The Supreme Court on Thursday launched the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which governs the conduct of legal professionals in personal {and professional} issues.
The new code, launched at an occasion on the Manila Hotel, revises the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility that was promulgated in 1988.
“CPRA is no mere revision; it is an overhaul —an overhaul on the approach and attitude of lawyers of their ethical responsibility in the new era of law practice— an era of more attuned, more responsible, and more accountable legal practice,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo stated.
Gesmundo stated the CPRA additionally revises the lawyer’s oath “to conform to the duties and responsibilities” of the occupation.
During the occasion, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen led greater than 200 authorized practitioners in swearing the brand new oath.
Meanwhile, in response to Gesmundo, the CPRA tackles using social media, the formation and definition of a lawyer-client relationship, and the conduct of non-legal employees.
The Chief Justice stated it additionally consolidates laws on the self-discipline of legal professionals, abbreviates administrative proceedings, and addresses the punitive side of unethical authorized observe.
“With CPRA, we respond to the need for adaptation and progress in the ever-evolving landscape of law. CPRA is part of our bigger campaign for ethical responsibility under our desired outcome of efficiency,” Gesmundo stated.
In his speech, Gesmundo highlighted ideas reminiscent of independence, propriety, constancy, competence and diligence, equality, and accountability.
Complex world of Social Media
Gesmundo stated authorized professionals have transcended the bodily realm because of expertise.
“As we navigate the complex world of social media, we must ensure that our online presence upholds the dignity of our profession,” Gesmundo stated.
“This means refraining from posting false or unverified information, revealing confidential matters, or using social media to unduly influence official duties,” he added.
He stated the CPRA serves as a compass for authorized practitioners.
“By adhering to a legal conduct, we maintain the honor and dignity of our profession, establish a brotherhood among ourselves, and ensure our faithful compliance with our duties and obligations not only to the legal profession but to the courts as well, not only to our clients but also to the public and nation in general,” he stated.
The occasion was attended by former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, amongst others.
It was additionally attended by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Associate Justices Amy Lazaro-Javier, Samuel Gaerlan, Estela Perlas-Barnabe, Ramon Hernando, Roseamri Carandang, Henri Paul Inting, Rodil Zalameda, Mario Lopez, Jhosep Lopez, and Jose Midas Marquez.
The Court unanimously authorized the CPRA throughout its En Banc session in Baguio City on Tuesday. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
