RULE 138-A THE FOUR-FOLD DUTY OF THE COURT
Law Student Practice Rule 1.    It  must  inform  the  defendant  that  he  has  a  right  to  an  attorney before being
Section 1. Conditions for student practice. — A law student who has successfully completed his
3rd year of the regular four-year prescribed law curriculum and is enrolled in a recognized law
school's clinical legal education program approved by the Supreme Court, may appear without
compensation in any civil, criminal or administrative case before any trial court, tribunal, board or
officer, to represent indigent clients accepted by the legal clinic of the law school.
Section 2. Appearance. — The appearance of the law student authorized by this rule, shall be
under the direct supervision and control of a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
duly accredited by the law school. Any and all pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda or other
papers to be filed, must be signed by the supervising attorney for and in behalf of the legal clinic.
Section 3. Privileged communications. — The Rules safeguarding privileged communications
between attorney and client shall apply to similar communications made to or received by the
law student, acting for the legal clinic.
Section 4. Standards of conduct and supervision. — The law student shall comply with the
standards of professional conduct governing members of the Bar. Failure of an attorney to
provide adequate supervision of student practice may be a ground for disciplinary action.
(Circular No. 19, dated December 19, 1986).
Lawyer's Oath
I, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, I will
support the Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted
authorities therein; I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not
wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor
consent to the same; I will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a
lawyer according to the best of my knowledge and discretion, with all good fidelity as well to the
courts as to my clients; and I impose upon myself these voluntary obligations without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.
arraigned
2.    After  informing  him,  the  court  must  ask  the  defendant  if  he desires to have the aid of
an attorney
3.    If he desires and is unable to employ an attorney, the court must assign an attorney de
officio to defend him
4.    If the accused desires to procure an attorney of his own, the court must grant him a
reasonable time to procure one
WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THE FOUR-FOLD DUTY?
>     The right to be heard would be of little avail if it doesn’t  include the right to be heard by
counsel
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE FAILURE OF THE COURT TO COMPLY WITH THESE
DUTIES?
>     It is a violation of due process
A lawyer has a duty to his society (public), to the Court, to the Bar (his colleagues), and to his
client. As for his duty to the public, a lawyer should not violate his responsibility to society. He
should be an exemplar for righteousness. He must be ready to render legal aid, and foster social
reforms. He is a guardian of due process, aware of his special role in the solution of special
problems, and he is always ready to lend assistance in the study and solution of social
problems.As for his duty to the Court, a lawyer must respect or defend the Court against
criticisms. He must uphold its authority and dignity, obey order and its processes, and assist in
the administration of justice.As for his duty to the Bar, a lawyer must show candor, fairness,
courtesy and truthfulness to his colleagues. He must avoid encroachment in the business of
other lawyers, and uphold the honor of the law profession.As for his duty to his client, a layer
must be entirely devoted to uphold and support his client’s interest and cause