Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo reminded the country's lawyers that the “power of legal knowledge is shaped not only by skill, but by character; not just by competence, but by conscience.”

He stressed that legal knowledge “is an instrument for upholding justice and the rule of law” and should not be wielded “to oppress, distort truth, and subvert justice.”

For this part, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen said: “By maintaining ethical standards and accountability among judicial officers, the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) ensures that lawyers stay true to their duty of upholding the rule of law and be worthy of public trust.”

The country’s two top magistrates were guests during the cultural night of the convention of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Northern Luzon Region held recently at the Kalinga Astrodome in Tabuk City, Kalinga province.

Both magistrates discussed to the lawyers and their guests the importance of CPRA, the bible of the country’s lawyers.

Chief Justice Gesmundo emphasized the vital role of the Supreme Court (SC) in upholding the dignity of the legal profession. 

He said the CPRA’s core values are independence, propriety, fidelity, competence, diligence, equality, and accountability.

“Independence means providing the best possible representation, based on a lawyer’s expertise, judgment, and understanding of the law…, while propriety calls for honesty, courtesy, civility, and fairness in all facets of life,” he said. 

Fidelity, he said, “encompasses our fiduciary duty to our client, and our loyalty to our laws and the administration of justice, while competence and diligence are committing ourselves to continuous learning and self-improvement.”

He also said that equality “reminds us that the role of lawyers in serving the public interest extends to ensuring access to justice by all, regardless of socio-economic status,” while “accountability safeguards the integrity of the profession by ensuring that those who fail to adhere to our ethical standards face the consequences of their actions.”

The Chief Justice pointed out that the CPRA recognizes that “much has changed in the almost four decades since its predecessor, the Code of Professional Responsibility, was promulgated.” 

“In today’s technology-driven society, the responsibilities of legal professionals have expanded beyond traditional physical boundaries and into digital platforms,” he said.

“Social media has undeniably permeated our lives and is increasingly becoming intertwined with our personal and professional endeavors,” he stressed.

He then urged lawyers “to always ensure that your online presence consistently reflects the dignity associated with the legal profession.”

“Our everyday actions must reflect the ideals we profess, and we must achieve excellence alongside, and never at the expense of, ethical conduct,” he said.

“At the end of the day, our perceived success in the profession will hold no meaning if it is achieved at the cost of our moral values,” he added.

Senior Associate Justice Leonen said the CPRA “articulates the normative ethos of our conception of the legal profession” and “defines the boundaries of ethical practice and our relationship with various constituencies.” 

Leonen said “the challenge for members of the legal profession is not only to recall the provisions of the CPRA but to embody them in their daily lives.”

At the same time, Leonen said that discussing integrity within the justice system must include how to prevent corruption in the Judiciary itself.

He also said: “This is why understanding and taking to heart what CPRA embodies is important: By maintaining ethical standards and accountability among judicial officers, the CPRA ensures that lawyers stay true to their duty of upholding the rule of law and be worthy of public trust.”

The SC’s Public Information Office (SC-PIO) said that during the event, both Chief Justice Gesmundo and Senior Associate Justice Leonen were officially recognized by the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Kalinga as special dignitaries of the province for their outstanding leadership and devotion to the judicial system and their service, which embody the true character and spirit of a member of the Supreme Court. 

It said that Chief Justice Gesmundo was given the name “Magma-U,” which means “intelligent and brave,” while Senior Associate Justice Leonen was given the name “Wanawan,” meaning “brilliant and courageous.”