In Re: Al C.

Argosino 246 SCRA 14 (1995)

FACTS:

On February 4, 1992 ,Argosino, together with 13 others, was charged with the crime of
homicide in connection with the death of one Raul Camaligan. The death of Camaligan
stemmed from the affliction of severe physical injuries uponhim in course of "hazing"
conducted as part of the university fraternity initiation rites. On February 11, 1993, the
accused were consequently sentenced to suffer imprisonment for a period ranging from
two (2) years, four (4) months and one (1) day to four (4) years.Eleven (11) days later,
Mr. Argosino and his colleagues filed an application for probation with the lower court.
The application was granted on June 18 1993. The period of probation was set at two
(2) years, counted from the probationer's initial report to the probation officer assigned
to supervise him. Less than a month later, Argosino filed a petition to take the bar exam.
He was allowed and he passed the exam, but was not allowed to take the lawyer's oath
of office.On April 15, 1994, Argosino filed  a petition to allow him to take the attorney's
oath and be admitted to the practice of law. He averred that his probation period had
been terminated. It is noted that his probation period did not last for more than 10
months.

ISSUE:

Whether Argosino should be allowed to take the oath of attorney and be admitted to the
practice of law

HELD:

Mr. Argosino must submit to this Court evidence that he may now be regarded as
complying with the requirement of good moral character imposed upon those who are
seeking admission to the bar. He should show to the Court how he has tried to make up
for the senseless killing of a helpless student to the family of the deceased student and
to the community at large. In short, he mustshow evidence that he is a different person
now, that he has become morally fitfor admission to the profession of law.
He is already directed to inform the Court, by appropriate written manifestation, of the
names of the parents or brothers and sisters of Camaligan from notice.

NOTES:
 The practice of law is a high personal privilege limited to citizens of goodmoral
character, with special education qualifications, duly ascertained and certified.
 Requirement of good moral character is of greater importance so far as the general
public and proper administration of justice is concerned.
 All aspects of moral character and behavior may be inquired into in respect of those
seeking admission to the Bar.
 Requirement of good moral character to be satisfied by those who wouldseek
admission to the bar must be a necessity more stringent than the norm of conduct
expected from members of the general public.
 Participation in the prolonged mindless physical beatings inflicted upon Raul
Camaligan constituted evident rejection of that moral duty and was totally irresponsible
behavior, which makes impossible a finding that the participant was possessed of good
moral character.
 Good moral character is a requirement possession of which must be demonstrated at
the time of the application for permission to take the barexaminations and more
importantly at the time of application for admission to the bar and to take the attorney's
oath of office.