OCA CIRCULARS NO. 62-2002, October 15, 2002

For the information and guidance of all concerned,
quoted hereunder is the resolution of the Court En Bane is AM. No.
02-9-02-SC:

RESOLUTION

“A. M. No. 02-9-02-SC Re: Automatic Conversion of
Some Administrative Cases Against Justice of the Court of Appeals and
the Sandiganbayan; Judges of Regular and Special Courts; and Court
Officials Who are Lawyers as Disciplinary Proceedings Against Them Both
as Such Officials and as Members of the Philippine Bar.

Some administrative cases against Justice of the
Court of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan; judges of regular and special
courts; and court officials who are lawyers are based on ground which
are likewise grounds for the disciplinary action of members of the Bar
for violation of the Lawyer’s Oath, the Code of Professional
Responsibility, and the Canons of Professional Ethics, or for such other
forms of breaches of conduct that have been traditionally recognized as
grounds for the discipline of lawyers.

In any of the foregoing instance, the administrative
case shall also be considered a disciplinary action against the
respondent Justice, judge or court official concerned as a member of the
bar. The respondent may forthwith be required to comment on the complaint
and show cause why should not also suspended, disbarred or otherwise
disciplinary sanctioned as a member of the Bar. Judgment in both
respects may be incorporated in one decision or resolution.

This Resolution shall Rule 140 of the Rules of Court
and shall take effect on the first day of October 2002. It shall apply
to administrative cases already filed where the respondents have not yet
been required in the Philippines.”

The Court Resolution was published in the Manila Bulletin on September 25, 2002.

October 15, 2002