Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28) — The Supreme Court has unanimously disbarred newly appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon over a viral video where he is seen hurling expletives against a journalist.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the high court said the video showed Gadon’s “misogynistic, sexist, abusive, and repetitive intemperate language” against journalist Raissa Robles.
The court also said the video was “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession.”
The high court also cited Gadon in direct contempt of court for his “baseless” allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.
The Supreme Court recalled that Gadon also faced suspension from practicing law for using “offensive and intemperate language.”
RELATED: SC suspends Gadon for verbal assault against journalist
“The privilege to practice law is bestowed only upon individuals who are competent intellectually, academically and, equally important, morally. There is no room in this noble profession for misogyny and sexism. The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court,” it said.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Gadon wrote on a Facebook post that he would file a motion for reconsideration (MR), seeing the ruling as “too harsh for the alleged cause.”
This prompted the Supreme Court to take a “motu proprio,” or an act pursued without a formal complaint from another party.
But in a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, he also said he was “not really affected” by the disbarment, as he has not practiced law since 2015.
Asked why he still feels the need to file an MR, Gadon said, “Wala lang [Nothing, really]…It’s just the advice of my lawyers.” He later added that he believes it would be better to avail of the opportunity to make an appeal.
The presidential adviser also told reporters he is confident that the decision will be reversed by the high court if he is “given an opportunity to explain.”
According to his legal counsel Atty. Mark Tolentino, Gadon has not yet received a copy of the SC disbarment order.
Meanwhile, Gadon said his disbarment will not impact his new role under the Marcos administration.
“The position and the task given to me by the President do not require lawyering hence my suspension and disbarment have no effect on my appointment,” he added.
