The Supreme Court has approved Mandatory Continuing Legal Education for lawyers through the use of e-learning methods, particularly with the use of Internet technology.
The great news for practicing lawyers in the Philippines came after the SC adopted an en banc resolution governing the Rules and Regulations in the Conduct of MCLE Online.
The rules take effect today following its required publication.
“The onset of computer technology made it necessary to adopt current trends of learning and it is relevant with the changing times that an alternative mode of delivery of the MCLE be made available to members of the Bar through online and on demand MCLE,” the Court said, in an 11-page resolution.
The Court stressed that the online MCLE, which has long been adopted and successfully implemented in other jurisdictions, would address the need for MCLE activities in the provinces, especially in far-flung areas where MCLE activities are few and far between, as well as for Filipino lawyers who are based abroad and would like to update their MCLE compliance.
Members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, per Rule 1, Section 1 of Bar Matter No. 850, are required to take continuing legal education to ensure that “they keep abreast with the law and jurisprudence, maintain the ethics of the profession and enhance the standards of the practice of law.”
The implementing rules define the minimum requirements and responsibilities of accredited MCLE Providers desiring to conduct MCLE online, as well as the guidelines and minimum requirements for lawyers who want to avail themselves of MCLE online, the SC said.
