ATTORNEY Villanueva Alonso, producer of Quantum Films, has directed actress Anne Curtis Wednesday afternoon the misogynistic remarks of Quezon City Fourth District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay and Atty. Ferdinand Topacio against her have “ripened into a disbarment case.”
This is when Atty. Alonso has secured and posted on her Facebook wall a Supreme Court resolution about an appeal filed by the UP Women’s Lawyers Circle, Inc. and the high tribunal’s corresponding decision on the matter.
The appeal stated that the Court must exercise its supervisory and disciplinary authority over all members of the Bar, by initiating an investigation into the widely publicized conduct of Atty. Topacio, particularly his public statements made in defense of Rep. Suntay on “Yes…Yes…Yo! Topacio,” as well as his purported “scandalous admission of lust” towards Gabriela Partylist Representative Sarah Elago.
Meanwhile, Suntay stated in a congressional hearing on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte that when he saw Anne in a mall, his desire was awakened by the beauty of the actress which he later clarified that it was only an imagination just like the imagining of VP Duterte chopping the head or President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Suntay, later, apologized to Curtis but he reiterated that his remarks had no malice.
However, the actress still filed a complaint of violation of her rights as a woman and a human person with the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Upon investigation, the Quezon City congressman was sanctioned by the Committee. He was also instructed to make a public apology, render voluntary community service and attend a gender-sensitivity seminar.
According to the high tribunal: “Time and again, the Court has reminded lawyers not to engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral, or deceitful conduct. A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on one’s fitness to practice law, nor behave in a scandalous manner, whether in public or private life, to the discredit of the legal profession. After all, the practice of law is a privilege given only to a few, and it is granted only to those of good moral character.”
It reiterates the role of lawyers after Atty. Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon attacked journalist Raissa Robles with profane, sexist and use of abusive language online that disbarred him from law practice. “As such, lawyers are duty-bound to adhere to the rigid standards of mental fitness, maintain the highest degree of morality, and faithfully comply with the rules of the legal profession to continue enjoying the privilege to practice law. In both words and actions, lawyers must act with dignity and honor, as the standard of conduct for those in the legal profession is higher than that of ordinary persons.”
The SC, therefore, clarifies the statuses of Suntay and Topacio.
“Considering Representative Suntay and Atty. Topacio’s highly publicized statements against women, the Court motu proprio treats these matters as a formal administrative complaint for disbarment against Representative Suntay and Atty. Topacio. Therefore, Representative Suntay and Atty. Topacio are directed to show cause why they should not be disbarred from the practice of law, within 10 days from receipt of this Resolution.”