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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sandigan disqualifies ex-PCGG special counsel from representing ex-Makati City engineer in criminal case

Sandigan disqualifies ex-PCGG special counsel from representing ex-Makati City engineer in criminal case

Published Jun 21, 2023 03:44 am
The Sandiganbayan has disqualified a former special legal counsel of the government from representing a former city engineer who was charged in the alleged overpriced contract for the Makati City hall parking building. Disqualified to represent former Makati City engineer Mario V. Badillo was lawyer Jesus Christopher PB. Belandres, who was special legal counsel of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) from Aug. 11, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2022. Citing conflict of interest, the legal representation of Belandres was opposed by the prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB). The prosecution told the anti-graft court that by representing Badillo, Belandres is now "advocating against the State" because the PCGG is "part of government instrumentality." For his part, Belandres said there is no conflict of interest because he is not a regular employee of the PCGG but was just hired as special legal counsel. He told the court that he is free to practice his profession, accept cases, and appear in court. The only exception is if there is a conflict of interest, he said. In disqualifying Belandres, the Sandiganbayan cited Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility which states that "a lawyer shall not represent conflicting interests except by written consent of all concerned given after a full disclosure of facts." "The afore-cited rule evidently prohibits a lawyer from representing new clients whose interests oppose those of a former client in any manner, whether or not they are parties in the same action or on totally unrelated cases," the court said. "The prohibition is founded on the principles of public policy and good taste. It behooves lawyers not only to keep inviolate the client's confidence, but also to avoid the appearance of treachery and double-dealing for only then can litigants be encouraged to entrust their secrets to their lawyers, which is of paramount importance in the administration of justice," it added. Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang wrote the six-page resolution with the concurrence of Associate Justices Bernelito R. Fernandez and Ronald B. Moreno.
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