Escudero seeks disbarment of lawyer over ‘malicious’ posts

• Sen. Francis Escudero filed a Supreme Court complaint seeking the disbarment of lawyer Jesus Falcis
• Escudero cited Facebook posts calling him “shameless,” “the worst Senate President,” and “bulok na keso"
• He said the remarks were “defamatory, malicious, and unbecoming of a member of the Bar”
• Complaint cites CPRA violations under Canon II (Propriety) and Canon III (Fidelity)

Senator Francis Escudero on Monday filed a verified complaint before the Supreme Court seeking the disbarment of lawyer Jesus Nicardo Madarang Falcis III, accusing him of repeated violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

In his September 29 complaint, Escudero alleged that Falcis committed “gross and serious violations” of the CPRA through Facebook posts published between July and September 2025.

The posts, he said, maligned him over the 2025 national budget and flood control programs.

Escudero said Falcis branded him “shameless,” “the worst Senate President in history,” and “bulok na keso” (rotten cheese).

He described the remarks as “accusatory, defamatory, demeaning, speculative, hateful, and malicious” and unbecoming of a member of the Philippine Bar.

“Unfortunately, such statements and remarks are actually gratuitous instruments of contempt designed to publicly humiliate complainant,” Escudero wrote.

“Their irresponsible and unrestrained character serve to provide a bad and scandalous example of how a lawyer should not behave publicly.”

The senator, himself a lawyer, acknowledged that public officials must accept criticism.

However, he stressed that lawyers are expected to uphold higher standards of civility and integrity.

According to him, suspension or reprimand would be inadequate since Falcis had previously been cited for direct and indirect contempt, showing “a propensity to violate and continue to violate” the CPRA.

The complaint specifically cited violations of Canon II (Propriety), for failure to act with courtesy and civility toward a fellow lawyer, and Canon III (Fidelity), for undermining respect for the rule of law by making accusations on social media instead of through proper legal forums.

Chiz Escudero is a prominent Filipino lawyer and politician. He first rose to national prominence as a congressman representing Sorsogon, earning a reputation as a sharp debater and a principled lawmaker. Later, he served as a senator, where he became known for his work on legislation related to justice, human rights, and good governance. Beyond his professional career, Chiz is also widely recognized in the public eye due to his high-profile marriage to actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista. He and the actress tied the knot in a dreamy and grand ceremony in Balesin.

As previously reported by KAMI, Chiz Escudero has released a heartfelt note of gratitude following his ousting. Earlier, Escudero was replaced by Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto as Senate President. On Instagram, Chiz released a lengthy statement where he thanked everyone for the support. According to Chiz, "Ang aking paglilingkod ay hindi nagtatapos sa isang posisyon."

Meanwhile, back in April, his wife, Heart Evangelista has once again made waves on the global fashion scene. Earlier, Heart received the 'Global Fashion Influencer of the Year' at the EMIGALA 2025. Following this news, Chiz Escudero penned a heartfelt note for his wife after her win. According to the Senator, Heart has "worked tirelessly" to be where she is now in fashion.

Source: KAMI.com.gh