Q COSTA RICA — After several weeks of political pressure, legislator José Miguel Villalobos, of the ruling party, announced on Thursday his decision to voluntarily suspend his membership in the Colegio de Abogados de Costa Rica (Bar Association), while reiterating that he will remain in the ruling party and that he is a supporter of Rodrigo Chaves.
As a result, the legislator can no longer practice law, nor will he be able to practice as a defense attorney for anyone, including former president and current Minister of Finance and Chief of Staff, Rodrigo Chaves.
“I will no longer practice law, because although the Constitution allows it, and although I am proud to be a lawyer, the most important thing is consistency with what this people wants, and this people wants us to dedicate ourselves full-time to being legislators (…). I already spoke to Mr. Rodrigo, telling him that I will not be able to represent him in court, but now it’s easier for me. The moment one of those irate requests to remove (Chaves) his immunity comes along, José Miguel Villalobos will already be here, not as a lawyer, but as a legislator, defending him with all my strength and all my energy,” Villalobos said.
The debate about the possibility of preventing legislators from practicing law while holding office gained momentum after an incident involving Villalobos a little over a month ago, when he did not attend the presentation of a second package of security proposals presented by President Laura Fernández in Congress.
This is because at that time he was in court defending a man surnamed Sánchez, who is a suspect in alleged drug trafficking within the investigation known as the Pana case. The episode generated several ethical questions.
In legislative circles, there was talk of Villalobos resigning from the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) or even ceasing to be a legislator. However, the congressman clarified today that this will not happen.
“I Will Not Resign. I’m not leaving the Legislative Assembly, I’m not leaving the Sovereign People caucus, and I called you all together to tell you this directly, so you’ll stop constantly asking me about it. I’m proud of my president, I’m proud of my former president, I’m proud of my fellow legislators, and I’m going to do everything I can to ensure this continuity government succeeds,” he stated.
The politician also took the opportunity to point out that he will fight to pass the security-related bills presented by the government.
He also denied that having defended individuals linked to drug trafficking disqualifies him as a legislator.
“I’m going to take on all the security bills that have been sent and work on them with all my knowledge, hoping that this will finally stop the cowardly insults from behind the veil of anonymity, trying to make me believe I’m a lawyer for criminals. I know where the loopholes in the law are, and I’m going to work to close all those loopholes for organized criminal groups (…). Only the ignorant believe that a lawyer is the same as their client. But to avoid any more of this nonsense, I’m retiring from practicing law, and here I am, at the service of the nation, at the service of President Laura Fernández, and at the service of my friend and dear brother, Rodrigo Chaves,” he added.
The legislator closed the press conference by stating, “Here I am, at the service of the Rodrigo movement, and I’m not leaving my faction. And I hope you won’t ask me about it anymore. José Miguel Villalobos is a member of the Sovereign People party.”
Focused Work
On August 12, President Laura Fernández announced her support for a proposal to prohibit legislators from practicing their profession or holding other jobs while serving in the Legislative Assembly.
The president stated that those who are part of the public service must dedicate their full time to the responsibilities they assumed upon being elected.
“I have always been very clear that people must dedicate themselves full-time to public service. You don’t see me selling services on Saturdays or Sundays after I leave the Casa Presidencial,” Fernández affirmed.
The president added that, personally, she considers it incompatible for a public official to hold other jobs while serving in office.
“Personally, as President of the Republic, I am against people who are serving the people of Costa Rica having other jobs simultaneously,” she stated.
Reactivation
Voluntary suspension is entirely reversible. Under Article 12 of the Bar’s autonomous regulations, the board automatically grants voluntary leaves of absence, and you maintain your underlying degree qualification. You can formally petition to reincorporate and reactivate your practice at any time, provided you fulfill any outstanding administrative fees or back-dues required upon return.