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JBC - 009
Rules of the
Judicial and
Bar Council
The Supreme Court of the Philippines
November 2000
THE SUPREME
COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES
CHIEF JUSTICE
HON. HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.
ASSOCIATE JUSTICES
HON. JOSUE N. BELLOSILLO
HON. JOSE A.R. MELO
HON. REYNATO S. PUNO
HON. JOSE C. VITUG
HON. SANTIAGO M. KAPUNAN
HON. VICENTE V. MENDOZA
HON. ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN
HON. LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING
HON. FIDEL P. PURISIMA
HON. BERNARDO P. PARDO
HON. ARTURO B. BUENA
HON. MINERVA P. GONZAGA-REYES
HON. CONSUELO M. YNARES-SANTIAGO
HON. SABINO R. DE LEON, JR.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
OF JUDICIAL AND BAR COUNCIL
HON. HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.
Chief
Justice of the Philippines
Ex-Officio Chairman
HON. ARTEMIO G. TUQUERO
Secretary
of Justice
Ex-Officio Member
HON. AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL, JR.
Senator
Ex-Officio Member
HON. ALFREDO E. ABUEG, JR.
Deputy Speaker
Ex-Officio Member
HON. REGINO C. HERMOSISIMA, JR.
Retired Supreme Court Justice
Member
HON. ALFREDO M. MARIGOMEN
Member
HON. AMADO L. DIMAYUGA
Member
HON. TERESITA CRUZ SISON
Member
ATTY. LUZVIMINDA D. PUNO
Ex-Officio Secretary
Table
of Contents
RULE 1
FILLING OF VACANCIES
SECTION 1. Vacancies in
the Supreme Court
SEC. 2. Vacancies
in the Office of the Ombudsman
SEC. 3. Vacancies
in the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan
and all
other courts
SEC. 4. Call
for applications
SEC. 5. Filing
of application for appointment
SEC. 6. Where
to file application or recommendation
SEC. 7. Contents
of application
SEC. 8. Deadline
for filing of application
SEC. 9. Publication
of list of applicants
RULE 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY
QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT
SECTION 1. Qualifications applicable to all Members
of the
Judiciary and the Ombudsman
and his
deputies
SEC. 2. Additional
qualifications for Members
of the
Supreme Court
SEC. 3. Additional
qualifications of Members
of the Court
of Appeals
SEC. 4. Additional
qualifications of Members
of the
Sandiganbayan
SEC. 5. Additional
qualifications of Ombudsman
and his
deputies
SEC. 6. Additional qualifications of
Judges
of
the Court of Tax Appeals
SEC. 7. Additional qualifications of
Judges
of
the Regional Trial Courts
SEC. 8. Additional qualifications of
judges of courts
of
the first level
SEC. 9. Additional
qualifications of judges of Shari'a courts
RULE 3
COMPETENCE OF APPLICANTS
SECTION 1. Guidelines in
determining competence
SEC. 2. Educational preparation
SEC. 3. Experience
SEC. 4. Performance
SEC. 5. Other accomplishments
RULE
4
INTEGRITY
SECTION 1. Evidence of
integrity
SEC. 2. Background check
SEC. 3. Testimony of parties
SEC. 4. Anonymous complaints
SEC. 5. Disqualification
SEC. 6. Other instances of
disqualification
RULE
5
PROBITY/INDEPENDENCE
SECTION 1. Evidence
of probity and independence
SEC. 2. Testimonials of probity and
independence
RULE
6
SOUND PHYSICAL, MENTAL
AND EMOTIONAL CONDITION
SECTION 1. Good health
SEC. 2. Psychological/psychiatric tests
RULE
7
PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
SECTION 1. Conduct of
interviews
SEC. 2. Submission of reports of
interview
RULE
8
APPOINTMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT
SECTION 1. Due weight and
regard to recommendees
of the Supreme Court
SEC. 2. Age of prospective nominee
RULE
9
SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATION
TO A VACANCY IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
AND SANDIGANBAYAN
SECTION 1. Additional
criteria for nomination to the
Court of Appeals and the
Sandiganbayan
RULE
10
VOTING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 1. Votes required
for inclusion as nominee
SEC. 2. Votes required when integrity of
a qualified applicant
is challenged
JBC - 009
RULES OF THE
JUDICIAL AND BAR COUNCIL
WHEREAS, under the Constitution, the authority to
nominate appointees to the Judiciary (CONST.,
Art. VIII, Section 8) and to the offices of the Ombudsman and of his
Deputies(CONST., Art. XI,
Section 9) is vested in the Judicial and Bar Council (hereafter Council);
WHEREAS, the Constitution
mandates that members of the Judiciary, and the Ombudsman and his Deputies
must be, in addition to other requirements, persons of proven competence, integrity,
probity and independence (CONST., Art. VIII, Section 7,
par. 3), and of recognized probity and independence (CONST., Art. XI, Section
8), respectively;
WHEREAS, only those nominated by the Council in a list to
be officially transmitted to the President of the Philippines
may be appointed by the latter as Justice or Judge in the Judiciary or as
Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman;
WHEREAS, once appointed
a Justice or Judge shall hold office during good behavior until he reaches
the age of seventy years or becomes incapacitated to discharge the duties of
his office (CONST., Art. VIII, Sec. 11); once appointed the Ombudsman or his
deputies would serve for seven years, and the Ombudsman may be removed only
by impeachment (CONST., Art. XI, Sec. 11 and Sec. 2);
WHEREAS, the Council is thus vested with a delicate
function and burdened with a great responsibility; its task of determining who
meets the constitutional requirements to merit recommendation for appointment
to the Judiciary is a most difficult and trying duty because the virtues and
qualities of competence, integrity, probity and independence are not easily
determinable as they are developed and nurtured through the years; and it is
self-evident that, to be a good judge, one must have attained sufficient
mastery of the law and legal principles, be of irreproachable character and
must possess unsullied reputation and integrity, should consider his office as
a sacred public trust; and, above all, he must be one whose loyalty to law,
justice and the ideals of an independent Judiciary is beyond doubt;
WHEREAS, in
the selection of nominees for the Ombudsman and his Deputies, the same
difficulty would confront the Council not only in light of the Constitutional
requirement that they must have been for ten (10) years or more a judge or
engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines before their appointment, but
also because of the solemn duties assigned to them in the promotion and
enhancement of the principle of accountability of public officers and as
protectors of the people (CONST., Art.
XI, Section 12);
WHEREAS, while it is not possible or advisable to lay
down iron-clad rules to determine the fitness of those who aspire to become a
Justice, Judge, Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman, certain guidelines or criteria
may be prescribed to ascertain if one seeking such office meets the minimum
constitutional qualifications and possesses qualities of mind and heart
expected of a member of the Judiciary, or an Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman;
WHEREAS, while the Council has been applying similar
criteria in its assessment of candidates to the judicial office or the
Ombudsman or deputy Ombudsman, there is a need to put these criteria in writing
to insure transparency in its proceedings and promote stability and uniformity
in its guiding precepts and principles;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Judicial and Bar Council hereby
prescribes the following rules or criteria which should be considered in the selection
and nomination of prospective appointees for every judicial position or for
Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman, to be submitted to the President for his final
consideration in the exercise of his appointing power, to wit:
RULE I
FILLING OF VACANCIES
SECTION 1.
Vacancies in the Supreme Court.
- Vacancies in the Office of the Chief Justice and of Associate Justices
in the Supreme Court shall be filled within ninety days from the occurrence
thereof (CONST., Art. VIII, Sec.
4, par. 1).
SEC. 2.
Vacancies in the Office of the Ombudsman. - Vacancies in the Office of the Ombudsman or his deputies
shall be filled within ninety days from the occurrence thereof. (CONST., Art. XI, Sec. 9).
SEC. 3.
Vacancies in the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and all other courts. - Vacancies in the Court of
Appeals, Sandiganbayan and all other courts shall be filled within ninety days
from the submission by the Council of the list of nominees for the vacancy
concerned.
SEC. 4.
Call for applications. - (a)
The occurrence of any vacancy in the Supreme Court or in the Office of the
Ombudsman opens, ipso facto, the
vacant position for filling and acceptance of applicants therefor.
(b) With the effective, efficient and expeditious administration
of justice always in mind, the Council shall open for applicants other
vacancies in the Judiciary taking into account the advice of the Supreme Court
and of the condition of the dockets of the positions involved.
SEC. 5.
Filing of application for appointment. - Application for appointment may be done by the applicant
himself or by recommendation of another person, an association or organization.
In the latter case, the applicant concerned must manifest his acceptance of the
recommendation either in the recommendation paper itself or in a separate document.
SEC. 6.
Where to file application or recommendation. - The application or recommendation shall be filed personally
or by registered mail with the Secretariat of the Council, which must indicate
therein the date and time of the filing, or receipt thereof if filed by
registered mail.
SEC. 7.
Contents of application. -
The application must be in the form prescribed by the Council. However, if the
application filed is not in such form, the applicant must submit said
application in the correct form within five (5) days from notice served on him
by the Secretariat. In case of a recommendation which is not accompanied by the
prescribed acceptance, the recommendee who has accepted the recommendation
shall be required to submit said acceptance within the same period.
SEC. 8.
Deadline for filing of application.
- The Council may fix the deadline for the filing of applications or
recommendations for appointment, or may extend it for justifiable reasons. In
case of recommendations, the acceptance by the recommendee must be made before
the deadline. Applications or recommendations filed beyond the deadline will
not be honored.
SEC. 9.
Publication of list of applicants.
- The list of applicants or recommendees which the Council shall
consider in a given time shall be published once in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines
and once in a newspaper of local circulation in the province or city where the
vacancy in question is located. The publication shall invite the public to
inform the Council within the period fixed therein of any complaint or
derogatory information against the applicant. Copies of the list shall likewise
be posted in three conspicuous places in the province, city, or municipality
where the vacancy concerned is located. As far as practicable, copies thereof
shall be furnished the major religious, civic, social, professional, business
and other non-governmental organizations in the city or municipality where such
vacancy is located. The Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court to whose
territorial jurisdiction the vacant judicial post belongs shall see to it that
these requirements are complied with.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), as well as its
Chapter in the province or city where the vacancy is located shall likewise be
furnished copies of the list of applicants.
RULE 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY
QUALIFICATIONS
FOR APPOINTMENT
SECTION 1.
Qualifications applicable to all Members of the Judiciary and the Ombudsman
and his deputies.- (a) No
person may be appointed Member of the Supreme Court or any lower collegiate
court or as Ombudsman or deputy Ombudsman unless he is a natural-born citizen
of the Philippines
(CONST. Art. VIII, Section 7, par. 1; Id., Art. XI, Section 8).
(b) No person may be appointed judge of any court lower than a
collegiate court unless he is a citizen of the Philippines
(CONST. Art. VIII, Section 7, par. 2).
(c) A Member of the Judiciary must be of proven competence,
integrity, probity and independence (id.,
id., par. 3) and a member of the Philippine Bar (id., id., par. 2).
SEC. 2. Additional qualifications for Members
of the Supreme Court. - No person shall be appointed Member of the
Supreme Court unless he is at least forty years of age and must have been for fifteen
years or more a judge of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the
Philippines. (id., id., par 1).
SEC. 3.
Additional qualifications of Members of the Court of Appeals. - No person shall be appointed as
Member of the Court of Appeals unless he possesses the same qualifications as
those prescribed for Members of the Supreme Court. (B.P. Blg. 129, Section 7).
SEC. 4.
Additional qualifications of Members of the Sandiganbayan. - No person shall be appointed as
Member of the Sandiganbayan unless he is at least forty years of age and for at
least ten years has been a judge of a court of record or has been engaged in
the practice of law in the Philippines or has held office requiring admission
to the bar as a pre-requisite for a like period. (P.D. 1606, as amended,
Section 1).
SEC. 5.
Additional qualifications of Ombudsman and his deputies. -The Ombudsman and his deputies
must be, at the time of their appointment, at least forty years old, of
recognized probity and independence, a member of the Philippine Bar, must have
been for ten years a judge or engaged in the practice of law in the
Philippines, and must not have been a candidate for any elective office in the
immediately preceding election (CONST. Art. XI, Section 8).
SEC. 6.
Additional qualifications of Judges of the Court of Tax Appeals. — Judges of the Court of Tax
Appeals shall have the same qualifications as Members of the Supreme Court
(R.A. No. 1125, Section 1, in relation to C.A. No. 103, Section 1).
SEC. 7.
Additional qualifications of judges of the Regional Trial Courts. - No person shall be appointed
Judge of the Regional Trial Court unless he is at least thirty-five years of
age, and, for at least ten years, has been engaged in the practice of law in
the Philippines
or has held a public office in the Philippines
requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable requisite. (B.P.
Blg. 129, Section 15).
SEC. 8.
Additional qualifications of judges of courts of the first level. - No person shall be appointed judge
of courts of the first level (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court
in Cities, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal Circuit Trial Court) unless he is
at least thirty years of age, and, for at least five years, has been engaged in
the practice of law in the Philippines, or has held a public office in the
Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as an indispensable
requisite. (B.P. Blg. 129, Section 26).
SEC. 9.
Additional qualifications of judges of Shari'a courts. - In addition to the qualifications
for Members of Regional Trial Courts, a judge of the Shari'a district court
must be learned in the Islamic Law and Jurisprudence. (P.D. No. 1083, Article
140).
No person shall be appointed judge of the Shari'a Circuit Court
unless he is at least twenty-five years of age, and has passed an examination
in the Shari'a and Islamic Jurisprudence to be given by the Supreme Court for
admission to special membership in the Philippine Bar to practice in the
Shari'a courts. (id., Article
152).
RULE 3
COMPETENCE OF APPLICANTS
SECTION 1.
Guidelines in determining competence. - In determining the competence of the applicant or
recommendee for appointment, the Council shall consider his educational
preparation, experience, performance and other accomplishments including the completion of the
prejudicature program of the Philippine Judicial Academy; provided, however, that in places where the number of applicants or recommendees
is insufficient and the prolonged vacancy in the court concerned will prejudice the administration of justice, strict compliance
with the requirement of completion of the prejudicature program shall be deemed directory." (Effective Dec. 1, 2003)
SEC. 2.
Educational preparation. -
The Council shall evaluate the applicant's (a) scholastic record up to
completion of the degree in law and other baccalaureate and post-graduate
degrees obtained; (b) bar examination performance; (c) civil service
eligibilities and grades in other government examinations; (d) academic awards,
scholarships or grants received/obtained; and (e) membership in local or
international honor societies or professional organizations.
SEC. 3.
Experience. - The
experience of the applicant in the following shall be considered:
(a) Government service, which includes
that in the Judiciary (Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and courts of the first
and second levels); the Executive Department (Office of the President proper
and the agencies attached thereto and the Cabinet); the Legislative Department
(elective or appointive positions); Constitutional Commissions or Offices;
Local Government Units (elective and appointive positions); and quasi-judicial
bodies.
(b) Private Practice, which may either
be general practice, especially in courts of justice, as proven by, among other
documents, certifications from Members of the Judiciary and the IBP and the
affidavits of reputable persons; or specialized practice, as proven by, among
other documents, certifications from the IBP and appropriate government
agencies or professional organizations, as well as teaching or administrative
experience in the academe; and
(c) Others, such
as service in international organizations or with foreign governments or other
agencies.
SEC. 4.
Performance. - (a) The
applicant who is in government service shall submit his performance ratings,
which shall include a verified statement as to such performance for the past
three years.
(b) For incumbent Members of the Judiciary who seek a promotional
or lateral appointment, performance may be based on landmark decisions penned;
court records as to status of docket; reports of the Office of the Court
Administrator; verified feedback from the IBP; and a verified statement as to
his performance for the past three years, which shall include his caseload, his
average monthly output in all actions and proceedings, the number of cases
deemed submitted and the date they were deemed submitted, and the number of his
decisions during the immediately preceding two-year period appealed to a higher
court and the percentage of affirmance thereof.
SEC. 5.
Other accomplishments. - The
Council shall likewise consider other accomplishments of the applicant, such as
authorship of law books, treatises, articles and other legal writings, whether
published or not; and leadership in professional, civic or other organizations.
RULE 4
INTEGRITY
SECTION 1.
Evidence of integrity. -
The Council shall take every possible step to verify the applicant's record of
and reputation for honesty, integrity, incorruptibility, irreproachable
conduct, and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards. For this purpose,
the applicant shall submit to the Council certifications or testimonials thereof
from reputable government officials and non-governmental organizations, and
clearances from the courts, National Bureau of Investigation, police, and from
such other agencies as the Council may require.
SEC. 2.
Background check. - The
Council may order a discreet background check on the integrity, reputation and
character of the applicant, and receive feedback thereon from the public, which
it shall check or verify to validate the merits thereof.
SEC. 3.
Testimony of parties.- The
Council may receive written opposition to an applicant on ground of his moral
fitness and, at its discretion, the Council may receive the testimony of the
oppositor at a hearing conducted for the purpose, with due notice to the
applicant who shall be allowed to cross-examine the oppositor and to offer
countervailing evidence.
SEC. 4.
Anonymous complaints. - Anonymous
complaints against an applicant shall not be given due course, unless there
appears on its face a probable cause sufficient to engender belief that the
allegations may be true. In the latter case, the Council may either direct a
discreet investigation or require the applicant to comment thereon in writing
or during the interview.
SEC. 5.
Disqualification. - The
following are disqualified from being nominated for appointment to any judicial
post or as Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman:
1. Those with pending
criminal or regular administrative cases;
2. Those with pending
criminal cases in foreign courts or tribunals; and
3. Those who have been
convicted in any criminal case; or in an administrative case, where the penalty
imposed is at least a fine of more than P10,000, unless he has been
granted judicial clemency.
SEC. 6.
Other instances of disqualification.- Incumbent judges, officials or personnel of the Judiciary who
are facing administrative complaints under informal preliminary investigation
(IPI) by the Office of the Court Administrator may likewise be disqualified
from being nominated if, in the determination of the Council, the charges are
serious or grave as to affect the fitness of the applicant for nomination.
For purposes of this Section and of the preceding Section 5
insofar as pending regular administrative cases are concerned, the Secretary of
the Council shall, from time to time, furnish the Office of the Court
Administrator the name of an applicant upon receipt of the
application/recommendation and completion of the required papers; and within
ten days from receipt thereof the Court Administrator shall report in writing
to the Council whether or not the applicant is facing a regular administrative
case or an IPI case and the status thereof. In regard to the IPI case, the
Court Administrator shall attach to his report copies of the complaint and the
comment of the respondent.
RULE 5
PROBITY/INDEPENDENCE
SECTION 1.
Evidence of probity and independence.- Any evidence relevant to the candidate's probity and
independence such as, but not limited to, decisions he has rendered if he is an
incumbent member of the judiciary or reflective of the soundness of his
judgment, courage, rectitude, cold neutrality and strength of character shall
be considered.
SEC. 2. Testimonials of probity and
independence. - The Council may likewise consider validated
testimonies of the applicant's probity and independence from reputable
officials and impartial organizations.
RULE 6
SOUND PHYSICAL, MENTAL
AND EMOTIONAL CONDITION
SECTION 1.
Good health. - Good
physical health and sound mental/psychological and emotional condition of the
applicant play a critical role in his capacity and capability to perform the
delicate task of administering justice. The applicant or the recommending party
shall submit together with his application or the recommendation a sworn
medical certificate or the results of an executive medical examination issued
or conducted, as the case may be, within two months prior to the filing of the
application or recommendation. At its discretion, the Council may require the
applicant to submit himself to another medical and physical examination if it
still has some doubts on the findings contained in the medical certificate or
the results of the executive medical examination.
SEC. 2.
Psychological/psychiatric tests. -
The applicant shall submit to psychological/psychiatric tests to be conducted
by the Supreme Court Medical Clinic or by a psychologist and/or psychiatrist
duly accredited by the Council.
RULE 7
PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
SECTION 1.
Conduct of interviews.- The
Council en banc, or any
panel of members thereof as may be authorized by the Council, shall conduct
personal interview of candidates to, inter alia, observe their personality, demeanor, deportment, and physical
condition; assess their ability to express themselves, especially in the
language of the law in court trials/proceedings and in their decisions or
rulings; test their mastery of the law and legal principles; inquire into their
philosophies, values, etc.; determine their probity and independence of mind;
and evaluate their readiness and commitment to assume and fulfill the duties
and responsibilities of judgeship.
"The interviews for the positions in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman shall be conducted in public.
Access by the media to the interviews shall be subject to the rules that the Council may promulgate.
For this purpose, the list of candidates, date and place of interview shall be published once in a newspaper
of general circulation in the Philippines and once in a newspaper of local circulation in the province or city where the vacancy in question is located." (Italics supplied)
The interviews may be held or conducted outside of Manila.
SEC. 2.
Submission of reports of interview.-
Reports of the personal interviews shall be submitted to the Secretary
of the Council which shall furnish the Members with copies thereof. The reports
are hereby declared strictly confidential documents which shall be available
only to the Members of the Council.
RULE 8
APPOINTMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT
SECTION 1.
Due weight and regard to recommendees of the Supreme Court. - In every case involving an
appointment to a seat in the Supreme Court, the Council shall give due weight
and regard to the recommendees of the Supreme Court. For this purpose, the
Council shall submit to the Court a list of the candidates for any vacancy in
the Court with an executive summary of its evaluation and assessment of each of
them, together with all relevant records concerning the candidates from whom
the Court may base the selection of its recommendees.
SEC. 2. Age of prospective nominee. - In
the selection of nominees to a vacancy in the Supreme Court, the Council must
consider his age with a view to discourage appointment of those who would not
be able to serve it for a reasonably sufficient time. The Council shall not
consider for nomination non-career and career applicants who may no longer be
able to serve the court for at least five years or for at least one and
one-half years, respectively, before reaching the compulsory age of retirement.
RULE 9
SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATION
TO A VACANCY IN
THE COURT OF APPEALS
AND SANDIGANBAYAN
SECTION 1.
Additional criteria for nomination to the Court of Appeals and the
Sandiganbayan. - In
addition to the foregoing guidelines the Council should consider the following
in evaluating the merits of applicants for a vacancy in the Court of Appeals
and Sandiganbayan:
1. As a general rule, he
must have at least five years of experience as a Judge of a Regional Trial
Court, except when he has in his favor outstanding credentials, as evidenced
by, inter alia, impressive
scholastic or educational record and performance in the Bar examinations,
excellent reputation for honesty, integrity, probity and independence of mind;
at least very satisfactory performance rating for three (3) years preceding the
filing of his application for nomination; and excellent potentials for
appellate judgeship.
If the applicant directly comes from the
private sector, he must show outstanding credentials as evidenced by an
impressive scholastic or educational background and performance in the Bar
examinations; leadership in the legal profession; outstanding record as a
lawyer with unsullied reputation for honesty, integrity, competence, probity
and independence of mind, adherence to sound moral principles and fidelity to
the Code of Professional Responsibility; and excellent potential for appellate
judgeship, with the expectation that he can serve the Judiciary for not less
than five (5) years until he reaches the compulsory age of retirement.
RULE 10
VOTING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION
1. Votes required for inclusion as nominee. - No applicant shall be considered for nomination for
appointment to a judicial position unless he shall obtain the affirmative vote
of at least a majority of all the Members of the Council.
SEC. 2.
Votes required when integrity of a
qualified applicant is challenged. - In every case where the integrity of
an applicant who is not otherwise disqualified for nomination is raised or
challenged, the affirmative vote of all the Members of the Council must be obtained
for the favorable consideration of his nomination.
These Rules of the Judicial and Bar Council shall take effect on
the first day of December 2000, and shall be published in a newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines
not later than 31 October 2000.
Promulgated this 18th day of October 2000.
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Historical Background
