2026 Rules on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program ensures that all lawyers remain abreast of developments in law throughout their careers, uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession, and enhance the standards of the practice of law.

The MCLE program consists of activities that result in

(a) ethical lawyers who are updated on developments in law, with opportunities to acquire specialization in different fields of law;

(b) conscientious legal service committed to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice upon which society can rely; and

(c) a continuous improvement, modernization, and responsiveness of the Philippine legal system.

(a) Activity refers to any event approved by the Board, including lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, clinical practice, or other educational experiences, designed to provide lawyers with continuing legal education reflective of developments or practices in law or the delivery of legal services, in compliance with the MCLE program requirements.

(b) Board refers to the MCLE Governing Board.

(c) Compliance certificate refers to a document issued to lawyers who complete or are exempt from the MCLE program requirements. The compliance certificate shall indicate the date of issuance and validity period.

(d) Compliance period refers to the period within which lawyers must complete the required number of MCLE credit units.

(e) Compliance report refers to a record of a lawyer's activities reflecting compliance with the program requirements.

(f) Developments in law refer to the categories of courses covering laws and jurisprudence, emerging issues and evolving theories of law, international legal trends, enhanced legal skills, and standards of professional ethics.

(g) Lawyer refers to a person admitted to the Philippine bar and authorized to practice law in the Philippines.

(h) Lecturer refers to a lawyer who possesses the necessary expertise and knowledge in the relevant field to provide legal education to participants in an activity.

(i) Legal documents refer to pleadings, contracts, letters, bidding documents, deeds, and other documents that require the intervention of a lawyer.

(j) Members of the Judiciary refer to the chief justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court, the presiding justices and associate justices of the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals, judges of the first- and second-level courts, and holders of such other similar judicial posts as may be created by law.

(k) Monitor refers to an individual appointed by the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office (MCLEO) to oversee and ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing activities.

(l) Participant refers to a lawyer who attends and complies with the requirements of an activity.

(m) Practice of law refers to any activity, in or out of court, that requires the application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training, and experience.²

(n) Program refers to a series of learning activities that effectively impart knowledge and awareness of developments in law, engender a deeper appreciation of the law and a culture of learning, emphasize professional ethics, and include special activities for the acquisition of specialization in different fields of law.

(o) Provider refers to an entity accredited by the Board to offer MCLE activities and is responsible for the planning, organization, and implementation of such activities in accordance with the MCLE rules and regulations.

(p) Quasi-judicial body refers to an organ of government, other than a court or the Legislature, that affects the rights of private parties through adjudication or rule making.³

(q) Resource person refers to any individual invited to provide specialized knowledge, expertise, or insights in an activity on topics outside the traditional scope of legal education. Resource persons may include professionals in fields such as medicine, technology, finance, or other disciplines whose contributions are necessary to address complex or interdisciplinary issues relevant to the legal profession. A resource person shall work in collaboration with an accredited lecturer, who shall provide the legal context for the information presented and remain accountable for the overall delivery and integrity of the activity.

(r) Special education activity refers to seminars, webinars, conferences, conventions, symposia, in-house education programs, workshops, dialogues, roundtable discussions, certificate courses or programs, summer programs, short courses, and similar legal education activities, whether local or foreign, conducted by an organization, federation of lawyers, or government office or agency that is not accredited as an MCLE provider but for which MCLE credit units may be sought and granted, provided the qualification standards are met.

(s) Specialization credential refers to a credential issued by a Board-approved body signifying expertise in a specified field of law.

(t) Subject refers to topics relevant to the practice of law as may be approved by the Board.

These terms shall apply throughout this Rules unless otherwise expressly provided or unless the context requires a different interpretation.

² Cayetano v. Monsod, 278 Phil. 235 (1991) [Per J. Paras, Second Division].

³ Bautista v. Court of Appeals, 413 Phil. 159 (2001) [Per J. Bellosillo, Second Division].

This Rules applies to all members of the Philippine bar.

Lawyers shall complete a program consisting of 36 credit units of activities approved by the Board, as follows:

(a) General program — consisting of varied subjects and activities, of which at least six credit units shall be devoted to Legal Ethics; or

(b) Focused program — consisting of subjects and activities within a particular area of practice, of which at least six credit units shall be devoted to Legal Ethics.

In either case, 15 credit units under the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS), or such other programs as may hereafter be mandated by the Court, shall be credited toward compliance with the MCLE requirements, subject to procedural guidelines issued by the Board.

The compliance period shall be every three years, beginning from April 15, 2001, to April 14, 2004, and shall continue uninterrupted following the same cycle unless otherwise modified by the Board.

Lawyers shall complete the required credit units before the expiration of the validity of their compliance certificates.

A participant shall earn one credit unit for every hour of attendance at an activity unless otherwise determined by the Board. Credit shall be computed based on actual attendance as documented and submitted to the MCLEO.

Panelists, reactors, commentators, moderators, coordinators, facilitators, lecturers, resource persons, and authors may be granted credit units as provided in the implementing regulations.

Lawyers newly admitted to the bar shall be deemed compliant from the date they sign the Roll of Attorneys until the end of the current compliance period.

Lawyers readmitted to the bar following (1) voluntary departure,⁴ (2) suspension, or (3) other disciplinary action shall immediately comply with all applicable MCLE requirements.

⁴ Including foreign residents or naturalized foreign citizens.

All lawyers shall undergo the MCLE program unless exempt on any one or a combination of the following grounds:

(a) faculty members, bar reviewers, or supervising lawyers with 10 continuous academic years of teaching and/or supervisory experience under the Law Student Practice Rule in accredited law schools, provided that the completion of the 10-year period falls within the compliance period applied for, and law deans during their incumbency;

(b) persons exempt under issuances of the Supreme Court;

(c) lawyers who are at least 70 years of age;⁵

(d) lawyers elected or appointed to, and discharging the functions of, the following offices during the current compliance period:

1. President;

2. Vice President;

3. Senators;

4. Members of the House of Representatives;

5. Secretaries and Undersecretaries of Executive Departments;

6. Solicitor General and Assistant Solicitors General;

7. Chief State Counsel and Prosecutor General of the Department of Justice;

8. Government Corporate Counsel, Deputy Government Corporate Counsels, and Assistant Government Corporate Counsels;

9. Chairpersons and Members of the Constitutional Commissions and Bodies;

10. Ombudsman, Overall Deputy Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsmen, and Special Prosecutor;

11. Heads of government agencies exercising quasi-judicial functions;

12. Governors and Mayors;

13. Members of the Judicial and Bar Council;

14. Members of the MCLE Governing Board; and

15. Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, members of the Corps of Professors and Professorial Lecturers of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), incumbent lawyers in the Offices of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and incumbent lawyers of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Senate Electoral Tribunal, and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal;

(e) incumbent and retired

1. members of the Judiciary; and

2. Court Administrator, Deputy Court Administrators, and Assistant Court Administrators; and

(f) for good cause. A member may file a verified request setting forth the grounds constituting good cause for exemption.

⁵ Subject to the condition that they have complied with the MCLE requirements for the previous compliance periods and on the undertaking that they will keep abreast of the latest laws and jurisprudence.

Lawyers who have been granted an exemption shall inform the MCLEO of the cessation of the ground for exemption within 15 calendar days from the cessation. They shall thereafter comply with the MCLE program requirements beginning on the first day of the month following the cessation of the ground for exemption. Their compliance period shall end on the same date as that of all other lawyers.

For purposes of determining the required number of MCLE credit units following the cessation of the ground for exemption, the 36-unit requirement for each compliance period shall be divided by the 36-month compliance period, such that the remaining number of months following the cessation of the exemption shall be complied with at the ratio of one MCLE credit unit per month remaining in the compliance period.

Lawyers shall ensure that MCLE credit units earned are applied to the current compliance period. Excess credit units may be carried over to the immediately succeeding compliance period. In no case shall excess units be carried over beyond that immediately succeeding compliance period. Lawyers shall observe the prescribed MCLE compliance periods and maintain a record of their compliance status.

The 15 MCLE credit units earned under the ULAS Rules shall be applied in full either to the current MCLE compliance period or, in full, to the immediately succeeding MCLE compliance period. The 15 MCLE credit units under this paragraph shall not be split between compliance periods. In no case shall more than 15 MCLE credit units earned under the ULAS Rules be applied to a single MCLE compliance period.

Lawyers shall submit a compliance report to the MCLEO upon completion of the required number of MCLE credit units, or not later than 10 calendar days after the end of each compliance period.

Lawyers who are exempt under Section 7, Rule 2 of this Rules shall submit under oath, an attestation or application, as the case may be, on the grounds for exemption, together with the supporting documents, not later than 10 calendar days after the end of each compliance period.

The MCLEO shall issue a compliance certificate after verifying the documents submitted.

The compliance certificate shall be valid for the compliance period for which it is issued and shall remain effective until the end of the immediately succeeding compliance period.

The compliance certificate shall indicate whether the lawyer has completed the MCLE program or is exempt and shall include the lawyer's compliance number.

No lawyer shall engage in the practice of law without a valid compliance certificate.

Lawyers shall inscribe their compliance number and the date of issue below their full name in all legal documents.

Lawyers appearing before a court or quasi-judicial body shall file a written entry of appearance indicating their compliance number and its date of issue in their signature block and shall include such details in all pleadings filed before courts and quasi-judicial bodies.

After the lapse of the previous MCLE compliance certificate's validity, lawyers shall file a manifestation informing the relevant court or quasi-judicial body of their new compliance number and its date of issue.

Failure to indicate the compliance number as provided above may result in the imposition of sanctions under this Rules.

The use of a nonexistent or fraudulent compliance number shall be a ground for sanctions under this Rules and the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

The MCLEO shall periodically publish, in at least two newspapers of general circulation and/or on a recognized online platform, a notice referring the public to the list of lawyers who have complied with this Rules and are therefore authorized to engage in the practice of law.

The following shall constitute noncompliance: (a) failure to complete the required MCLE credit units before the expiration of the lawyer's compliance certificate; (b) failure to submit compliance reports and/or supporting documents; (c) failure to settle any applicable fees or fines; or (d) any other act or omission analogous to the foregoing that is intended to circumvent or evade compliance.

A lawyer's noncompliance with the program requirements shall not affect the accrual of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) membership dues, which shall continue to accrue at the rate determined by the IBP.

Noncompliant lawyers who subsequently comply with the program requirements shall submit (a) their compliance reports with supporting document(s); (b) a sworn statement attesting that they refrained from the practice of law during the period of noncompliance, together with an explanation of the circumstances giving rise to such noncompliance; and (c) proof of payment of any applicable fines and fees or proof of compliance with such other requirements as may be determined by the Board.

A finding or report contrary to the lawyer's attestation shall be a ground for sanctions under this Rules and CPRA.

Credentialing programs consist of activities designed to determine whether a lawyer's practice in a specified field of law has progressed to a level worthy of recognition as demonstrating expertise in that field. These programs may be conducted by bodies with a proven track record and expertise in the relevant field of law, as determined by the Board. Specialization credentials shall be issued by the credentialing body. The Board shall design a framework and process for credentialing. The framework and standards for credentialing, as well as the creation of the credentialing body under this Section, shall be submitted by the Board to the Supreme Court for approval.

The Board shall organize the Committee on Legal Specialization, which shall be composed of specialists in different fields of law and legal practice. All submissions by the Committee shall be recommendatory and subject to the approval of the Board.

The Committee shall perform the following duties:

(a) formulate and conduct periodic assessments of the criteria and standards to be followed for general and focused MCLE programs submitted by accredited MCLE providers;

(b) formulate and conduct periodic assessments of the criteria and standards for the approval of subject offerings comprising the general and focused MCLE programs;

(c) review and recommend approval of general and focused MCLE programs, as well as their component subject offerings;

(d) engage in research and the identification of best practices to support initiatives for the development of legal specialization and specialty credentialing;

(e) formulate and conduct periodic assessments of the criteria and standards for the approval of legal certification programs and subject offerings by IBP-accredited bar associations and other legal certification bodies; and

(f) other duties as may be determined by the Board.

All activities offered by providers must be approved by the Board prior to their implementation. These activities shall comply with the standards set forth in this Rules as well as other guidelines that may be promulgated by the Board from time to time.

To be eligible for approval, an activity shall

(a) have significant intellectual or practical content and be designed for a lawyer audience, the primary objective of which is to improve the participant's professional competence and ethical behavior as a lawyer and to improve the quality of legal services rendered to the public. The provider shall not deviate from the approved program and schedule;

(b) be open to all lawyers interested in the subject matter, with no attendance restriction except as may be permitted by the Board upon application by a provider, where attendance is restricted

1. based on objective criteria for a bona fide educational objective that enhances the MCLE activity; and

2. due to applicable laws.

When applicable, membership in the provider organization is open to all interested lawyers on a reasonable nondiscriminatory basis and cost;

(c) provide each participant with thorough, high-quality, and carefully prepared written course materials before or at the time of the activity except where the lecturers, in the exercise of sound discretion, determine that providing the written materials after the lecture would make the presentation more effective. In such an instance, the lecturers shall ensure that the written material is submitted to the provider before the lecture proper, with specific instructions to provide said material to the participants immediately after the lecture. Although written materials may not be appropriate for all courses, they are expected to be utilized whenever possible; and

(d) be presented in a suitable setting, conducive to a good educational environment, which provides participants with adequate writing space or surface.

Activities other than lectures and seminars such as the publication of articles, textbooks, or commentaries of significance in the legal field; matriculation at a degree-granting institution for a post-graduate degree; attendance at a special education activity; or participation in nation-building projects may be granted MCLE credit based on compliance with the standards for activities in this Rules and its implementing regulations as proven by the lawyer in the compliance report and supporting documents.

The Board shall review all activities prior to the determination of whether they should be approved in accordance with the following procedures:

(a) The provider shall submit an application for the approval of an activity with supporting documents to the Board at least 45 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the activity; and

(b) The application shall be in such form and contain such information as may be required by the Board. The Board may require the submission of additional materials or information as it deems necessary to evaluate the MCLE activity. The Board may impose additional conditions, penalties, or limitations as it deems appropriate.

The Board shall render a decision on the application for approval of an activity in accordance with the schedule provided in the implementing regulations, taking into account the nature of the activity.

The decision of the Board shall be final and unappealable.

General providers are legal education institutions or entities whose primary or secondary purpose or business is the offering of a range of continuing legal education courses or activities over a period of time and whose governing board is composed by majority of lawyers who are MCLE-compliant.

A general provider must meet the following requirements:

(a) have been an entity duly organized under Philippine laws and have been in operation for at least two years, with a record of having conducted at least three legal education activities during the preceding two years, each consisting of at least six credit hours, prior to the date of application;

(b) maintain a pool of qualified lecturers to serve as principal lecturers or supervising lecturers of resource persons, all of whom meet the basic requirements for MCLE-accredited lecturers;

(c) have a history of providing quality continuing legal education programs;

(d) maintain a system for evaluating the effectiveness of its courses and the satisfaction of its participants, as well as for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the MCLE program; and

(e) comply with any other requirements prescribed by the Board.

Limited providers are legal education institutions or entities engaged in legal services, whose primary or secondary purpose or business is not the offering of continuing legal education activities and whose governing board is composed by majority of MCLE-compliant lawyers. Their accreditation shall be limited to a specific subject matter, an identified target audience, or a specified activity.

A limited provider must

(a) have been an entity duly organized under Philippine laws and have been in operation for at least two years, with a record of having conducted at least three legal education activities during the preceding two years, each consisting of at least four credit hours, prior to the date of application; or

(b) be a newly registered entity managed by at least three qualified lecturers who are lawyers with at least five years of experience in legal education.

The limited provider must further comply with any other requirements prescribed by the Board.

Specialized providers are entities that possess the qualifications established by the Committee on Legal Specialization and are authorized to offer specialized activities in a specific field of law.

A general or limited provider may offer specialized activities upon accreditation by the Committee on Legal Specialization.

In all cases, providers must possess sufficient resources and expertise to conduct the approved MCLE program or activity.

Lecturers must

(a) be members in good standing of the Philippine bar, be MCLE-compliant, and have at least five years of practice of law; and

(b) have a proven track record of expertise in the subject matter to be discussed, demonstrated through teaching experience, published articles, books, or other scholarly works.

Resource persons may be nonlawyers, provided that they

(a) are of good moral character and integrity;

(b) possess demonstrated expertise in the subject matter to be discussed and its relevance to the field of law being offered; and

(c) serve under the direct supervision of an accredited lecturer.

Regular monitors are MCLEO employees who must

(a) be of good moral character and integrity;

(b) possess demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the MCLE rules and regulations;

(c) have prior experience assisting or coordinating MCLE activities; and

(d) comply with any other requirements prescribed by the Board.

The MCLEO shall deputize qualified individuals recommended by the provider to serve as deputized monitors, provided that they

(a) are of good moral character and integrity;

(b) possess demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the MCLE rules and regulations; and

(c) comply with any other requirements prescribed by the Board.

Providers shall

(a) comply with the requirements for accreditation, including the posting of security for performance, as provided in the implementing regulations;

(b) ensure that all information provided is accurate, complete, and up to date, including information relating to the provider's courses, lecturers, schedules, and fees;

(c) ensure that their courses are relevant, current, and directly related to the practice of law. Course content shall promote the professional development and competence of lawyers and comply with the prescribed standards;

(d) use effective and appropriate delivery methods to achieve the course objectives, taking into consideration the learning styles of participants, the nature of the subject matter, and the course format. Providers shall also ensure that their courses are accessible to all lawyers, regardless of location or disability, through appropriate technology and reasonable accommodations where necessary;

(e) diligently determine that their lecturers possess the necessary qualifications, expertise, and experience to conduct the approved courses;

(f) maintain accurate and complete records of their courses and participants, including attendance records, course outlines, and course evaluations, for a minimum period of five years;

(g) submit timely and accurate reports to the MCLEO, including reports on the number of courses offered, participants, and MCLE credit hours earned;

(h) comply with all MCLE rules and regulations, including those relating to course delivery, evaluation, and reporting;

(i) cooperate fully with the MCLEO in the administration and enforcement of this Rules by responding promptly and completely to inquiries and requests for information;

(j) pay the prescribed accreditation and activity fees in a timely manner;

(k) not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, or disability;

(l) conduct themselves with the highest degree of professionalism and ethical standards in providing their courses. Providers shall avoid conduct that may compromise the integrity and reputation of the legal profession and shall preserve the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their activities;

(m) submit a post-activity report within the prescribed period, including any violations of ethical standards committed by lecturers, resource persons, or participants; and

(n) be subject to sanctions for noncompliance with this Rules, including revocation of accreditation, forfeiture of security, fines, and other penalties prescribed by the Board.

Lecturers shall be responsible for the effective delivery of the continuing legal education program to ensure that the objectives and learning outcomes are achieved. They shall ensure that the course content is relevant to the legal profession and the objectives of the MCLE program. Lecturers shall

(a) ensure that the activity content is accurate, reliable, and up to date with the latest developments in the law. Lecturers shall deliver the course effectively to achieve the learning objectives, encourage meaningful interaction with participants, and conduct the activity professionally and ethically. Where a resource person participates, the lecturer shall provide the legal context and explain the relevance of the discussion to the approved subject matter;

(b) adhere to the highest ethical standards in the delivery of the course. Lecturers shall avoid any conflicts of interest or bias in the presentation of the course content;

(c) engage in their continuing education to ensure that their knowledge and skills remain up to date and relevant to the legal profession. Lecturers shall participate in training and development programs offered by the MCLEO or other accredited providers; and

(d) be subject to sanctions for noncompliance with this Rules, including revocation of accreditation, fines, and other penalties prescribed by the Board.

All monitors shall ensure compliance with the MCLE rules and regulations during the conduct of MCLE activities and shall

(a) verify the identity of the lecturers and the approval of the activity and its subject matter. They shall conduct themselves in a professional and impartial manner throughout the duration of the MCLE activity;

(b) maintain, preserve, and transmit records that accurately reflect the attendance, feedback, irregularities, concerns, or issues; and

(c) maintain confidentiality of any information obtained during the activity.

Any person or entity applying for accreditation as a provider or lecturer shall submit a duly accomplished application form, an undertaking to comply with the ethical and pedagogical standards of the MCLE program, the required supporting documents, payment of the prescribed fees, and the required security.

The Board shall evaluate the application of a provider or lecturer within 30 calendar days from receipt of the complete application and supporting documents. If the application is approved, the MCLEO shall notify the applicant and issue a certificate of accreditation.

The accreditation of providers and lecturers shall be valid for five years from the date of approval and may be renewed for a similar period, subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and approval by the Board.

The accreditation of a provider or lecturer may be revoked for good cause by a majority vote of the Board, after due notice and hearing. The decision of the Board shall be final and unappealable.

The Board shall impose such sanctions as may be necessary to maintain the integrity of the program.

Failure to comply with this Rules shall be subject to the imposition of any of, or a combination of, the following sanctions:

2.1. Sanctions for Providers or Lecturers. —

(a) Warning;

(b) Forfeiture of the security under Sections 9(a) and 12, Rule 5;

(c) Fine;

(d) Suspension of accreditation, or approval;

(e) Revocation of accreditation, or approval;

(f) Perpetual ban; and

(g) Other penalties as may be approved by the Supreme Court.

2.2. Sanctions for Lawyers. —

(a) Fine; and

(b) Other sanctions as may be approved by the Supreme Court.

The Board may refer any violation of this Rules to the appropriate office for disciplinary action or the imposition of other penalties under existing laws, rules, and issuances.

The Board shall be composed of a Chairperson and four Members who shall be of proven probity and integrity.

The Chairperson shall preferably be a retired member of the Supreme Court or of any appellate court with an established background in the field of legal education.

The Members shall be composed of the following:

(a) National President of the IBP;

(b) Representative of PHILJA;

(c) President of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS); and

(d) Representative of the University of the Philippines Law Center.

The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Supreme Court and shall receive such compensation as may be determined by the Court.

The Chairperson shall

(a) preside over the meetings of the Board;

(b) submit evaluation reports and recommendations to the Court as required;

(c) represent the Board before the Committee on Legal Education and Bar Matters and other committees where official representation may be required; and

(d) perform such other functions as may be necessary and required for the efficient implementation of this Rules and other purposes related thereto.

The Board shall have the authority to

(a) take all necessary actions for the effective implementation of this Rules;

(b) establish implementing regulations and issue resolutions as may be necessary, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court;

(c) manage the MCLE Fund as may be necessary, proper, and desirable for the efficient implementation and enhancement of the MCLE program;

(d) prescribe a schedule of fees or penalties as may be approved by the Court;

(e) impose penalties or sanctions for any violation under this Rules and other issuances;

(f) act on submissions of lawyers seeking to update their compliance status;

(g) recommend to the Supreme Court, the imposition of penalties against erring lawyers for any violation under this Rules and other issuances;

(h) evaluate, conduct interviews of, and recommend to the Supreme Court applicants for the positions of Executive Officer and Assistant Executive Officer;

(i) approve or deny applications for accreditation, suspend or revoke accreditation, approve activities, or credentialing;

(j) approve or deny applications for exemptions;

(k) confirm attestations of exemption;

(l) modify program requirements and activity criteria; and

(m) perform such other acts as may be required and necessary.

The Chairperson of the Board, the representative of PHILJA, and the representative of the University of the Philippines Law Center shall serve for three years from the date of their respective appointments. Upon the expiration of their term, they shall continue to serve in a holdover capacity until their successors are duly appointed by the Court. In case of a vacancy in the positions of the Chairperson, the representative of PHILJA, and the representative of the University of the Philippines Law Center prior to the expiration of the term of office, the successor shall serve only the remaining period of the unexpired term.

The representatives of the IBP and PALS shall serve for terms that directly coincide with their incumbency as Presidents of their respective organizations.

MCLE Office⁶

The MCLEO shall carry out the purpose of this Rules and oversee the effective implementation of all rules, regulations, and issuances relative thereto.

⁶ The MCLEO is constituted under SC Administrative Order No. 113-2003 (Establishing the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office) dated August 5, 2003, as a unit of the Court.

The MCLEO shall be composed of as many divisions and sections as may be necessary to effectively carry out the purpose of this Rules. It may be composed of an Accreditation, Program Monitoring, Compliance, and Evaluation Division (APMCED) and an Administrative and Finance Division (AFD). These divisions may further be organized into sections. The Board may reorganize such divisions and sections as deemed necessary to strengthen the MCLEO, upon the approval of the Supreme Court.

The officials of the MCLEO are the Executive Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs of Divisions, and Section Chiefs.

Subject to the recommendation of the Board and approval of the Supreme Court, the staffing pattern may be strengthened to include additional staff for the efficient and effective delivery of its mandate and services.

The MCLE shall maintain a fund (hereinafter, the MCLE Fund), which will be funded through the fees and fines imposable under this Rules.

The MCLEO shall submit a proposed annual budget for the continuous operation and maintenance of the MCLEO to the Supreme Court for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The MCLE Fund shall be utilized and disbursed pursuant to the Implementing Guidelines for the Collection of MCLE Fees and the Utilization and Disbursement of the MCLE Fund as approved by the Supreme Court. Any amendment or revision to the existing Guidelines shall be subject to the approval of the Supreme Court.

Further, the MCLE Fund may be utilized for other legal purposes as authorized by the Board and approved by the Supreme Court.

The MCLE Fund forms part of the budget of the Court and enjoys fiscal autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution. Any deficiency in the MCLE Fund necessary for the payment of authorized operating expenses shall be charged against the allocation for the MCLEO in the regular budget of the Supreme Court under the GAA.

Following the effectivity of this Rules, providers shall be given a reasonable period to transition to and adopt compliant programs and activities.

For the transition period, which shall cover the entire compliance period following the approval of this Rules, the present members of the Technical Working Group for the Amendment of Bar Matter No. 850 shall be designated as members of the Committee on Legal Specialization.

The Revised Rules on the Continuing Legal Education for Members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, adopted on August 22, 2000, as amended on October 2, 2001, in Bar Matter No. 850, is hereby repealed. All administrative circulars, issuances, and orders that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Rules are hereby amended and/or repealed accordingly.

The Board shall formulate rules to govern unforeseen circumstances not covered by this Rules, as it may deem necessary. Such future rules shall be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval should they have the effect of substantially amending this Rules.

This Rules shall take effect after 15 calendar days following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.