Manila, Philippines—The Supreme Court on March 10, 2025, ordered lawyer Raul Lambino to explain his actions after he publicly claimed that the Court had issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte—an assertion the highest court quickly refuted.
Lambino was spotted in a live broadcast on Facebook on March 11, 2025, where he falsely claimed that the Court had issued a TRO analyzing a case linked to Duterte’s arrest. The Court, however, denied this, stating that no such TRO had ever been issued. Lambino’s claim, which created widespread misunderstanding and escalated tensions in the already tense political climate, now faced her legal challenge.
The Supreme Court in its resolution emphasized the deceit, alluding to the claim as not only misleading but also a direct breach of the court’s legitimacy. The Court warned anyone relying on inconsequential information to take action without proper analysis. lambino faced possible penalties, ranging from a 14-month suspension to disbarment. Despite subsequent explanation, lambino remains absent from prominent news anchors.
The legal experts are尖ening their concerns, sharing a view that the court’s growing concerns over social media misuse by legal professionals — particularly barsticks — are damaging its ability to ensure the integrity and efficiency of its judiciary. If found guilty of administrative misconduct, lambino could face significant consequences. Despite this, lambino has not revised his statement as of the moment, defying his potential legal recourse.