The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday, July 9, reminded the public and members of the legal profession that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers are confidential and warned that unauthorized disclosure of such information may result in sanctions, including contempt of court.

In a statement released by the Office of the Spokesperson, the Supreme Court said disciplinary proceedings must remain confidential until the Court issues its final order.

“The Supreme Court reminds the public, especially members of the legal profession, that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers are confidential and must remain so until the Court issues its final order,” the statement read.

The Court cited Canon VI, Section 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which provides that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers “shall be confidential in character and summary in nature.”

The SC clarified that while proceedings remain confidential, final orders issued by the Court will be published in the same manner as its decisions in other cases.

“Nonetheless, the final order of the Supreme Court shall be published like its decisions in other cases,” the Court said.

The High Court further reminded all concerned parties to strictly observe the confidentiality rule, warning that the unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of information related to disciplinary proceedings may violate the CPRA.

“Unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of information regarding such proceedings may violate the CPRA and result in appropriate sanctions, including contempt of court,” the statement added.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the rule is intended to protect the integrity of disciplinary proceedings and ensure that cases involving members of the legal profession are resolved through the proper judicial process.