The Supreme Court of the Philippines reminded lawyers and the public that disciplinary proceedings against members of the Bar are confidential and should not be publicly disclosed until the Court issues a final order.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Spokesperson following the circulation on social media of a purported Supreme Court resolution involving disbarment proceedings against Bong Suntay and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio over their alleged sexist and misogynistic remarks against Anne Curtis and other women.

"The Supreme Court reminds the public, especially members of the legal profession, that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers are confidential and must remain so until the Court issues its final order," the statement read.

The Court cited Canon VI, Section 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which provides that disciplinary proceedings against lawyers "shall be confidential in character and summary in nature."

Under the rules, only the Supreme Court's final order or decision may be published in the same manner as its decisions in other cases.

"Nonetheless, the final order of the Supreme Court shall be published like its decisions in other cases," the Court said.

The Supreme Court also warned that the unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of information relating to lawyer disciplinary proceedings may itself constitute a violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

"Unauthorized disclosure or dissemination of information regarding such proceedings may violate the CPRA and result in appropriate sanctions, including contempt of court," it added.

The issue gained public attention after a per curiam resolution purportedly ordering Suntay and Topacio to explain why they should not be disbarred circulated widely on social media.

The Supreme Court, however, did not confirm the authenticity or contents of the circulating document and instead reiterated the confidentiality rules governing disciplinary proceedings against lawyers.