MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In a decision suspending former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles for use of “gravely abusive, offensive, and improper language” in a court pleading, the Philippine Supreme Court has, in effect, also suspended words and phrases from the English Dictionary.

The high court decision stems from a complaint filed by a fellow lawyer stating that Angeles and Atty. Ahmed Paglinawan used offensive language in a pleading filed for a case of unlawful detainer. (Ahmed was reprimanded, this being his first infraction). The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission subsequently recommended for the suspension which the SC affirmed.

The Supreme Court is advising lawyers, students, journalists and others using the English language to refrain from using these words and phrases until it has lifted the suspension: patsy, pawn, bogus, incorrigible liar, oppressive, Marcosian, henchmen, despotic, depraved.

The court suggested that Filipinos use a Thesaurus to find alternate words and phrases.