Atty. Jesus Nicardo Madarang Falcis III criticized Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for publicizing a disbarment complaint filed against him, citing a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits premature disclosure of disbarment proceedings.
In a Facebook post, Falcis questioned the senator’s motives, asking, “Sino dapat ma-disbar? Ako na galit sa corruption or mga pulitiko na accused of kickbacks and budget insertions?”
“And why publicize a disbarment proceeding that the Supreme Court has said should be confidential? Back at you, Senator Chiz Escudero,” he added.
Under Rule 139-B, Section 18 of the Rules of Court, proceedings against attorneys are private and confidential. However, the final order of the Supreme Court shall be published similarly to its decisions in other cases.
Citing precedent, Falcis referenced Relativo v. De Leon, in which the Supreme Court ruled that the premature disclosure of disbarment filings and pendency constitutes a violation of confidentiality rules and may amount to contempt of court.
"In that case, Atty. Relativo, the complainant in a disbarment case, caused the publication in newspapers of statements regarding the filing and pendency of the disbarment proceedings. The Court found him guilty of contempt," he cited
Sino dapat ma disbar?
— Jesus Falcis 🇵🇭 (@jesusfalcis) September 29, 2025
Ako na galit sa corruption or mga pulitiko na accused of kickbacks and budget insertions?
And why publicize a disbarment proceeding that the Supreme Court has said should be confidential?
Back at you, Senator Chiz Escudero.#Accountability… pic.twitter.com/8NAdOpbIqs
The disbarment complaint, filed by Escudero on Monday with the Supreme Court, stems from alleged “accusatory, defamatory, demeaning, speculative, hateful, and/or malicious” social media posts made by Falcis.
The posts reportedly targeted Escudero regarding flood control anomalies and 2025 budget insertions, with Falcis describing the senator as “Makapal ang mukha,” “Walang hiya,” and “Sinungaling” in his public posts.
According to Escudero, the online remarks violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) and warrant the heaviest sanction—disbarment from the Roll of Attorneys.
The senator emphasized that as a fellow lawyer, Falcis failed to uphold the highest standards of the legal profession.
