Larry Gadon disbarred by SC over 'profane' remarks vs. journalist

The Supreme Court has disbarred newly appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon over his "profane" remarks against a journalist.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the SC Public Information Office said the SC en banc voted 15-0 to disbar Gadon.

“By a unanimous vote of 15-0, the Supreme Court En Banc resolved to disbar Atty. Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon for the viral video clip where he repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles,” it said.

In a statement, Gadon said he would file a motion for reconsideration "on the ground that the penalty is too harsh."

“My remedy and reaction to this is to file a Motion For Reconsideration on the ground that the penalty is too harsh for the alleged cause which was my outburst against a reporter who was blatantly spreading lies against Pres BBM (Bongbong Marcos) during the campaign period intended to fool the public on issues intended to cause damage to the candidacy of Pres Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he said. 

Gadon issued his statement hours before the SC PIO's tweet, saying he has learned from "reliable sources" that the high court has moved to disbar him.

Gadon's disbarment came two days after Malacañang announced his appointment as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Gadon's appointment "reflects the government's commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by our nation." 

Meanwhile, Malacañang said Gadon would remain in his post despite the SC ruling.

“He will continue on his new role as Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation as there are urgent matters that need to be done in the President's anti-poverty programs,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement.

“The President believes he will do a good job,” he added, referring to Gadon.

According to Bersamin, Gadon’s work as a presidential advisor will not be affected by his status as a lawyer.

Later at a press conference on Wednesday, Gadon's camp said he (Gadon) doesn't need to be a lawyer to serve in the Cabinet. 

"Pwede ka maging secretary ng isang government agency na hindi ka kailangan maging abogado as long as you enjoy the trust and confidence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines," Gadon's legal counsel, Atty. Mark Tolentino, told reporters.

(You don't have to be a lawyer to be a secretary in a government agency as long as you have the trust and confidence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.)

"And I believe, Secretary Larry Gadon enjoys the trust and confidence of our President," he added.

'Scandalous' video

According to the SC PIO, the justices found the video clip "indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession."

The SC cited Gadon particularly for violating Canon II on Propriety, of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, "which imposes 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."

For the SC, Gadon "failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life."

In his statement, Gadon said the SC decision would not affect his commitment to his new role in the government as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation.

"The position and the task given to me by the President do not require lawyering hence my suspension and disbarment have no effect on my appointment," he said.

"I will just approach this issue on a personal concern, file a motion for reconsideration and proceed in facing the challenges of the job and aim to serve the public in my best capability," Gadon added. 

Gadon became controversial because of his statements containing profanities against critics of the Duterte administration. In January 2022, the SC issued a preventive suspension against him over the viral video of him hurling profanities against Robles.

In a Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday, Gadon said he will not apologize to the subjects of his tirades in the past. 

Retired as lawyer

Interviewed on Balitanghali on Wednesday, Gadon said that the disbarment is “of no value” since he has already retired as a lawyer.

“Balewala 'yan kasi nag-retire na ako as a lawyer. Since 2015 hindi na ako nagpa-practice. I have not been appearing in court and I have not been practicing as a lawyer since 2015,” he said.

(It’s of no value because I already retired as a lawyer. I have not been practicing since 2015. I have not been appearing in court and I have not been practicing as a lawyer since 2015.)

Gadon also said his disbarment was a “political decision.”

“May dynamics kasi ang en banc na pagka konti na lang ‘yung nago-oppose eh nagiging unanimous na lang sila para mapakita na sila ay magkakaibigan. Kasi naman araw-araw sila magkasama, kung merong mga hidwaan sila mahirap din,” he said.

(There’s a dynamic in the en banc where if there is little opposition, they will opt to become unanimous to show that they are united. Because they are together every day so it will be hard if there is discord.) —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News