Gadon, newly appointed Marcos adviser on poverty alleviation, disbarred

THE Supreme Court, by a unanimous vote of 15-0, disbarred Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon for his “misogynistic, sexist and abusive remarks” against journalist Raisa Robles.

Gadon's dismissal stemmed from a viral video clip where he repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against Robles.

Atty. Larry Gadon (January 5, 2022). TMTV FILE PHOTO

In a statement, the SC-Public Information Office (SCPIO) said the Court had motu proprio taken cognizance of the video clip and issued an order of preventive suspension from the practice of law against Gadon pending final judgement.

According to the Court, the video clip was “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession,” adding that by so doing, Gadon violated Canon 2 on Propriety, of the code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

The Canon law, it said, imposes the standard that “[a] lawyer shall, at all times, act with propriety and maintain the appearance of propriety in personal and professional dealings, observe honesty, respect and courtesy, and uphold the dignity of the legal profession consistent with the highest standards of ethical behavior.”

The Court pointed out that Gadon unfortunately failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life.

The Court, in the same decision, cited Gadon in direct contempt of court for his baseless allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Gadon sought to inhibit Leonen and Caguioa from acting on the case on grounds which the Court found to be purely conjecture.

Gadon had been previously suspended by the High Court from practicing law “for similarly using offensive and intemperate language, and was warned that a repetition of the same offense will merit a more severe sanction.”

In coming out with the decision, the Court reminded all lawyers that “The privilege to practice law is bestowed only upon individuals who are competent intellectually, academically and, equally important, morally. xxx xxx xxx There is no room in this noble profession for misogyny and sexism. The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court.”

The case is docketed as A.C. No. 13521 [Formerly A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC] (Re: Resolution dated January 4, 2022 in A.M. No. 21-12-05-SC against Atty. Lorenzo G. Gadon) and was decided by the court on June 27, 2023.

The high tribunal ruling was issued after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Gadon adviser on poverty alleviation.