IBP urged to probe corrupt lawyers

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez urged yesterday the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to look into reports that some IBP lawyer-members are involved in corruption in the judiciary.

Gutierrez said during the Ombudsman’s weekly radio program “Magsumbong sa Ombudsman” aired at DZRB Radyo ng Bayan, that the lawyers allegedly conspire with judges to get favorable decisions for their clients, in violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR).

Citing Rule 13.01, Canon 13 of the CPR, Gutierrez said a lawyer shall not extend extraordinary attention or hospitality to nor seek opportunity for cultivating familiarity with judges.

The Ombudsman also appealed to the courts to monitor their sheriffs in implementing orders that the judges have issued.

Gutierrez said sometime the serving of orders by court sheriffs is also an opportunity for corruption.

The Global Corruption Report 2007 by the anti-graft watchdog Transparency International (TI) cited how corruption undermines the fair and speedy delivery of justice in many countries, including the Philippines.

The Ombudsman urged listeners to send their comments via text hotlines 2311 for Globe subscribers and 350 for Smart/Talk n’ Text subscribers, using the format RADYO[space]BAYAN[ space]NAME[space]MESSAGE. 

Listeners may also phone in their questions and comments to the following DZRB hotlines: 924-2610 to 20, 929-0437 and 929-0441.

The report also noted that political interference, lack of transparency in the judiciary, backlog of cases, lack of monitoring and inadequate salaries and facilities are hindering the smooth delivery of justice in the country.

TI reported that it takes five to six years to resolve an ordinary case in a Philippine trial court, which can extend to up to six years if the decision is appealed to a higher court.

Gutierrez lamented that she knew of a case involving her parish church, which has been pending in court for about seven years. She said her late father, who is a legal counsel, handled a case that has been pending in a Manila court for “a long, long time.”

She said the delayed resolution of cases results in hopelessness on the part of the parties, especially the aggrieved ones, and undermines the court’s credibility.

The Ombudsman’s radio program Magsumbong as Ombudsman, features interviews with officials of the Office of the Ombudsman, weekly news updates, and an open-line segment where phone calls and text messages from the listeners are entertained.

The Ombudsman urged listeners to send their comments via text hotlines 2311 for Globe subscribers and 350 for Smart/Talk n’ Text subscribers, using the format RADYO[space]BAYAN[space]NAME[space]MESSAGE. 

Listeners may also phone in their questions and comments to the following DZRB hotlines: 924-2610 to 20, 929-0437 and 929-0441.