B.M. No.

1154
June 8, 2004
In the matter of disqualification of bar examinee Haron S. Meling in the 2002 BAR
Examinations and for disciplinary actions as member of the Philippine Shari’a BAR, Atty.
Froilan R. Melendrez, petitioner.

Issue:

Whether Meling’s act of concealing his criminal cases upon filing for a petition to take
the BAR would bar to his good moral character

Facts:

This case was filed by the Petitioner, Aty. Froilan R. Melendrez, against Haron S.
Meling, to disqualify the latter for taking the 2002 BAR Examination and to impose appropriate
disciplinary penalty as a member of the Philippine Shari’a BAR.

Melendrez alleged that Meling failed to disclose in his petition to take the BAR that he
has three (3) pending criminal cases filed in the RTC of Cotabato City. These cases were filed
during one instance wherein the defendant herein allegedly uttered derogatory words against
Atty. Melendrez and his wife while around media practitioners.

Meling’s defense was that, in good faith, he thought that the cases filed against him by
the herein petitioner were already closed and terminated, for the reason that they have already
settled the issue as advised by a retired Judge.

Decision:

Whether the cases filed against Meling were closed or still pending, he still has to
disclose it in his petition to take the BAR, for the court to ascertain his good moral character. His
acts of concealing the cases filed against him constitute dishonesty. Good moral character
includes at least common honesty. Therefore, it was recommended that if ever Meling passed the
BAR, he will not be allowed to take the oath and sign the roll of attorneys. However, Meling
failed to pass the 2002 BAR Examination thus, the case was dismissed for being moot and
academic.

RKKY Digest