FROM accuser to accused?
This awaits lawyer Lorenzo Gadon, the chief impeachment proponent against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, for reportedly cursing and doing the dirty finger to pro-CJ protesters.
Domingo Cayosa, vice chairman of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said the offended party or even those who witnessed the incident are welcome to file a complaint against Gadon before the IBF for acting in a manner that may be considered unbecoming of a law practitioner.
“Kung may magko-complain laban sa kanya—kayo o sinumang nakikita o sinumang offended party —ay makakaasa naman siya na ang Integrated Bar of the Philippines ay kaagad na iimbestigahan siya, mabibigyan siya ng due process, susundin ang rule of law, at mahuhugsahan siya ng kanyang mga kasamang abogado,” he said over a radio interview.
Gadon was in Baguio City on Tuesday to witness the Supreme Court’s oral arguments on Solicitor General Jose Calida’s petition for quo warranto against Sereno, and was sighted by pro-Sereno groups holding a program near the Court’s compound.
The crowd heckled and boos Gadon and called the lawyer a “salot,” (plague), while others gave him the finger as members of the media approached him.
Gadon angrily shouted back to the protesters: “Itong mga nagra-rally na ito, mga bobo at mga tanga ang mga ito eh, kasi very clear na ang violations ni Sereno, mali…” But he was cut off by a protester, prompting him to respond, “Ikaw [ang] bobo, p—– ina mo ka!”
Sought for his opinion, Cayosa was asked about Rule 7.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility which states that “[A] lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor shall he whether in public or private life, behave in a scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal profession.”
But Gadon said he was not aware of any law, legal opinion, or jurisprudence that prohibits raising a middle finger, widely considered a rude gesture.
He added that he does not regret what he did, saying that he was provoked for doing so by the protesters.
“Ako ang isang taong walang pagkukunwari, hindi ako hipokrito na kapag ako minura [ay] babatuhin ko ng tinapay, hindi ako ganun. ‘Pag minura ako, mumurahin ko ng sampung beses,” Gadon said in a separate interview.
Cayosa, however, reserved his comments on Gadon’s action in the event a complaint is filed, but assured his fellow lawyer that he would be given due process if ever.
Gadon, who ran and lost in the senatorial race also previously made hateful comments against Moro rebels and their families.
He called the Baguio City protesters “communists.”
He also hinted that some people were urging him to run for senator again.
“Mayroong mga nagtutulak sa akin na tumakbo,” but added that he has yet to decide to run.
“Even if I plan to run, I don’t need their vote,” he said, referring to the protesters.
The House justice committee has passed Gadon’s impeachment complaint against Sereno, which approved six articles of impeachment, but Gadon said he prefers that the chief justice be removed through quo warranto proceedings.
A quo warranto (“by what authority” or “by what warrant”) is a legal proceeding that challenges a person’s right to hold a public office.
