MANILA – Senator Francis Escudero has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to disbar lawyer Jesus Nicardo Madarang Falcis III for allegedly posting defamatory and baseless remarks against him on social media, in violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

In a verified complaint filed before the SC’s Office of the Bar Confidant, Escudero cited at least seven Facebook posts by Falcis from July to September 2025 that he said used “abusive, demeaning, and malicious language” against him.

Among the statements quoted in the complaint were Falcis’ description of Escudero as “sinungaling” (liar), “bulok na keso” (rotten cheese), and the “worst Senate President in history.”

Falcis also accused the senator of engineering ₱142 billion in budget insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, allegedly linked to pork barrel allocations and political allies.

Escudero argued that Falcis’ remarks violated CPRA provisions requiring lawyers to maintain dignity and propriety, refrain from imputing misconduct without basis, and avoid posting false or unverified information online.

“The sheer nature and impact of respondent’s posts and the irresponsible conduct that characterizes them sadly merit a specie of bar discipline beyond mere warning, reprimand, or even suspension,” Escudero said in his petition, which included copies of the Facebook posts.

He added that Falcis had previously been cited for direct and indirect contempt by the SC in another case, which he said showed a “propensity to violate” ethical rules.

The CPRA, adopted in 2022, explicitly prohibits lawyers from using abusive or intemperate language and from spreading unverified statements, whether through traditional or digital media.

Escudero’s petition was accompanied by his judicial affidavit and supporting annexes. (PNA)