The Sandiganbayan has cautioned lawyers and litigants “to observe honesty and maintain respect due to the court and to never seek to mislead the court in the determination of issues before it."

The court’s admonition was issued in a resolution that noted the reasons cited by former Mayor Celestino A. Martinez III of then Bogo town (now a city) in Cebu for seeking the postponement of the promulgation of the decision last February 17 on the graft charges filed against him.

Martinez told the court that he received the notice last February 15 and he needed more time to arrange his travel from Cebu to Manila given his "immuno-compromised health condition" and the high rate of Covid-19 infections in Manila.

He said his physician advised him to rest for two months after his last chemotherapy in January, as he was experiencing numbness on both hands and feet. He further claimed that he remained mostly at home except when he needed to go out for medical procedures.

But during the hearing held last February 22, the anti-graft court asked Martinez to explain why there were several social media posts showing his public appearances. In particular, the court wanted him to explain a photo showing Martinez joining a bike ride with other government officials.

"I joined them on this ride, but I did not finish the whole route, Your Honor," Martinez admitted during the hearing. "I stopped in the middle, Your Honor."

This led the court to issue its warning to litigants. It also reminded lawyers: “A lawyer is, first and foremost, an officer of the court. His duty is not to his client but primarily to the administration of justice. Thus, any means, not honorable, fair and honest, even in the pursuit of his devotion to his client's cause, is condemnable and unethical."

Last February 28, the Sandiganbayan handed down its decision convicting Martinez of violations of Section 3(e) and (g) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with the fertilizer fund scam back in 2007.

He was sentenced to 12 to 20 years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.