Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — The Supreme Court handed down a six-month suspension to lawyer and former Press Secretary Trixie Angeles for using “grossly abusive, offensive, and improper language” in a pleading.
The decision promulgated on March 27 said Angeles was guilty of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility, particularly Rule 8.01 of Canon 8 which states a lawyer “shall not, in his professional dealings, use language which is abusive, offensive or otherwise improper.”
The court suspended Angles from practicing law for six months upon the receipt of the resolution, while a reprimand was given to Ahmed G. Paglinawan, another respondent.
“They are, likewise, sternly warned that a repetition of the same or similar act in the future will be dealt with more severely,” the Supreme Court said.
The decision stems from a complaint filed in May 2016, which asked both respondents be disbarred.
The Supreme Court noted in its decision that Angeles did not file a motion for reconsideration, and considering that she was previously suspended from the practice of law, the imposition of the new suspension is in order.
Meanwhile, it said reprimand is a reasonable penalty for Paglinawan, considering that it is his first infraction.
