“I, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines;
I will support the Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein;
I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court;
I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same;
I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to the best of my knowledge and discretion, with all good fidelity as well to the courts as to my clients; and
I impose upon myself these voluntary obligations without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
So help me God.”
1. Not a mere ceremony
The lawyer’s oath is NOT a mere ceremony or formality for practicing law. Every lawyer should at ALL TIMES weigh his actions according to the sworn promises he makes when taking the lawyer’s oath. If all lawyers conducted themselves strictly according to the lawyer’s oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility, the administration of justice will undoubtedly be faster, fairer and easier for everyone concerned. (Re: Petition of Al Argosino to take the Lawyer’s Oath, B.M. No. 712, 19 March 1997)
2. Duties of attorneys
1) To maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and to support the Constitution and obey the laws of the Philippines;
2) To observe and maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers;
3) To counsel or maintain such actions or proceedings only as appear to him to be just, and such defenses only as he believes to be honestly debatable under the law;
4) To employ, for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to him, such means only as are consistent with truth and honor, and never seek to mislead the judge or any judicial officer by an artifice or false statement of fact or law;
5) To maintain inviolate the confidence, and at every peril to himself, to preserve the secrets of his client, and to accept no compensation in connection with his client’s business except from him or with his knowledge and approval;
6) To abstain from all offensive personality and to advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness, unless required by the justice of the cause with which he is charged;
7) Not to encourage either the commencement or the continuance of an action or proceeding, or delay any man’s cause, from any corrupt motive or interest;
8) Never to reject, for any consideration personal to himself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed;
9) In the defense of a person accused of crime, by all fair and honorable means, regardless of his personal opinion as to the guilt of the accused, to present every defense that the law permits, to the end that no person may be deprived of life or liberty, but by due process of law. (Section 20, Rule 138, Rules of Court)
