Practice question
Counsel privately messages a court officer through social media to influence the officer's performance of official duties. Counsel argues that a direct message is not a public post and therefore permissible. Which assessment follows Section 42?
- Only publicly visible influence is prohibited
- Private messages always fall outside the Code
- A client's instruction authorizes the contact
- Section 42 prohibits direct or indirect social-media communication for that influence purpose; privacy does not supply an exception
- The contact is proper whenever no fee is discussed
Legal references
- CPRA, A.M. No. 22-09-01-SC, Canon II Sections 36–44, official issued text circularized by BIR, PDF pages 11–12: https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/local/pdf/RMC%20No.%20123-2023%20Annex%20A.pdf
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