TITLE: FIGUEROA V. BARRANCO JR.

Facts:
(S.B.C. 519, July 31, 1997)
Patricia Figueroa and Simeon Barranco were town-mates and teen
sweethearts. Their intimacy yielded to a child Simeon. Subsequently,
TOPIC: Grounds for gross immorality warranting permanent Simeon first promised he would marry her after he passes the bar
exclusion from the legal profession. examinations. Their relationship continued and Simeon allegedly made
more than twenty or thirty promises of marriage.
DOCTRINE:
Patricia learned that Simeon married another woman. Meanwhile, Simeon
The Supreme Court ruled that these facts do not constitute gross immorality successfully passed the 1970 bar examinations. But before he could
warranting permanent exclusion of herein respondent from the legal take his oath, Patricia filed a petition to disqualify Simeon to take the
profession. His engaging in premarital sexual relations with the complainant Lawyer’s Oath on the ground of gross immoral conduct.
and promises to marry suggest a doubtful moral character on his part but the
same does not constitute gross immoral conduct. To justify suspension or Issue/s:
disbarment, the act complained of must not only be immoral but grossly
immoral. Additionally, even assuming that his past indiscretions are Whether or not the act of Simeon in engaging in premarital relations with
ignoble, the twenty-six years that respondent has been prevented from being Patricia and making promises to marry her constitute gross immoral
a lawyer constitute sufficient punishment therefor. Henceforth, the Court conduct?
hereby dismissed the instant petition and herein respondent should be
allowed to take his lawyer’s oath. Rationale/Held:
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The SC ruled that the facts do not constitute gross immoral conduct
warranting a permanent exclusion of Simeon from the legal profession. His
Nature of Case:
engaging in premarital sexual relations with complainant and promises to
Administrative complaint.
marry suggests a doubtful moral character on his part but the same does not
constitute grossly immoral conduct. The Court has held that to justify
Brief:
suspension or disbarment the act complained of must not only be immoral,
This is an administrative complaint filed by Patricia Figueroa way back in
but grossly immoral.
1971, against respondent Simeon Barranco Jr., a successful bar candidate in
the 1970 Bar examination, praying thereto that herein respondent be denied
A grossly immoral act is one that is so corrupt and false as to constitute a
admission to the legal profession. In her petition, complainant averred that
criminal act or so unprincipled or disgraceful as to be reprehensible to a
respondent and she had been sweethearts, that a child out of wedlock was
high degree. It is wilful, flagrant, or shameless act, which shows a moral
born to them and that respondent failed to fulfill his promise to marry her
indifference to the opinion of respectable members of the community.
after he passes the bar examinations. Hence, complainant charged him of
gross immorality.
We cannot castigate a man for seeking out the partner of his dreams, for
marriage is a sacred and perpetual bond which should be entered into
because of love, not for any other reason.

Supreme Court Ruling:

WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DISMISSED. Respondent

Simeon Barranco, Jr. is ALLOWED to take his oath as a lawyer upon
payment of the proper fees.