A LAWYER has been suspended for one year by the Supreme Court over a social media post containing vulgar and offensive language.
In a decision written by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the court’s Second Division found Jesus Nicardo Falcis III guilty of simple misconduct and ruled that he violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) after posting profane remarks on X (formerly Twitter) while defending his brother in a legal dispute involving Kris Aquino.
The post, which included explicit language and political insults directed at Aquino’s supporters, was made in connection with a qualified theft complaint filed by the showbiz celebrity.
Jason Gene Baltao, a former business partner of Aquino, filed an administrative complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), which initially recommended a fine and reprimand.
The Supreme Court, however, imposed a one-year suspension, stressing that lawyers are bound to uphold dignity and restraint in both professional and personal conduct, including online activity.
It said the use of abusive language undermines the legal profession and that social media posts can rapidly reach a wide and unintended audience.
The court ruled that Falcis could have relied on legal arguments instead of resorting to personal attacks, adding that freedom of expression does not exempt lawyers from ethical obligations under their oath.
In a concurring opinion, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said the post reflected a lack of remorse and characterized it as driven by anger.
Falcis accepted the Supreme Court’s decision and recognized its authority over members of the Bar.
“All lawyers are under the disciplinary power of the Court and I am no exception,” he said.
Falcis said the period between 2018 and 2019 was marked by a difficult personal struggle involving his brother’s legal situation, as well as concerns for his family’s safety and reputation.
“I felt helpless and powerless except for my small voice on social media. We were nobodies, and I was screaming against the void,” he said.
He said he recognizes the consequences of his words online and accepts the penalty if it is the price for defending his family.
He acknowledged that lawyers must be accountable for their conduct.
Falcis also appealed to the Supreme Court to act on pending disbarment cases involving former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, saying such action would demonstrate that “no one is above the law.”
He urged accountability across all levels, saying that if a lawyer can be suspended for cursing, then public officials should likewise be held to account for alleged threatening statements. FRANCO JOSE BAROÑA
