The Supreme Court has suspended lawyer, vlogger and television-radio host Atty. Jesus Falcis from the practice of law for one year over a 2018 social media post that the Court found contained vulgar and defamatory language.
The disciplinary action stemmed from posts made by Falcis on X, formerly known as Twitter, in connection with allegations involving his brother, Nicko Falcis.
Nicko Falcis, a former managing director of Kris C. Aquino Productions (KCAP), was the subject of a qualified theft complaint filed in 2018 by the camp of television host and actress Kris Aquino. The complaint was linked to issues involving an alleged credit card matter, which the lawyer had previously denied.
According to the ruling, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) initially found that the statements made by Falcis violated provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
The Supreme Court later affirmed the findings and rejected the lawyer’s defense.
The Court noted that when Falcis made the social media posts, the case involving his brother was still pending before the courts.
Instead of relying on available legal remedies, the Court said Falcis chose to publish statements that included personal attacks directed at Aquino’s supporters, whom he referred to as “dilawans.”
The ruling emphasized that members of the legal profession are expected to uphold standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, including in their use of social media platforms.
As a result, the Supreme Court imposed a one-year suspension on Falcis, citing violations of professional responsibilities expected of lawyers.
The decision underscores the Court’s position that lawyers remain bound by ethical standards even when expressing views through personal online accounts.
