BARRIENTOS VS.

DAAROL
A.C. No. 1512, January 29, 1993

FACTS:

The complainant, known to be Victoria Barrientos, single, college student, 20 years of age and 7 months
having a relationship with the respondent, Transfiguracion Daarol, married, member of the Integrated Bar
of the Philippines and a General Manager of Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, sometime from
July-October 1975.

The complainant did not know that the respondent is already married and had a son, seeks for his
disbarment on grounds of deceit and grossly immoral conduct after being deceived by his love and fooled
by his promise that he will marry her.

ISSUE: Whether or not Transfiguracion Daarol should be disbarred as lawyer.

HELD: Yes. Having exhibited debased morality, the Court is constrained to impose the respondent the most
severe disciplinary action-- disbarment. As officers of the court, lawyers must not only in fact be of good
moral character but must also be seen to be of good moral character and must lead a life in accordance with
the highest moral standards of the community. More specifically, a member of the Bar and an officer of the
Court is not only required to refrain from adulterous relationships or the keeping of mistresses but must
also behave himself in such a manner as to avoid scandalizing the public by creating the belief that he is
flouting those moral standards.