IT is getting more and more difficult to lie these days. First, there is the judicial affidavit rule which requires litigants to submit the contents of one's testimony before they take the stand. By doing this, a litigant may study the testimony of his opponent in advance so that he may contradict the lies that his opponent will surely foist (the lying party is always the other party, if lawyers are to be believed). Surprises are eliminated, unless one's lawyer fails to prepare for the trial and begins to read the judicial affidavit at the exact time the case is called for trial.

Then came an amendment to the rules of procedure which provided that a lawyer's signature is proof enough that his pleading is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation and that the claims, defenses and other legal contentions are not frivolous. If the proscriptions are violated, the court may sanction the lawyer or refer the violation for disciplinary action to the proper office, which means that it may be referred to the Supreme Court or to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. If the court orders payment of a penalty, the lawyer cannot by any means pass it on to his client.

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