Justice Zalameda to Capiznon Lawyers: Use Technology Cautiously and Responsibly
August 20, 2023
Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda addresses the officers, members, and guests of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Capiz Chapter as guest of honor at the IBP – Capiz Chapter’s Induction of New Members and Installation of Officers and Fellowship Night, held on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
“While freedom of speech is one of the most precious rights, it comes with limitations, and especially for lawyers who are officers of the court with responsibility and accountability.”
This was emphasized by Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda in his keynote as guest of honor at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Capiz Chapter’s Induction of New Members and Installation of Officers and Fellowship Night, held on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City.
Highlighting the efforts of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, through the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), to address the use of technology in the legal profession and its ethical considerations, Justice Zalameda noted that the responsible use of social media is perhaps the most important technology-related prohibition in the CPRA.
Justice Zalameda cited a recent case in the United States where a group of lawyers were sanctioned for having submitted a legal brief which included fictitious case citations generated by the artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. “This is a proof that for all its limitless potentials and benefits, technology carries risk for the reckless,” lamented Justice Zalameda, imploring those present to use technology cautiously and responsibly.
He added: “We have seen that precedented rise of lawyers glued to their social media account almost 24/7, and with this comes along the airing of one’s unsolicited thoughts and opinions on current news or stories, politicians, public figures, celebrities, and even on lawyers, the judicial system, the members of the judiciary as an institution,” said Justice Zalameda, as he then shared a recent Supreme Court Decision penalizing five lawyers for their homophobic remarks in social media.
Justice Zalameda assured the IBP Capiz Chapter officers and members that the Court is doing its part in the challenge of responsible use of technology. “We recognize that justice cannot be fully realized without considering the changes and developments of our time. As such, we continuously update and improve our rules of procedure,” he said.
He shared the Supreme Court’s approval of the 2019 Amendments to the 1989 Revised Rules on Evidence and to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure as well as the ongoing process of revising the Rules on Special Proceedings and the Rules of Criminal Procedure, of which committee he is the Chairperson.
“Also, the Supreme Court crafted the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022 -2027, or SPJI, which serves as the courts blueprint for action to attain the lofty goal of delivering justice that is timely and fair, transparent and accountable, equal and inclusive. And technology driven,” said Justice Zalameda.
In closing, Justice Zalameda extended his appreciation to the IBP Capiz Chapter. “Again, to all Capiznon lawyers, you are and will always be an indispensable partner of the bands in the dispensation of justice. Let us serve the public with excellence and integrity so that we may all sleep soundly at night, knowing that we have performed our part and we have done it well,” urged Justice Zalameda.
The occasion saw the induction into the IBP Capiz Chapter of 21 new Capiznon lawyers and the installation of the new IBP Capiz Chapter officers, led by Chapter President Atty. Arthur John H. Biñas and Vice President Atty. Elica Mariz D. Fuentes. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda (seventh from left) poses for posterity with the incumbent officer of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Capiz Chapter during the IBP – Capiz Chapter’s Induction of New Members and Installation of Officers and Fellowship Night, held on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Capiz Chapter President Atty. Arthur John H. Biñas “in grateful recognition of his invaluable service as guest speaker during the induction of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Capiz Chapter” on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda (seated, sixth from left) poses for posterity with the officers, members, and distinguished guests of the of the Integrated Bar of the Phillipines – Capiz Chapter during the Chapter’s Induction of New Members and Installation of Officers and Fellowship Night, held on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda shares a light moment with the Integrated Bar of the Phillipines – Capiz Chapter members at the Chapter’s Induction of New Members and Installation of Officers and Fellowship Night, held on August 18, 2023 at Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)