MANILA, Philippines?Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Wednesday took to task the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the publication of an IBP resolution recommending his suspension for one year from the practice of law.

?I protest strongly the unnecessary and undue publication of your decision recommending my suspension for one year,? Gonzalez said in a letter he addressed to ?the President and members? of the IBP.

In a November 2008 resolution, the IBP had recommended Gonzalez?s suspension in connection with a complaint filed by lawyer Elly Pamatong regarding statements attributed to the justice secretary.

Gonzalez said he had offered monetary rewards to village chairpersons in Iloilo province who could ensure a landslide win in their respective areas for all 12 administration senatorial bets in the 2007 elections.

?The undue and obviously indiscriminate publication of your decision which was played up in print and broadcast media willfully violated Rule 139B, Section 18, of the Rules of Court,? he added.

The rule mandates that proceedings against attorneys shall be private and confidential, and only the final order of the Supreme Court in connection with such cases shall be published.

?I need not elaborate that by your action, you have violated this specific provision on confidentiality when you authorized and allowed the publication of your decision on my suspension,? Gonzalez said.

Reporters covering the justice beat got wind of the resolution only on Tuesday.