Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) – The Supreme Court (SC) launched on Thursday a new code of conduct for lawyers that it said is part of efforts to make guidelines that are more “modern, relevant, and responsive.”
The “Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability” (CPRA) was unanimously approved by the SC during its en banc session in Baguio City on Tuesday, the court said in a statement.
It is an upgrade of the 34-year-old “Code of Professional Responsibility” for lawyers.
During the new code’s launching, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo called on lawyers to engage in responsible practice of their profession.
“It is our collective duty to uphold the integrity of our profession and protect the trust of the people we serve,” Gesmundo said. “Accountability safeguards the integrity of the profession.”
He also reminded lawyers to do away with posting work-related contents on social media.
“We must ensure that our online presence upholds the dignity of our profession,” Gesmundo said. “This means, refraining from posting information while dealing with confidential matters or using social media to unduly influence official duties.”
The provisions of CPRA include those that will further ensure lawyers’ “use of gender fair, child-sensitive and culturally appropriate language,” said Hector Soliman, senior adviser of Access to Justice European Union Programme.
In addition, the code provides for the “creation of safe environment free from sexual harassment,” especially in court rooms; “formal recognition of paralegals under the supervision of lawyers” and the role of a lawyer to “always safeguard human rights” and their duty to “encourage settlement, prior to, during or after litigation.”
