THE Supreme Court (SC) will hold the fifth and final leg of the “Ethics Caravan for the Proposed Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability” (CPRA) Friday, January 27, 2022, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila.

UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo T. Divina will deliver the welcome message.

The Ethics Caravan will feature the presentation of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on the proposed lawyer’s oath while Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh on the proposed CPRA.

The caravan has been introducing the proposed CPRA and its salient provisions to stakeholders and the general public as part of the SC’s efforts to update the 34-year code and craft a modern, relevant, and responsive guide for lawyers’ conduct.

Among the key changes in the CPRA is the addition of “accountability” in the title of the old code as a significant reinforcement of ethical commitment among lawyers.

In addition, changes were also made to the “Lawyer’s Oath,” which binds all lawyers as a source of obligations such that its violation is grounds for suspension, disbarment, or disciplinary action.

The code was also updated to address technological advances that have developed since the first took effect and have since been significantly affecting legal practice.

Suggestions and input gathered during the caravan from different chapters of the IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines), members of the academe, lawyers, judges, students, related government entities and organizations, and the public will be submitted to the SC en banc for its consideration.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas