Lawyers in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona must observe the proper conduct of attorneys or face the consequences, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said Monday.
“While there is no question that all parties have conducted themselves with righteous zeal, we urge that counsels act with circumspection when discussing matters and merits subject of this trial,” IBP spokesperson Trixie Angeles said in a text message.
The IBP statement came after Corona’s defense team on Sunday accused Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. of attempting to bribe senator-judges with P100 million each.
Prosecution lawyers, meanwhile, have repeatedly been reprimanded by the Senate impeachment court for revealing pieces of evidence outside trial proper.
The IBP also reminded the lawyers “allegations of misconduct must not be made cavalierly but instead bedone in the proper venue and proceedings.”
“To do otherwise render counsels vulnerable to charges of unprofessional conduct,” Angeles said.
The IBP “shall do its duty by law and undertake appropriate actions” if it sees that the Code of Ethical Conduct among lawyers is not being followed, she added.
Corona is on trial at the Senate for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution and graft and corruption. — VS, GMA News
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