Problem Areas in Legal Ethics Case List of Atty.

Dechavez

I. Practice of Law

A. Concept
In re Edillon, A.C. No. 1928, Dec. 19. 1980;
Re: Letter of the U.P. Law Faculty to the SC on the Allegations of Plagiarism and
Misrepresentations in the SC, A.M. No. 10-10-4-SC, Mar. 8, 2011;
Dizon v. De Taza, A.C. No. 7676, Jun. 10, 2014;
Pichon v. Agleron, A.C. No. 5359, Mar. 10, 2014;
Brunet v. Guaren, A.C. No. 10164, Mar. 14, 2014;
Sanchez v. Aguilos, A.C. No. 10543, Mar. 16, 2016
Pacao v. Limos, A.C. No. 11246, Jun. 14, 2016;
Plumptre v. Rivera, A.C. No. 11350, Aug. 9, 2016)

B. Qualifications (In the Matter of the Admission to the Bar and Oath-Taking of Successful
Bar Applicant
Al C. Argosino, B.M. No. 712 July 13, 1995;
Alawi v. Alauya, A.M. No. SDC-97-2-P, Feb. 24, 1997;
Aguirre v. Rana, B.M. No. 1036, Jun. 10, 2003;
In re Dacanay, B.M. No. 1678, Dec. 7, 2007;
Llunar v. Ricafort, A.C. No. 6484, Jun. 16, 2015;
Caronan v. Caronan, A.C. No. 11316, Jul. 12, 2016)

C. Appearance of Non-lawyers
In re Joaquin, 241 SCRA 405;
Catimbuhan v. Cruz, G.R. 51813-14, Nov. 29, 1983;
Cruz v. Mina, G.R. 154207, April 27, 2007;
PAFLU vs. Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Co., 42 SCRA 302
D. Sanctions for Practice or Appearance Without Authority
Villahermosa v. Caracol, A.C. No. 7325, Jan. 21, 2015)

E. Public Officials and Practice of Law

Ramos v. Manalac, 89 Phil. 270;
In re David, 93 Phil. 461
 Peo v. Villanueva, 14, SCRA 109
Noriega v. Sison, 125 SCRA 293;
Lingan v. Baliga, A.C. No. 5377, June 30, 2014;
Eustaquio v. Navales, A.C. No. 10465, June 8, 2016;
Fajardo v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9018, April 20, 2016

F. Lawyers Authorized to Represent the Government

II. Lawyers’ Oath

(Ong v. De Los Santos, A.C. 10179, March 4, 2014;

 Madrid v. Dealca, A.C. 7474, Sept. 9, 2014;
Salabao v. Villaruel, A.C. No. 8084, Aug. 4, 2015;
Nulada v. Paulma, A.C. No. 8172, April 12, 2016;
Kruysel v. Abion, A.C. No. 5951, July 12, 2016)

III. Duty of the Lawyer to the Society

A. Duty to Uphold the Constitution and Obey the Laws of the Land
(Jimenez v. Verano, A.C. 8108, July 15, 2014;
Foster v. Agtang, A.C. 10579, Dec. 10, 2014;
Agot v. Rivera, A.C. 8000, Aug. 5, 2014;
Re: Violation of Rules on Notarial Practice,
A.M. 09-6-01-SC, Jan. 21, 2015;
Chu v. Guico, A.C. 10573, Jan. 13, 2015;
Sosa v. Mendoza, A.C. 8776, Mar. 23, 2015;
ACA v. Salvado, A.C. No. 10952, Jan. 26, 2016;
Canlapan v. Balayo, A.C. 10605, Feb. 17, 2016;
De Veza v. Del Prado, A.C. No. 9574, Jun. 21, 2016;
 Perez v. Katindig and Baydo, A.C. 5816, Mar. 10, 2015;
 Ecraela v. Atty. Pangalangan, A.C. 10676, Sept. 8, 2015;
Advincula v. Advincula, A.C. No. 9226, Jun. 14, 2016)

B. Duty to Make His Legal Services Available to the Public

(Purpose for the Establishment of Legal Aid Offices in IBP Chapters)
C. Duty to Observe Candor and Fairness
 (In re Ozaeta, 92 SCRA 1, Jul. 30, 1979)
D. Duty to Take Part in the Improvement of the Legal System
E. Duty to Keep Abreast with Legal Development
(Bumactao v. Atty. Fano, A.C. 10286, Apr. 7, 2014;
 Uy v. Atty. Maghari, A.C. 10525, Sept. 1, 2015;
 Aims and Objectives of MCLE;
 Arnado v. Adaza, A.C. No. 9834, Aug. 26, 2015)

F. Duty of a Lawyer Employed in the Government

( PCGG v. Sandiganbayan, 455 SCRA 526;
 Catu v. Rellosa, 546 SCRA 209;
Heck v. Gamotin, A.C. 5329, Mar. 18, 2014;
Areola v. Atty. Mendoza, A.C. 10135, Jan. 15, 2014;
 Facturan v. Barcelona, A.C. No. 11069, Jun. 8, 2016)
IV. Duty of the Lawyer to His Profession
A. Duty to Maintain the Dignity of the Profession
(Bansig v. Celera, AC 5581, Jan. 14, 2014;
 Nuezca v. Villa Garcia, A.C. No. 8210, Aug. 8, 2016)

B. Duty of Courtesy towards Fellow Lawyers

(Saberon v. Larong, A.C. No. 6567, Apr. 16, 2008;
Gimeno v. Zaide, AC 10303, April 21, 2015;
Noble v. Ailes, AC 10628, July 1, 2015;
Malabed v. De la Pena, A.C. No. 7594, Feb. 9, 2016)

C. Duty to be Fair to Fellow Lawyers

(Binay-an v. Addog, AC 10449, July 28, 2014)
D. Duty to Prevent Unauthorized Practice of Law
(Tapay v. Bancolo, AC 9604, Mar. 20, 2013;
 Angeles v. Baggay, AC 8103, Dec. 3, 2014)
V. Duty of the Lawyer to the Courts
A. Duty of Candor (Umaguing v. De Vera, A.C. No. 10451, Feb. 4, 2015)
B. Duty of Respect
(Nestle Phils. V. Sanchez, 154 SCRA 542;
 Maglucot-Aw v. Maglucot, 295 SCRA 78;
Habawel v. CTA, G.R. No. 174759, Sep. 7, 2011;
In re Kapunan, A.M. No. 13-11-09 SC, Aug. 12, 2014;
Enriquez v. Lavadia, A.C. No. 5686, June 16, 2015)
C. Duty to Assist in the Admin of Justice
(Crisostomo v. Nazareno, A.C. No. 6677, June 10, 2014;
De los Santos v. Barbosa, AC 6681, July 17, 2015;
Floran v. Ediza, A.C. No. 5325, Feb. 9, 2016)

D. Duty to Refrain from Impropriety

 (In re Almacen, 31 SCRA 532;
In re Bagabuyo, A.C. No. 7006, Oct. 9, 2007)

VI. Duty of the Lawyer to His Clients

A. Duty not to Refuse to Provide His Services
(Nery v. Sampana, A.C. No. 10196, Sep. 9, 2014;
Ruby v. Bayot, A.C. No. 10558, Feb. 23, 2015;
 Campugan v. Caluya, A.C. No. 8261/8725, Mar. 11, 2015)

B. Duty of Confidentiality
 (Aninon v. Sabitsana, A.C. No. 5098, Apr. 11, 2012;
 Lee v. Simando, A.C. No. 9537, Jun. 10, 2013;
Samson v. Era, A.C. No. 6664, Jul 15, 2013;
Jimenez v. Francisco, A.C. No. 10548, Dec. 10, 2014;
Diongzon v. Mirano, A.C. No. 2404, Aug. 17, 2016)

C. Duty of Loyalty
(Justo v. Galing, A.C. No. 6174, Nov. 16, 2011;
Sabitsana v. Muertegui, G.R. No. 181359, Aug. 5, 2013;
Daging v. Davis, A.C. No. 9395, Nov. 12, 2014;
 Jimenez v. Francisco, A.C. No. 10548, Dec. 10, 2014;
Anglo v. Valencia, A.C. No. 10567, Feb. 25, 2015;
 Tulio v. Buhangin, A.C. No. 7110, Apr. 20, 2016)

D. Duty of Fidelity
 (Trinidad v. Villarin, A.C. No. 9310, Feb. 27, 2013;
Pesto v. Millo, A.C. No. 9612, Mar. 13, 2013;
Ramirez v. Margallo, A.C. No. 10537, Feb. 3, 2015;
Maglente v. Agcaoili, A.C. No. 10672, Mar. 18, 2015;
Re: Decision dated Aug. 19, 2008, 3rd Division, Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 79904
v. Atty. Ferrer, A.C. No. 8037, Feb. 17, 2016;
AVIDA v. Argosino, A.C. No. 7437, Aug. 16, 2016)
E. Duty of Fiduciary (Jison v. Jiz, A.C. No. 9615, Mar 5, 2013;
San Pedro v. Mendoza, A.C. No. 5440, Dec 10, 2014;
Luna v. Galarrita, A.C. No. 10662, Jul. 7, 2015;
Foronda v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9976, Jun. 25, 2014;
Navarro v. Solidum, A.C. No. 9872, Jan 28, 2014;
Viray v. Sanicas, A.C. No. 7337, Sep. 29, 2014;
 Concepcion v. De la Rosa, A.C. No. 10681, Feb. 3, 2015;
 Yu v. De la Cruz, A.C. No. 10912, Jan. 19, 2016;
Ramos v. Mandagan, A.C. No. 11128, Apr. 6, 2016;
Malangas v. Zaide, A.C. No. 10675, May 31, 2016)
F. Duty of Fairness
(Cadavedo v. Lacaya, G.R. No. 173188, Jan. 15, 2014;
 Dalupan v. Gacott, A.C. No. 5067, Jun. 29, 2015)

G. Duty of Competence and Diligence

(Penilla v. Alcid, A.C. No. 9149, Sep 4, 2013;
Sotto v. Palicte, G.R. No. 159691, Feb. 17, 2014;
Figueras v. Jimenez, A.C. No. 9116, Mar. 12, 2014;
Baens v. Sempio, A.C. No. 10378, Jun. 9, 2014;
 Foronda v. Alvarez, A.C. No. 9976, Jun. 25, 2014;
Layos v. Villanueva, A.C. No. 8085, Dec. 1, 2014;
Tejano v. Baterina, A.C. No. 8235, Jan. 27, 2015;
Nonato v. Fudolin, A.C. No. 10138, Jun. 16, 2015;
Enriquez v. Lavadia, A.C. No. 5686, Jun. 16, 2015;
Francisco v. Flores, A.C. No. 10753;
 Gimena v. Sabio, A.C. No. 7178, Aug. 23, 2016)
VII. Discipline of Lawyers
A. Nature and Characteristics of Disciplinary Actions Against Lawyers
1. Sui Generis
(Ylaya v. Gacott, A.C. No. 6475, Jan. 13, 2013;
Bernaldez v. Anquilo-Garcia, A.C. 8698, Aug. 31, 2016)

2. Confidential
 (Tan v. Carpio Morales, G.R. 173940, Sept. 5, 2006)
3. Prescription
 (Calo v. De Gamo, A.C. 516, June 27, 1967)
4. Res Ipsa Loquitor
(The Christian Spiritists in the Philippines v. Mangallay, A.C. No. 10483, Mar. 18, 2016)
5. It may be initiated Motu Propio
(Borres v. Abela, G.R. No. 131023, July, 17, 2007)
B. Grounds for Disbarment
C. Proceedings
 (Agno v. Cagatan, A.C. No. 4515, July 14, 2008; Tamaray v. Daquis, A.C. No. 10868, Jan.
16, 2016)
D. Discipline of Filipino Lawyer’s Practice in Foreign Jurisdiction
E. Contempt
 (Montecillo v. Gica, G.R. L-36800, Oct. 21, 1974;
Silva v. Lee Jr., A.M. R-225-RTJ, Jan. 26, 1989;
Laurel v. Francisco, A.M. No. RTJ-06-1992, July 6, 2010
Re Verified Complaint of Thomas Merdegia, IPI 13-205-CA-J, A.C. No. 10300, Dec. 10,
2013;
PhilComSat v. Lokin and Labastilla, A.C. No. 11139, Apr. 19, 2016)
F. Effect of Pardon
 (In re Atty. Tranquilino Rovero, A.C. No. 126, Dec. 29, 1980)
VIII. Readmission to the Bar
A. Lawyers who have been suspended
(Maniago v. De dios, A.C. No. 7472, Mar. 30, 2010)
B. Lawyers who have been disbarred
 (Cui v. Cui, L-18727, Aug. 1964)
C. Lawyers who have been repatriated
(In re Dacanay, B.M. No. 1678, Dec, 17, 2007)
Judicial Ethics (New Code of Judicial Conduct)
IX. New Code of Judicial Conduct
A. Bangalore Draft
B. Applicability of the Canons of Judicial Ethics and the Code of Judicial Conduct
C. Qualities of an Ideal Judge
1. Independence
(Decena v. Malanyaon, A.M. No. RTJ-02-1669, Apr. 8, 2013;
 Ongcuangco v. Pinlac, A.M. No. RTJ-14-2402, Apr. 15, 2015)
2. Integrity
(Anonymous v. Achas, A.M. No. MTJ-11-1801, Feb. 27, 2013;
In re Gregory Ong, A.M. No. SB-14-21-J, Sept. 23, 2014;
Barias v. Rubia, A.M. No. RTJ-14-2388, Jun. 10, 2014)
3. Impartiality
 (Bernas v. Reyes, A.M. MTJ-09-1728, Jul. 21, 2010;
 Jorda v. Bitas, A.M. RTJ-14-2376, Mar. 4, 2014;
 Lopez v. Lucmayon, A.M. No. MTJ-13-1837, Sept. 24, 2014;
 Tormis v. Paredes, A.M. No. RTJ-13-2366, Feb. 4, 2015;
Pangandag v. Abinal, A.M. No. MTJ-16-1877, June 13, 2016)

4. Propriety
(Lorenzana v. Austria, A.M. No. RTJ-09-2200, Apr. 2, 2014;
Arevalo v. Mantua, A.M. RTJ-13-2760, Nov. 19, 2014) 
5. Equality
6. Competence and Diligence
(Oca v. Necessario, A.M. No. MTJ-07-1691, Apr. 2, 2013;
Garado v. Torres, A.M. No. MTJ-11-1778, June 5, 2013;
Carbajosa v. Patricio, A.M. No. MTJ-13-1834, Oct. 20, 2013;
Junio v. Beltran, A.M. RTJ-14-2367, Jan. 14, 2014;
Tupal v. Rojo, A.M. MTJ-14-1842, Feb. 24, 2014;
Marcelo v. Pichay, A.M. MTJ-13-1838, Mar. 12, 2014;
Garay v. Venadas, A.M. No. RTJ-06-2000, June 16, 2014;
Uy v. Flores, A.M. RTJ-12-2332, June 25, 2014;
 Andres v. Nambi, A.C. No. 7158, Mar. 9, 2015
; Complaint by Parreno against Justices Leagogo, Ybanez, Lazaro-Javier, OCA IPI 14-220-
CA-J, Mar. 17, 2015;
 Bandoy v. Jacinto, A.M. No. RTJ-14-2399, Nov. 19, 2015;
 Balanay v. White, A.M. No. RTJ-16-2443, Jan. 11, 2016)
X. Discipline of Members of the Judiciary
A. Supreme Court
 (In the matter of the charges of Plagiarism against J. Del Castillo, A.M. No. 10-7-17—SC,
Feb. 8, 2011)
B. Lower Court Judges and Justices of the CA, SB and CTA
(Office of the Court Administrator v. Amor, A.M. RTJ-08-2440, Oct. 7, 2014; Campos v.
Campos, A.C. 8644, Jun. 20, 2014;
OCA v. Tormis, Resolution 5, A.C. No. 9920, Aug. 30, 2016)
C. Disqualification of Justices and Judges (Rule 137)