In an interview on the program Hoy Bawal ‘Yan!, Velez explained that the practice of law is regulated by the Supreme Court through the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), and that complaints against lawyers may be filed before the IBP’s Commission on Bar Discipline or directly with the High Court.

“Practice of law is regulated by the Supreme Court. So under Rule 139-A, if I remember it correctly, it vests upon the Supreme Court the authority to discipline lawyers,” he said.

He added, “Yung IBP, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, which is the official organization for all lawyers, mayroon siyang Commission on Bar Discipline. So, the Commission on Bar Discipline regulates the practice of lawyers.”

The penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense and may range from reprimand and suspension to disbarment, particularly in cases involving conflict of interest, falsification of documents, and other acts that undermine public trust.

“May mga iba-ibang penalties depending on the classification of the violation. Mayroong grave, less grave, etc. So it would range from disbarment, suspension for a few years, suspension for a certain number of months or even days, or puwedeng i-reprimand ka,” he shared.

He also emphasized that misconduct can damage not only an individual practitioner’s reputation but also the integrity of the legal profession as a whole.

According to Velez, “Ang mga grave offenses will deal largely with the perception of society doon sa lawyer. It actually affects the profession as a whole. Tapos grabe, masisira yung profession. Grave ’yon.”

Despite the possibility of severe sanctions, Velez underscored that lawyers are entitled to due process and that the presumption of innocence applies until allegations are proven.