In re: Disturbing Social Media Posts of Lawyers/Law Professors, A.M. No. 21-06-20-SC (2023)

In 2021, an administrative complaint was filed regarding Filipino lawyers’ Facebook posts. The Facebook messages exchanged between the lawyers consisted of homophobic language and boasts about the prosecution and conviction of a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. The messages also disparaged an “effeminate” judge. The lawyers claimed that, because they restricted the posts to those they are “friends” with on Facebook, their actions should be shielded by the right to privacy. However, the Supreme Court found that the lawyers were administratively liable under Rule 7.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. The Court stated that the right of privacy for lawyers is limited, especially regarding social media posts. The Court also found that the posts were “inappropriate, disrespectful, and defamatory,” and thereby discredited the legal profession. In addition, due to the “homophobic undertones” of the conversation, the lawyers had interfered with the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression for all Filipino citizens. The Court imposed fines on each lawyer involved with the Facebook posts.

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  • 2023

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