By Arabella Balderama

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said President Bongbong Marcos felt Atty. Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon’s disbarment would not influence his duty as a presidential adviser on poverty alleviation, allowing him to continue in his new role.

“The President believes he will do a good job,” Bersamin said, adding that Gadon would keep his post because “there are urgent matters that need to be done” in  Marcos’ anti-poverty programs.

Bersamin further explained that Gadon’s disbarment would be an issue he must handle personally.

Seeking appointment reconsideration

Lawmakers opposed the Palace’s decision to retain Gadon’s position as the court unanimously voted to disbar the former lawyer.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said Wednesday that in light of the Supreme Court removing Gadon from the Philippine’s roll of attorneys, the President should also dismiss the barred lawyer from the cabinet.

Moreover, Hontiveros emphasized that having Gadon would only “demoralize bureaucracy,” pointing out that he also lacked the expertise to lead as the government’s anti-poverty head. 

Former National Anti-Poverty Commission Chief Liza Maza also encouraged the reconsideration of Gadon’s appointment since his disbarment was a “slap in the face” of the President.

Maza stressed that assigning Gadon was an “insult” and a “great disservice to women who continue to bear the brunt of poverty in the Philippines.”

On the other hand, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas demanded Gadon be held accountable for his profane actions, as “lawyers are supposed to be champions of justice and equality.”

No room for misogyny 

With its announcement on Wednesday, the Supreme Court disbarred Larry Gadon by a unanimous vote of 15-0.

This decision followed after the anti-poverty czar made hateful comments against a journalist, Raissa Robles.

“By a unanimous vote of 15-0, the Supreme Court En Banc resolved to disbar Atty. Lorenzo ‘Larry’ Gadon for his viral clip where he repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles,” the Supreme Court Public Information Office stated.

The Supreme Court also found the clip to be “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession,” accentuating that there is no place for sexism or misogyny in practicing law.

“The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court,” the Supreme Court said.

Aside from his disbarment, Gadon had six administrative cases filed against him at the Office of the Bar Confidant and another four at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Commission on Bar Discipline.

Thumbnail from The Philippine Daily Inquirer