Introduction
In the Philippine legal system, the Lawyer’s Oath serves as a foundational pledge that every aspiring attorney must take upon admission to the Bar. This oath encapsulates the ethical commitments, professional responsibilities, and moral imperatives that define the practice of law in the country. Administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the oath is not merely a ceremonial formality but a binding covenant that underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, a guardian of justice, and a servant of the public. As of the latest developments, the Lawyer’s Oath was significantly revised in 2023 through the adoption of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), reflecting evolving societal needs, ethical standards, and challenges in the legal profession. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the oath's full text, its historical context, key updates, implications for legal practice, and related procedural aspects within the Philippine jurisdiction.
Historical Evolution of the Lawyer’s Oath in the Philippines
The origins of the Lawyer’s Oath in the Philippines can be traced back to the American colonial period, influenced by common law traditions. The earliest formal oath was embedded in the Rules of Court and drew inspiration from oaths used in the United States, emphasizing fidelity to the Constitution, obedience to laws, and ethical conduct in court proceedings.
Prior to the 2023 revisions, the oath was governed by the 1988 Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR), which itself succeeded earlier ethical codes. The pre-2023 version, often recited during bar admission ceremonies, read as follows:
"I, [name], of [place], having been permitted to continue in the practice of law in the Philippines, do solemnly swear that I recognize the supremacy of the Constitution and will conform to the laws of the Philippines and maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers; I will do no falsehood nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, nor give aid nor consent to the same; I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to the best of my knowledge and discretion with all good fidelity as well to the courts as to my clients; and I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God."
This iteration focused primarily on avoiding falsehoods, preventing frivolous suits, and maintaining fidelity to clients and courts. Over the decades, however, the legal landscape in the Philippines evolved. Issues such as corruption, delays in justice delivery, lack of access to legal services for the marginalized, and the need for greater accountability among lawyers prompted calls for reform.
The turning point came with the Supreme Court's initiative to modernize legal ethics. In 2022, under Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the Court formed a committee to review and update the CPR. This effort culminated in the promulgation of A.M. No. 22-09-01-SC on April 11, 2023, adopting the CPRA, which took effect on May 29, 2023. The revised Lawyer’s Oath is enshrined in Canon I, Section 2 of the CPRA, marking a shift toward a more holistic, service-oriented, and inclusive ethical framework. This update aligns with broader judicial reforms, including the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), which emphasizes efficiency, integrity, and public trust in the judiciary.
Full Text of the Latest Lawyer’s Oath
The current Lawyer’s Oath, as revised under the CPRA, is more expansive and articulate than its predecessor. It incorporates elements of public service, civility, non-discrimination, and resistance to oppression, reflecting a progressive approach to legal ethics. The full text is as follows:
"I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I accept the honor, privilege, duty, and responsibility of practicing law in the Philippines as an Officer of the Court, in the spirit of public service;
I shall uphold the Constitution and obey the laws of the Republic of the Philippines;
I shall recognize and respect the supremacy of law at all times;
I shall maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines;
I shall, at all times, uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession and support the activities of the Integrated Bar;
I shall conduct myself with courtesy, fairness, and candor towards my professional colleagues, and shall sincerely hold them in high esteem as coequal partners in the administration of justice;
I shall faithfully perform my duties to society, to the Bar, to the courts, and to my clients to the best of my ability, with utmost civility, and without distinction or discrimination;
I shall not directly or indirectly delay, impede, or obstruct the administration of justice, nor directly or indirectly espouse or promote any groundless, false, or unlawful suit, nor give aid nor consent to the same;
I shall not reject, except for valid reasons, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, and in defending them, I shall resolutely resist the oppression of their adversaries;
I impose upon myself these voluntary obligations without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
So help me God."
(In case of affirmation, the phrase "So help me God" is omitted.)
This oath is recited during the oath-taking ceremony for successful bar examinees, typically held shortly after the release of bar results. The ceremony is presided over by a Supreme Court Justice, and the oath is taken en masse or individually, depending on the format.
Key Updates and Changes in the Oath
The 2023 revisions introduce several substantive enhancements, addressing gaps in the previous oath and aligning with contemporary ethical demands:
Emphasis on Public Service and Officer of the Court Role: The opening clause explicitly frames law practice as a "honor, privilege, duty, and responsibility" in the "spirit of public service." This underscores that lawyers are not mere private practitioners but public servants accountable to society.
Supremacy of Law and Allegiance: While retaining allegiance to the Republic and obedience to laws, the oath now includes a explicit recognition of the "supremacy of law at all times," reinforcing the rule of law amid concerns over extrajudicial actions and political interference.
Integrity of the Profession and Support for the Integrated Bar: Lawyers pledge to uphold the profession's dignity and support the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the mandatory national organization for lawyers. This promotes collective responsibility and active participation in bar activities.
Civility and Respect Among Colleagues: A new provision requires courtesy, fairness, and candor toward peers, viewing them as "coequal partners in the administration of justice." This aims to reduce adversarial toxicity and foster collegiality.
Non-Discrimination and Duties to Society: The oath mandates faithful performance of duties "without distinction or discrimination," ensuring inclusivity. It also broadens duties to encompass society and the Bar, beyond just courts and clients.
Prohibition on Obstructing Justice: Expanding on the old ban on frivolous suits, the revised oath prohibits any direct or indirect delay, impediment, or obstruction of justice, targeting issues like case backlog and dilatory tactics.
Commitment to the Defenseless and Oppressed: A pro bono-oriented clause obliges lawyers not to reject causes of the vulnerable "except for valid reasons" and to "resolutely resist oppression." This aligns with Article III, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees free access to courts for the poor.
These changes were informed by consultations with stakeholders, including the IBP, law schools, and civil society groups, ensuring the oath reflects Philippine realities such as poverty, inequality, and judicial inefficiencies.
Procedural and Practical Aspects
In practice, the oath is integrated into the bar admission process under Rule 138 of the Revised Rules of Court. Successful bar passers must sign the Roll of Attorneys after taking the oath, officially becoming members of the Bar. Failure to adhere to the oath can lead to disciplinary actions under the CPRA, ranging from reprimand to disbarment, as enforced by the Supreme Court or the IBP.
Updates to the oath do not retroactively apply to existing lawyers, but all attorneys are bound by the CPRA's canons. Continuing legal education (CLE) programs, mandated by the IBP, often include modules on the revised oath to ensure ongoing compliance.
In the context of Philippine jurisprudence, the oath has been cited in landmark cases. For instance, in In re: Almacen (G.R. No. L-27654, 1970), the Supreme Court emphasized the oath's role in maintaining professional decorum. More recently, decisions like Re: Letter of the UP Law Faculty (A.M. No. 10-10-4-SC, 2011) highlight how breaches of ethical pledges can undermine public trust.
Implications for Legal Practice and Education
The updated oath has profound implications for the legal profession in the Philippines. It promotes a culture of accountability, encouraging lawyers to engage in pro bono work, advocate for marginalized groups, and prioritize justice over personal gain. For law schools, it necessitates curriculum updates to instill these values early, aligning with the Legal Education Board's push for ethics-focused training.
Challenges remain, however. Enforcement relies on self-regulation and complaints, which may not capture all violations. Amid digital disruptions, such as online legal services and AI in law, the oath's principles must adapt to new ethical dilemmas, though no further amendments have been announced as of late 2025.
Conclusion
The latest Philippine Lawyer’s Oath represents a milestone in the evolution of legal ethics, blending tradition with modernity to address the demands of a dynamic society. By committing to public service, integrity, and justice, Filipino lawyers reaffirm their pivotal role in upholding the rule of law. As the profession navigates future challenges, this oath stands as a timeless reminder of the noble calling to serve with honor and without reservation.