EDITORIAL — Code of conduct for lawyers

It’s good to know that the Supreme Court has promulgated a new Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers. The new code, which updated the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility, aims to serve as “a modern, relevant and responsive guide for lawyers conduct” both in court and in other public places, according to the SC.

Launched on April 13, the updated code of conduct takes into account new developments in technology that affect the legal practice and provides guidelines on lawyers’ responsible use of social media, “including on giving legal advice in different online platforms” as well as sharing fake or unverified information or news.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo reminded lawyers to ensure that their online presence “upholds the dignity of the profession,” with confidential matters respected and social media not used “to unduly influence official duties.” Lawyers are also enjoined to use “gender-fair, child-sensitive and culturally appropriate language,” to safeguard human rights and to foster a court environment “free from sexual harassment.”

Beyond proper behavior among legal professionals, however, the public wants to see a better judicial system. The Philippine justice system has gained notoriety for its leisurely pace, with litigation sometimes lasting up to two decades from the start of trial until final judgment is rendered.

Members of the judiciary have been implicated in scandals and controversies; two chief justices have been ousted, the first by an impeachment court and the second by what her supporters describe as a kangaroo court of her SC peers.

The judiciary is supposed to be a co-equal and independent branch of government. Yet too many members of the bench can be persuaded to do the bidding of whoever is sitting in Malacañang, through the promise of a promotion or even appointment to another post upon retirement. Other magistrates feel beholden to politicians and special interest groups or lobbyists who helped in their appointment or promotion.

The business community and economic analysts have long pointed to the weakness of the rule of law and a compromised judiciary as major disincentives to investments in the Philippines. Updating the code of conduct for lawyers is a promising step toward broader reforms that must address even bigger problems in the justice system.