Surigao Mineral Reservation Board v Cloribel

FACTS:

This contempt proceeding arose from a third motion for reconsideration signed by Atty.
Vicente L. Santiago, on his behalf and purportedly for Attys. Erlito R. Uy, Graciano
Regala and Associates, and Jose B. Sotto, that the petitioners, who, according to the
Solicitor General and based on their submitted and signed memorandum, alleged that
petitioners:

Petitioners have made false, ridiculous and wild statements in a desperate attempt to
prejudice the courts against MacArthur International. Such efforts could be accurately
called “scattershot desperation”.

Such a proposition is corrupt on its face and it lays bare the immoral and arrogant
attitude of the petitioners. Moreover, the petitioners opportunistically change their
claims and stories not only from case to case but from pleading to pleading in the same
case. Atty Santiago further alleged that the Supreme Court has overlooked the
applicable law due to the misrepresentation and obfuscation of the petitioners’ counsel.

ISSUE: Atty. Vicente L. Santiago; Atty. Jose Beltran Sotto; Graciano C. Regala; and
Associates; and Atty. Erlito R. Uy are guilty of contempt of court.

RULING:

Yes, Atty. Vicente L. Santiago; Atty. Jose Beltran Sotto; Graciano C. Regala; and
Associates; and Atty. Erlito R. Uy are guilty of contempt. Duty of an attorney to the
courts - observe and maintain the respect due to the courts justice and judicial officers.

The Lawyer shall refrain from all offensive personality and advance no fact prejudicial to
the honor or reputation of a party or witness, unless required by the justice of the cause
with which he is charged.

DECISION: Atty Vicente Santiago and Atty Beltran Sotto are guilty of contempt of court.