[ OCA CIRCULARS NO. 62-2002, October 15, 2002 ]

[ OCA CIRCULARS NO. 62-2002, October 15, 2002 ]

[ OCA CIRCULARS NO. 62-2002, October 15, 2002 ]

TO:

JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND THE SANDIGANBAYAN; JUDGES OF REGULAR AND SPECIAL COURTS; AND COURT OFFICIALS WHO ARE LAWYERS

SUBJECT:

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.

For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder is the resolution of the Court En Bane is AM. No. 02-9-02-SC:

RESOLUTION

"A. M. No. 02-9-02-SC Re: Automatic Conversion of Some Administrative Cases Against Justice 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 Justice of the Court of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan; judges of regular and special courts; and court officials who are lawyers are based on ground 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 instance, 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 should not also suspended, disbarred or otherwise disciplinary sanctioned as a member of the Bar. Judgment in both respects may be incorporated in one decision or resolution.

This Resolution shall 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 in the Philippines."

The Court Resolution was published in the Manila Bulletin on September 25, 2002.

October 15, 2002

PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.

Court Administrator