Requisites for Admissions to the Bar Lawyers Oath Importance of the Lawyers Oath In Re: Al C.

. Argosino 270 SCRA 26 Orbes v. Deciembre De Guzman v. De Dios Code of Professional Responsibility (Promul ated !une "#$ #%&&' Donton vs ansingco Da!an Sta. Ana C"ristian #eig"bor"oo$ Association% Inc. vs. &s'iritu Roberto Soriano vs Att! . (anuel Dizon ). *A+ IS A vs. A , . S&RGIO &. *&R#A*& -&IRS O. -& /A & S0S )I//A#+&)A vs. A ,. SA/+D 0. *&RADIO Samala v. )alencia S . /O+IS +#I)&RSI , /A*ORA OR, -IG- SC-OO/ 1S/+2/-S3 .AC+/ , an$ S A..vs. A CR+4 A$vincula v.(acabata Ron5uilio% et. al v. C"avez ing2Dumali vs orres A. A/CA# ARA vs. A Dizon vs. /ambino /i6auco v. erra$o 0AGCOR vs. CARA#DA#G Re: Re'ort on t"e .inancial Au$it Con$ucte$ on t"e *oo7s o8 Accounts o8 Att!. Ra5uel G. 9"o% Cler7 o8 Court I)% R C% Oras% &astern Samar : G+&)ARRA vs. A , . :OS& &((A#+&/ &A/A Canon " Canon ( S's. ;illiams v. &nri5uez 2. :uan Dulalia% :r.% vs Att!. 0ablo C. Cruz , . (ARIA#O 0&.IA#CO ,. RO/A#DO C. D&/A

Canon )
CA#O# 6 2 -&S& CA#O#S S-A// A00/, O /A;,&RS I# GO)&R#(&# S&R)IC&S I# -& DISC-ARG& O. -&IR AS9S. Rule 6.0< 2 "e 'rimar! $ut! o8 a la=!er engage$ in 'ublic 'rosecution is not to convict but to see t"at 6ustice is $one. "e su''ression o8 8acts or t"e concealment o8 =itnesses ca'able o8 establis"ing t"e innocence o8 t"e accuse$ is "ig"l! re're"ensible an$ is cause 8or $isci'linar! action. Rule 6.02 2 A la=!er in t"e government service s"all not use "is 'ublic 'osition to 'romote or a$vance "is 'rivate interests% nor allo= t"e latter to inter8ere =it" "is 'ublic $uties. Rule 6.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not% a8ter leaving government service% acce't engagement or em'lo!ment in connection =it" an! matter in ="ic" "e "a$ intervene$ ="ile in sai$ service.

*yussen +, -uttiere. (AC/)010' PC-- +, 2andi anbayan (Apr, #"$ "11(' Lim3 2antia o +, 2a ucio 1AC?670@3

4acts5 "is is a $isbarment com'laint against Att!. Carlos *. Sagucio 8or violating Rule <@.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! an$ 8or $e8!ing t"e 'ro"ibition against 'rivate 'ractice o8 la= ="ile =or7ing as government 'rosecutor. /im2Santiago conten$s t"at Saguvio is guilt! o8 re'resenting con8licting interests. "e latter being t"e 8ormer 0ersonnel (anager an$ Retaine$ Counsel o8 aggat In$ustries% 7ne= t"e o'erations o8 aggat ver! =ell. Sagucio s"oul$ "ave in"ibite$ "imsel8 8rom "earing% investigating an$ $eci$ing t"e case 8ile$ b! aggat em'lo!ees regar$ing non2'a!ment o8 salaries an$ =ages..urt"ermore% com'lainant claims t"at res'on$ent instigate$ t"e 8iling o8 t"e cases an$ even "arasse$ an$ t"reatene$ aggat em'lo!ees to acce$e an$ sign an a88i$avit to su''ort t"e com'laint. Sagucio claims t"at ="en t"e criminal com'laint =as 8ile$% res'on$ent "a$ resigne$ 8rom aggat 8or more t"an 8ive !ears. -e asserts t"at "e no longer o=e$ "is un$ivi$e$ lo!alt! to aggatA an$ t"at it =as "is s=orn $ut! to con$uct t"e necessar! 'reliminar! investigation. In a$$ition% "e also asserts t"at

no con8licting interests eBist because "e =as not re'resenting aggat em'lo!ees or com'lainant. Res'on$ent claims "e =as merel! 'er8orming "is o88icial $ut! as Assistant 0rovincial 0rosecutor. Sagucio also argues t"at /im2Santiago 8aile$ to establis" t"at "is act =as tainte$ =it" 'ersonal interest% malice an$ ba$ 8ait". Issue5 ;"et"er or not being a 8ormer la=!er o8 aggat con8licts SaguciaCs role as Assistant 0rovincial 0rosecutor. Rulin 5 Clearl!% as a 8ormer 0ersonnel (anager an$ /egal Counsel o8 aggat% Sagucio un$oubte$l! "an$le$ t"e 'ersonnel an$ labor concerns o8 aggat. "e issues% t"ere8ore% in I.S. #o. D722E0% are ver! muc" 8amiliar =it" "im. ;"ile t"e issues o8 un'ai$ salaries 'ertain to t"e 'erio$s <DD62<DD7% t"e mec"anics an$ 'ersonalities in t"at case are ver! muc" 8amiliar =it" Res'on$ent. A la=!er o=es somet"ing to a 8ormer client. Sagucio o=es to aggat% a 8ormer client% t"e $ut! to Fmaintain inviolate t"e clientCs con8i$ence or to re8rain 8rom $oing an!t"ing ="ic" =ill in6uriousl! a88ect "im in an! matter in ="ic" "e 'reviousl! re'resente$ "im.G ;"ile Sagucio argues t"at as Assistant 0rovincial 0rosecutor% "e $oes not re'resent an! client or an! interest eBce't 6ustice. It s"oul$ not be 8orgotten% "o=ever% t"at a la=!er "as an immutable $ut! to a 8ormer client =it" res'ect to matters t"at "e 'reviousl! "an$le$ 8or t"at 8ormer client. In t"is case% matters relating to 'ersonnel% labor 'olicies% an$ labor relations t"at "e 'reviousl! "an$le$ as 0ersonnel (anager an$ /egal Counsel o8 aggat. +n$er Civil Service /a= an$ rules% t"e 'enalt! 8or government em'lo!ees engaging in unaut"orize$ 'rivate 'ractice o8 'ro8ession is sus'ension 8or siB mont"s an$ one $a! to one. "e Court 8in$ t"is 'enalt! a''ro'riate 8or SagucioCs violation in t"is case o8 Rule <.0<% Canon < o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Accor$ingl!% "e =as sus'en$e$ 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or siB mont"s e88ective u'on 8inalit! o8 t"is Decision.

Canon 0
C-A0 &R II. -& /A;,&R A#D -& /&GA/ 0RO.&SSIO# CA#O# 7 2 A /A;,&R S-A// A A// I(&S +0-O/D -& I# &GRI , A#D DIG#I , O. -& /&GA/ 0RO.&SSIO# A#D S+00OR -& AC I)I I&S O. -& I# &GRA &D *AR. Rule 7.0< 2 A la=!er s"all be ans=erable 8or 7no=ingl! ma7ing a 8alse statement or su''ressing a material 8act in connection =it" "is a''lication 8or a$mission to t"e bar. Rule 7.02 2 A la=!er s"all not su''ort t"e a''lication 8or a$mission to t"e bar o8 an! 'erson 7no=n b! "im to be un5uali8ie$ in res'ect to c"aracter% e$ucation% or ot"er relevant attribute. Rule 7.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not engage in con$uct t"at a$versel! re8lects on "is 8itness to 'ractice la=% nor s"all "e ="et"er in 'ublic or 'rivate li8e% be"ave in a scan$alous manner to t"e $iscre$it o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession.

2amala +s, Pala6a 1A$m. Case #o. 6@D@% A'ril <@% 200@% :ustice Azcuna3 4AC725 "is is a com'laint 8ile$ b! :ose'" Samala against res'on$ent Att!. Antonuitti 9. 0alana 8or allege$ 8rau$ulent activities t"at violate t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Due to t"e 'ersonal re'resentations an$ assurances o8 res'on$ent% com'lainant 6oine$ t"e com'an! o8 .irst Im'erial Resources% Inc. 1.IRI3% believing t"at it is a re'utable com'an! base$ in t"e )irgin Islan$s ="ic" "as been in t"e 8oreign eBc"ange business 8or <> !ears. Subse5uentl!% com'lainant $eci$e$ to 'ull out "is investment an$ sent .IRI a letter re5uesting t"e =it"$ra=al o8 "is investment amounting to +SH<0%000 an$ giving .IRI <0 $a!s to 're'are t"e mone!. -e =as given a c"ec7 =Ic =as $is"onore$ because it =as DAI. 1$ra=n against insu88icient 8un$s3. -e =as reassure$ over an$ over again t"at it =ill be 8un$e$ but =as $isa''ointe$. Com'lainant 8ile$ 8or &sta8a against .IRICs 0resi$ent 0aul Desi$erio but suc" 'erson i$entit! =as i$enti8ie$ to be 8ictitious. Res'on$ent =as instrumental in t"e issuance o8 t"e c"ec7 signe$ b! t"e allege$ 0resi$ent o8 .IRI% 0aul Desi$erio% ="ose ="ereabouts coul$ not be locate$ an$ ="ose i$entit! =as un7no=n 8or res'on$ent =as t"e one ="o "an$e$ 'ersonall! to t"e "erein com'lainant t"e c"ec7 ="ic" =as $is"onore$ $ue to insu88icient 8un$s% ="en it =as t"e ver! res'on$ent% Att!. 0alana% ="o allege$l! assure$ t"at t"e c"ec7 =as 8un$e$. Res'on$ent =as also one o8 t"ose allege$ o88icers o8 .IRI ="o assure$ com'lainant t"at "is investment =as $irectl! 'lace$ in a re'utable com'an!. I22895 ;"et"er or not Att! (auricio "as violate$ Rule 7.0> o8 Canon 7 o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!% ="ic" states: Rule 7.0> J A la=!er s"all not engage in con$uct t"at a$versel! re8lects on "is 8itness to 'ractice la=% nor s"all "e% ="et"er in 'ublic or 'rivate li8e% be"ave in a scan$alous manner to t"e $iscre$it o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession. R8LI:-5 Res'on$ent Att!. Antonuitti 9. 0alana is 8oun$ G+I/ , o8 violating Rule 7.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! an$ "ereb! S+S0&#D&D 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or a 'erio$ o8 t"ree 1>3 !ears e88ective 8rom recei't o8 t"is Resolution% =it" a ;AR#I#G t"at a re'etition o8 t"e same or similar acts =ill be $ealt =it" more severel!. It is clear t"at t"e re'resentations o8 res'on$ent as legal o88icer o8 .IRI cause$ material $amage to com'lainant. In so $oing% res'on$ent 8aile$ to u'"ol$ t"e integrit! an$ $ignit! o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession an$ lessene$ t"e

con8i$ence o8 t"e 'ublic in t"e "onest! an$ integrit! o8 t"e same.

Canon & CA#O# K 2 A /A;,&R S-A// CO#D+C -I(S&/. ;I - CO+R &S,% .AIR#&SS A#D CA#DOR O;ARDS -IS 0RO.&SSIO#A/ CO//&AG+&S% A#D S-A// A)OID -ARASSI#G AC ICS AGAI#S O00OSI#G CO+#S&/. Rule K.0< 2 A la=!er s"all not% in "is 'ro8essional $ealings% use language ="ic" is abusive% o88ensive or ot"er=ise im'ro'er. Rule K.02 2 A la=!er s"all not% $irectl! or in$irectl!% encroac" u'on t"e 'ro8essional em'lo!ment o8 anot"er la=!er% "o=ever% it is t"e rig"t o8 an! la=!er% =it"out 8ear or 8avor% to give 'ro'er a$vice an$ assistance to t"ose see7ing relie8 against un8ait"8ul or neglect8ul counsel.

;ap3Paras +s Atty, Paras 1AC?EDE73 4AC725 A 0etition =as 8ile$ b! Rosa ,a'20aras 'ra!ing 8or t"e $isbarment o8 "er estrange$ "usban$ Att!. :usto 0aras on allege$ acts o8 $eceit% mal'ractice% grave miscon$uct% grossl! immoral con$uct an$ violation o8 "is oat" as a la=!er. On .ebruar! D% <D6@% t"e c"il$ren o8 /e$esma $e :esus 0aras2Sumabong% eBecute$ a S'ecial 0o=er o8 Attorne! 're'are$ b! t"e res'on$ent to sell 'arcels o8 lan$ locate$ in (atobato% *in$o!% #egros Oriental giving aut"orit! to t"eir mot"er to sell t"e sub6ect real 'ro'erties. /e$esma eBecute$ a Dee$ o8 Absolute Sale in 8avor o8 Aurora D!2,a'.

Rosa 8oun$ out t"at a 8ree 'atent title to t"e a8oresai$ 'ro'ert! =as issue$ in res'on$entCs name an$ also a LuitclaimIRenunciation o8 0ro'ert! Rig"ts an$ Interest Over Real 0ro'ert! eBecute$ b! /e$esma $e :esus. Com'lainant allege$ t"at t"e a8orementione$ a''lication =as ma$e b! t"e res'on$ent =it"out "er 7no=le$ge an$ consent an$ t"ose acts o8 $eceit% mac"inations an$ 8alsi8ication o8 $ocuments =ere $eliberatel! =ill8ull!% an$ maliciousl! committe$ b! t"e res'on$ent. In "is Comment% res'on$ent allege$ t"at com'lainant =as obviousl! not t"e o=ner o8 t"e 'ro'erties an$ consi$ering t"at t"e 'ro'erties =ere a''lie$ 8or 8ree 'atent titling $uring t"eir marital union 'rior to its brea7age% com'lainant =as li7e=ise a communal o=ner t"ereo8 an$ as suc" =as also com'laining against "ersel8. Res'on$ent also alleges t"at t"e "eirs are not .ili'inos t"ere8ore not 5uali8ie$ to receive t"e 'atent grant. I22895 ;"et"er t"e res'on$ent s"oul$ be $isbarre$ or sus'en$e$. R8LI:-5 It must be un$erstoo$ t"at t"e 'ur'ose o8 sus'en$ing or $isbarring an attorne! is to remove 8rom t"e 'ro8ession a 'erson ="ose miscon$uct "as 'rove$ "im un8it to be entruste$ =it" t"e $uties an$ res'onsibilities belonging to t"e o88ice o8 an attorne!% an$ t"us to 'rotect t"e 'ublic an$ t"ose c"arge$ =it" t"e a$ministration o8 6ustice% rat"er t"an to 'unis" t"e attorne!. Regar$ing t"e argument t"at t"e "eirs are not .ili'inos% t"e Court "el$ t"at t"e instant case is not t"e 'ro'er 8orum to a$$ress suc" issue. .urt"ermore% as correctl! "el$ b! t"e Investigating Commissioner% Fit is immaterial as to ="o institute$ t"e com'laint 8or as long as t"ere =as a violation o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!.G Res'on$ent =as S+S0&#D&D 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or a 'erio$ o8 one 1<3 !ear% =it" a ;AR#I#G t"at commission o8 t"e same or similar o88ense in t"e 8uture =ill result in t"e im'osition o8 a more severe 'enalt!.

Canon #1 C-A0 &R III. -& /A;,&R A#D -& CO+R S CA#O# <0 2 A /A;,&R O;&S CA#DOR% .AIR#&SS A#D GOOD .AI - O -& CO+R . Rule <0.0< 2 A la=!er s"all not $o an! 8alse"oo$% nor consent to t"e $oing o8 an! in CourtA nor s"all "e mislea$% or allo= t"e Court to be misle$ b! an! arti8ice. Rule <0.02 2 A la=!er s"all not 7no=ingl! mis5uote or misre'resent t"e contents o8 a 'a'er% t"e language or t"e argument o8 o''osing counsel% or t"e teBt o8 a $ecision or aut"orit!% or 7no=ingl! cite as la= a 'rovision alrea$! ren$ere$ ino'erative b! re'eal or amen$ment% or assert as a 8act t"at ="ic" "as not been 'rove$. Rule <0.0> 2 A la=!er s"all observe t"e rules o8 'roce$ure an$ s"all not misuse t"em to $e8eat t"e en$s o8 6ustice. 2amala +, <alencia (same C) = L>'

?ali aya +, @oronilla (AC/)#%&' 4acts5 Att!. Antonio G. Doronilla% :r. o8 t"e :u$ge A$vocate GeneralCs Service is a$ministrativel! c"arge$ o8 unet"ical con$uct 8or "aving uttere$ a 8alse"oo$ in o'en court $uring a "earing o8 a Civil Case #o. L2DD2>K77K% an action 8or $amages 8ile$ b! com'lainant Renato (. (aliga!a% a $octor an$ retire$ colonel o8 t"e Arme$ .orces o8 t"e 0"ili''ines% against several militar! o88icers 8or ="om Att!. Doronilla stoo$ as counsel. At one 'oint% $uring t"e civil case "earing on .eb <D% 2002 "e state$ t"at t"ere =as an agreement bet=een t"e

'arties t"at i8 t"e! =it"$ra= t"e case against Dr. (aliga!a% t"e latter =ill also =it"$ra= all t"e cases against "is clients. So% =it" t"at un$erstan$ing% Dr. (aliga!a even retire$ an$ is no= receiving 'ension. "e 'resi$ing :u$ge Da=a!% or$ere$ Att!. Doronilla to 'ut "is statements in =riting an$ F8ile t"e a''ro'riate 'lea$ing.G ;ee7s 'asse$ but Att!. Doronilla submitte$ no suc" 'lea$ing or an!t"ing else to substantiate "is averments. "us% on A'ril 2002 a com'laint =as 8ile$ against Att!. Doronilla in t"e Integrate$ *ar o8 t"e 0"ili''ines 1I*03 Commission on *ar Disci'line 8or committing a violation o82 CA#O# <0MA /A;,&R O;&S CA#DOR% .AIR#&SS% A#D GOOD .AI - O -& CO+R . Rule <0.0<MA la=!er s"all not $o an! 8alse"oo$% nor consent to t"e $oing o8 an! in courtA nor s"all "e mislea$% or allo= t"e Court to be misle$ b! an! arti8ice. During t"e investigation% Att!. Doronilla a$mitte$ t"ere is no agreement but t"ere =as a 'ro'osal to $ismiss an$ to =it"$ra= all t"e cases. -e sai$ t"at "e sai$ it Fto settle t"e case amicabl! among comra$es in arms =it"out going to trialG. In $ue time% investigating commissioner /!$ia A. #avarro submitte$ a re'ort an$ recommen$ation 8in$ing Att!. Doronilla guilt! o8 'ur'osel! stating a 8alse"oo$ in violation o8 Canon <0% Rule <0.0< o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! an$ recommen$ing t"at "e be Fsus'en$e$ 8rom t"e government militar! service as legal o88icer 8or a 'erio$ o8 t"ree mont"s.G "is =as a$o'te$ an$ a''rove$ in toto b! t"e I*0 *oar$ o8 Governors. Issue5 ;O# Att!. Doronilla is in violation o8 Canon <0% Rule <0.0< o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! an$ ;O# t"e sus'ension is 'ro'er. *eld5 Att!. Doronilla breac"e$ t"ese 'erem'tor! tenets o8 et"ical con$uct. #ot onl! t"at% "e violate$ t"e la=!erCs oat" to F$o no 8alse"oo$% nor consent to t"e $oing o8 an! in court%G o8 ="ic" Canon <0 an$ Rule <0.0< are but restatements. -is act in8ringe$ on ever! la=!erCs $ut! to Fnever see7 to mislea$ t"e 6u$ge or an! 6u$icial o88icer b! an arti8ice or 8alse statement o8 8act or la=.G "e eB'lanation submitte$ b! Att!. Doronilla% remar7able onl! 8or its s'eciousness% cannot absolve "im. "ere is not"ing in t"e $ut! o8 a la=!er to 8oster 'eace among $is'utants t"at% in an! =a!% ma7es it necessar! un$er an! circumstances 8or counsel to state as a 8act t"at ="ic" is not true. "e sus'ension re8erre$ to in Section 27% Rule <>K o8 t"e Rules o8 Court% means onl! sus'ension 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la=Mit =oul$ be im'ro'er 8or t"e Court% as a 'enalt! 8or a la=!erCs breac" o8 legal et"ics an$ t"e la=!erCs oat"% "is sus'ension 8rom "is em'lo!ment in t"e :u$ge A$vocate GeneralCs Service. A8ter all% t"e onl! 'ur'ose o8 t"is a$ministrative case is to $etermine Att!. DoronillaCs liabilit! as a member o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession% not "is liabilit! as a legal o88icer in t"e militar! service. "ere =ere also mitigating circumstances consi$ere$ suc" as "is a$mission to "is $eceit% t"e 8act t"at t"ere =as no material $amage to t"e com'lainant an$ it being "is 8irst o88ense. "us% t"e 'enalt! =as amen$e$ to sus'ension 8rom 'ractice o8 la= 8or t=o 123 mont"s% =it" =arning against re'etition o8 similar miscon$uct.

PL82 B8IL@9R2$ I:C, and 9, C, -ARCIA$ vs. A77;, A, 9, R9<ILLA$ !R,$ A.C. #o. 70@6 2006

Se'tember <>%

4AC725
Com'lainants c"arge$ Att!. Anastacio &. Revilla% :r. =it" committing a =ill8ul an$ intentional 8alse"oo$ be8ore t"e courtA misusing court 'roce$ure an$ 'rocesses to $ela! t"e eBecution o8 a 6u$gmentA an$ collaborating =it" non2la=!ers in t"e illegal 'ractice o8 la=. 0lus *uil$ers Inc. 8ile$ be8ore t"e 0rovincial A$6u$icator o8 Cavite 10ARAD3 o8 DAR% t"e 0rovincial A$6u$icator o8 Cavite 10ARAD3 ren$ere$ a consoli$ate$ Decision in 8avor o8 'etitionerIcom'lainant N0lus *uil$ers% Inc.O% an$ against NtenantsI8armersO. enantsI8armers 8ile$ several veri8ie$ 'lea$ings as 'art o8 t"e recor$s o8 DARA* cases above2mentione$ alleging un$er oat" t"at t"e! =ere J(AGSASA9A#G #A(+(+;ISA#J or mere tenants o8 sub6ect 'ro'erties% ac7no=le$ging t"e rig"ts o8 t"e registere$ o=ners at t"at time% even be8ore t"e o=ners"i' an$ title =ere trans8erre$ to 0etitionerI Com'lainant 0lus *uil$ers% Inc. On DecNemberO <7% <DDD% counsel 8or &#A# SI.AR(&RS ="o at t"at time =as Att!. Damian S. :. )ellaseca% 8ile$ a 'ro28orma (otion 8or Reconsi$eration an$ (ani8estation B B B. As a result% 0ARAD $i$ not give $ue course to t"e same. anot"er counsel 8or &#A# SI.AR(&RS% b! t"e name o8 Att!. ;ill! G. RoBas% ="o re'resente$ "imsel8 as counsel 8or &#A# SI.AR(&RS% 8ile$ a mani8estation stating t"at "e is re'resenting &#A# SI.AR(&RS an$ allege$ t"at t"e! =ere Jbona 8i$eJ members o8 t"e N9ala!aan Develo'ment Coo'erativeO 19DC3. "erea8ter% "e 8ile$ a #otice o8 A''eal on (arc" 27% 2000 stating t"at t"e! receive$ t"e Decision on (arc" <E% 2000 an$ allege$ t"at t"e Decision is against t"e la= an$ 6uris'ru$ence. On (a! ><% 200<% Res'on$ent Anastacio Revilla :r.% 7no=ing t"at t"ere =as a monetar! 6u$gment b! =a! o8 Disturbance Com'ensation grante$ to enantsI.armers% 8ile$ a J(otion 8or /eave o8 Court to Allo= Correction o8 Ca'tion an$ Amen$ment o8 :u$gmentJ A8ter realizing t"at "is motion 8aile$ to give "im bene8icial monetar! gain 8rom t"e 0ARAD 6u$gment% a 0etition 8or 0reliminar! In6unction =it" 'ra!er 8or Issuance o8 em'orar! Restraining Or$er an$ to Luas" Alias ;rit o8 &Becution =it" Demolition 'lus Damages $ate$ :ul! <K% 200< =as 8ile$ b! Res'on$ent be8ore t"e DARA* Central O88ice% Luezon Cit!% not=it"stan$ing t"e 8act t"at t"is instant case =as a''eale$ b! anot"er la=!er. Report and Recommendation of the IBP3CB@ Investigating Commissioner &s'ina 8oun$ res'on$ent guilt! o8 violating t"e attorne!Js oat" an$ t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Allege$l!% res'on$ent "a$ Pmaliciousl! conceale$ t"e $e8eat o8 "is clients in t"e case be8ore t"e 0ARAD o8 Cavite an$ t"e "ig"er courts%P in or$er to secure a tem'orar! restraining or$er 8rom t"e R C o8 Imus% Cavite. As a result% "e =as able to $ela! t"e eBecution o8 t"e 'rovincial a$6u$icatorJs Decision $ate$ #ovember <@% <DDD.

(oreover% Commissioner &s'ina o'ine$ t"at t"e c"arge t"at res'on$ent "a$ been engage$ in t"e unla=8ul 'ractice o8 la= =as neit"er satis8actoril! eB'laine$ nor s'eci8icall! $enie$ b! t"e latter. "e 8ailure o8 res'on$ent to $o so le$ to t"e 'resum'tion t"at t"e allegation =as true.

*9L@5 /a=!ers are o88icers o8 t"e court% calle$ u'on to assist in t"e a$ministration o8 6ustice. "e! act as vanguar$s o8 our legal s!stem% 'rotecting an$ u'"ol$ing trut" an$ t"e rule o8 la=. "e! are eB'ecte$ to act =it" "onest! in all t"eir $ealings% es'eciall! =it" t"e courts. )eril!% t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! en6oins la=!ers 8rom committing or consenting to an! 8alse"oo$ in court or 8rom allo=ing t"e courts to be misle$ b! an! arti8ice. (oreover% t"e! are oblige$ to observe t"e rules o8 'roce$ure an$ not to misuse t"em to $e8eat t"e en$s o8 6ustice. Canon D an$ Rule D.0< o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! 'rovi$e t"us: "Canon 9 A lawyer shall not directly or indirectly assist in the unauthorized practice of law. 'Rule 9.01 A lawyer shall not dele ate to any un!ualified person the perfor"ance of any tas# which $y law "ay only $e perfor"ed $y a "e"$er of the %ar in ood standin .'"

Canon ## CA#O# << 2 A /A;,&R S-A// O*S&R)& A#D (AI# AI# -& R&S0&C D+& O -& CO+R S A#D O :+DICIA/ O..IC&RS A#D S-O+/D I#SIS O# SI(I/AR CO#D+C *, O -&RS. Rule <<.0< 2 A la=!er s"all a''ear in court 'ro'erl! attire$. Rule <<.02 2 A la=!er s"all 'unctuall! a''ear at court "earings. Rule <<.0> 2 A la=!er s"all abstain 8rom scan$alous% o88ensive or menacing language or be"avior be8ore t"e Courts. Rule <<.0E 2 A la=!er s"all not attribute to a :u$ge motives not su''orte$ b! t"e recor$ or "ave no materialit! to t"e case. Rule <<.0@ 2 A la=!er s"all submit grievances against a :u$ge to t"e 'ro'er aut"orities onl!. Lacurom +, Atty, !acoba (AC/(%"#' !ohnny : +, Atty, Alar (AC/0"("'

-o a,A,a !aime 7, -aisano +, Abro ar G.R. #o. <E@2<>% (arc" 2K% 2006 Azcuna% :.: 4acts5 International &Bc"ange *an7 o'ene$ a cre$it line in 8avor o8 Alberto /oo!u7o to ="ic" :imm! Go eBecute$ a Suret! Agreement bin$ing "imsel8 soli$aril! 8or all t"e $ebts incurre$ un$er t"e cre$it line. "e $e8en$ants 8aile$ to 'a! t"us t"e *an7 8ile$ 8or t"e collection o8 sum o8 mone! be8ore t"e R C o8 (a7ati. All t"roug"out t"e 'rocee$ings% Go =as re'resente$ b! Att!. Ronal$ :avier. On October 7% <DDD% t"e R C ren$ere$ a $ecision% 8in$ing Go an$ /oo!u7o 6ointl! an$ severall! liable 8or 0D6%000.00. "e $ecision =as receive$ b! Att!. :avier as counsel o8 recor$ 8or Go on October 20% <DDD. *ut 'rior to t"is recei't% on Se'tember >0%<DDD% Att!. :avier =rote to Go in8orming t"e latter t"at "e =as =it"$ra=ing "is services as counsel. Go% "o=ever% 8ormall! release$ Att!. :avier onl! on October 2D%<DDD t"roug" a notice o8 termination ="ic" =as attac"e$ to t"e F&ntr! o8 A''earanceG 8ile$ =it" t"e R C on #ovember @% <DDD b! GoCs ne= counsel% Att!. Gregorio Cane$a :r. "e! 8ile$ a motion 8or reconsi$eration o8 t"e October 7% <DDD $ecision but =as $enie$. #otice o8 A''eal =as also 8ile$ but it =as also $enie$ on t"e groun$ t"at t"e reglementar! 'erio$ o8 "as alrea$! eB'ire$ on #ovember E% <DDD. On (arc" 6% 2000% Go 8ile$ a 'etition 8or certiorari un$er Rule 6@ claiming t"at "e s"oul$ not be boun$ b! t"e recei't o8 t"e $ecision o8 Att!. :avier ="o =as no longer "is counsel ="en t"e latter receive$ t"e $ecision. On (a! <@% 2000% "e Court o8 A''eals $enie$ t"e 'etition 8or lac7 o8 merit an$ u'"el$ t"e $ecision o8 t"e trial court. "e Court 8in$s t"e con$uct o8 t"e 'etitioner an$ "is counsel ver! im'ro'er% s'eci8icall! in ma7ing serious accusation against R C :u$ge Abrogar. "e! claim t"at Abrogar an$ t"e ot"ers =ere in ca"oots in t"eir common ob6ective to 'in $o=n (r. :imm! Go. Issue5 ;"et"er or not Att! Cane$a :r. =ill be "el$ liable 8or t"e accusations as against :u$ge Abrogar. *eld5 ,es. Canon << 'rovi$es t"at FA la=!er s"all observe an$ maintain t"e res'ect $ue to t"e courts an$ to 6u$icial o88icers an$ s"oul$ insist on similar con$uct b! ot"ers.G "e attac7 ma$e as against :u$ge Abrogar is consi$ere$ as a serious accusation t"at ero$es t"e trust an$ con8i$ence in our 6u$icial s!stem. .or all t"eir $erogator! im'lications% t"e! are clearl! unsubstantiate$ an$ $isres'ect8ul to a member o8 t"e benc". "us% Att!. Cane$a :r. an$ :imm! Go =ere strictl! =arne$ not to ma7e $isres'ect8ul statements as against a 6u$ge =it"out evi$ence. "e $ecision o8 t"e Court o8 A''eals regar$ing t"e collection suit =as a88irme$.

Canon #" CA#O# <2 2 A /A;,&R S-A// &Q&R &)&R, &..OR A#D CO#SID&R I -IS D+ , O ASSIS I# -& S0&&D, A#D &..ICI&# AD(I#IS RA IO# O. :+S IC&. Rule <2.0< 2 A la=!er s"all not a''ear 8or trial unless "e "as a$e5uatel! 're'are$ "imsel8 on t"e la= an$ t"e 8acts o8 "is case% t"e evi$ence "e =ill a$$uce an$ t"e or$er o8 its 'ro8errence. -e s"oul$ also be rea$!

=it" t"e original $ocuments 8or com'arison =it" t"e co'ies. Rule <2.02 2 A la=!er s"all not 8ile multi'le actions arising 8rom t"e same cause. Rule <2.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not% a8ter obtaining eBtensions o8 time to 8ile 'lea$ings% memoran$a or brie8s% let t"e 'erio$ la'se =it"out submitting t"e same or o88ering an eB'lanation 8or "is 8ailure to $o so. Rule <2.0E 2 A la=!er s"all not un$ul! $ela! a case% im'e$e t"e eBecution o8 a 6u$gment or misuse Court 'rocesses. Rule <2.0@ 2 A la=!er s"all re8rain 8rom tal7ing to "is =itness $uring a brea7 or recess in t"e trial% ="ile t"e =itness is still un$er eBamination. Rule <2.06 2 A la=!er s"all not 7no=ingl! assist a =itness to misre'resent "imsel8 or to im'ersonate anot"er. Rule <2.07 2 A la=!er s"all not abuse% bro=beat or "arass a =itness nor nee$lessl! inconvenience "im. Rule <2.0K 2 A la=!er s"all avoi$ testi8!ing in be"al8 o8 "is client% eBce't: 1a3 on 8ormal matters% suc" as t"e mailing% aut"entication or custo$! o8 an instrument% an$ t"e li7eA or 1b3 on substantial matters% in cases ="ere "is testimon! is essential to t"e en$s o8 6ustice% in ="ic" event "e must% $uring "is testimon!% entrust t"e trial o8 t"e case to anot"er counsel.

Oli+ares andBor Oli+are. Realty Co,+, <illalon AC #o. 6>2> A'ril <>% 2007 Corona% :.: 4acts5 Olivares allege$ t"at )illalonCs client Al Ras"ee$ re'eate$l! sue$ "im 8or violations o8 t"e lease contract ="ic" eBecute$ over a commercial a'artment in Olivares *uil$ing in 0arana5ue. In $e8ense% )illalon conten$ t"at "e =as onl! 'er8orming "is legal obligation as a la=!er to 'rotect an$ 'rosecute t"e interests o8 "is client. "e case =as re8erre$ to I*0 8or investigation% re'ort an$ recommen$ation. "e Commission on *ar Disci'line 1C*D3 o8 t"e I*0 8oun$ t"at Ras"ee$ in re'eate$l! suing Olivares 8or t"e same cause o8 action an$ sub6ect matter. "e case =as $ismisse$ in <DDD 8or lac7 o8 interest to 'rosecute. +n$er Rule <7 Sec. > ROC% suc" "as t"e e88ect on a$6u$ication on merits. C*D recommen$e$ 8or sus'ension o8 )illalon 8or 6 mont"s =it" a =arning. I*0 a$o'te$ t"e 8in$ings "o=ever mo$i8ie$ t"e recommen$e$ 'enalt! to a mere re'riman$. Issue5 ;"et"er or not )illalon violate$ Canon <2 *eld5 ,es% Canon <2 ="ic" 'rovi$es t"at: FA la=!er s"all not 8ile multi'le actions arising 8rom t"e same cause.G A la=!erCs 8i$elit! to "is client must not be 'ursue$ at t"e eB'ense o8 trut" an$ 6ustice. /a=!ers "ave t"e $ut! to assist in t"e s'ee$! an$ e88icient a$ministration o8 6ustice. .iling multi'le actions constitutes an abuse o8 t"e CourtCs 'rocesses. It constitutes im'ro'er con$uct t"at ten$s to im'e$e% obstruct an$ $egra$e 6ustice. "ose ="o 8ile multi'le or re'etitive actions sub6ect t"emselves to $isci'linar! action 8or incom'etence or =ill8ul violation o8 t"eir $uties as attorne!s to act =it" all goo$ 8i$elit! to t"e courts% an$ to maintain onl! suc" actions t"at a''ear to be 6ust an$ consistent =it" trut" an$ "onor. @ecision5 Re'riman$ insu88icient. C*D recommen$ation siB2mont" sus'ension is commensurate to violation "o=ever in vie= o8 res'on$ents $eat" t"e $isci'linar! case is moot an$ aca$emic

2ambaCon et, al +, 2uin

(AC/01)"'

Canon #( CA#O# <@ 2 A /A;,&R S-A// O*S&R)& CA#DOR% .AIR#&SS A#D /O,A/ , I# A// -IS D&A/I#GS A#D RA#SAC IO#S ;I - -IS C/I&# S. Rule <@.0<. 2 A la=!er% in con8erring =it" a 'ros'ective client% s"all ascertain as soon as 'racticable ="et"er t"e matter =oul$ involve a con8lict =it" anot"er client or "is o=n interest% an$ i8 so% s"all 8ort"=it" in8orm t"e 'ros'ective client. Rule <@.02.2 A la=!er s"all be boun$ b! t"e rule on 'rivilege communication in res'ect o8 matters $isclose$ to "im b! a 'ros'ective client. Rule <@.0>. 2 A la=!er s"all not re'resent con8licting interests eBce't b! =ritten consent o8 all concerne$ given a8ter a 8ull $isclosure o8 t"e 8acts. Rule <@.0E. 2 A la=!er ma!% =it" t"e =ritten consent o8 all concerne$% act as me$iator% conciliator or arbitrator in settling $is'utes. Rule <@.0@. 2 A la=!er ="en a$vising "is client% s"all give a can$i$ an$ "onest o'inion on t"e merits an$ 'robable results o8 t"e clientJs case% neit"er overstating nor un$erstating t"e 'ros'ects o8 t"e case. Rule <@.06. 2 A la=!er s"all not state or im'l! t"at "e is able to in8luence an! 'ublic o88icial% tribunal or legislative bo$!. Rule <@.07. 2 A la=!er s"all im'ress u'on "is client com'liance =it" t"e la=s an$ t"e 'rinci'les o8 8airness. Rule <@.0K. 2 A la=!er ="o is engage$ in anot"er 'ro8ession or occu'ation concurrentl! =it" t"e 'ractice o8 la= s"all ma7e clear to "is client ="et"er "e is acting as a la=!er or in anot"er ca'acit!. :orthwestern 8ni+ +s Arquillo (AC/))D"' -on.ales +s Atty, Cabucana (AC/)&D)'

Pere. +s @ela 7orre 1AC?6<603 4acts5 In a com'laint $ate$ :ul! >0% 200>% #estor 0erez c"arge$ res'on$ent Att!. Danilo $e la orre =it" miscon$uct or con$uct unbecoming o8 a la=!er 8or re'resenting con8licting interests. 0erez allege$ t"at "e is t"e baranga! ca'tain o8 *inanuaanan% Calabanga% Camarines SurA t"at in December 200<% several sus'ects 8or mur$er an$ 7i$na''ing 8or ransom% =ere a''re"en$e$ an$ 6aile$ b! t"e 'olice aut"orities. Dela orre =ent to t"e munici'al buil$ing o8 Calabanga ="ere t"e sus'ects =ere being $etaine$ an$ ma$e re'resentations t"at "e coul$ secure t"eir 8ree$om i8 t"e! sign t"e 're'are$ eBtra6u$icial con8essions. It =as un7no=n to t"e t=o accuse$% res'on$ent =as re'resenting t"e "eirs o8 t"e mur$er victimA t"at on t"e strengt" o8 t"e eBtra6u$icial con8essions% cases =ere 8ile$ against t"em. Dela orre $enie$ t"e accusations against "im. -e eB'laine$ t"at ="ile being $etaine$ at t"e Calabanga (unici'al 0olice :ail% one o8 t"e accuse$ soug"t "is assistance in $ra8ting an eBtra6u$icial con8ession. "e com'laint =as re8erre$ to t"e Integrate$ *ar o8 t"e 0"ili''ines 1I*03 8or investigation% re'ort an$ recommen$ation.2 On August <6% 200@% t"e Investigating Commissioner submitte$ "is re'ort recommen$ing t"at Att!. Danilo $e la orre be sus'en$e$ 8or one 1<3 !ear 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession 8or violation o8 Rule <@.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Issue5 ;"et"er or not Dela orre is guilt! o8 violationg <@.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Rulin 5 In a$ministrative 'rocee$ings% t"e com'lainant "as t"e bur$en o8 'roving% b! substantial evi$ence% t"e allegations in "is com'laint. 0erez =as able to 'rove b! substantial evi$ence "is c"arge against Att!. $e la orre. "e res'on$ent a$mitte$ t"at "is services as a la=!er =ere retaine$ b! bot" t"e sus'ects. 0erez =as able to s"o= t"at at t"e time t"at Att!. $e la orre =as re'resenting t"e sai$ t=o accuse$% "e =as also re'resenting t"e interest o8 t"e victimCs 8amil!. "is =as $eclare$ b! t"e victimCs $aug"ter% )ic7! $e C"avez% ="o testi8ie$ be8ore *ranc" 6> o8 t"e Regional rial Court o8 Camarines Sur t"at "er 8amil! retaine$ t"e services o8 Att!. Dela orre to 'rosecute t"e case against "er 8at"erCs 7illers. S"e even a$mitte$ t"at s"e =as 'resent ="en Att!. $e la orre met =it" an$ a$vise$ Avila an$ Ilo on one occasion. "is is 'roo8 t"at t"e res'on$ent consciousl! o88ere$ "is services to Avila an$ Ilo $es'ite t"e 8act t"at "e =as alrea$! re'resenting t"e 8amil! o8 t"e victim +n$er Rule <@.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!% a la=!er s"all not re'resent con8licting interests eBce't b! =ritten consent o8 all concerne$ given a8ter a 8ull $isclosure o8 t"e 8acts. Res'on$ent is t"ere8ore $ut! boun$ to re8rain 8rom re'resenting t=o 'arties "aving con8licting interests in a controvers!. *! $oing 'recisel! t"e 8oregoing% an$ =it"out an! 'roo8 t"at Dela orre secure$ t"e =ritten consent o8 bot" 'arties a8ter eB'laining to t"em t"e eBisting con8lict o8 interest% res'on$ent s"oul$ be sanctione$. "us% t"e Court 8oun$ Dela orre guilt! o8 violation o8 Rule <@.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! 8or re'resenting con8licting interests. -e is sus'en$e$ 8or t"ree !ears 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la=% e88ective u'on "is recei't o8 t"e $ecision. -e is =arne$ t"at a re'etition o8 t"e same or similar acts =ill be $ealt =it" more severel!.

2amala +s <alencia (same C) = I#'

Canon #) CA#O# <6 2 A /A;,&R S-A// -O/D I# R+S A// (O#&,S A#D 0RO0&R I&S O. -IS C/I&# -A (A, CO(& I# O -IS 0RO.&SSIO#. Rule <6.0< 2 A la=!er s"all account 8or all mone! or 'ro'ert! collecte$ or receive$ 8or or 8rom t"e client. Rule <6.02 2 A la=!er s"all 7ee' t"e 8un$s o8 eac" client se'arate an$ a'art 8rom "is o=n an$ t"ose o8 ot"ers 7e't b! "im. Rule <6.0> 2 A la=!er s"all $eliver t"e 8un$s an$ 'ro'ert! o8 "is client ="en $ue or u'on $eman$. -o=ever% "e s"all "ave a lien over t"e 8un$s an$ ma! a''l! so muc" t"ereo8 as ma! be necessar! to satis8! "is la=8ul 8ees an$ $isbursements% giving notice 'rom'tl! t"erea8ter to "is client. -e s"all also "ave a lien to t"e same eBtent on all 6u$gments an$ eBecutions "e "as secure$ 8or "is client as 'rovi$e$ 8or in t"e Rules o8 Court. Rule <6.0E 2 A la=!er s"all not borro= mone! 8rom "is client unless t"e clientJs interest are 8ull! 'rotecte$ b! t"e nature o8 t"e case or b! in$e'en$ent a$vice. #eit"er s"all a la=!er len$ mone! to a client eBce't% ="en in t"e interest o8 6ustice% "e "as to a$vance necessar! eB'enses in a legal matter "e is "an$ling 8or t"e client.

<9L9E +s, A77;, @9 <9RA A.C. #o. 66D7% *ar (atter <227 an$ A.(. #o. 0@2@2<@2SC% 2@ :ul! 2006% 0er Curiam 1&n *anc3 Per Curiam5 *e8ore +s are t"ree consoli$ate$ cases revolving aroun$ Integrate$ *ar o8 t"e 0"ili''ines 1I*03 Governor an$ &Becutive )ice20resi$ent 1&)03 Att!. /eonar$ $e )era. "e 8irst 'ertains to a $isbarment case 5uestioning Att!. $e )eraJs moral 8itness to remain as a member o8 t"e 0"ili''ine *ar% t"e secon$ re8ers to Att!. $e )eraJs letter2 re5uest to sc"e$ule "is oat" ta7ing as I*0 #ational 0resi$ent% an$ t"e t"ir$ case concerns t"e vali$it! o8 "is removal as Governor an$ &)0 o8 t"e I*0 b! t"e I*0 *oar$.

"e resolution o8 t"ese cases =ill $etermine t"e national 'resi$enc! o8 t"e I*0 8or t"e term 200@22007. 1!ung $isbarment case na lang ilaga! 7o 'ara mas mai7si3 4AC725 On A'ril <<% 200@% 4oilo Antonio )elez 8ile$ a com'laint 8or t"e sus'ension an$Ior $isbarment o8 Att!. /eonar$ De )era base$ on t"e latterJs allege$ misre'resentation in concealing t"e sus'ension or$er ren$ere$ against "im b! t"e State *ar o8 Cali8ornia. )elez averre$ t"at Att!. De )era lac7e$ t"e moral com'etence necessar! to lea$ t"e countr!Js most noble 'ro8ession. It a''ears t"at Att!. De )era "an$le$ an insurance case in Cali8ornia involving a certain :ulius ;illis III ="o 8igure$ in an automobile acci$ent in <DK6. -e =as aut"orize$ b! t"e el$er ;illis 18at"er o8 :ulius3 8or t"e release o8 t"e 8un$s in settlement o8 t"e case. -e t"en receive$ a c"ec7 in settlement o8 t"e case ="ic" "e $e'osite$ to "is 'ersonal account. An a$ministrative case =as 8ile$ against "im be8ore t"e State *ar o8 Cali8ornia an$ it =as recommen$e$ t"at "e be sus'en$e$ 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or t"ree !ears. "erea8ter% Att!. $e )era resigne$ 8rom t"e Cali8ornia *ar ="ic" resignation =as acce'te$ b! t"e Su'reme Court o8 Cali8ornia. I22895 ;"et"er or not t"ere is substantial 'roo8 t"at Att!. De )era violate$ Canon << an$ <6 o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! 8or /a=!ers *9L@5 Att!. De )era is S+S0&#D&D 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or t=o !ears. -is letter2com'laint 'ra!ing 8or t"e $isa''roval o8 t"e Resolution removing "im 8rom t"e I*0 *oar$ an$ as I*0 &)0 is DIS(ISS&D. "e election o8 Att!. Salazar as I*0 &)0 8or t"e remain$er o8 t"e term 200>2200@ is A..IR(&D an$ "e is DIR&C &D to imme$iatel! ta7e "is oat" o8 o88ice an$ assume t"e 0resi$enc! o8 t"e I*0 8or t"e term 200@22007. "ere is substantial evi$ence o8 mal'ractice on t"e 'art o8 Att!. De )era in$e'en$ent o8 t"e recommen$ation o8 sus'ension b! t"e "earing o88icer o8 t"e State *ar o8 Cali8ornia. "e act o8 Att!. $e )era in "ol$ing on to "is clientCs mone! =it"out t"e latterCs ac5uiescence is con$uct in$icative o8 lac7 o8 integrit! an$ 'ro'riet!. It is clear t"at Att!. $e )era% b! $e'ositing t"e c"ec7 in "is o=n account an$ using t"e same 8or "is o=n bene8it is guilt! o8 $eceit% mal'ractice% gross miscon$uct an$ unet"ical be"avior. -e cause$ $is"onor% not onl! to "imsel8 but to t"e noble 'ro8ession to ="ic" "e belongs. .or% it cannot be $enie$ t"at t"e res'ect o8 litigants to t"e 'ro8ession is ineBorabl! $iminis"e$ ="enever a member o8 t"e 'ro8ession betra!s t"eir trust an$ con8i$ence. Res'on$ent violate$ "is oat" to con$uct "imsel8 =it" all goo$ 8i$elit! to "is client.

Arroyo3Posidio +s <itan 1AC?<6663 4acts5 In a veri8ie$ com'laint 8ile$ b! Celia Arro!o20osi$io on :une <E% 2002% s"e 'ra!e$ 8or t"e $isbarment o8 res'on$ent Att!. :eremias R. )itan on account o8 $eceit% 8rau$% $is"onest! an$ commission o8 acts in violation o8 t"e la=!erCs oat". Com'lainant "ire$ t"e services o8 )itan% an$ s"e 'ai$ "im 020%000.00 as legal 8ees. )itan t"erea8ter =it"$re= "is a''earance as counsel% t"us 8orcing 0osi$io to "ire t"e services o8 anot"er la=!er. Sometime in August <DD6% res'on$ent contacte$ com'lainant an$ convince$ com'lainant to 8ile anot"er case to recover "er s"are in t"e allege$ un$eclare$ 'ro'erties connecte$ to t"e 'revious case t"at t"e! =ere =or7ing on. )itan $eman$e$ 0<00%000.00 as legal 8ees. A8ter several mont"s% "o=ever% )itan 8aile$ to institute an! action. Com'lainant $eci$e$ to 8orego t"e 8iling o8 t"e case an$ as7e$ 8or t"e return o8 t"e 0<00%000.00% but res'on$ent re8use$ $es'ite re'eate$ $eman$s. "is 'rom'te$ 0osi$io to 8ile a case against )itan. "e trial court rule$ in 8avor o8 t"e 8ormer% $eman$ing t"e latter to 'a! t"e sum o8 0<00%000.00 'lus <2R interest an$ attorne!Cs 8ees. )itan 8ile$ 8or an (R but =as $enie$. A =rit o8 eBecution =as t"en a''rove$ b! t"e court. -e =as t"en 8orce$ to issue a c"ec7 amounting to 0<20%000 as 'a!ment. -o=ever% suc" c"ec7 =as $is"onore$. Des'ite =ritten notice an$ $eman$% "e re8use$ to com'l! =it" "is obligations. An a$ministrative com'laint 8or $isbarment =as t"en 8ile$ against )itan. "e Investigating Commissioner recommen$s t"at a 'enalt! ranging 8rom sus'ension 8or a 'erio$ o8 siB 163 mont"s to one 1<3 !ear at t"e $iscretion o8 t"e *oar$ be im'ose$ =it" =arning t"at re'etition o8 similar con$uct in t"e 8uture =ill =arrant a more severe 'enalt!. "e I*0 *oar$ o8 Governors a$o'te$ t"e 8in$ings but mo$i8ie$ t"e 'enalt! 8rom sus'ension to re'riman$ =it" stern =arning t"at a similar miscon$uct =ill =arrant a more severe 'enalt!.

Issue5 ;"et"er or not t"e 'enalt! im'ose$ is commensurate =it" t"e gravit! o8 )itanCs acts. Rulin 5 A la=!er s"oul$% at all times% com'l! =it" ="at t"e court la=8ull! re5uires. It bears stressing t"at t"e 6u$gment against )itan "as long become 8inal an$ eBecutor!. -o=ever% "e "as 8aile$ to com'l! =it" t"e or$er to 'a! com'lainant t"e amount o8 0<00%000.00 as =ell as interest an$ attorne!Cs 8ees. -is re8usal to com'l! =it" t"e sai$ or$er constitutes a =ill8ul $isobe$ience to t"e courtCs la=8ul or$ers. )itan never $enie$ t"e issuance o8 t"e c"ec7 or re8ute$ com'lainantCs allegations regar$ing t"e same. #eit"er $i$ "e 5uestion t"e veracit! o8 com'lainantCs evi$ence ="ic" consiste$ o8 t"e c"ec7 itsel8. #ee$less to sa!% t"e act o8 issuing a bouncing c"ec7 8urt"er com'oun$e$ res'on$entCs in8ractions. ime an$ again% t"e Court "el$ t"at t"e act o8 a la=!er in issuing a c"ec7 =it"out su88icient 8un$s to cover t"e same constitutes =ill8ul $is"onest! an$ immoral con$uct as to un$ermine t"e 'ublic con8i$ence in la= an$ la=!ers. Suc" con$uct in$icates t"e res'on$entCs un8itness 8or t"e trust an$ con8i$ence re'ose$ on "im% s"o=s suc" lac7 o8 'ersonal "onest! an$ goo$ moral c"aracter as to ren$er "im un=ort"! o8 'ublic con8i$ence an$ constitutes a groun$ 8or $isci'linar! action.

It is clear 8rom t"e 8oregoing t"at )itan 8ell s"ort o8 t"e eBacting moral an$ et"ical stan$ar$s im'ose$ on members o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession. ;"enever it is ma$e to a''ear t"at an attorne! is no longer =ort"! o8 t"e trust an$ con8i$ence o8 t"e 'ublic% it becomes not onl! t"e rig"t but also t"e $ut! o8 t"e Court% ="ic" ma$e "im one o8 its o88icers an$ gave "im t"e 'rivilege o8 ministering =it"in its *ar% to =it"$ra= t"e 'rivilege. "e Court believes t"at a 'enalt! o8 sus'ension is calle$ 8or un$er t"e circumstances.

?eneses +, ?acalino 1AC?66@<3

A@RI?I2I: vs. A77;, R, 2, !A<I9R A.C. #o. 2@D< Se't. K% 2006 4acts5 On <2 Se'tember <DK>% /eticia A$rimisin 8ile$ a com'laint2a88i$avit =it" t"e (inistr! o8 :ustice see7ing t"e $isbarment o8 Att!. Rolan$o S. :avier 8or $eceit an$ misre'resentation. Com'lainant alleges t"at on <2 :ul! <DK>% s"e =as intro$uce$ b! "er cousin% 0ablo A$rimisin% to res'on$ent. S"e nee$e$ t"e "el' o8 a la=!er in "aving "er son2in2la=% Al8re$o (onter$e ="o =as c"arge$ =it" t"e crime o8 5uali8ie$ t"e8t% release$ 8rom t"e Caloocan Cit! :ail. Com'lainant claims t"at res'on$ent a$vise$ "er to 8ile a bail bon$. Com'lainant in8orme$ res'on$ent t"at "er onl! mone! =as 0@00. Com'lainant conten$s t"at res'on$ent receive$ t"e mone!% issue$ a recei't an$ 'romise$ t"at (onter$e =oul$ be release$ 8rom 6ail t"e 8ollo=ing $a!. Com'lainant also alleges t"at res'on$ent 8aile$ to 7ee' "is 'romise in "aving (onter$e release$. Com'lainant =ent to res'on$entJs o88ice several times but it seeme$ t"at res'on$ent =as avoi$ing "er. (onter$e =as later release$ u'on settlement o8 t"e case =it" "is em'lo!er. Com'lainant claims t"at s"e $eman$e$ 8or t"e return o8 t"e 0@00 but res'on$ent 8aile$ to return t"is amount. Res'on$ent $i$ not 8ile an! comment or ans=er. -e onl! a''eare$ in t"e investigative "earings con$ucte$ b! t"e O88ice o8 t"e Solicitor General 1POSGP3. Res'on$ent% in "is testimon!% claims "e =as not "ire$ b! com'lainant as legal counsel. Res'on$ent alleges com'lainant onl! as7e$ "is "el' to secure a bail bon$. Res'on$ent a$mits "e receive$ 0@00 8or t"e bail bon$ an$ calle$ u' Carlos Alberto 1PAlbertoP3% an insurance agent. Res'on$ent claims "e gave t"e 0@00 to Alberto. -o=ever% t"e amount =as not su88icient to 'a! 8or t"e bon$. Res'on$ent $enies t"at "e 'romise$ to "ave (onter$e release$ imme$iatel!. Res'on$ent claims "e a$vise$ com'lainant to get bac7 "er mone! $irectl! 8rom Alberto. Alberto% t"e insurance agent% =as 'resente$ $uring t"e "earing. -e testi8ie$ t"at on 20 :ul! <DK>% res'on$ent came to "im to secure a bail bon$ 8or 5uali8ie$ t"e8t. Alberto s"o=e$ a co'! o8 t"e 'ersonal bail bon$ $ate$ 20 :ul! <DK>% issue$ b! 0"ili''ine 0"oeniB Suret! S Insurance% Inc. 1P0"ili''ine 0"oeniB Suret!P3 =it" a 'remium o80DE0 an$ costs o8 $ocumentar! stam's% notarial 8ees an$ clearances at 027D 8or a total o8 0<%2<D. Alberto claime$ "e issue$ a genuine bon$ but it =as not 8ile$ in court because com'lainant 8aile$ to 'a! t"e balance. "e bail bon$ ="ic" =as mar7e$ as &B"ibit P<P containe$ a stam'e$ P/imitation o8 /iabilit!P clause. "e clause states PAut"orize$ limit o8 t"e bon$ s"all not eBcee$ 020%000 an$ it is not vali$ 8or t"e8t an$ robber! cases.P "e 'ortion P#ot vali$ 8or t"e8t an$ robber! casesP =as $elete$ =it" a mar7ing 'en but t"is cancellation =as not signe$ or initiale$. Alberto =as as7e$ ="! t"e cancellation =as unsigne$. Alberto re'lie$ t"at "e "a$ no 7no=le$ge on ="o ma$e t"e stam' or t"e cancellation. Issue5 ;O# :avier is liable 8or violation o8 Canon <6 an$ Rule <K.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! *eld5 "e Court 8in$s res'on$ent liable 8or violation o8 Canon <6 an$ Rule <K.0> o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! 1PCo$eP3. "e Co$e man$ates ever! la=!er to "ol$ in trust all mone!s an$ 'ro'erties o8 "is client t"at ma! come into "is 'ossession. Conse5uentl!% a la=!er s"oul$ account 8or t"e mone! receive$ 8rom a client. "e Co$e also en6oins a la=!er not to neglect a legal matter entruste$ to "im% an$ "is negligence in connection t"ere=it" s"all ren$er "im liable. Cannon <62 a la=!er s"all "ol$ in trust all mone!s an$ 'ro'erties o8 "is client t"at ma! come into "is 'ro8ession Cannon <K.>2 a la=!er s"all not neglect a legal matter entruste$ to "im% an$ "is negligence in connection t"ere=it" s"all ren$er "im liable.

AL?9:@AR9E <2 A77;, LA:-I7 AC/01(0 4acts5 On @ (a! 200E% Davi$ /. Almen$arez% :r. 8ile$ com'laint be8ore t"e Integrate$ *ar o8 t"e 0"ili''ines 1I*03% see7ing t"e $isbarment o8 Att!. (inervo . /angit 8or acts unbecoming a la=!er. Com'lainant% as attorne!2in2 8act o8 "is mot"er 0ura /ioanag )$a. $e Almen$arez% =as t"e 'lainti88 in an e6ectment case be8ore t"e (unici'al rial Court o8 Dagu'an Cit!% *ranc" 2 to ="ic" Att!. /angit =as t"e 'lainti88. =o o8 t"e res'on$ents in t"e e6ectment case 'ai$ rentals amounting 02@@% 000.00 =as =it"$ra=n b! t"e counsel as con8irme$ b! t"e o88icer2 in2c"arge Cler7 o8 Court. Res'on$ent $i$ not in8orm com'lainant o8 t"ese transactions. Att!. /angit a''ro'riate$ t"e amount to "imsel8 because t"e com'lainants o=e "im "is attorne!Cs 8ees. Com'lainant% t"roug" "is ne= counsel Att!. (iguel D. /ari$a% sent res'on$ent on >0 :une 200> a 8inal $eman$ letter 8or t"e accounting an$ return o8 t"e 02@@% 000.00. Res'on$ent 8aile$ to re'l!. "us% t"is a$ministrative case. During trial% Att!. /angit re8use$ to "ee$ t"e or$ers o8 t"e I*0 re5uiring "im to 8ile an ans=er to t"e com'laint2a88i$avit an$% a8ter=ar$s% to a''ear at t"e man$ator! con8erence. Alt"oug" res'on$ent $i$ not a''ear at t"e con8erence% t"e I*0 gave "im anot"er c"ance to $e8en$ "imsel8 t"roug" a 'osition 'a'er. Still% res'on$ent ignore$ t"is $irective% eB"ibiting a blatant $isres'ect 8or aut"orit!. Issue5 ;O# Att!. /angit can unilaterall! a''ro'riate "is clientCs mone! 8or "imsel8 b! t"e mere 8act t"at t"e client o=es

"im attorne!Cs 8ees. *eld5 +'on release o8 t"e 8un$s to "im% res'on$ent coul$ "ave collecte$ an! lien ="ic" "e "a$ over t"em in connection =it" "is legal services% 'rovi$e$ "e gave 'rom't notice to com'lainant. A la=!er is not entitle$ to unilaterall! a''ro'riate "is clientCs mone! 8or "imsel8 b! t"e mere 8act t"at t"e client o=es "im attorne!Cs 8ees. In t"is case% res'on$ent $i$ not even see7 to 'rove t"e eBistence o8 an! lien% or an! ot"er rig"t t"at "e "a$ to retain t"e mone!. A la=!erCs 8ailure to turn over t"e mone! to "is client $es'ite t"e latterCs $eman$s gives rise to t"e 'resum'tion t"at "e "a$ converte$ t"e mone! 8or "is 'ersonal use an$ bene8it% a gross violation o8 general moralit! as =ell as o8 'ro8essional et"ics% im'airing 'ublic con8i$ence in t"e legal 'ro8ession% an$ ="ic" also ren$ers t"e la=!er liable 8or contem't. (ore s'eci8icall!% it ren$ers res'on$ent liable not onl! 8or violating t"e Co$e but also 8or contem't% as state$ in Section 2@% Rule <>K o8 t"e Rules o8 Court: S&C. 2@. +nla=8ul retention o8 clientCs 8un$sA contem't.M ;"en an attorne! un6ustl! retains in "is "an$s mone! o8 "is client a8ter it "as been $eman$e$ "e ma! be 'unis"e$ 8or contem't as an o88icer o8 t"e Court ="o "as misbe"ave$ in "is o88icial transactionsA but 'rocee$ings un$er t"is section s"all not be a bar to a criminal 'rosecution. .urt"er% a la=!er must observe an$ maintain res'ect not onl! to t"e courts% but also to 6u$icial o88icers an$ ot"er $ul! constitute$ aut"orities% inclu$ing t"e I*0. +n$er Rule <>D2* o8 t"e Rules o8 Court% t"e Court "as em'o=ere$ t"e I*0 to con$uct 'rocee$ings 8or t"e $isbarment% sus'ension% or $isci'line o8 attorne!s. ;"enever a la=!er is no longer =ort"! o8 t"e trust an$ con8i$ence o8 t"e 'ublic% t"is Court "as t"e rig"t an$ $ut! to =it"$ra= "is 'rivilege as o88icer o8 t"e Court an$ member o8 t"e *ar. "us% Att!. (inervo . /angit =as sus'en$e$ 8rom 'ractice o8 la= 8or t=o 123 !ears 8or violating Canons <% <<% <6 an$ <7 o8 Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. An$ or$ere$ 8or Restitution o8 t"e mone! a''ro'riate$.

Canon #0 CA#O# <7 2 A /A;,&R O;&S .ID&/I , O -& CA+S& O. -IS C/I&# A#D -& S-A// *& (I#D.+/ O. -& R+S A#D CO#.ID&#C& R&0OS&D I# -I(.

Canon #& CA#O# <K 2 A /A;,&R S-A// S&R)& -IS C/I&# ;I - CO(0& &#C& A#D DI/IG&#C&. Rules <K.0< 2 A la=!er s"all not un$erta7e a legal service ="ic" "e 7no=s or s"oul$ 7no= t"at "e is not 5uali8ie$ to ren$er. -o=ever% "e ma! ren$er suc" service i8% =it" t"e consent o8 "is client% "e can obtain as collaborating counsel a la=!er ="o is com'etent on t"e matter. Rule <K.02 2 A la=!er s"all not "an$le an! legal matter =it"out a$e5uate 're'aration. Rule <K.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not neglect a legal matter entruste$ to "im% an$ "is negligence in connection t"ere=it" s"all ren$er "im liable. Rule <K.0E 2 A la=!er s"all 7ee' t"e client in8orme$ o8 t"e status o8 "is case an$ s"all res'on$ =it"in a reasonable time to t"e clientJs re5uest 8or in8ormation.

2omotsot +s Atty, Ponte+edra AC?E2K@ 4AC725 On :ul! 2K% <DDE% com'lainant .lorencia (. Somosot 1no= $ecease$3 8ile$ a veri8ie$ com'laint against res'on$ent Att!. &lias A. 0onteve$ra 8or neglect o8 $ut! an$ 8or 'ro8essional miscon$uct 8or unla=8ull! 7ee'ing mone! belonging to "er. Somosot =as one o8 t"e 'lainti88s in a Civil Case% 8or reconve!ance an$ recover! o8 'ossession% 'en$ing be8ore t"e Regional rial Court o8 #egros Occi$ental% *ranc" @D% San Carlos Cit! an$ 0onteve$ra =as "er counsel. "e case "a$ been 'en$ing 8or 2> !ears alrea$! so t"e trial court or$ere$ t"e 'arties to submit t"eir res'ective memoran$a. Com'lainant re'eate$l! remin$e$ res'on$ent about t"e $ea$line% but res'on$ent still 8aile$ to 8ile a memoran$um. Instea$% res'on$ent allege$l! entere$ into an oral agreement =it" t"e o''osing counsel t"at t"e! =oul$ bot" 8orego =it" t"e 8iling o8 t"e memoran$um. A8ter almost t=o !ears% com'lainantCs $aug"ter% ;ilma S. 0ones% sent res'on$ent a mone! or$er 8or 0<%000 as 'a!ment 8or t"e 're'aration o8 t"e memoran$um. Since t"e 'erio$ 8or 8iling "a$ alrea$! la'se$% res'on$ent too7 no action on com'lainantCs re5uest.

;ilma learne$ t"at t"e case "a$ been submitte$ 8or $ecision =it"out an! memoran$a. S"e as7e$ t"at "er mone! be returne$. Res'on$ent ignore$ "er re5uest. "us% ;ilma 8ile$ t"e instant case. 0onteve$raCs argument: "at t"e com'lainantCs 8amil! la=!er% Att!. Ra!mun$o 0onteras% "an$le$ t"e 'rosecution o8 t"e case an$ t"e 'resentation o8 =itnesses. +n8ortunatel!% Att!. 0onteras $ie$ an$ "is notes =ere lost. I22895 ;"et"er res'on$ent violate$ t"e Canons o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit! in 8ailing to 8ile t"e re5uire$

memoran$um in t"e Civil Case an$ 8or 7ee'ing t"e mone! or$er $es'ite com'lainantCs re5uest 8or its return. R8LI:-5 "e Commission 8oun$ res'on$ent liable 8or breac" o8 "is 'ro8essional $uties an$ recommen$e$ t"at res'on$ent be R&0RI(A#D&D an$ ;AR#&D. "e Commission "el$ t"at t"ere =as no su88icient 6usti8ication 8or res'on$entCs 8ailure to 8ile t"e memoran$um. Regar$ing t"e mone! or$er% "o=ever% t"e Commission "el$ t"at com'lainantCs reme$! =as not to 'rocee$ a$ministrativel! against res'on$ent% ="o $i$ not 'resent t"e mone! or$er 8or 'a!ment% but to as7 8or a re8un$ 8rom t"e 'ost o88ice concerne$. Com'lainantCs 'ra!er 8or $amages is $enie$. A 'rocee$ing 8or sus'ension or $isbarment is not in an! sense a civil action ="ere t"e com'lainant is a 'lainti88 an$ t"e res'on$ent la=!er is a $e8en$ant. Disci'linar! 'rocee$ings involve no 'rivate interest an$ a88or$ no re$ress 8or 'rivate grievance.

Rollan +s :ara+al (AC/)>">'

C, B, R9;92vs. A77;, !9R9?IA2 R, <I7A: A.C. #o. @K>@ A'ril <@% 200@ 4acts5 "e com'laint alleges t"at sometime in :une 200<% com'lainant Carlos Re!es "ire$ t"e services o8 res'on$ent Att!. :eremias )itan 8or t"e 'ur'ose o8 8iling t"e a''ro'riate com'laint or c"arge against "is sister2in2la=% &stelita Re!es% an$ t"e latterJs niece% :ulieta 0. AlegonzaA t"at bot" =omen re8use$ to abi$e =it" t"e Decision o8 :u$ge :uan C. #abong% :r.% o8 t"e Regional rial Court% *ranc" >2% (anila% in Civil Case #o. DD2D26@7 or$ering t"e 'artition o8 t"e 'ro'erties le8t b! com'lainantJs brot"er Damaso *. Re!esA an$ t"at res'on$ent% a8ter receiving t"e amount o8 0<7%000.00% $i$ not ta7e an! action on com'lainantJs case. On A'ril <K% 200<% I*0 Commissioner #avarro submitte$ to t"e I*0 *oar$ o8 Governors "er Re'ort an$ Recommen$ation 5uote$ as 8ollo=s: PB B B. A8ter going over t"e evi$ence on recor$% t"e un$ersigne$ note$ t"at res'on$ent ignore$ all t"e Or$ers issue$ b! t"is Commission an$ neit"er $i$ "e com'l! =it" an! o8 t"ose Or$ers. Res'on$ent even 8aile$ to submit t"e res'onsive 'lea$ings "e "imsel8 re5ueste$ in "is motion an$ onl! sent "is assistant secretar! to re'resent "im in t"e sc"e$ule$ "earings o8 t"is case. +' to an$ until t"e 'resent% no 'lea$ings =as submitte$ $es'ite res'on$entJs allegations t"at "e =as collating evi$ence to 'rove "is si$e o8 t"e caseG. t"e com'laint submitte$ b! t"e com'lainant =as onl! a 8ormat in t"e sense t"at it =as not signe$ b! t"e res'on$entA t"e R C *ranc" #o. =as le8t blan7A t"ere =as no Civil Case #o. an$ t"ere =as no 'roo8 t"at sai$ 'lea$ing =as 8ile$ ="ic" amounts onl! to a mere scra' o8 'a'er an$ not a 'lea$ing or aut"enticate$ $ocument in t"e legal 'arlance. As it is% not"ing "a$ been $one b! t"e res'on$ent 8or t"e com'lainant as "is client 8or t"e legal 8ees "e collecte$ ="ic" =as 'ai$ b! t"e com'lainant as re8lecte$ in t"e recei'ts issue$ b! t"e res'on$ent in "an$=ritten 8orms an$ signe$ b! "im. Issue5 ;O# t"ere =as a violation o8 canon <K *eld5 "e act o8 receiving mone! as acce'tance 8ee 8or legal services in "an$ling com'lainantJs case an$ subse5uentl! 8ailing to ren$er suc" services is a clear violation o8 Canon <K o8 t"e Co$e o8 &rofessional Responsi$ility ="ic" 'rovi$es t"at a la=!er s"all serve "is client =it" com'etence an$ $iligence. (ore s'eci8icall!% Rule <K.0> states: "Rule 1'.0(. A lawyer shall not ne lect a le al "atter entrusted to hi") and his ne li ence in connection therewith shall render hi" lia$le." A member o8 t"e legal 'ro8ession o=es "is client entire $evotion to "is genuine interest% =arm zeal in t"e maintenance an$ $e8ense o8 "is rig"ts. An attorne! is eB'ecte$ to eBert "is best e88orts an$ abilit! to 'reserve "is clientJs cause% 8or t"e un=avering lo!alt! $is'la!e$ to "is client li7e=ise serves t"e en$s o8 6ustice. )eril!% t"e entruste$ 'rivilege to 'ractice la= carries =it" it t"e corres'on$ing $uties% not onl! to t"e client% but also to t"e court% to t"e bar an$ to t"e 'ublic.

@e 9nrique. +s Atty, 2an !ose (AC/D()%' 2oriano +s Atty, Reyes (AC/>)0)' Adecer +s Atty, AAut (AC/>&1%'

Balatbat +s Arias 2anche. AC? <666 4AC725 In t"e Com'laint $ate$ Se'tember K% <D76% /uisito *alat2bat allege$ t"at "e engage$ t"e services o8 Att!. &$gar$o Arias ! Sanc"ez to un$erta7e "is $e8ense in t"e sai$ civil case. Accor$ing to com'lainant% "e $i$ not atten$ t"e sc"e$ule$ "earings because res'on$ent tol$ "im t"at t"ere =as no nee$ to be 'resent. *ut ="en "e veri8ie$ t"e status o8 t"e case 8rom t"e t"en Cit! Court o8 (anila% "e =as sur'rise$ to learn t"at a Decision $ate$ :une 2<% <D76 "a$ alrea$! been ren$ere$ ="ic" =as a$verse to "im. Att!. Sanc"ez allege$ t"at it =as /uisito ="o al=a!s cannot atten$ t"e sc"e$ule$ "earings.

"ere =as also a con8usion as to t"e i$entit! o8 Atty, 9d ardo Arias y 2anche. an$ Atty, 9d ardo 2orca Arias living in 0ala=an. :ust a$$e$ $rama because ="en t"e notice o8 t"e "earing =as sent% it =as sent to Att!. Sorca in 0ala=an an$ not to Att!. Arias in (anila. I22895 ;"et"er t"e res'on$ent s"oul$ be $isbarre$ or sus'en$e$.

R8LI:-5 Res'on$ent =as S+S0&#D&D 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or one 1<3 mont"% an$ =arne$ t"at a re'etition o8 t"e same act s"all be $ealt =it" more severel!. "e settle$ rule is t"at t"e attorne!2client relation continues until t"e client gives a notice o8 $isc"arge% or mani8ests to t"e court or tribunal ="ere t"e case is 'en$ing t"at counsel is being $isc"arge$% =it" a co'! serve$ u'on t"e a$verse 'art!. "us% t"e onl! =a! to be relieve$ as counsel is to "ave eit"er t"e =ritten con8ormit! o8 "is client or an or$er 8rom t"e court relieving "im o8 t"e $uties o8 counsel% in accor$ance =it" Rule <>K% Section 2620 o8 t"e Rules o8 Court. Res'on$entCs actuations li7e=ise violate Rule <K.0E% ="ic" man$ates t"at a la=!er 7ee' t"e client in8orme$ o8 t"e status o8 t"e case an$ res'on$ =it"in a reasonable time to a clientCs re5uest 8or in8ormation. A client must never be le8t in t"e $ar7 8or to $o so =oul$ $estro! t"e trust% 8ait" an$ con8i$ence re'ose$ in t"e la=!er so retaine$ in 'articular an$ t"e legal 'ro8ession in general.

Canon #% CA#O# <D 2 A /A;,&R S-A// R&0R&S&# -IS C/I&# ;I - 4&A/ ;I -I# -& *O+#DS O. -& /A;. Rule <D.0< 2 A la=!er s"all em'lo! onl! 8air an$ "onest means to attain t"e la=8ul ob6ectives o8 "is client an$ s"all not 'resent% 'artici'ate in 'resenting or t"reaten to 'resent un8oun$e$ criminal c"arges to obtain an im'ro'er a$vantage in an! case or 'rocee$ing. Rule <D.02 2 A la=!er ="o "as receive$ in8ormation t"at "is client "as% in t"e course o8 t"e re'resentation% 'er'etrate$ a 8rau$ u'on a 'erson or tribunal% s"all 'rom'tl! call u'on t"e client to recti8! t"e same% an$ 8ailing ="ic" "e s"all terminate t"e relations"i' =it" suc" client in accor$ance =it" t"e Rules o8 Court. Rule <D.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not allo= "is client to $ictate t"e 'roce$ure in "an$ling t"e case. Briones +, !imene. (AC/))%#'

@alisay +, ?auricio$ !r, AC? @6@@ :an.2>% 2006 San$oval2Guttierrez% :.: 4acts5 Dalisa! "ire$ t"e services o8 (auricio% :r. In a Civil Case in ( C. Documents an$ attorne!Cs 8ees amounting to 0@6%000 =ere given an$ 'ai$ but t"e (auricio never ren$ere$ "is legal services. Dalisa! terminate$ t"e attorne!2client relations"i' an$ $eman$e$ t"e return o8 mone! an$ $ocuments but (auricio re8use$. I*0 Commission on *ar Disci'line recommen$e$ re8un$ing t"e legal 8ees to t"e com'lainant but t"e com'laint =as $ismisse$. I*0 *oar$ o8 Governors 'asse$ a resolution an$ a''rove$ Commissioner #avarroCs re'ort an$ recommen$ation. +'on learning t"e $ecision% (aurico =ent to ( C to veri8! t"e status o8 t"e case% "e learne$ t"at t"at t"e taB $eclarations an$ title =ere not o88icial recor$s 8rom (unici'al Assessor an$ Registr! o8 Dee$s. (auricio 8ile$ a com'laint against Dalisa! 8or violation o8 <7< an$ <72 an$Ior <K2 o8 R0C. 1.alsi8ication3 -ence t"is motion 8or reconsi$eration. Issue5 ;"et"er or not (auricio violate$ Canon <DT *eld5 ,es% Canon <D C0R outlines t"e 'roce$ure in $ealing =it" client ="o 'er'etrate$ 8rau$ in t"e course o8 a legal 'rocee$ing. (auricio accuse$ Dalisa! o8 o88ering 8alsi8ie$ evi$ence in t"e Civil case ="ic" 'rom'te$ "im o8 8iling a com'laint an$ ="ic" 6usti8ies "is inabilit! to ren$er "is legal services. -o=ever suc" =ill not eBonerate t"e res'on$ent. It is man$ate$ t"at a la=!er s"all re'resent "is client =it" zeal an$ onl! =it"in t"e boun$s o8 la=.
Rule 19.0* +A lawyer who has received infor"ation that his clients has) in the course of the representation) perpetrated a fraud upon a person or tri$unal) shall pro"ptly call upon the client to rectify the sa"e) and failin which he shall ter"inate the relationship with such client in accordance with the Rules of Court.

/a=!ers are eB'ecte$ to 7no= t"is rule. -e s"oul$ "ave con8ronte$ "is client an$ as7e$ "er to recti8! "er 8rau$ulent re'resentation. I8 com'lainant re8uses t"en "e s"oul$ terminate "is relations"i' =it" "er. @ecision: (otion 8or Reconsi$eration Denie$. LiCauco +, 7errado 1same C<> S L23 A.C. #o. 6><7% August ><% 2006 ,nares2Santiago% :.: 4acts5 /uzvimin$a /i6auco engage$ t"e services o8 Att!. Rogelio erra$o to assist in recovering "er $e'osit =it" 0alnters Develo'ment *an7 in t"e amount o8 0<K0%000.00 an$ t"e release o8 "er 8oreclose$ "ouse an$ lot locate$ in Calamba% /aguna. S"e gave 070%000.00 as att!Cs 8ees u'on securing "is service. "e 'ro'ert! is t"e sub6ect o8 a 'etition 8or t"e issuance o8 a =rit o8 'ossession t"en 'en$ing be8ore t"e R C o8 *inan% =it" /RC Case #o. *2 26<0. /i6auco allege$ t"at Att!. erra$o 8aile$ to a''ear be8ore t"e trial court $uring t"e "earing 8or t"e issuance o8 t"e =rit o8 'ossession an$ $i$ not 'rotect "er interests in t"e Com'omise Agreement ="ic" s"e subse5uentl! entere$ to to en$ t"e case 8or t"e issuance o8 t"e =rit. Att!. erra$o $enie$ t"e accusations stating t"at t"e 070%000.00 =as 'a!ment 8or "is services regar$ing t"e recover! o8 t"e $e'osit =it" 0lanters Develo'ment *an7 an$ $i$ not inclu$e 8or t"e /RC Case #o. *226<0. A com'laint =as re8erre$ to t"e Integrate$ *ar o8 t"e

0"ili''ines. "e Investigating Commissioner submitte$ "is re5uest 8in$ing Att!. erra$o guilt! o8 violating Rules <.0< an$ D.02 o8 t"e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. Issue5 ;"et"er or not erra$o is guilt! o8 violating "e Co$e o8 0ro8essional Res'onsibilit!. *eld5 ,es. Att!. erra$o =as 8oun$ guilt! o8 violating Rules <.0<% D.02% <K.0> an$ 20.0< an$ =as sus'en$e$ 8rom t"e 'ractice o8 la= 8or siB mont"s. Rule <.0< o8 t"e Co$e 'rovi$es t"at a la=!er s"all not engage in unla=8ul% $is"onest% immoral or $eceit8ul con$uct. Att!. erra$o is guilt! o8 t"is because "e lea$ /i6auco to believe t"at s"e can still recover "er 8oreclose$ 'ro'ert! m! 'artici'ating in a com'romise agreement. Att!. erra$o is li7e=ise guilt! o8 violating Rule D.02 ="ic" 'rovi$es t"at a la=!er s"all not $ivi$e or sti'ulate to $ivi$e a 8ee 8or legal services =it" 'ersons not license$ to 'ractice la=. .or "e o'enl! a$mitte$ t"at "e $ivi$e$ t"e 070%000.00 to ot"er in$ivi$uals as re8erral 8ees. Rule <K.0> states t"at A la=!er s"all not neglect a legal matter entruste$ to "im% an$ "is negligence in connection t"ere=it" s"all ren$er "im liable. Recor$s s"o= t"at "e acte$ as /i6aucoCs counsel in t"e $ra8ting o8 t"e com'romise agreement. "us "is act o8 aban$oning "is client can ma$e "im ans=erable 8or suc". An$ lastl!% Rule 20 states t"at a la=!er s"all c"arge onl! 8air an$ reasonable 8ees. "e 8ee o8 070%000.00 8or legal assistance in t"e recover! o8 t"e $e'osit is unreasonable.

Canon "1 CA#O# 20 2 A /A;,&R S-A// C-ARG& O#/, .AIR A#D R&ASO#A*/& .&&S. Rule 20.0< 2 A la=!er s"all be gui$e$ b! t"e 8ollo=ing 8actors in $etermining "is 8ees: 1a3 t"e time s'ent an$ t"e eBtent o8 t"e service ren$ere$ or re5uire$A 1b3 t"e novelt! an$ $i88icult! o8 t"e 5uestions involve$A 1c3 "e im'ortance o8 t"e sub6ect matterA 1$3 "e s7ill $eman$e$A 1e3 "e 'robabilit! o8 losing ot"er em'lo!ment as a result o8 acce'tance o8 t"e 'ro88ere$ caseA 183 "e customar! c"arges 8or similar services an$ t"e sc"e$ule o8 8ees o8 t"e I*0 c"a'ter to ="ic" "e belongsA 1g3 "e amount involve$ in t"e controvers! an$ t"e bene8its resulting to t"e client 8rom t"e serviceA 1"3 "e contingenc! or certaint! o8 com'ensationA 1i3 "e c"aracter o8 t"e em'lo!ment% ="et"er occasional or establis"e$A an$ 163 "e 'ro8essional stan$ing o8 t"e la=!er. Rule 20.02 2 A la=!er s"all% in case o8 re8erral% =it" t"e consent o8 t"e client% be entitle$ to a $ivision o8 8ees in 'ro'ortion to t"e =or7 'er8orme$ an$ res'onsibilit! assume$. Rule 20.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not% =it"out t"e 8ull 7no=le$ge an$ consent o8 t"e client% acce't an! 8ee% re=ar$% costs% commission% interest% rebate or 8or=ar$ing allo=ance or ot"er com'ensation ="atsoever relate$ to "is 'ro8essional em'lo!ment 8rom an!one ot"er t"an t"e client. Rule 20.0E 2 A la=!er s"all avoi$ controversies =it" clients concerning "is com'ensation an$ s"all resort to 6u$icial action onl! to 'revent im'osition% in6ustice or 8rau$.

Cueto +s !imene. (AC/ (0%&' LiCauco +s 7errado (same C#D = PD' RoFas et, Al +s @e EuEuarre ui !r,1AC?<@20723 Canon "# CA#O# 2< 2 A /A;,&R S-A// 0R&S&R)& -& CO#.ID&#C& A#D S&CR& S O. -IS C/I&# &)&# A. &R -& A OR#&,2C/I&# R&/A IO# IS &R(I#A &D. Rule 2<.0< 2 A la=!er s"all not reveal t"e con8i$ences or secrets o8 "is client eBce'tA 1a3 ;"en aut"orize$ b! t"e client a8ter ac5uainting "im o8 t"e conse5uences o8 t"e $isclosureA 1b3 ;"en re5uire$ b! la=A 1c3 ;"en necessar! to collect "is 8ees or to $e8en$ "imsel8% "is em'lo!ees or associates or b! 6u$icial action.

Rule 2<.02 2 A la=!er s"all not% to t"e $isa$vantage o8 "is client% use in8ormation ac5uire$ in t"e course o8 em'lo!ment% nor s"all "e use t"e same to "is o=n a$vantage or t"at o8 a t"ir$ 'erson% unless t"e client =it" 8ull 7no=le$ge o8 t"e circumstances consents t"ereto. Rule 2<.0> 2 A la=!er s"all not% =it"out t"e =ritten consent o8 "is client% give in8ormation 8rom "is 8iles to an

outsi$e agenc! see7ing suc" in8ormation 8or au$iting% statistical% boo77ee'ing% accounting% $ata 'rocessing% or an! similar 'ur'ose. Rule 2<.0E 2 A la=!er ma! $isclose t"e a88airs o8 a client o8 t"e 8irm to 'artners or associates t"ereo8 unless 'ro"ibite$ b! t"e client. Rule 2<.0@ 2 A la=!er s"all a$o't suc" measures as ma! be re5uire$ to 'revent t"ose ="ose services are utilize$ b! "im% 8rom $isclosing or using con8i$ences or secrets o8 t"e clients. Rule 2<.06 2 A la=!er s"all avoi$ in$iscreet conversation about a clientJs a88airs even =it" members o8 "is 8amil!. Rule 2<.07 2 A la=!er s"all not reveal t"at "e "as been consulte$ about a 'articular case eBce't to avoi$ 'ossible con8lict o8 interest.

;ao +, Aurelio (AC/01"D' Canon "" CA#O# 22 2 A /A;,&R S-A// ;I -DRA; -IS S&R)IC&S O#/, .OR GOOD CA+S& A#D +0O# #O IC& A00RO0RIA & I# -& CIRC+(S A#C&S. Rule 22.0< 2 A la=!er ma! =it"$ra= "is services in an! o8 t"e 8ollo=ing case: 1a3 ;"en t"e client 'ursues an illegal or immoral course o8 con$uct in connection =it" t"e matter "e is "an$lingA 1b3 ;"en t"e client insists t"at t"e la=!er 'ursue con$uct violative o8 t"ese canons an$ rulesA 1c3 ;"en "is inabilit! to =or7 =it" co2counsel =ill not 'romote t"e best interest o8 t"e clientA 1$3 ;"en t"e mental or '"!sical con$ition o8 t"e la=!er ren$ers it $i88icult 8or "im to carr! out t"e em'lo!ment e88ectivel!A 1e3 ;"en t"e client $eliberatel! 8ails to 'a! t"e 8ees 8or t"e services or 8ails to com'l! =it" t"e retainer agreementA 183 ;"en t"e la=!er is electe$ or a''ointe$ to 'ublic o88iceA an$ 1g3 Ot"er similar cases. Rule 22.02 2 A la=!er ="o =it"$ra=s or is $isc"arge$ s"all% sub6ect to a retainer lien% imme$iatel! turn over all 'a'ers an$ 'ro'ert! to ="ic" t"e client is entitle$% an$ s"all coo'erative =it" "is successor in t"e or$erl! trans8er o8 t"e matter% inclu$ing all in8ormation necessar! 8or t"e 'ro'er "an$ling o8 t"e matter. 4rancisco et, al +, Portu al (AC/)#(('