CJ Alexander G. Gesmundo at the University of Mindanao in Davao City on Ethics Caravan, Oct. 24, 2022
The Ethics Caravan is spearheaded by the Supreme Court on information and consultation drive for the proposed Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability . “This a clarion call for all of us to take the responsibility of giving dignity and nobility to our profession, and by so doing, put back the trust of our people not only in lawyers, but in the justice system as a whole,” he said.
“It also abbreviates administrative proceedings and imposes a standardized table of penalties for varying degrees of offenses. The CPRA not only addresses the punitive aspect of the unethical legal practice but also captures the ideal characteristics that all members of the bar must live up to — independence, propriety, fidelity, competence and diligence, equality, and accountability,” he added.
In his recorded message to the caravan participants, SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen highlighted the proposed changes in the Lawyers’ Oath, including adding the word “justice” for the first time, and underscoring the value of the oath as “the basic foundation of what a lawyer means.”
The proposed CPRA was presented by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh. She said the CPRA is the SC’s attempt in crafting more relevant and responsive guide for lawyers’ conduct.