NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
SC To Lawyers: Stop The Lies, Respect Women, And Yes - We're Looking At Political Dynasties Too
FILE
In a packed En Banc session on April 2 and 8, 2025, the Supreme Court didn’t hold back as it tackled some hot-button issues ranging from fake news, political dynasties, and sexism in the legal profession.
1. SC to Atty. Raul Lambino: Where’s the TRO?
First on the chopping block is Atty. Raul Lambino, who’s now in hot water for falsely claiming—on a Facebook Live, no less—that the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
The Court has now ordered Lambino to explain himself within 10 days—non-extendible—why he shouldn’t face disciplinary action for spreading misinformation. The justices are clearly not amused by attempts to mislead the public, especially when it involves sensitive legal matters and a former president.
2. Anti-Political Dynasty Petitions Gain Ground
In a rare but bold move, the SC also decided to take a closer look at political dynasties—thanks to a series of petitions filed by 1Sambayan Coalition, Kapatiran Party, and Wilfredo Trinidad, all asking the Court to compel Congress to finally enact an anti-political dynasty law.
The Court didn’t dismiss the idea outright. Instead, it consolidated all three petitions and required the Senate and the House of Representatives to respond within—again—a strict 10-day deadline. Looks like the ball is now in Congress’ court (pun intended), and people are watching.
3. Lawyer Faces Heat for Sexist Comments Against Single Moms
In another case showing the Court’s serious stance on professional conduct, Atty. Christian G. Sia has been ordered to show cause within 10 days after he was called out by fellow lawyers—and the women’s group GABRIELA—for allegedly making sexist remarks about single mothers.
The complaint, filed by Attys. Allen Liberato-Espino and Michelle A. Laserna-Adricula, triggered a letter from GABRIELA urging the Court to investigate and impose sanctions on Sia. The SC is now looking into whether those comments violated ethical standards for members of the bar.
The Bigger Picture
This recent batch of SC actions shows the Court is not shying
away from controversy. Whether it’s disciplining lawyers for falsehoods, confronting systemic political issues, or defending women’s dignity, the message is loud and clear: accountability starts at the top—and no one’s above the law.
Stay tuned. These next few weeks could be game-changing.
1. SC to Atty. Raul Lambino: Where’s the TRO?
First on the chopping block is Atty. Raul Lambino, who’s now in hot water for falsely claiming—on a Facebook Live, no less—that the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
The Court has now ordered Lambino to explain himself within 10 days—non-extendible—why he shouldn’t face disciplinary action for spreading misinformation. The justices are clearly not amused by attempts to mislead the public, especially when it involves sensitive legal matters and a former president.
2. Anti-Political Dynasty Petitions Gain Ground
In a rare but bold move, the SC also decided to take a closer look at political dynasties—thanks to a series of petitions filed by 1Sambayan Coalition, Kapatiran Party, and Wilfredo Trinidad, all asking the Court to compel Congress to finally enact an anti-political dynasty law.
The Court didn’t dismiss the idea outright. Instead, it consolidated all three petitions and required the Senate and the House of Representatives to respond within—again—a strict 10-day deadline. Looks like the ball is now in Congress’ court (pun intended), and people are watching.
3. Lawyer Faces Heat for Sexist Comments Against Single Moms
In another case showing the Court’s serious stance on professional conduct, Atty. Christian G. Sia has been ordered to show cause within 10 days after he was called out by fellow lawyers—and the women’s group GABRIELA—for allegedly making sexist remarks about single mothers.
The complaint, filed by Attys. Allen Liberato-Espino and Michelle A. Laserna-Adricula, triggered a letter from GABRIELA urging the Court to investigate and impose sanctions on Sia. The SC is now looking into whether those comments violated ethical standards for members of the bar.
The Bigger Picture
This recent batch of SC actions shows the Court is not shying
away from controversy. Whether it’s disciplining lawyers for falsehoods, confronting systemic political issues, or defending women’s dignity, the message is loud and clear: accountability starts at the top—and no one’s above the law.
Stay tuned. These next few weeks could be game-changing.
Apr 8, 2025
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