WITH A unanimous vote of 15-0, the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) has decided to strip Attorney Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon of his license to practice law for his misogynistic, sexist, abusive, and frequent use of foul language on Tuesday June 27, 2023.
The ruling was posted the following day, Wednesday, on the Supreme Court of the Philippines Public Information Office Facebook page.
The court ruled 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.”
The court stressed that Gadon failed to understand that lawyers should refrain from scandalous behavior, in both their public and private life.
The court also noted that Gadon had a previous conviction and a 3-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.
The court said that although these cases are still unresolved, the number of administrative complaints against Gadon clearly reflects his character.(AML, TPT)