[A.M.
No. 02-9-02-SC. September 17, 2002]
RE: AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF SOME ADMINISTRATIVE
CASES AGAINST JUSTICES OF THE CA & THE SANDIGANBAYAN, et al.
EN BANC
Gentlemen:
A.M. No. 02-9-02-SC (Re:
Automatic Conversion of Some Administrative Cases Against Justices of the Court
of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan; Judges of Regular and Special Courts; and
Court Officials Who are Lawyers as Disciplinary Proceedings Against Them Both
as Such Officials and as Members of the Philippine Bar.)
Some administrative cases against Justices of the Court of Appeals and
the Sandiganbayan; judges of regular and special courts; and court officials
who are lawyers are based on grounds which are likewise grounds for the
disciplinary action of members of the Bar for violation of the Lawyer’s Oath,
the Code of Professional Responsibility, and the Canons of Professional Ethics,
or for such other forms of breaches of conduct that have been traditionally
recognized as grounds for the discipline of lawyers.
In any of the foregoing instances, the administrative case shall also be
considered a disciplinary action against the respondent Justice, judge or court
official concerned as a member of the Bar. The respondent may forthwith be
required to comment on the complaint and show cause why he should not also be
suspended, disbarred or otherwise disciplinarily sanctioned as a member of the
Bar. Judgment in both respects may be incorporated in one decision or
resolution.
This Resolution shall supplement Rule 140 of the Rules of Court and
shall take effect on the first day of October 2002. It shall apply to
administrative cases already filed where the respondents have not yet been
required to comment on the complaints.
This Resolution shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation
in the Philippines.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.) LUZVIMINDA D. PUNO
Clerk of Court