Gadon faces new disbarment case
Lawyer Larry Gadon is facing a new disbarment complaint before the Supreme Court (SC) for violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and Lawyer’s Oath.
The case was filed after he claimed that the late former president Benigno Aquino III died due to complications of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In a 35-page complaint filed by persons living with HIV (PLHIV) Elena Felix and Gem Cabreros claimed that Gadon showed his “penchant for gross immoral conduct, blatant disregard of the country’s laws, hence warranting his disbarment.”
“Complainants submit that this Honorable Court must quickly act to preserve the integrity and dignity of the legal profession. If the law profession has to remain an honorable calling, it is imperative that those enrolled in its rank should not only master its tenets and principles but should also, by their lives, accord continuing fidelity to them.”
The complainants said Gadon’s conduct was not only corrupt or unprincipled, but it was also reprehensible to the highest degree.
Felix was diagnosed with HIV+ in 1994, since then, she actively advocated for the rights of PLHIV. Together with other HIV+ women, she founded the Association of Positive Women Advocates Inc.
Cabreros was a journalist/editor by profession and is also a PLHIV. He is currently working as an officer of the Community Access to Redress and Empowerment (CARE) of TLF-SHARE.
Gadon came under fire for falsely claiming on the DWIZ radio show Karambola last June that Aquino died of HIV, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS.
He said that he got the alleged information from his “friend” during the said radio program as his co-anchors talked about the passing of Aquino that made headlines.
The former President’s sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, said her brother died of renal disease secondary to diabetes.
He came under fire for falsely claiming on the DWIZ radio show Karambola last June that Aquino died of HIV, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS.
The 61-year-old Aquino was laid to rest beside his parents, democracy icons former senator Ninoy Aquino and former President Cory Aquino.
The Department of Health said that it is illegal to disclose HIV — or AIDS-related information about another person without consent.
It pointed out that Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act guarantees the confidentiality and privacy of anyone tested or treated for, exposed to, or has HIV— and AIDS-related illnesses.
The complainants said the lawyer violated Rules 1.01 and 1.02 under Canon 1; Rule 7.03 under Canon 7; Rule 8.01 under Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and The Lawyer’s Oath.