SC allows publication of names of non-MCLE-compliant lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed the publication in newspapers of the names of lawyers who have failed to comply with the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program.

In a one-page notice, based on the resolution issued by the SC full bench dated Oct. 8 but released only yesterday, the magistrates “approved the aforesaid MCLE Governing Board Resolution No. 06-2019 allowing the publication of the list of non-compliant lawyers, arranged alphabetically, in at least two newspapers of general circulation.”

The SC said the non-compliant lawyers have 60 days from the date their names were published in a newspaper to provide proof that they complied.

“Otherwise, they would be considered delinquent and shall not be permitted to practice,” the notice added.

The SC also issued a second notice, consisting of two-pages, that exempted incumbent and retired members of the judiciary from attending the MCLE program.

There are more than 40,000 lawyer-members of the Integrated Bar of Philippines in the country.

Lawyers are obliged to attend the MCLE, which is sanctioned by Canon 5 of their Code of Professional Responsibility that requires them to keep abreast of the legal developments and participate in continuing legal education programs.

Every lawyer is required to complete the 36 credit units of MCLE every three years during the compliance period.

Meanwhile, the SC in full session issued a resolution that approved the MCLE Board Resolution that prescribes the automatic exemption from the MCLE of all incumbent and retired members of the judiciary.