SC sends to IBP disbarment raps vs Lacierda, De Lima

BAGUIO CITY - The Supreme Court on Tuesday referred to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines a disbarment complaint filed against Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for publicly lambasting impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.

 

The decision to let the IBP tackle the complaint filed by lawyer Agustin Sundiam in February was made during the high court's annual summer session here at the Session Hall of the Supreme Court building.

 

"This complaint been referred to the IBP for report and recommendation. The court will be awaiting the report and recommendation on this complaint by Atty. Sundiam," said Supreme Court spokesman and Court Administrator Midas Marquez in a chance interview with reporters.

 

The IBP was not given a deadline for its recommendations, but Marquez said the lawyers organization is "normally given 30 days." The IBP can also ask for an extension, he added.

 

Marquez said that disbarment complaints can be filed either with the Supreme Court or with the IBP. If filed with the high court, it can refer the matter either to the Bar confidant or to the IBP.

 

"But [in Lacierda and De Lima's cases], the court decided to refer it to the IBP probably so that it can conduct an impartial assessment or evaluation and then give its recommendations," Marquez said.

 

Marquez said the IBP's Committee on Bar Discipline will be tasked to conduct a "study or assessment or investigation if necessary."

 

Marquez, however, clarified that the Supreme Court will not necessarily be confined to whatever recommendation the IBP will come up with.

 

"It will only be a recommendation. The court will [still] decide whether to adopt the recommendation," Marquez said.

 

In his complaint, Sundiam had asked the high court to discipline Lacierda and De Lima for their utterances and remarks on national television supposedly supporting the bashing of Corona, whose impeachment trial before the Senate. The impeachment trial is currently in a six-week break and will resume on May 7.

 

According to Sundiam, De Lima and Lacierda violated their oaths as lawyers, the Code of Professional Responsibility and the Rules of Court.

 

Also, he said the two officials’ remarks against Corona constitute indirect contempt as defined and punished under the Rules of Court . — RSJ, GMA News