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Advocates Philippines
SC Disbars Larry Gadon For Profanities Against Journalist Raissa Robles
Photo credit: Atty. Larry Gadon
In a unanimous vote of 15-0, the Supreme Court En Banc has resolved to disbar Atty. Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon for his involvement in a viral video clip where he repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles. The Court took cognizance of the video clip and had earlier issued a preventive suspension order against Gadon pending a judgment in the case.
The Supreme Court found the video clip to be "indisputably scandalous" and stated that it discredits the legal profession as a whole. Atty. Gadon was cited for violating Canon II on Propriety of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which requires lawyers to act with propriety, honesty, respect, and courtesy while upholding the dignity of the legal profession. The Court emphasized that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior in both their public and private lives.
This is not the first time Atty. Gadon has faced disciplinary action from the Court. He had previously been convicted and suspended from the practice of law for three months for similar offensive and intemperate language. The Court warned him that a repetition of such behavior would lead to more severe sanctions. Currently, there are six other administrative cases pending against Gadon before the Office of the Bar Confidant and four more before the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The Court considered these multiple complaints as a reflection of Gadon's character.
In the same decision, the Supreme Court also held Gadon in direct contempt of court for baseless allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. The Court deemed Gadon's claims to be purely speculative and lacking merit.
The ruling concluded with a reminder to all lawyers that the privilege to practice law is bestowed upon individuals who are not only intellectually and academically competent but also morally upright. The Court stated that there is no room in the legal profession for misogyny, sexism, or any form of abuse, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court.
The case, docketed as A.C. No. 13521 [Formerly A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC] (Re: Resolution dated January 4, 2022, in A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC against Atty. Lorenzo G. Gadon), was decided by the Supreme Court on June 27, 2023.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Atty. Gadon posted a statement on Facebook. He acknowledged learning from reliable sources about his disbarment and announced his intention to file a Motion for Reconsideration, arguing that the penalty is too harsh for his outburst against a reporter who he claimed was spreading lies against Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the campaign period.
Gadon also stated that his suspension and disbarment would not affect his commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration's goals and programs, particularly in poverty alleviation. He emphasized that his new job as a Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation does not require lawyering and that he would approach the disbarment issue as a personal concern.
Atty. Gadon further stated that he would only entertain interviews and inquiries related to his new job and advocacy. He regarded the Supreme Court matter as a personal issue unrelated to his responsibilities and advocacies as a Presidential Adviser. He made it clear that he would not answer questions about the Supreme Court case, emphasizing its sub judice nature. While acknowledging that he had stopped practicing law and appearing in courts since 2015 when he entered politics, he expressed his unwavering dedication to serving the Filipino people and supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Supreme Court found the video clip to be "indisputably scandalous" and stated that it discredits the legal profession as a whole. Atty. Gadon was cited for violating Canon II on Propriety of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which requires lawyers to act with propriety, honesty, respect, and courtesy while upholding the dignity of the legal profession. The Court emphasized that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior in both their public and private lives.
This is not the first time Atty. Gadon has faced disciplinary action from the Court. He had previously been convicted and suspended from the practice of law for three months for similar offensive and intemperate language. The Court warned him that a repetition of such behavior would lead to more severe sanctions. Currently, there are six other administrative cases pending against Gadon before the Office of the Bar Confidant and four more before the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The Court considered these multiple complaints as a reflection of Gadon's character.
In the same decision, the Supreme Court also held Gadon in direct contempt of court for baseless allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. The Court deemed Gadon's claims to be purely speculative and lacking merit.
The ruling concluded with a reminder to all lawyers that the privilege to practice law is bestowed upon individuals who are not only intellectually and academically competent but also morally upright. The Court stated that there is no room in the legal profession for misogyny, sexism, or any form of abuse, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court.
The case, docketed as A.C. No. 13521 [Formerly A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC] (Re: Resolution dated January 4, 2022, in A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC against Atty. Lorenzo G. Gadon), was decided by the Supreme Court on June 27, 2023.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Atty. Gadon posted a statement on Facebook. He acknowledged learning from reliable sources about his disbarment and announced his intention to file a Motion for Reconsideration, arguing that the penalty is too harsh for his outburst against a reporter who he claimed was spreading lies against Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the campaign period.
Gadon also stated that his suspension and disbarment would not affect his commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration's goals and programs, particularly in poverty alleviation. He emphasized that his new job as a Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation does not require lawyering and that he would approach the disbarment issue as a personal concern.
Atty. Gadon further stated that he would only entertain interviews and inquiries related to his new job and advocacy. He regarded the Supreme Court matter as a personal issue unrelated to his responsibilities and advocacies as a Presidential Adviser. He made it clear that he would not answer questions about the Supreme Court case, emphasizing its sub judice nature. While acknowledging that he had stopped practicing law and appearing in courts since 2015 when he entered politics, he expressed his unwavering dedication to serving the Filipino people and supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Jun 28, 2023
