Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA)
Section 31. Preventive suspension. - After receipt of respondent's answer or lapse of the period therefor, the Supreme Court, on its own initiative, or upon the recommendation of the IBP Board of Governors, the Office of the Bar Confidant, or the fact-finding body referred to in Section 30, may suspend a lawyer from the practice of law during the pendency of the investigation for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) calendar days or until such suspension is lifted by the Supreme Court, in order to prevent interference with or obstruction of the investigation, tampering, concealment or destruction of evidence, intimidating or exerting undue influence on any witness.