B.M. 850 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

On August 22, 2000, the Supreme Court En Banc adopted the first set of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Rules for members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), to take effect on September 15, 2000, upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
On October 2, 2001, the Court En Banc—through B.M. No. 850—adopted amendments and issued the Revised Rules on MCLE, 418 Phil. 585, to update and refine the initial regulations.

The IBP drafted and recommended the MCLE Rules to ensure ongoing lawyer competence, ethical practice, and high professional standards.
The Philippine Judicial Academy endorsed the IBP’s proposed Rules as part of its continuing judicial education mandate.
The Supreme Court Committee on Legal Education reviewed, passed upon, and forwarded the final version of the Rules to the Court En Banc for approval.

Whether the Supreme Court, under its constitutional power to regulate the practice of law, may promulgate binding requirements for continuing legal education of IBP members.
Whether the procedures of recommendation by the IBP, endorsement by the Philippine Judicial Academy, and review by the Supreme Court Committee satisfy due process and rule-making standards.

What are the mandatory components—credit hours, subject distribution, compliance periods, and group assignments—imposed on IBP members under the Revised Rules.
What are the defined exemptions, compliance procedures, non-compliance sanctions, and reinstatement mechanics under the Rules.