The Supreme Court has suspended lawyer and social media personality Jesus Falcis from practicing law for one year after ruling that his use of vulgar language on social media violated ethical standards for legal professionals.
In a ruling made public on Monday, the high tribunal’s Second Division found Falcis guilty of simple misconduct. The disciplinary action originated from a 2018 post on X (formerly Twitter), where Falcis defended his brother against a theft complaint filed by actress and media personality Kris Aquino.
The administrative case was lodged by Jason Gene Baltao, a former business partner of Aquino, who argued that the lawyer’s hostile online commentary breached professional decorum.
In the controversial 2018 post, Falcis hit out at Aquino’s supporters, stating:
“Yung mga biased na dilawan dyan, halata kayo. Sa allegations ni Kris, paniwalang paniwala na kayo agad. Pero sa allegations namin na she threatened my brother, wala ako naririnig sa inyo? Pkyu kayo mga ggo… Check your cognitive biases.”
During the investigation, Falcis defended his statements, arguing they were protected under his constitutional right to free speech.
He also claimed that the Supreme Court had previously recognized certain expletives as ordinary expressions of frustration rather than defamatory remarks.
Although the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) originally recommended only a reprimand and a monetary fine, the Supreme Court opted for a heavier penalty. The high court reiterated that members of the bar are held to a superior standard of conduct, even when posting in digital spaces.
The court cited the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) in its ruling:
“Under Canon II, Section 4 of the CPRA, lawyers must use dignified, gender-fair, child- and culturally-sensitive language in both their professional and personal dealings,” the court stated.
The judiciary further emphasized how online vitriol damages the reputation of the entire legal system.
“They must not use abusive, offensive, or improper language, whether spoken or written, including on social media. Such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession.”