4.

Misrepresentation and Non-payment

    

of IBP Dues
Soliman M. Santos, Jr. v. Atty.
Francisco R. Llamas
A.C. No. 4749. January 20, 2000

Facts: Complaint for misrepresentation and non-payment of bar membership dues. It

appears that Atty. Llamas, who for a number of years now, has not indicated the proper
PTR and IBP OR Nos. and data in his pleadings. If at all, he only indicated “IBP Rizal
259060” but he has been using this for at least 3 years already. On the other hand,
respondent, who is now of age, averred that he is only engaged in a “limited” practice of
law and under RA 7432, as a senior citizen, he is exempted from payment of income
taxes and included in this exemption is the payment of membership dues.

Held: GUILTY. Rule 139-A requires that every member of the Integrated Bar shall pay
annual dues and default thereof for six months shall warrant suspension of membership
and if nonpayment covers a period of 1-year, default shall be a ground for removal of the
delinquent’s name from the Roll of Attorneys. It does not matter whether or not
respondent is only engaged in “limited” practice of law. Moreover, the exemption invoked
by respondent does not include exemption from payment of membership or association
dues. 
            In addition, by indicating “IBP Rizal 259060” in his pleadings and thereby
misprepresenting to the public and the courts that he had paid his IBP dues to the Rizal
Chpater, respondent is guilty of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility which
provides: Rule 1.01 – A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or
deceitful conduct. His act is also a violation of Rule 10.01 which provides that: A lawyer
shall not do any falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; nor mislead or allow
the court to be misled by any artifice.
            Lawyer was suspended for 1 year or until he has paid his IBP dues, whichever is
later.