Former Estrada lawyer's suspension lifted

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has lifted its order indefinitely suspending Allan Paguia, a former lawyer of deposed President Joseph Estrada, eight years after he accused the SC justices of political partisanship when they swore Estrada’s successor into power during the EDSA 2 revolt in 2001.

In a three-page resolution promulgated last Oct. 11, the High Court allowed Paguia to return to law practice after suspending him on Nov. 25, 2003 because of Paguia’s compliance with its requirements and “his declaration that the suspension has strengthened his belief in the Filipino people, the rule of law, due process, and equal protection and in the Supreme Court as the final dispenser of justice and God as the ultimate source of justice.”

The SC took into consideration letters pleading for Paguia’s reinstatement from former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.; Rufino Martinez and Cecila Martinez of Quezon City; Harry Tambuatco, president and chief executive officer of Superbrands Marketing International Inc. and channel director of Global News Network; professor Cesar Villanueva of the Ateneo College of Law; lawyer Cenon Sorreta of the Integrated Bar of Philippines’ Quezon City chapter; and the Quezon City public school teachers’ association.

The 56-year-old lawyer, who finished and taught law at the Ateneo Law School, asked to be allowed to practice law again and claimed that the suspension had already achieved its purpose.

He said the disciplinary measure imposed on him was “not on the vindictive but on the preservative principle,” though he and his family “have suffered enough” because of it.

Paguia admitted that he wanted to practice and teach law again because he feels “morally and professionally committed to help build a just and humane Filipino society.” He also wants to advocate the codification of all laws in the country, saying some laws conflict with each other and there should be legislative action to lessen the confusion in the justice system.  – With Perseus Echeminada