CONTROVERSIAL Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, Secretary Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon, will remain in his position despite the Supreme Court (SC) revoking his license to practice law over a recent viral video berating a journalist.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin released on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, a statement that confirms that Gadon continues to have the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"We were aware of Secretary Gadon's cases before the Supreme Court but the President felt that his work as a presidential adviser will not get affected by his status as a lawyer. This is a matter which he will have to personally attend to," said Bersamin.
"He will continue in his new role as presidential adviser for Poverty Alleviation as there are urgent matters that need to be done in the President's anti-poverty programs. The President believes he will do a good job," he added.
Misogyny, abuse
In a Facebook post on Wednesday of the SC Public Information Office, the SC announced that it has unanimously decided in a full-court session with a 15-0 vote to strip Gadon of his license for his misogynistic, sexist, abusive and frequent use of foul language.
The court ruled on Tuesday, June 27, that Gadon violated Canon II of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which requires lawyers to uphold the dignity and respect of the legal profession.
Gadon was caught on a viral video clip where he repeatedly swore and made obscene remarks against journalist Raissa Robles.
"A lawyer shall, at all times, act with propriety and maintain the appearance of propriety in personal and professional dealings, observe honesty, respect and courtesy, and uphold the dignity of the profession consistent with the high standards of ethical behavior," the Canon II on Propriety stated.
The court found the video clip as "indisputably scandalous that discredit the legal profession," and that the secretary failed to understand that lawyers should refrain from scandalous behavior, in both their public and private life.
Other offenses
The court also noted that Gadon had a previous conviction and a three-month suspension from practicing law for using similar offensive and intemperate language, and was warned of a harsher penalty for repeating the same offense.
The court has six other pending administrative cases against Gadon in the Office of the Bar and four more in the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, staining Gadon's character.
The court also held Gadon in direct contempt of court for his unfounded accusations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.
Gadon asked the two Justices to recuse themselves from the case based on reasons that the court deemed to be speculative. (AML)