MANILA, Philippines — Why was Larry Gadon disbarred by the Supreme Court? Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, who was recently appointed as the president’s anti-poverty adviser, has been unanimously disbarred by the Supreme Court as a result of Gadon’s “misogynistic, sexist, abusive, and repeated intemperate language.”
In a viral video clip, Gadon can be seen cursing and making profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles. The Supreme Court, in a 15-0 vote, found Gadon guilty of violating Canon II on Propriety of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability. The court emphasized that the video clip was indisputably scandalous and discredited the legal profession.
Additionally, the Supreme Court cited Gadon for direct contempt of court due to his baseless allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.
Larry Gadon disbarred: Not the first time to be reprimanded
This is not the first time Gadon has faced disciplinary action. Previously, the Supreme Court convicted him and suspended him from practicing law for three months due to his offensive and intemperate language. Currently, there are six pending administrative cases against Gadon before the Office of the Bar Confidant and four before the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
The unanimous ruling serves as a reminder to all lawyers that the privilege to practice law is granted to those who are not only competent intellectually and academically but also morally. The ruling explicitly states that misogyny and sexism have no place in the legal profession.
Gadon to file motion for reconsideration
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Gadon announced that he intends to file a motion for reconsideration, claiming that the penalty is too severe for the alleged offense.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Gadon as his adviser for poverty alleviation. However, this move received significant public criticism due to Gadon’s past inappropriate behavior and apparent lack of expertise for the position.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin released a statement asserting that Marcos believes Gadon’s role as Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation will remain unaffected by his disbarment as a lawyer. According to Bersamin, with Larry Gadon disbarred, there are urgent matters in the president’s anti-poverty programs that Gadon needs to address, and the president has faith in his ability to fulfill his responsibilities.
Larry Gadon disbarred: Gadon shrugs off critics
But newly appointed Presidential Adviser dismissed critics a weeks later, asserting in this video that they have unintentionally elevated him to hero status among the 31 million supporters of President Bongbong Marcos.
Gadon’s career has been marked by controversy. He has been suspended twice by the Supreme Court and was reprimanded by the Department of Health in 2020.
Author: Gerald Lacuarta
Gerald Lacuarta is the editor and content curator of Phil Report. A former reporter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a managing editor of the Philippine Collegian, Gerald has written extensively on politics, courts and justice system, environment, foreign affairs, defense, media and technology. He is also a web developer and server administrator, and spends free time playing music and tinkering with cryptocurrencies.
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