In some instances, introducing one’s self as a lawyer or attorney can be arrogant to some. Others react by saying: “Kailangan ba nyang sabihin na abogado cya?” Or “Anyabang naman”. Indeed some lawyers abuse their title with the purpose of intimidating or asserting their dominance over others. This is something abhorrent and must not be tolerated. This is most probably the reason why people often think that lawyers are being arrogant by merely using or introducing themselves as “attorney”. When I was just a newly minted lawyer, my confidence was so high that I also fell into the trap of using my title arrogantly. In the middle of an argument inside a business establishment, I uttered the dreaded phrase: “Abogado ako”. What a shame! When I realised my grave error, I vowed never to use or attach “Atty.” to my name to hopefully atone for it. Even after almost ten years I still regret that moment. It is not arrogance per se to use the title but for me, if ever I will use it, it will be as a reminder of the responsibilities and duties that come with the profession.
Ricafort vs. Medina Sometime in 1999, Ricafort, a tricycle driver sideswiped the car owned and driven by Atty. Medina who was also a board member. Atty. Medina immediately alighted from his car and shouted at Ricafort saying: “Hindi mo ba ako kilala?”, then slapped the latter. Ricafort filed a case for disbarment against Medina and in his answer to the complaint, the latter denied the allegation that he slapped Ricafort. Medina said that the filing of the case was instigated by the governor of the province since he is associated with the political opponents of the governor. Medina added that there was an amicable settlement in the barangay and he no longer claimed any indemnity for the damage caused on his car. During the hearings, only Medina appeared but the Commissioner assigned on the case still recommended that the former be held administratively liable and be suspended for 30 days. Scandalous Behavior The IBP Board of Governors adopted the recommendation of the commissioner. The motion of reconsideration was denied. It was found that Medina indeed slapped Ricafort according to the statement of a witness. The defense of Medina that the case was politically motivated was not believed. Besides, 19 mayors signed a letter stating that Atty. Medina should be administratively punished for his actions for it “reflects the public’s reaction to respondent’s display of arrogance” (A.C. No. 5179, May 31, 2016). The Commissioner also gave weight on the letter since it also indicated that “the people’s faith in the legal profession eroded”. Atty. Medina violated the Code of Professional Responsibility, Rule 7.03 – 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. “By itself, the act of humiliating another in public by slapping him or her on the face hints of a character that disregards the human dignity of another. Respondent’s question to complainant, “Wa ka makaila sa ako?” (“Do you not know me?”) confirms such character and his potential to abuse the profession as a tool for bullying, harassment, and discrimination.” This behavior indeed erodes the respect of the public upon the law profession. Lawyers are expected to exhibit good character and Atty. Medina’s behavior is far from good. The Court added that: “This arrogance is intolerable. It discredits the legal profession by perpetuating a stereotype that is unreflective of the nobility of the profession. As officers of the court and of the law, lawyers are granted the privilege to serve the public, not to bully them to submission.” Indeed, many perceive that the lawyers are arrogant but this is a hasty generalization. Many lawyers deserve much respect for their work and good behavior in their private capacity and it is understandable that the Supreme Court being the regulating body of the profession, aims to restore the respect and dignity reposed upon it.
