New professional code of conduct now covers lawyers’ social media presence
MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Thursday reminded lawyers to uphold the dignity of the legal profession not only in and outside the courtroom but also in their online presence.
The Chief Justice made the reminder during the official launch of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
“Our responsibility as legal professionals has already transcended the physical realm and has reached digital platforms. As we navigate the complex world of social media, we must ensure that our online presence upholds the dignity of our profession. This means refraining from posting false or unverified information, revealing confidential matters, or using social media to unduly influence official duties,” Gesmundo said.
The CPRA replaces the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR) that governs the conduct of lawyers in the country.
Creating the CPRA is a seven-month journey of gathering consensus nationwide through an Ethics Caravan.
Gesmundo said CPRA is not just a mere revision of the CPR but “an overhaul on the approach and attitude by lawyers of their ethical responsibility in the new era of law practice.
“CPRA distilled the core values underpinning the practice of our profession. No longer a four-fold compartmentalization of our duties and obligations, CPRA hinged on these core values to provide us with an encompassing guide in the conduct of our professional lives,” he added.
Gesmundo said the CPRA is “part of our bigger campaign for ethical responsibility under our desired outcome of efficiency, as embodied in our Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.”
The launch of the CPRA was held at the Manila Hotel.
It was organized by the Supreme Court in cooperation with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Law Schools; with support from the European Union through the Governance in Justice Programme II (GOJUST II) and the Australian Government through The Asia Foundation and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
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