SC suspends ex-BBM press secretary for violating lawyer’s code

MANILA, Philippines — Former press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles has been suspended by the Supreme Court (SC) from practicing law for six months over the inappropriate choice of words in a pleading she filed in a case before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court.

In a notice made public on July 18, the SC Third Division found Angeles guilty of violating Rule 8.01, Canon 8 of the old Code of Professional Responsibility, which states that “a lawyer shall not, in his professional dealings, use language which is abusive, offensive or otherwise improper.”

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by lawyer Roderick Manzano, who was aggrieved over Angeles’ pleadings attacking his client, calling her an “Iglesia ni Cristo patsy” and a pawn of Eduardo Manalo.

In Manzano’s complaint, he highlighted that Angeles should be disbarred for the accusations she made in the pleading, including the witness’ being unable to deviate from what the plaintiff wants as she risks being excommunicated.

The SC adopted the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ findings and meted Angeles and her co-accused Ahmed Paglinawan a six-month suspension from law practice.

Since Angeles had already been suspended from practicing law for three years before, the SC warned her that similar behavior and acts would “be dealt with more sternly.”

“From the foregoing, it is clear that respondents employed language, which are grossly abusive and offensive, which are not befitting the dignity of the legal profession. Hence, the imposition of disciplinary liability is warranted,” the SC wrote.

“As stated in the Extended Resolution, Atty. Cruz-Angeles did not file or sign the motion for reconsideration. She had also been previously suspended from the practice of law. Hence, the imposition of suspension from the practice of law for a period of six months is in order. On the other hand, the court finds reasonable the penalty of reprimand on Atty. Paglinawan, considering that this is his first infraction,” it added.