth and justice
Lawyer’s fidelity is a function of the client’s
authority and the lawyer’s fiduciary duty
(Sections 2, 3-4)
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Definition of the lawyer-client relationship
Transposed provisions from Rule 138 on
authority to the proposed CPRA
Duties as officers of the court and in the
administration of justice (Section 6, 7, 8, 22, 25)
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Prohibition against frivolous suits and abuse
of court processes;
• filing or encouraging the filing of actions
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without legal, factual, or evidentiary
basis;
• obstructing or interfering with a court
order or judgment; or
• abusing court processes.
Duty to encourage settlement
Duty to call client to rectify a fraudulent act
Serving as amicus curiae
Prompt payment of membership dues
Conflict of interest, defined (Section 12)
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There is conflict of interest when a lawyer
represents inconsistent or opposing interests
of two or more persons. The test is whether
or not in behalf of one client it is the lawyer’s
duty to fight for an issue or claim, but which
is his or her duty to oppose for the other
client.
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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Section 12 enshrines the definition of conflict
of interest as laid down by jurisprudence.
The provisions on conflict of interest adopted
the American Bar Association Rules.
Extensive conflict-of-interest rules (Sections 12
to 21)
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Ten sections (Sections 12 to Section 21) deal
with the prohibition against representing
conflicting interests. While the current CPR
devotes only two Rules (Rule 14.03 and 15.03)
on the subject, the proposed CPRA provides
for various scenarios where the prohibition
should be applied.
In relation to the type of client, the prohibition
against conflict-of-interest representation
is presented under 3 scenarios: (i) current
clients (Section 13); (ii) prospective clients
(Section 16) and former clients (Section 14
and 17).
In relation to organizational clients, the
prohibition against representing conflicting
interests deals with 4 scenarios: (i) Corporate
lawyers (Section 18); (ii) Legal Services
organizations (Section 19); (iii) Lawyers in
government service (Section 20) (iv) Public
Attorney’s Office (Section 21).
A significant provision in the proposed
CPRA deals with the prohibition against
dating clients or having romantic or sexual
relations with them during the lawyer’s
professional engagement (Section 15).
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Law firms and legal clinics; supervisory and
supervised lawyers (Sections 9-11, 38-39)
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The proposed CPRA outlines the responsibilities
of a supervisory lawyer vis-à-vis the supervised
lawyer
The legal clinic director’s responsibilities
are also established, in consonance with the
Law Student Practice Law
Role of a law student clinic director and
supervising lawyer is to provide meaningful
training to law students.
They shall assume responsibility for any
work performed by the law student while
under their supervision in compliance with
all the laws, rules and guidelines pertaining
to Law Student Practice.
Confidentiality rules (Sections 26-31)
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Duty of confidentiality by former lawyers
of a law firm – new provision
Limited legal services, defined (Section 34)
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advice or appearance before a court, tribunal,
or other government agency for a specific
incident in a proceeding with the expectation
by the lawyer and the client that the lawyer
will not provide continuing legal services in
the matter
As a new provision, the section on Limited Legal
Services fills the gap when a lawyer answers
a social duty to aid in the administration
of justice that results in the creation of an
attorney-client relationship. There is no
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expectation by either the lawyer or the client
that the lawyer will provide continuing
representation on the matter.
A lawyer should state at the outset the nature
of Limited Legal Services.
Limited Legal services is not necessarily pro
bono. A lawyer who renders limited legal
services shall be entitled to compensation
as may be agreed upon or as provided by
the Rules of Court.
Appointment of a lawyer by the court to
render Limited Legal Services pro bono shall
not be refused on the ground of conflict of
interest. This applies to a government lawyer
currently serving in the government unless
prohibited by law or applicable Civil Service
rules and regulations.
If conflict of interest exists, the lawyer shall
disclose to all affected parties such conflict
of interest.
After such disclosure, a lawyer may not
refuse to render pro bono legal services if
only to the extent necessary to safeguard
the latter’s fundamental rights and not to
deprive such person of remedies available
under the law or rules, even if:
• either party objects; or
• or in any other instance where pro bono
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Limited Legal Services are sought.
Limited Legal Services include:
• appointment as counsel de officio only
for arraignment purposes
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• special appearances to make any court
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submission;
• special appearances to give advice;
• special appearances to draft legal
documents;
• special appearances to provide legal
assistance before administrative bodies.
The services rendered by a law student
practitioner under the Clinical Legal Education
Program pursuant to Rule 138-A is classified
as Limited Legal Services
Rules on Fees (Sections 40-47)
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The proposed CPRA expresses that a lawyer
is entitled to prompt payment from the client
of attorney’s fees.
Enforcement of lawyer’s lien (Section 46)
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Included in the proposed CPRA is a clear
mechanism for the enforcement of the lawyer’s
fees in the same action
The Sub-Committee proposed that a procedure
be put in place to govern cases where the
lawyer has not been paid attorney’s fees but
continues to hold a lien as against the client.
The enforcement is done in the case where
the action is pending because the court or
tribunal is intimately familiar with the
services rendered by the lawyer and therefore
can rule as to the fairness and reasonability
of the fees claimed, following the factors
identified in the proposed Section 40.
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The proposed Section 46 also includes a
procedure for appealing the ruling of the
court or tribunal as to attorney’s fees, with
safeguards in order for the main action not
to be delayed
Termination of engagement (Sections 48-51, 56)
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The termination of the engagement shall not
relieve the client from full payment of all
professional fees due to the lawyer.
When the lawyer is a part of a law firm, the
death of such lawyer shall not extinguish the
lawyer-client engagement between the law
firm and the client handled by such lawyer.
Moral predisposition of the lawyer as one
of the grounds for terminating the lawyerclient relationship.
This new ground is based on an experience
shared by a Member of the Sub-committee of
a rape case involving a minor. The Member
shared the difficulty she encountered to
continue with the engagement because,
without reference to the guilt or innocence
of the accused represented, she labored
under a moral dilemma, on account of her
own minor children.
Responsibility over client’s funds and properties
(Sections 52-56)
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Provision on lawyer’s acquisition of property
subject of litigation, complementary to Article
1491(5) of the Civil Code.
The Sub-Committee also decided to carry
the phrase “directly or indirectly” to prevent
lawyers from circumventing the rule.
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Article 1491(5) will determine the validity of
the sale while the proposed Section 55 will
deal with the ethical duties of the lawyer
VI. Canon IV – Competence and Diligence
Competence requires conscientiousness (Sections
1, 2, 4, 6, 8)
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The very core of this Canon is that if a lawyer
accepts an engagement, such acceptance
requires that the lawyer devote his or her
best attention to such engagement.
The standard of diligence required is higher
than that of an average reasonable person
considering the loftiness of the profession.
However, it is true that a lawyer is not
expected to be a superhuman. Thus, what
the proposed CPRA regulates are instances
where a lawyer accepts a case despite his
or her inability to handle the engagement.
Specific duties owed (Sections 3, 5, 6)
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Punctuality in all appearances, punctuality
in delivering legal services
Assiduously assessing the merits before
giving legal advice
Explaining viable options
Giving case status updates, particularly
milestones
Lifelong learning as a hallmark of competence
(Section 8)
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A competent lawyer must keep up to date
with the law and its developments
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A competent lawyer undertakes continuing
legal education even on his or her own,
outside of the mandatory program
Practice of law concurrent with another profession
(Sections 9 and 10)
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Even if lawyers are engaged in non-legal
activities, they must still observe the ethical
duties and responsibilities under the proposed
CPRA
A lawyer concurrently practicing another
profession must disclose to a client the nature
of the service he or she shall preform
This provision protects the interests of both
the lawyer and the client, who depending
on the case, may wear different hats
VII. Canon V – Equality
Policy of non-discrimination (Sections 1, 3 and
4)
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A lawyer should make his or her services
accessible to all, without qualification.
A person’s background and/or identity
(race, sexual orientation or gender identity,
religion, disability, age, marital status, social
or economic status, or such lawyer’s or the
public’s opinion regarding the guilt of said
person) are not lawful grounds to restrict
access to legal services.
In addition, lawyers must observe the same
standard of service for all clients, whether
compensated or not.
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Salient Features
Affirmative action in favor of vulnerable persons
(Section 2)
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A vulnerable person is a person who is at
a higher risk of harm than others, and shall
include children, the elderly, the homeless,
persons with disability, persons deprived
of liberty, human rights victims, victims
of domestic violence, victims of armed
conflict, those who are socio-economically
disadvantaged, those who belong to racial or
ethnic minorities, or those with debilitating
physical or mental conditions.
A lawyer must be mindful and sensitive of
the client’s special circumstances to ensure
that the client, notwithstanding his or her
vulnerability, has a meaningful access to
justice.
VIII. Canon VI – Accountability
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An ethical lawyer recognizes and understands
that submitting to an accountability mechanism
is part of his or her ethical responsibility.
Administrative disciplinary proceedings
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The new Canon on Accountability outlines
and embodies the rules governing the process
of holding a lawyer accountable for violations
of the proposed CPRA, and is largely based
on Rule 139-B, incorporating some provisions
of Rule 138 and Rule 140, as amended
Confidential in character, summary in nature
Required burden of proof on the complainant
remains to be substantial evidence
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Outright dismissal and dismissal after answer
(Sections 10 to 13)
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An investigator is permitted to recommend to
the Board of Governors the outright dismissal
of the complaint if it finds, within 15 calendar
days from raffle, that there is no prima facie
showing of liability. If the complaint shows
prima facie merit, the investigator must require
the respondent file a verified answer.
The investigator, after receipt of the answer,
may also dismiss the complaint.
In both types of dismissal, the Board of
Governors has the discretion to adopt the
recommendation of dismissal or to recommend
the conduct of further proceedings. The
decision of the Board of Governors adopting
the recommendation of dismissal of the
complaint is final if the complaint charges
a light offense. If the complaint charges
less serious or serious offense, the order of
dismissal by the Board of Governorsmay be
appealed by the complainant to the Supreme
Court within 10 calendar days from receipt
of the order.
Period to investigate (Section 16)
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90 calendar days from commencement, with
a one-time extension of another 90 calendar
days, for a total of 180 calendar days
Discretionary hearing (Sections 21 and 22)
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To abbreviate proceedings, hearings are
discretionary on the investigator, and
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conducted only to: (1) clarify factual issues;
and (2) to confront witnesses
Must be terminated within 30 calendar days
from commencement
Non-appearance of parties at the discretionary
hearing is deemed a waiver of the right to
participate in the discretionary hearing
Report and recommendation to the Supreme
Court (Section 23)

The report has to be submitted
• within 30 calendar days from receipt of
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the last position paper, or
• within 15 calendar days from the
termination of the hearing
Attached to the report are the following
materials:
• a duly certified transcript of stenographic
notes, or
• audio recording, or
• personal notes duly signed,
• and the evidence on record, including
recordings of hearings through
videoconferencing, if any
Defects (Section 27)
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Two kinds of defects and remedies:
• Substantial defect which may result to a
miscarriage of justice may be raised as
an error in the Supreme Court
• Defect that results to a deprivation of
due process may be raised by filing a
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
motion to reopen before the IBP Board
of Governors within 60 calendar days
from knowledge
Penalties (Sections 32 to 42)
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The proposed CPRA adopts the paradigm
of Rule 140, as amended
It classifies offenses as serious, less serious,
and light offenses, with corresponding
penalties (or a combination of them)
• Serious offenses – disbarment, suspension
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of more than 6 months, fine exceeding
Php100,000
• Less serious offenses – suspension of 1
month to 6 months, fine from Php35,000
to Php100,000
• Light offenses – fine from Php1,000 to
Php35,000, censure, reprimand
In all instances, the erring lawyer shall also
be required to return any money or property
subject of the complaint, within a period
not exceeding 3 months from receipt of the
decision, with consequences for noncompliance
Mitigating and aggravating circumstances
are also enumerated, with rules for how
they affect the penalty (e.g., if there is 1
aggravating circumstance, with no mitigating
circumstance, the Supreme Court may impose
the maximum period of suspension or twice
the amount of the fine; offsetting)
All penalties are immediately executory,
from receipt of the decision or resolution
imposing them
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Salient Features
Lifting of suspension (Sections 44 to 46)
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The proposed CPRA incorporates jurisprudence
on lifting of suspension from the practice of
law, with some modifications
The proposed CPRA clarifies that suspension
from the practice of law is not automatically
lifted upon the lapse of the period, but only
upon order of the Supreme Court
A false statement in the verified petition
for the lifting of such suspension shall be a
ground for disbarment
Petition for judicial clemency (Sections 47 to 51)
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The proposed CPRA incorporates jurisprudence
on petitions for judicial clemency and
reinstatement in the Roll of Attorneys, with
some modifications
A petition for judicial clemency may only
be filed after 5 years from receipt of the
decision, order or resolution of disbarment
The proposed provisions enumerate the
required and optional averments in support
of the petition
Prima facie merit is the basis for entertaining
the petition, which if absence means outright
dismissal
If the Supreme Court finds prima facie merit,
it may refer the Office of the Bar Confidant
or other fact-finding body to conduct
investigation within 90 days from referral
The decision on the petition for judicial
clemency shall be based on clear and
convincing evidence
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THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Prohibition against employment of disbarred
or suspended lawyer (Section 52)
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To ensure that suspension or disbarment
imposed by the Supreme Court is upheld, a
prohibition against employing or engaging
suspended or disbarred lawyers is included
Snapshot of Administrative Disciplinary Cases
Salient Features
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Lawyer’s Oath
I, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the
Republic of the Philippines,
I will support the Constitution and obey the laws as well as
the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein;
I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court;
I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless,
false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same;
I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct
myself as a lawyer according to the best of my knowledge
and discretion, with all good fidelity as well to the courts as
to my clients; and
I impose upon myself these voluntary obligations without any
mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.
27
Salient Features
Proposed Revised
Lawyer’s Oath
Justice Marvic Mario
Victor F. Leonen
Proposed Revised
Lawyer’s Oath
Sub-Committee for the
Revision of the Code of
Professional Responsibility
I, (name), do solemnly swear
(affirm) that I accept the
honor, privilege, duty and
responsibility [duties and
responsibility] of practicing
law in the Philippines as an
Officer of the Court in the
interest of our people.
I, do solemnly swear, as an
officer of the court, that I will
maintain allegiance to the
Republic of the Philippines.
I declare fealty to the
Constitution of the Republic
of Philippines.
In doing so, I shall work
towards promoting “the rule
of law and a regime of truth,
justice, freedom, love, equality,
and peace.”
I shall conscientiously and
courageously work for justice,
as well as safeguard the rights
and meaningful freedoms
of all persons, identities
and communities. I shall
ensure greater and equitable
access to justice. I shall do no
falsehood nor shall I pervert
the law to unjustly favor nor
I shall be loyal to the
Constitution, and uphold
the rule of law.
I shall embody integrity
and practice independence,
propriety, fidelity, competence
and diligence, equality, and
accountability in all that I do.
I shall safeguard the rights
and meaningful freedoms of
all persons, identities and
communities.
So help me God.
28
THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
prejudice anyone. I shall
faithfully discharge these
duties and responsibilities
to the best of my ability,
with integrity, and utmost
civility. I impose all these
upon myself without mental
reservation nor purpose of
evasion.
[For oaths] So help me, God.
(Omit for affirmations)
-end-
Salient Features
29
30
THE PROPOSED CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY