Chief Justice reminds lawyers to adhere to ethical standards

TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo reminded lawyers to adhere to ethical standards and uphold the primordial values of the legal profession.
“In principle, ethical lawyers are efficient lawyers whose primary concern dwells on how to deliver speedy justice to our clients while keeping well inside the parameters set by law. Let us remember that the privilege to practice law is not a right but a responsibility. One that demands accountability to the people we serve,” the Chief Justice told members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Northern Luzon during the 13th Leg Rollout of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) held at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City on Nov. 25-26, 2024.
“Our everyday actions must reflect the ideas we profess, and we must achieve excellence alongside and never at the expense of ethical conduct. At the end of the day, our perceived success in the profession will hold no meaning if it is achieved at the cost of our moral values,” Gesmundo said.
According to Gesmundo, the CPRA is an overhaul of the original code of professional responsibility which has remained unchanged since 1988, and its rollout comes at an opportune time as the High Court implements the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 or SPJI which is seen to make the judiciary more efficient, innovative, and accessible.
The CPRA distilled the core values that all lawyers must faithfully adhere to, including independence, propriety, fidelity, competence, diligence, equality, and accountability.
The CPRA Rollout and IBP Northern Luzon regional convention was participated by members and officers of the different chapters in the Cordillera, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, La Union, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya.
Also gracing the event are Senior Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen and Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Kalinga honored the Chief Justice and Associate Justice Leonen, adopting them as sons of Kalinga.
Gesmundo was given the Kalinga name ‘Magma-u’, meaning intelligent and brave by virtue of Provincial Board Resolution No. 2024-322. He is lauded for his illustrious legal career and commended for his exemplary work in creating a more transparent and efficient judiciary.
Leonen was conferred the native name ‘Wanawan,’ meaning brilliant and courageous through PB Resolution No. 2024-323. He is praised for his distinguished career and touted for being a staunch advocate of indigenous people’s rights. **JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga