A.C. No. 4738 Alitagtag v.

Garcia [June 10, 2003] in the course of judicial proceedings, including all
kinds of pleadings, petitions and motions, are
LEGAL ETHICS; ATTORNEYS; CODE OF absolutely privileged so long as they are pertinent
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY; A LAWYER and relevant to the subject inquiry, however false
SHOULD NOT BEHAVE IN A SCANDALOUS MANNER or malicious they may be.
TO THE DISCREDIT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION. —
Respondent is likewise found guilty of harassing A.C. No. 3149 (Likong v. Lim [August 17, 1994])
the occupants of the property subject of the
donation by asking Meralco to disconnect its There is no showing that respondent even tried to
services to the property and by posting security inform opposing counsel of the compromise
guards to intimidate the said occupants. These acts agreement. Neither is there any showing that
do not speak well of his standing as a member of respondent informed the trial court of the alleged
the bar. Rule 7.03, Canon 7 of the Code of abandonment of the complainant by her counsel.
Professional Responsibility provides that a lawyer Instead, even assuming that complainant was
shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects really abandoned by her counsel, respondent saw
on his fitness to practice law, nor should he, an opportunity to take advantage of the situation,
whether in public or private life, behave in a and the result was the execution of the
scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal compromise agreement which, as previously
profession. By engaging in acts that undermine discussed, is grossly and patently disadvantageous
recognition of and respect for legal processes, and prejudicial to complainant. Undoubtedly,
respondent has clearly committed conduct that respondent's conduct is unbecoming a member of
adversely reflects on his fitness to be a member of the legal profession.
the legal profession.
The Code of Professional Responsibility states:
A.C. No. 5910 (Torres v. Javier [September 21, "Rule 1.01 — A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful,
2005] dishonest, immoral, or deceitful conduct.
Rule 8.02 — A lawyer shall not, directly or
LEGAL ETHICS; ATTORNEYS; IN KEEPING WITH THE indirectly, encroach upon the professional
DIGNITY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION, A LAWYER'S employment of another lawyer; however, it is the
LANGUAGE MUST BE DIGNIFIED. — In keeping with right of any lawyer, without fear or favor, to give
the dignity of the legal profession, a lawyer's proper advice and assistance to those seeking
language must be dignified and choice of language relief against unfaithful or neglectful counsel.
is important in the preparation of pleadings. In the Rule 15.03 — A lawyer shall not represent
assertion of his client's rights, a lawyer — even one conflicting interest except by written consent of all
gifted with superior intellect — is enjoined to rein concerned given after a full disclosure of the facts."
up his temper.
ID.; ID.; A LAWYER'S ARGUMENTS IN HIS
PLEADINGS SHOULD BE GRACIOUS TO BOTH THE
COURT AND OPPOSING COUNSEL. — Canon 8 of
the Code of Professional Responsibility which
provides: "CANON 8 — A LAWYER SHALL CONDUCT
HIMSELF WITH COURTESY, FAIRNESS AND
CANDOR TOWARD HIS PROFESSIONAL
COLLEAGUES, AND SHALL AVOID HARASSING
TACTICS AGAINST OPPOSING COUNSEL. — Rule
8.01. A lawyer shall not, in professional dealings,
use language which is abusive, offensive or
otherwise improper." instructs that respondent's
arguments in his pleadings should be gracious to
both the court and opposing counsel and be of
such words as may be properly addressed by one
gentleman to another. The language vehicle does
not run short of expressions which are emphatic
but respectful, convincing but not derogatory,
illuminating but not offensive.

It is well entrenched in Philippine jurisprudence

that for reasons of public policy, utterances made