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Philippines. I will support its constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal
orders of the duly constituted authorities therein; I will do not falsehood nor
consent to the doing of any in court. I will not wittingly nor willingly promote or
sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit nor give aid nor consent to the same. I
will delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer
according to the best of my knowledge and discretion with all good fidelity as well
to the courts as to my clients. I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.}{\fs24
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manner compatible with the independence, integrity and effectiveness of the
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lawyer in making known his services shall use only true, honest, fair, ,dignified
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lawyer shall keep abreast of the legal developments, participate in the continuing
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well as the practical training of law students and assist in disseminating
information regarding the law and jurisprudence}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
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\lang8192 \langnp8192 The Bar Confidant of the Supreme Court}{\b1 \fs24
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Who are those lawyers not covered by disciplinary action by
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\af0 \loch \f0 that charges filed against justices and judges before the IBP
including those filed}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 prior to their appointment in the Judiciary, shall immediately be
forward to the Supreme Court for disposition and adjudication.}{\fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 }{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Composition
of the IBP}{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb
\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs
\brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs
\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \clcbpat1 \cellx5243 \row \pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs21 \kerning2
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi420 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls2 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard \plain \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 1 of Rule 139-A
(Organization) - composed of all persons whose names now appear pr may hereafter be
included in the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin420 \rin0
\itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi420
\itap0 \ls2 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard
\plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 6 of Rule
A39-A (Board of Governors) - (1) The integrated bar shall be governed by a Board of
Governors. Nine governors shall be elected by the House of Delegates from the nine
regions on representation basis of one governor from each region.(2) Each Governor
shall be chosen from a list of nominees submitted by the Delegates from the Region,
provided that not more than one nominee shall come from any Chapter. (3) The
President and the executive Vice President, if chosen by the Governors from outside
of themselves as provided in Section 7 of Rule 139-A, shall ipso facto become
members of the board}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin420 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\langnp8192 I. The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of one year
from the date of their election and until their successors shall have been duly
elected and qualified.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin420 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 II. No person may be a Governor for more than 2 terms}
\langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi420 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard \plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 7 of Rule 139-A (Officers) The integrated bar
shall have a }{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 PRESIDENT AND AN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 who shall be chosen by the Board
of Governors immediately after the latter\uc1 \u8217 ?s election, either among
themselves or members of the integrated Bar, by the vote of atleast 5 governors.}
\loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
I. The President and Executive VP shall hold office for one year from the date of
their election and until their successors shall have duly qualified.}{\fs24
\lin420 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 II. The
Executive VP shall automatically become the President for the next succeeding full
term.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
III. The Presidency shall rotate from year to year among all the nine regions in
such order of rotation as the Board of Governors shall prescribe.}{\fs24
\lin420 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 IV. No
person shall be President or EVP of the Integrated Bar for more than one term.}
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The integrated Bar shall have a }{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 SECRETARY, }{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 a }{\b1 \fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 TREASURER, }
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 and such
other employees as may be required by the Board of Governors}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420
\itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 I. To be appointed by the
President, with consent of the Board}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 II. And to hold office at the pleasure of the Board or
for such term that may be fixed}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li420 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 III. Said officers need not be members of the Integrated
Bar}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 \page }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Summary:}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs
\brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10
\trbrdrh \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10 \tdfrmtxtLeft180
\tdfrmtxtRight180 \tpvpara \tphpg \tposx923 \tposy241 \tabsnoovrlp1 \trautofit
\cellx1518 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrt
\brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx3145 \clvertalt
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx4772 \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923
\posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd
\trql \trgaph0 \trleft0 \tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \trautofit
\trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3
\trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Position}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft0
\tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3
\trftsWidthA3 \trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Term}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Appointment/Election}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10 \tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180
\tpvpara \tphpg \tposx923 \tposy241 \tabsnoovrlp1 \trautofit \trftsWidth1
\trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddl108 \trpaddr108 \trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3
\trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs
\brdrw10 \clbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx1518
\clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrt \brdrs
\brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx3145 \clvertalt \clbrdrl
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx4772 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923
\trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 9 Governors (Also, an
ex officio Vice President for the Region for which he represents}{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg
\pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft0 \tdfrmtxtLeft180
\tdfrmtxtRight180 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddfl3
\trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Not more than 1 year from the date of their election or until his successor shall
be duly qualified.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft0 \tdfrmtxtLeft180
\trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Not more than 2 terms}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241
\intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql
\trgaph0 \trleft0 \tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \trautofit \trftsWidth1
\trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Elected by House of Delegates from Nine
region on representation basis}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 President}{\fs24
\lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg
\pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
Not more than 1 year from the date of their election or until his successor shall
be duly qualified.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Not more than one term}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241
\intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql
\trgaph0 \trleft0 \tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \trautofit \trftsWidth1
\trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 {\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Chosen by the Board after their election.
May be a member of the Board or from other members of the integrated bar.}{\fs24
\lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl
\itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0
\trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs
\brdrw10 \trbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrh \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10
\tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \tpvpara \tphpg \tposx923 \tposy241
\tabsnoovrlp1 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddl108
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx1518 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10
\clbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10
\cltxlrtb \cellx3145 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs
\row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Vice President}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Same with Pres}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj
\phpg \pvpara \posx923 \posy241 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
Same with President}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\trpaddfr3 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Secretary, Treasure and
all other officers deemed necessary}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 To hold office at the pleasure of the Board of such term
that may be fixed.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard
To be appointed by the President with the Consent of the Board}{\fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt
\brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrr
\brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrh \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10
\tdfrmtxtLeft180 \tdfrmtxtRight180 \tpvpara \tphpg \tposx923 \tposy241
\tabsnoovrlp1 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddl108
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx1518 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10
\cltxlrtb \cellx3145 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs
\row \pard \plain \qj \li420 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\langnp8192 \line }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 MCLE BM. 850,
Oct 2, 2001}{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 All lawyers
are mandated to complete every three years at least 36 hours of continuing legal
education activities approved by the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)
Committee by the Supreme Court.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Purpose: To ensure that throughout their career, they keep abreast of the law and
jurisprudence, maintain the ethics of the profession and enhance standards of the
practice of law (Section 1, Rule 1, Bar Matter 850)}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Requirement: It is required that practicing members of
the Bar to indicate in all pleadings filed before the courts or quasi-judicial
bodies, the number and date of issue of their MCLE Certificate of Compliance or
Certificate of exemption, as may be applicable. Failure to disclose the required
information would cause the dismissal of the case and the expunction of the
pleadings from the record.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Exempted: (Section 1 and 2, Rule 7, Bar Matter 850)}{\fs24
\f2 1)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
The President and the Vice President of the Philippines}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425
\plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 2)\tab }{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The secretaries and
undersecretaries of the executive department}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0
\lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin425 \rin0 \itap0
\ls3 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard \plain \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 3)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Senators and
members of the House of representatives}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Chief justice and Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard \plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 5)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Incumbent and retired justices of the judiciary}{\fs24
Incumbent members of the Judicial and Bar Council}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Incumbent lawyers covered by the
Philippine Judicial Academy program of continuing legal judicial education}
\af0 \f2 8)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 The chief state}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 9)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Chief state prosecutor}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Assistant
secretaries of the Department of Justice}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 11)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The solicitor general and the Assistant
Solicitors General}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard \plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \af0 \f2 12)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 The Government corporate counsel, Deputy and Assistant
Government counsel}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\loch \af0 \f2 13)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 The Chairman and members of the Constitutional Commission}
\langnp8192 The Ombudsman, the overall deputy Ombudsman, and the Special Prosecutor
of the office of the Ombudsman}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 15)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Head of government agencies exercising quasi-judicial
functions}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 Incumbent deans, bar reviewers and professors of law who have teaching
experience for at least 10 years in accredited law schools}{\fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-
425 \li425 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin425
\rin0 \itap0 \ls3 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\listtext \pard
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Chancellor,
Vice Chancellor and members of the Corps of Professors and Professional Lecturers
of the Philippine Judicial Academy}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 18)\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Governors and Mayors}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 CAVEAT: A lawyer may also be exempted from
MCLE even if he is not included in the above list provided that he is not involved
in the law practice either private or public or if he is already retired from
practice with the approval of the IBP Board of Governors.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\af0 \loch \f0 Price to pay for lawyer who fails to attend MCLE:}{\b1 \fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 A lawyer, not being exempted from MCLE,
who fails to comply with the required legal education activities shall receive a
Non-compliance Notice and shall be required to explain the deficiency or otherwise
show compliance with the requirements.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 A member who fails satisfactorily comply therewith shall be
listed as a delinquent member by the IBP, wherein he shall be included in the
inactive status.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 In addition thereto, he shall be required to pay non-compliance fee if
he fails to comply with the non-compliance notice. (Ruler 12 and 13, B.M 850)}
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Legal Education Board, RA 7662}{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl
\trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3 \trpaddl108 \trpaddr108
\trpaddfl3 \trpaddft3 \trpaddfb3 \trpaddfr3 \clvertalt \clbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10
\cltxlrtb \clcbpat1 \cellx5217 \row \pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\langnp8192 Section 2: Declaration of Policies - The policy of the State to uplift
the standards of legal education in order to prepare law students for advocacy,
counselling, problem-solving, and decision-making, to infuse in them the ethics of
the legal profession; to impress on them the importance, nobility and dignity of
the legal profession as an equal and indispensable partner of the Bench in the
administration of justice and to develop social competence.}{\fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj
\itap0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 4: Legal Education Board; Creation and
Composition - }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
Attached solely for the budgetary purposes and administrative support to the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 Composition:}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5295 \pard \plain \qj \li0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Chairman - who shall preferably be a
former justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108
\cellx5295 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\langnp8192 A representative of the IBP}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\langnp8192 A representative of the Philippine Association of Law Schools}{\fs24
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 A representative from the ranks of active law
practitioners}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5295 \row \pard \plain \qj
\intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 A representative from the law
students\uc1 \u8217 ? sector}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Secretary of the
Department of Education, Culture and Sports, or his representative, shall be an ex
officio member of the Board}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 With the exception of the representative of
the law students\uc1 \u8217 ? sector, the Chairman and the regular member of the
board must be }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Natural-Born citizen of the Philippines}{\fs24 \kerning2
\plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Members of the
Philippiner Bar}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\loch \af0 \f3 \'d8\'00\tab }{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Who have been engaged for atleast 10 years in the practice of
law, as well as in the teaching of law in a duly authorized or recognized law
school.}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
}\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 TERM:}{\fs24
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Appointed by the President for a term of
5 years without reappointment from a list of 3 nominees, with prior authorization
from the SC and JBC; No need for confirmation of Commission on Appointment}
{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Of those first appointed:}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Chairman 5 years,}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Representatives of the PALS and the PALP
- 3 years}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
Representative from the active law practitioners and law students\uc1 \u8217 ?
sector - 1 year}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Appointments to vacancy shall be only for unexpire portion.}{\fs24
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs24
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Article 8, Section 5, 1987 Constitution}
{\b1 \fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Article
VIII. JUDICIARY}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 2 -
The Congress shall gave the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the
jurisdiction of the various courts BUT MAY NOT DEPRIVE the Supreme Court of its
jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Section 5 hereof.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Section 5- The Supreme Court shall have the following
powers:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
}\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
Exercise original jurisdiction affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and
consuls, and over petitions for certiorari,prohibition,
mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Review, revise,reverse, modify or
affirm on appeal or certiorari, as the law or the Rules of court may provide, final
judgments and orders of lower courts in:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi720 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \ls6 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 (a) }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 All cases in which the
constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or executive agreement,
law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or
regulation is in question}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi720 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 (b) }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 All cases involving the legality of any
tax, impost, assessment, or toll or any penalty imposed in relation thereo}
\par }\pard \plain \qj \fi720 \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\af0 \f2 (c) }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue}
\af0 \f2 (d) }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 All criminal cases in which the penalty imposes is reclusion perpetua
or higher}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\af0 \f2 (e) }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 All cases in which only question of law is involved}{\fs21 \kerning2
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Assign temporarily
judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest may require. Such
temporary assignment shall not exceed six months without the consent of the judge
concerned}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of
justice}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
}\pard \plain \qj \fi-425 \li425 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional
rights, pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 THE ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF
LAW, THE INTEGRATED BAR, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 and the legal assistance to the underprivileged, shall be
uniform for all courts of the same grade, and shall not diminish, increase, or
modify substantive rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial
bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by this court.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Appoints all
officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law.}
\par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \page }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 III.}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 2004 on Notarial Practice, AM No. 02-8-13-SC}
\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \page }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 IV}{\fs21
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 CASES:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\clcbpat1 \cellx5153 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
A.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs
\brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrh \brdrs \brdrw10
\trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3 \trftsWidthA3
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5166 \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 TITLE: }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Renato Cayetano vs Christian Monsod, G.R. No. 100113, September 3, 1991
}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 What constitutes
practice of law as a legal qualification to an appointive office?}{\fs21
\lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 FACTS:}{\b1
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\b1 \fs21
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Respondent
Christian Monsod was nominated by the late President Corazon Aquino to the position
of Chairman of the COMELEC. Petitioner opposed the nomination because allegedly
Monsod does not possess the required qualification of having been engaged in the
practice of law for at least 10 years.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 On june 5, 1991, Commission on Appointment confirmed the nomination.
Hence, the petitioner, as a taxpayer and citizen of the Philippines, challenged the
validity of the Confirmation and filed a certiorari and prohibition.}{\fs21
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Atty. Monsod is a
member of the Philippine Bar, he passed the Bar in 1960 with an average of 86.55%.
He has been paying his professional fees for more than 10 years. He worked in the
World Bank Group from 1963 tO 1970, and from 1970, he worked with the Meralco Group
as a chief executive office. In 1986, he has rendered services to various companies
as a legal and economic consultant.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Supreme Court dismissed the petition
because accordingly, it can be deduced that the judiciary cannot interfere with the
works of the legislative such as the judgment rendered by the commission for it is
beyond judicial interference. And, in this case, there is no grave abuse of
discretion amounting to lack or in excess of jurisdiction. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The record of the 1896
Constitutional Commission shows that it has adopted a liberal interpretation of the
term \uc1 \u8220 ?practice of law.\uc1 \u8221 ? Hence, the Supreme Court adopted
that the term implies any activity, in or out of court, which requires the
application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience.}{\fs21
\langnp8192 \uc1 \u8220 ?To engage in the practice of law is to perform those acts
which are characteristics of the profession. Generally, to practice law is to give
notice or render any kind of service, which device or service requires the use in
any degree of legal knowledge or skill.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 The term \uc1 \u8220 ?practice of law\uc1 \u8221 ? in connection with
the term under the 1987 Constitution in Section 1 (1), Article IX-C which provides
for the requirement of a chairman of Comelec, accordingly, }{\i1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 he must a member of the
Philippine Bar and who have been engaged in the practice of law for ar least 10
years, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
shall be }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\ul1 construed liberally. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Thus, a lawyer who have been appointed in government service
may be considered as actively practicing his profession during said term, and
cannot be excluded from being appointed as COMELEC Chairman or commissioner.}{\fs21
The court held that we should go away from the traditional connotation of a \uc1
\u8220 ?practicing lawyer\uc1 \u8221 ? because people tend to think that it was
limited only to those who appear before the court. A lawyer in the Banking
industry, or in the corporate world may be considered as practicing lawyer provided
that such lawyer uses his legal knowledge in the discharge of his tasks.}{\fs21
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 TITLE: }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Silvestre Medina and Santos Loraya vs. Atty. Rufino
Lizardo, January 31, 2017, AC No. 10533}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 I. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not Atty. Lizardo represented
conflicting interest OR Whether or no Atty. Lizardo violated Rule 15.03, Canon 15,
Canon 16 and Canon 17 of the Code or Professional Responsibility?}{\fs21
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 The facts show that complainants are the clients of Atty.
Lizardo and in a partition complaint filed before the RTC of Makati, and on the
other hand, Martinez is also a client of Atty. Lizardo.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Apparently, Martinez
claimed that he bought 3 parcels of land owned by the complainants which has been
denied by the latter. According}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 tp the latter}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 , the sale was only limited to 1,000 sq/meters.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
When complainants asked for the return of the Certificate of titles because other
co-owners wanted to hold the same, Atty. Lizardo refused to return. Hence,
complainants filed a complaint for specific perfomance to deliver the certificate
of title and also filed before the IBP Commission on Bar Discipline.}{\fs21
In defense, Atty. Lizardo said that he cannot return the certificate of titles
because although there is a pending case for partition, the three parcels of land
covered by different certificate of titles have been already subject to a sale
wherein the complainants received 10,000.00 as a consideration from Martinez,
evident by the Malayang Salaysay as notarized by the Atty. Lizardo. Further, the
return should not be allowed because the request was not supported by the consent
of the buyer, Martinez.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 In defense against the conflict of interest complaint filed, Atty.
Lizardo alleged that complainant and martinez concurrently appeared before him as
parties to the sale, and both of them filed a complaint for partition of the
subject property. (Which,however, is fabricated because only one pending case for
partition is filed before the court and it is in the name of the complainants)}
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 I. YES. First, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 the violation of Canon 15;}{\b1 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 In the case at bar,
it is undeniable that complainants and Martinez have conflicting interests with
regard to the disputed property.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 The test in determining whether conflicting interests are being
represented: (This rule applies regardless of the degree of adverse interests)}
\langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\langnp8192 There is conflicting interests when a lawyer represents inconsistent
interests if two or more opposing parties.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 1. \uc1 \u8220 ?whether or not in behalf of one client,
it is the lawyer\uc1 \u8217 ?s duty to fight for an issue or claim, but it is his
duty to oppose for the other client\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0
\plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 2. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \uc1 \u8220 ?In brief, he
argues for one client, and argument will be opposed by him when he argues for the
other client\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls7 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af0 \loch \af0 \f2 3. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Also, there is conflict of interests if the acceptance of the
new retainer will require the attorney to perform an act which will injuriously
affect his first client in any matter in which he represents him.}{\fs21
\lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls7 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
{\listtext \pard \plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 4. }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether he
will be called upon in his new relation to use against his first client any
knowledge acquired through their connection}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls7 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 5. }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether the acceptance of a new
relation will prevent an attorney from the full discharge of his duty of undivided
fidelity and loyalty to his client or invite suspicion of unfaithfulness or double
dealing in the performance thereof.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Second, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Atty. Lizardo also violated Canon 16 and 17
because he is required to deliver the property of his client when due or upon
demand, and mandated to always be loyal to them and vigilant to protect their
interests.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\langnp8192 Atty. Lizardo\uc1 \u8217 ?s withholding of the TCTs entrusted to him by
his clients to protect another purported client who surreptitiously acquired his
services despite a conflict of interest is therefore a clear violation of Canon of
Professional Responsibility.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\lang8192 \langnp8192 PENALTY: Suspension of 2 years}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5391 \pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 TITLE: }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Sanchez vs. Atty. Romeo Aguilos, March 16, 2016, AC
No. 10543}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 (Si Dean Dela Rama yung IBP Investigating Commissioner here)}{\fs21
\plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}{\b1
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\b1
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 I. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Whether or Not the respondent should be held administratively liable
for misconduct?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 II.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Does }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 QUANTUM MERUIT }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 attach when an attorney fails to accomplish tasks which he is
naturally expected to perform during his professional engagement?}{\fs21
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0
\itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 This
administrative case refers to the performance of duty of an attorney towards his
client in which the former is found and declared to be lacking in knowledge and
skill sufficient for the engagement.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\langnp8192 The petitioner obtained the services of the respondent for the filing
of a petition for annulment in order for the petitioner and her british fiance to
get married. Atty. Aguilos sad that his acceptance fee was 150,000.00 plus
appearance fee of 5,000.00.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\langnp8192 The petitioner gave to him an initial payment of 90k and when she
inquired to the development of the case, Atty. Aguilos said that he cannot commence
the filing until the full payment of the acceptance fee. Subsequently, Sanchez
learned that what Atty. Aguilos will be filing is one for legal separation. Hence,
she decided to withdraw her case from him. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Sanchez demanded the return of her payment, however,
Atty. Aguilos refused.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Sanchez, obtained the service of Atty.Martinez and sent a demand.}
\langnp8192 The respondent admitted that he received the demand letter from Atty.
Martinez, but states that he dismissed the letter as a scrap of paper because the
demand lacked basis in law and should have been sent to the urinal project of the
MMDA where it may serve its rightful purpose.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Supreme Court adopted the resolution
but modified the recommended penalty.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 I. YES. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 The respondent was liable for misconduct and he should be
ordered to return the entire amount received from the client. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 When the respondent offered
himself as a lawyer, it presupposes requisite professional competence and skill to
handle the action for the annulment of marriage.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The decision of the court was based on
the thorough investigation conducted by the investigating commissioner Dela Rama,
Jr. Accordingly, the purpose of the acceptance fee amounting to 150,000.00 must be
clarified - if it is for annulment or legal separation. The court held that due to
the situation of Sanchez and her british fiance, we can safely presume that it is
for the filing a petition for annulment.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 Psychological incapacity, contrary to what respondent explained to the
complainant, is not a ground for legal separation. Even Article 55 of the Family
Code would show. Apparently, psychological incapacity is a ground for annulment.}
\langnp8192 Clearly, the respondent misrepresented his professional competence and
skill to the complainant. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 As for the foregoing, he does not know the distinction
between the grounds of legal separation and annulment. }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 A CLEAR VIOLATION OF CANON 18
}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 which
provides:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 \uc1 \u8220 ?A lawyer should serve his client with competence and
diligence\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Rule 18.01: }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \ul1 A lawyer shall not undertake a legal service which he knows or
should know that he is not qualified to render. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 However, he may render such service if,
with the consent of his client, he can be obtain as collaborating counsel a lawyer
who is competent on the matter.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\aspnum \adjustright
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Rule 18:02:
A lawyer shall not handle any legal matter without adequate preparation.}{\fs21
Rule 18.03: A lawyer shall not neglect a legal matter entrusted to him, and his
negligence in connection therewith shall render him liable. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 II. NO. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Quantum Meruit which
means \uc1 \u8220 ?}{\i1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 as much as he deserved\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 shall apply in the following
cases:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \ls8 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \f2 1. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
In the absence of written agreement for the Attorney\uc1 \u8217 ?s fees.}{\fs21
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 When the
counsel, for justifiable cause, was not able to finish the case to it s conclusion}
Moreover, it also becomes the basis of recovery of compensation by the attorney
where the circumstances of the engagement indicate that it will be contrary to the
parties\uc1 \u8217 ? expacation to deprive the attorney of all compensation.}{\fs21
\langnp8192 In the case at bar, it was not made applicable because, accordingly,
that the respondent should not have accepted the engagement because as it was later
revealed, it was way above his ability and competence to handle the case for
annulment of marriage. His having supposedly prepared the petition for legal
separation, instead of a petition for annulment, was nothing but a cover up for his
incompetence.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 \uc1 \u8220 ?}{\fs24 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 The attorney who fails to accomplish the tasks he should
naturally and expectedly perform during his professional engagement does not
discharge his professional responsibility and ethical duty toward his client}{\fs40
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \uc1 \u8221 ?}
\langnp8192 The court ordered that the respondent shall be fined 10k for his
misrepresentation of professional competence, and he is ordered to pay the entire
70k + 6% legal interest per annum from the decision until full payment.}{\fs21
\langnp8192 III. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Respondent did not conduct himself with courtesy, fairness and candor
towards his professional colleague. The rules of court mandates all the members of
the Philippine bar to \uc1 \u8220 ?abstain from all offensive personality\uc1
\u8221 ?. He violated Canon 8 and section 8.01 thereof of the CPR.}{\b1 \fs21
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt
\cellx5356 \pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 TITLE: }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Campos vs. Atty.
Alexander Estebal, August 8, 2016, AC No. 10443}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or Not
Atty. Estebal is guilty of professional misconduct for violating the pertinent
provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 FACTS:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\langnp8192 In the early 2006, complainants engaged the services of Atty.Estebel to
assist each of them to in securing tourist
visas to the United States.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Further, Atty. Estebel entered into a service contract stipulating an
acceptance/service fee of 200k exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses such as tickets,
filing fees and application fees; and in case no visa is issued, he will return all
the expenses less 7%.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Complainant alleged that after payment, Atty. Estebel failed to apply
or secure for them the U.S Tourist visas that he promised. Hence, they demanded the
return of the money. However, despite repeated demands, Atty. Estebel failed to
return the same}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Atty.
Estebal enumerated a lot of reasons to support his claim that the demand has no
legal or factual basis. Few of which are the ff: 1.He had invested considerable
time, talent and energy in processing the visa applications 2. That he is paid not
only for the result delivered but also to the time, talent and industry rendered.}
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 YES. }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Obviously,
the complainants failed to get the US Visa. There was even no attempt on the part
of the respondent to submit the application form for US Visa before the US Embassy.
He failed to attach evidence that the made an attempt.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 What is clear is that the amount
individually paid went to the pocket of the respondent. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Further, the Court held that while
lawyers are entitled to the payment of attorney\uc1 \u8217 ?s fees, the same should
be reasonable under the circumstances. In this case, it considered excessive and
unreasonable.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 It is excessive because the facts show that the scope of work done by
the respondent are: (1) initial interview of client (2) collation of all
information relevant to the case (3) evaluation of documents (4) fomulation of
theory}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 And the respondent failed to attend.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Therefore, the Court held that
respondent clearly violated }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Canons 15, 16 (16.01) and 20 of the CPR. }{\b1 \fs21
\langnp8192 CANON 15 - }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 For the reason that he was not candid enough to tell the
complainants their chances of getting US Visa. Instead, he made the complainants
believe that they will have a good chance of getting US Visa (Pinaasa)}{\fs21
\langnp8192 CANON 16, 16.01 - }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 he did not account for the money he received from the
complainants. It is not clear to the complainants how much is trip amount due to
the respondent}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 CANON 20 - }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 Excessive and unreasonable Attys fee.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 He is only entitled to 5k
from each complainant.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Suspended for one year.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs
\brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrh \brdrs
\brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10 \trautofit \trftsWidth1 \trftsWidthB3
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trrh5112
\cltxlrtb \cellx5132 \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 TITLE:}
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Concepcion vs. Atty. Elmer dela Rosa,
February 3, 2015, AC No. 10681}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not
Atty. Elmer dela Rosa violated Canon 16 and Canon 7}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 FACTS:}
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Complainants alleged that Atty. Dela
Rosa served as their retained lawyer and counsel from 1997 until 2008. In 2006,
respondent borrowed the amount of P2,500,000.00 which he promised ti return, with
interest, 5 days thereafter. Hence, Henry, one of the petitioners, issued three
eastwest bank checks.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Upon receiving the checks, respondent signed a piece of paper
containing the photocopies of the checks and acknowledgment that received the same,
agreed to return the same with 5% within 5 days. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\langnp8192 On the day that he promised to return the money, the respondent failed
to pay. Complainants sent a demand letter but the respondent denied borrowing any
money from the complainants and claimed that a certain Nault was the real debtor.
Complainants alleged that if a certain Nault was the debtor, they should have asked
for a security or collateral.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 IBP Misamis oriental chapter received the complainant\uc1 \u8217 ?s
letter-complaint charing the lawyer for violation of Rule 16.04 which prohibits
lawyers from borrowing money from clients unless the latter\uc1 \u8217 ?s interests
are fully protected by the nature of the case or by independent advice.}{\fs21
The IBP investigating commissioner, Jose I. Dela Rama Jr. Issued his report finding
the respondent guilty of violating Canon 16.01, Canon 7 and Canon 16.}{\fs21
The investigating commissioner found out that the checks were issue in
respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s name and that he personally received and encashed them.
And materially, the alleged real debtor denied that he knows the complainant.}
Penalty. Disbarred and the return of the 2.5M}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 YES. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Affirmed the findings of the
investigating commissioner but modified the penalty and the directive to return the
amount of 2.5 M}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 CANON 16, 16-01: Indeed, the loan transaction was entered into during
the existence of a lawyer-client relationship,allowing the respondent to wield a
greater influence over the latter in view of the trust and confidence inherently
imbued in such relationship.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 It has repeatedly decided by the Court that to obtain a loan from
clients is unethical unless otherwise it is supported by any security.}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 CANON 7: }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 In unduly borrowing money from the complainants and by
blatantly refusing to pay the same, respondent abused the trust and confidence
reposed in him by his clients, and in so doing, filed to uphold the integrity and
dignity of he legal profession.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 SUSPENDED FOR 3 YEARS with warning that a commission of the same or
similar acts will be dealt with more severely}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trrh5112 \trleft-
108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrl \brdrs \brdrw10
\trbrdrr \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrh \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrv \brdrs \brdrw10
\cltxlrtb \cellx5132 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\brdrs \brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5012 \pard \plain \ql \li0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Orola vs. Atty. Joseph Ador Ramos, September 11,
2013, AC No. 9860}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not respondent is guilty of representing
conflicting interests in violation of Rule 15.03?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 In the settlement
of Trinidad\uc1 \u8217 ?s estate, respondent was a collaborating counsel with other
lawyers. In the course of the proceeding, the heirs moved for the removal of Emilio
as the initially appointed administrator. Subsequently, the respondent filed and
entry of Appearance as collaborating counsel for Emilio in the same case and moved
for the reconsideration of the RTC order.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 The complainants immediately filed before the IBP an admin
complainant.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 The respondent alleged that he did not appear as counsel for heirs of
Trinidad and only accommodated Maricar\uc1 \u8217 ?s request to temporarily appear
as her counsel could not appear. That he acted as a mere mediator and not a
litigator.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The court adopted the resolution but
reduced the recommended period of suspension to three months.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \ql
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc
\intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Rule 15.03 of the Code}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 reads:}{\fs21
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 -A lawyer
shall not represent conflicting interests except by written consent of all
concerned given after a full disclosure of facts}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Under the afore-cited rule, it is
explicit that a lawyer is prohibited from representing new clients whose interests
oppose those of a former client in any manner, whether or not they are parties in
the same action or on totally unrelated cases. It behooves lawyers not only to keep
inviolate the client\uc1 \u8217 ?s confidence, but also to avoid the appearance of
treachery and double-dealing for only then can litigants be encouraged to entrust
their secrets to their lawyers, which is of paramount importance in the
administration of justice.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 It must, however, be noted that a lawyer\uc1 \u8217 ?s immutable duty
to a former client does not cover transactions that occurred beyond the
lawyer\uc1 \u8217 ?s employment with the client.
The intent of the law is to impose upon the lawyer the duty to protect the
client\uc1 \u8217 ?s interests only on matters that he previously handled for the
former client and not for matters that arose after the lawyer-client relationship
has terminated.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s justification that no confidential information
was relayed to Emilio cannot fully exculpate him for the charges against him since
the rule on conflict of interest applies regardless of the degree of adverse
interests and provided for absolute prohibition.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Neither the defense that his engagement
by Emilio is more of a mediator than a litigator and for the purpose of settlement
will justify the violation.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Penalty from reprimand to 3 month suspension on the ff ground}{\fs21
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 first time
offender}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
His representation of Maricar (first client( is temporary}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\plain \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \f2 3. }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 He had no knowledge of other
heirs}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
Complainants admitted that the lawyer did not acquire any confidential
information.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-
\cltxlrtb \cellx5002 \pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 TITLE: }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Carandang vs
Obmina, April 21, 2009, AC No. 7813}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not Atty. Obmina violated Canon 18, Rule
18.03 and Ruler 18.04 thereof}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Atty. Obmina was counsel for Carandang in a civil case
involving the latter\uc1 \u8217 ?s house and lot . Carandang brought suit for Atty.
Obmina\uc1 \u8217 ?s failure to inform Carandang of the adverse decision in Civil
case and for failue to appeal the decision.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 According to the sworn
statement of Carandang, when he asked Atty. Obmina of why he did not inform the
former for the decision rendered by the court, Atty. Obimina said \uc1 \u8220 ?WALA
KANG IBABAYAD SA ABOGADO DAHIL WALA KANG PERA PANG-APILA\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0
\langnp8192 However, upon the receipt of the complaint and when the respondent was
directed to appear before the investigating commissioner, her daughter,
Atty.Obmina-Muaa, who is also a lawyer, informed the commissioner that her father,
the respondent, has already retired from the profession 6 years ago and is already
a permanent resident of USA. After several suspension of the hearing,
respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s daughter appeared and showed the documents proving that
his father is already a resident of USA.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The findings of the investigating
commissioner show that the respondent was the counsel of the complainant in 2010
and it was not established that he informed the complainant of the decision of the
Court. However, the commissioner also said that the complainant is partly to blame
for his loss for failure to maintain contact with Atty. Obmina, but nonetheless
underscored the duty of the respondent to notify his client.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\loch \f0 RULING:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 YES. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Atty. Obmina failed to serve his client with competence and diligence.}
\langnp8192 Canon 18 states that a lawyer shall serve his client with competence
and diligence. Rules 18.03 and 18.04 provide that a lawyer shall not neglect a
legal matter entrusted to him, and his negligence in connection therewith shall
render him liable and a lawyer shall keep the client informed of the status of his
case and shall respond within a reasonable time to the clients request for
information.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 In the memorandum, it can be deduced that Atty. Obmina made the
complainant believe that they will win the case and he shall be paid on contingent
basis. Carandang shall pay Atty.Obmina 40% of the sale proceeds of the property.
And promised to notify Carandang as soon as the decision of the court was given.}
\langnp8192 Contrary to the promise, there is no evidence on record that
Atty.Obmina took initiative to notify carandang.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The failure to advance the appeal fee
cannot justify the misconduct. The relationship of lawyer-client being one of
confidence, there is ever present the need for the lawyer to inform timely and
adequately the client of important developments affecting the client case.}
\langnp8192 SUSPENDED FOR 1 YEAR}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 Dionnie Ricafort vs. Atty. Rene Medina, May 31, 2016, AC No. 5179}
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not
Atty. Medina committed grave misconduct and violated Canon 7.03 of the CPR?}{\b1
\loch \f0 FACTS:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Complainant filed a disbarment case against the respondent. In 1999, the
complainant\uc1 \u8217 ?s tricycle sideswiped respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s car along
Sarvida street in Surigao. Respondent alighterd from his car and confronted the
complainant. Respondent slapped the complainant and asked \uc1 \u8220 ?Do you not
know me?\uc1 \u8221 ? then left.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 The traffic enforcer informed the complainant of the car\uc1 \u8217 ?s
plate number. It was found out that the car was owned by the respondent, who was
also a provincial board member.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\aspnum \adjustright
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 According to
complainant, he felt embarassed and humiliated. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Attached to his complaint is a letter
signed by Mayor Navarro and league of Mayors president, and 19 other provincial
mayors.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
}\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
The respondent alleged that he did not slap the complainant and only pushed him
because he thought that the complainant might have deadly weapon like other
tricycle drivers. According to him, he was with his 10 year old son at the time of
the incident and no traffic enforcer was present in the place, so they decided to
settle the issue among themselves.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Further, it was alleged that the issue has also ready been settled
before the Brgy conciliation proceeding. and the complaint was only politically
motivated.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 There is a sufficient proof that
respondent slapped the complainant.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 The court held that a lawyer is presumed to be innocent of the charges
against him or her. He or she enjoys the presumption that his or her acts are
consistent with his or he oath. Thus, the burden of proof still rests upon
complainant to prove his/her claim.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 In administrative cases against lawyers, the required burden of proof
is preponderance of evidence or evidence that is superior, more convincing or of
greater weight than the other. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 In this case, the complainant discharged the burden. The fact that the
slapping incident occurred was supported by the signed and notarized affidavit of a
traffic aide present during the incident.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 The presence of 19 mayors\uc1 \u8217 ? signature did not automatically
make the complaint as politically motivated but one which reinforced the appalling
nature of the respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s act, a display of arrogance.}{\fs21
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The court
cannot tolerate the arrogance of and harassment committed by its officers.}
\langnp8192 Canon 7, Rule 7.03 provides:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 A lawyer shall not engage in conduct adversely reflects
on his fitness to practice law, nor shall he whether in public or private life,
behave in a scandalous manner to the discredit of the legal profession}{\fs21
The act of slapping coupled with a question \uc1 \u8220 ?Do you not know me?\uc1
\u8221 ? thrown by the respondent confirm the disregard of human dignity of another
and such character and potential to abuse the profession as a tool for bullying,
harassment, and discrimination.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Good character is a continuing qualification for lawyers.}{\b1 \fs21
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Further,
disbarment cases against lawyers are sui generis and it is pursued for public
interest as primary objective. It is for the determination of whether or not the
attorney is still a fit person to be allowed the privilege of such. }{\b1 \fs21
Hence, failure of the complainant to attend hearing will not bar the continuance
of the hearing.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 TI}
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 TLE: }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Baculi vs.
Battung, September 28, 2011, AC No. 8920}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not Atty. Melchor Battung violated Rule
11.03, Canon 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility}{\fs21 \kerning2
\langnp8192 Judge Baculi, presiding judge of MTC in Tuguegarao City, filed a
complaint for disbarment with the Commission on Discipline of the IBP against
respondent.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Judge Baculi claimed that on July 24, 2008, during the hearing on the
motion for reconsideration of Civil Case no. 2502, the respondent was shouting
while arguing his motion. Judge Baculi advised him to tone down his voice and he
may be cited for direct contempt, the respondent shouted \uc1 \u8220 ?CITE
ME\uc1 \u8221 ?. Then, he was cited for direct contempt with a fine of 1K.}
\langnp8192 While other cases were being heard, the respondent re entered rhe court
room and shouted \uc1 \u8220 ?Judge I will file gross ignorance against you. I am
not afraid of you\uc1 \u8221 ?. Then, he was cited for direct contempt for the
second time.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 After hearings, Judge Baculi went out and saw the respondent at the
hall, the respodent again shouted \uc1 \u8220 ?Judge I will file gross ignorance
against you. I am not afraid of you\uc1 \u8221 ? in repeat.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The respondent also punched a
table in the court room.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 In his answer, the respondent said that it was Judge Baculi who
disrespected him because he did not accept the motion for reconsideration filed by
him without oral argument. Accordingly, he wanted an oral argument because he
wanted to humiliate him and make appear to the public that he was a negligent
lawyer.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
During the hearing, the respondent was able to explain his side calmly and it was
the judge who kept on shouting.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 It was found out that Atty. Batung shouted first and he
failed to observe Canon 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility that requires
a lawyer to observe and maintain respect due the courts and judicial officers. The
respondent also violated Rule 11.03 of Canon 11 that provides that a lawyer shall
abstain from scandalous, offensive or menacing language or behavior before the
courts.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par
The respondent\uc1 \u8217 ?s
argument that Judge Baculi provoked him to shout should not be given due
consideration because even if that happened, he should not have shouted but filed
action before the Office of the Court Administrator.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The SC ruled in Roxas vs. De
Zuxuarregui, Jr. That it is the duty of a lawyer, as an officer of the court, to
uphold the dignity and authority of the courts. Respect for the court guarantees
the stability of the judicial institution; without this guarantee, the institution
would be resting on very shaky foundations.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\langnp8192 SUSPENDED FOR 1 YEAR.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \page }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\clcbpat1 \cellx5295 \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\lang8192 \langnp8192 B. }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
CASES INVOLVING NOTARY PUBLIC}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\clcbpat1 \cellx5295 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Dela cruz Sillano vs. Pangan, AC No. 5851, 571 SCRA
479}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 I.
Whether or not Atty. Pangan violated the Notary Law and Canon 1. Rule 1.01}{\b1
\langnp8192 II. Whethere or not the evidence is admissible in evidence}{\b1
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 This is a
complaint filed by Grace Dela Cruz-Sillano (complainant) against Atty. Wilfredo
Paul D. Pangan (respondent) for disbarment for having conspired in forging a
Special Power of Attorney.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Accordingly, Atty.
Pangan notarized a Special Power of Attorney in favor a the cousin of the
complainant, Apostol, who is also his co-accused in a criminal case of estafa filed
against them by the complainant.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 The facts of the case provides that Atty.Pangan notarized the SPA
authorizing Apostol to }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Ronaldo F.
Apostol to process, receive claim and encash check representing benefits arising
from the insurance policy}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 . Complainant showed as evidence the passport, hospital
records and certificate of death to support her claim that at the time when the SPA
was notarized, her mother was bedridden in USA due to lung cancer, and died
therein. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Apostol, however, claimed that
Atty.Pangan notarized the SPA in good faith because when the first time he went to
the office, Atty. Pangan was not present and his staff told him that they could
vouch the authenticity of the document provided that the parties be present before
them, then Atty. Pangan can sign the same on a later time - }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 so he brought a different aunt and told the staff that
his aunt was sick and he can}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u8217 ?t get off from the car}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 . This statement was supported by the affidavit of his
staff filed in the criminal proceeding. Further, he also alleged that all the
family members have knowledge of said SPA and the proceeds thereof shall be held in
trust by him.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Atty. Pangan, on the other hand, asserted that he was in good faith
when he notarized the SPA,and }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Respondent has always accommodated his relatives in their legal problems for free.
The imputation upon him of any wrong doings in his practice as notary public is
only a result of the existing feud between the heirs of the deceased and her
relatives.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 He also questioned the evidences
presented and accordingly, the SPA in question was not presented, the certificate
of death is a mere photocopy, the alleged passport were not properly identified by
the issuing agency, hence, inadmissible in evidence.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 I. YES. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Canon 1. A lawyer shall uphold the Constitution, obey the laws
of the land and promote respect for the law and legal processes}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 and }{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Rule 1.01. A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful,
dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 He also violated }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Section 1 of P}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 u}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 blic Act No. 2103 or
the Notarial Law}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 which provides:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 Acknowledgment refers to an act in which an individual on a single
occasion: (a) appears in person before the notary public and presents an integrally
complete instrument or document; (b) is attested to be personally known to the
notary public of identified by the notary public through competent evidence of
identity as defined by these Rules (c) represents to the notary public the
signature on the instrument or documents was voluntarily affixed by him for the
purposes stated in the instrument or document, declares that he has executed the
instrument or document as his free and voluntary act and deed, and, if he acts in a
particular representative capacity, that he has authority to sign in that
capacity.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\langnp8192 Further,}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Rule IV, Section
2(b) of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice reads:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Section 2.
Prohibitions}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 (b) A person shall not perform a notarial
act if the person involved as signatory to the instrument or document}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 (1) is not in the notarys presence personally at the time of
the notarization; and}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 (2) is not personally
known to the notary public or otherwise identified by the notary public through
competent evidence of identity as defined by these Rules.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The Court is aware
of the practice of not a few lawyers commissioned as notary public to authenticate
documents without requiring the physical presence of affiants. However, the adverse
consequences of this practice far outweigh whatever convenience is afforded to the
absent affiants. Doing away with the essential requirement of physical presence of
the affiant does not take into account the likelihood that the documents may be
spurious or that the affiants may not be who they purport to be. A notary public
should not notarize a document unless the persons who signed the same are the very
same persons who executed and personally appeared before him to attest to the
contents and truth of what are stated therein. The purpose of this requirement is
to enable the notary public to verify the genuineness of the signature of the
acknowledging party and to ascertain that the document is the party's free act and
deed.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\qj \li0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Respondent's failure to perform his duty as a notary public
resulted not only in damaging complainant's rights but also in undermining the
integrity of a notary public and in degrading the function of notarization. Hence,
respondent should be liable for such negligence, not only as a notary public but
also as a lawyer.11 Respondent must accept the consequences of his professional
indiscretion. Thus, under the facts and circumstances of the case, respondent's
notarial commission should not only be suspended but respondent must also be
suspended from the practice of law.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 II. }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The complaint before us is an
administrative case where }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 a
fact is deemed established if it is supported by substantial evidence, or that
amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept to justify a
conclusion.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Aside from his lame
objections, respondent does not categorically deny notarizing the questioned
Special Power of Attorney in the absence of the affiant. The seriousness of
respondent's omission is not lessened by his claim that he "has always accommodated
his relatives in their legal problems for free."}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 GUILTY of
violating the Code of Professional Responsibility. Accordingly, the Court SUSPENDS
him from the practice of law for one year; REVOKES his incumbent notarial
commission, if any; and PROHIBITS him from being commissioned as a notary public
for one year, effective immediately, with a stern warning that a repetition of the
same or similar offense shall be dealt with more severely.}{\fs21 \kerning2
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Tabas vs
Mangibin, 421 SCRA 511}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 W}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 hether respondent is liable for violating the Notarial Law for which his
commission as notary public should be revoked and he should be suspended also from
the practice of law.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 FACTS:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
In a verified complaint[1] for disbarment filed with this Court on January 30,
2002, complainant Hilda D. Tabas sought the disbarment of respondent, Atty.
Bonifacio B. Mangibin, for allegedly having committed forgery.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The complaint
provides that on March 5, 2001}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 a
certain Anastacia Galvan from Sta. Monica, Bauang, La Union, mortgaged to her a
piece of real property to secure a P48,000.00 loan. The deed of mortgage of real
property was duly registered with the Office of the Register of Deeds of the
Province of La Union and annotated in the tax declaration of the property.}
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 On October 17, 2001, however, a certain Lilia Castillejos,
falsely representing herself as complainant, appeared before respondent and asked
him to prepare a discharge of the said mortgage and to notarize it afterwards}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 , and Atty
asked one Competent evidence of identity (Community Tax Certificate). In
consequence, Galvan was able to mortgage it again to the Rural Bank of Naguillan.}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 In his answer, respondent admits
that the discharge of real estate mortgage is a forgery, but denies liability for
the falsification under a claim of good faith.Respondent avers that he did not know
Lilia Castillejos fraudulent intent. He also submits that he cannot be faulted for
simply relying on the CTC bearing complainants name, which Lilia Castillejos
presented to him. He argues that it is beyond the realm of his duty and scope of
work to investigate the identity of persons appearing before him and cites that as
a matter
of routine, he normally requires only the CTCs of persons appearing before him.
Respondent also asserts that he does not have any available means of ascertaining
the real identities of persons appearing before him.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 YES.}
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 The circumstances in this case indubitably show that
respondent did not take even ordinary precautions required in the premises. In the
acknowledgment portion of the document, there is the phrase Before mepersonally
appeared Hilda A. Tabasknown to me and to me known to be the same person who
executed the foregoing document.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Respondent thereby attested that he knows Hilda A. Tabas, whose name appeared in
the acknowledgment, and that she personally appeared before him. Indeed, it was his
duty to ascertain the identity of the person appearing before him and to make sure
that she is indeed Hilda A. Tabas. Considering the ease with which CTCs may be
obtained and the legal effect that notarization brings to the deed of discharge of
real estate mortgage that he himself prepared, respondent should have requested
other forms of identification or asked questions to ascertain her identity.}
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Respondents
conduct showed serious lack of due care in the performance of his duties as a
notary public. Because of his carelessness, respondent failed to notice the glaring
difference in the signature of mortgagee in the deed of real estate mortgage from
her purported signature in the questioned discharge of real estate mortgage.}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 It was
respondent who prepared the questioned discharge of real estate mortgage, which he
subsequently notarized. Hence he had adequate opportunity to verify the identity of
Lilia Castillejos. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 However, he did not.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Angeles vs
Ibanez, 576 SCRA 90}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 This is a complaint filed by Avelino O. Angeles, Maria O.
Angeles, Lauro O. Angeles, Rosalina O. Angeles, and Connie M. Angeles in
representation of the deceased Loreto Angeles (collectively, complainants) against
Atty. Amado O. Ibaez (respondent) for disbarment for notarizing the Extrajudicial
Partition with Absolute Sale without a notarial commission and in the absence of
the affiants.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 The complainants denied that they executed the said document
or that they ever appeared before respondent Atty. Ibaez for this purpose. They
alleged that respondent Atty. Ibaez did not even have the authority to notarize the
Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute Sale as he did not have a commission as a
notary public at that time.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The complainants alleged that the
respondent and his relatives are presently using the said document in judicial
proceedings pending before the Regional Trial Court of Naic, Cavite to their damage
and prejudice.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Complainants
presented as evidence the }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 the
Master List of Notaries Public}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 which}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
shows that Atty. Amado O. Ibaez was not appointed as such for and in the City of
Manila for the year 1976-197}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 7 and }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Certification dated 28 April 2006 issued by the National Archives stating that
there is no notarial record on file with the said office of Amado Ibae}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 z and }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute
Sale (with various marginal notes made by the complainants) notarized by Atty.
Amado Ibaez }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 In his answer, Atty. Ibaez alleged that complainants are
guilty of forum shopping }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 nasmuch
as they had previously filed the same complaint, docketed as Administrative Case
No. 3581, which was eventually dismissed by then IBP CBD Comm. Victor Fernandez.}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Further,
that the he was a commissioned as notary public at the time he notarized the
document in Cavite, and the place designated therein, which is Manila, was mere
mistake through oversight by his secretary. And further, the notarization was
proper and approved by Bureau of Lands.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
Respondent Atty. Ibaez alleged that a defect in the notarization of a document of
sale does not invalidate the transaction, and he stated that his failure to require
the presence of the parties to the Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute Sale is
wholly justified because of the assurance of complainant Rosalina Angeles that the
signatures appearing in the said document were indeed those of her co-heirs. The
respondent also alleged that almost all the complainants submitted their residence
certificates, the numbers of which were recorded in the acknowledgement portion of
the document.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Further, he
alleged that he had no intent to commit any crime, and it is more than 28 years }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 have lapsed without anyone
questioning not only the sale of the said property, but Puerto Azuls long
possession of the same as well. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\langnp8192 IBP - found that the respondent notarized the document without the
presence of the affiant and without a notarial commission.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Forum Shopping: The two cases
are entirely different, the first case }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 shows that this earlier complaint pertains to herein respondents alleged
land-grabbing of two (2) parcels of land in Bgy. Zapang, Ternate, Cavite.}{\fs21
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
We sustain the findings of the IBP and adopt its recommendations with modification.
Respondent violated his oath as a lawyer and the Code of Professional
Responsibility when he notarized the Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute Sale in
the absence of the affiants.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Respondent Notarized the Extrajudicial
Partition with Absolute Sale}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 in
the Absence of the Affiants}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Respondent himself admits that he
merely relied on the representation of Rosalina Angeles that the signatures
appearing on the Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute Sale subject of the present
complaint are those of her co-heirs}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 .}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Respondent claims that he reposed confidence upon Rosalina Angeles because she is
his confidential secretary. Unfortunately for respondent, he cannot exculpate
himself from the consequences of his recklessness and his failure to comply with
the requirements of the law by relying on his confidential secretary.}{\fs21
WHEREFORE, the Court finds respondent Atty. Amado O. Ibaez GUILTY of notarizing the
Extrajudicial Partition with Absolute Sale in the absence of the affiants.
Accordingly, the Court SUSPENDS him from the practice of law for one year, REVOKES
his incumbent notarial commission, if any, and PROHIBITS him from being
commissioned as a notary public for one year, effective immediately, with a stern
warning that a repetition of the same or similar offense shall be dealt with more
severely.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard
\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt \brdrs \brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs \brdrw10
\langnp8192 Maria vs Cortez, 669 SCRA 87}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 ISSUE:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Whether or not the respondent
should be suspended and his commission revoked even the SPA in question was not
used, and parties have already settled.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 This is an
administrative complaint[1] filed by William Hector Maria (William) against
respondent Atty. Wilfredo R. Cortez for having notarized a Special Power of
Attorney (SPA) without verifying the authenticity of the signatures contained
therein in violation of the Notarial Law.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Complainant William is a citizen
of New Zealand, and married to Ernita Villanueva-Maria (Ernita) from Bio, Tagudin,
Ilocos Sur. Sometime in September 2005, the complainant and his wife Ernita
(Spouses Maria) took a vacation in Ilocos Sur from Australia. They met Emmanuel
Biteng (Emmanuel) and Ethel Biteng (Ethel), collectively called as Spouses Biteng,
who represented themselves as caretakers of certain parcels of land purportedly for
sale}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 . They
had interest in the sale.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Being
confronted with the issue on ownership, Emmanuel presented an SPA allegedly signed
by Gundaway and Namnama, appointing him as their attorney-in-fact in all
transactions}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
. The SPA was notarized by the respondent.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\langnp8192 The complainant doubted the authenticity of the SPA, however, spouses
Biteng assured them they will furnish them the a duly signed SPA Notarized in USA.
Consequently, the complainant signed the deed of sale.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 In early 2006, Maria found out that the
Transfer Certificate Title has already issued in their name but in the possession
of Biteng due to some misunderstanding ( which according to the respondent is about
the purchase price). }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 This
prompted the Spouses Maria to get in touch with Gundaway and Namnama in the USA who
told them that they (Gundaway and Namnana) did not execute any SPA in favor of
Emmanuel.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 On April 4, 2006, the complainant came back to the Philippines
and reviewed all the pertinent documents involved in the sale of the subject
properties and noticed that they were all notarized by the respondent. Hence, the
complainant filed the instant administrative case which prayed for the respondents
suspension as a notary public and for his disbarment for violating his sworn duty
as a lawyer.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 In the answer
of the respondent, he alleged that }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 he had no active participation in the sale nor did he exert any influence over
the parties into agreeing to said sale; that his two well-trusted secretaries
carefully scrutinized every document, specifically the identities of the parties
involved and the authenticity of their signatures, before they were brought to him
for his notarial signature.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The respondent also averred that the SPA
he notarized was not the one used in the registration of the subject properties,
since it was replaced with another one upon the insistence of Spouses Maria, who
eventually signed the two (2) Deeds of Sale on the same day. He even asseverated
that the complainant should not have allowed his wife to sign the two Deeds of Sale
if he doubted the authenticity of the SPA. More importantly, the respondent
stressed that he was merely being implicated in the feud between the parties
regarding the selling price of the subject properties. The parties have settled
their differences and the titles of the land were finally turned over to Spouses
Maria. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Rule IV,
Section 2(b) of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice reads:}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0
\f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Section 2.
Prohibitions}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\qc \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 (b) A person shall not perform a notarial
act if the person involved as signatory to the instrument or document}{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qc \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 (1) is not in the notarys presence personally at the time of
the notarization; and}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 (2) is not
personally known to the notary public or otherwise identified by the notary public
through competent evidence of identity as defined by these Rules.}{\fs21
In the instant case, it was clearly established that the respondent notarized the
subject SPA without having Gundaway and Namnama personally appear before him as
required by law. In his Answer, he stated that he merely relies on his two
secretaries in scrutinizing all contents of documents including the authenticity of
its signatories before the documents are brought to him for his notarial signature.
This was what actually transpired with regard to the subject SPA when Emmanuel went
to the respondents office to have the SPA notarized. The secretaries were familiar
with Emmanuel for being a long time Barangay Chairman. With the secretaries
assurance that they knew Emmanuel in person, the respondent affixed his notarial
signature on the SPA without even requiring the physical presence of Gundaway and
Namnama whose names appear as signatories on the SPA.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The respondents excuse
that the SPA was never used or has been replaced during the registration of the
subject lands is of no moment. The fact remains that the SPA was notarized without
complying with the requirements of the law.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Torres-Gomez
vs. Codilla, 668 SCRA 600}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 On 30 November 2009, Richard I. Gomez (Gomez) filed his
Certificate of Candidacy for representative of the Fourth Legislative District of
Leyte under the Liberal Party of the Philippines. On even date, private respondent
Codilla Jr. filed his Certificate of Candidacy for the same position under Lakas
Kampi CMD.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 On 6 December 2009, Buenaventura O. Juntilla (Juntilla), a
registered voter of Leyte, filed a Verified Petition for Gomez's disqualification
with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) First Division on the ground that Gomez
lacked the residency requirement for a Member of the Fiouse of }{\fs21 \kerning2
Representatives.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 By reason of the
disqualification, Lucy Torres-Gomez }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 filed her Certificate of Candidacy as substitute for the position of
representative of the Fourth Congressional District for the Province of Leyte vice
Gomez, her husband.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\langnp8192 Thereafter, Juntilla questioned the validity of the substitution. }{\b0
\langnp8192 After the elections, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
petitioner emerged as the winner with 101,250 votes or a margin of 24,701 votes
over private respondent Codilla, who obtained 76,549 votes.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 It was questioned by Codilla, and after the
proclamation of Lucy Torres-Gomez, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 private respondent Codilla filed a Petition with public respondent HRET against
petitioner docketed as HRET Case No. 10-009 (Election Protest).}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 {\b0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 While the existence of the
Verification is not disputed, petitioner notes three alleged defects. First, the
Election Protest was filed on 21 May 2010, but the Verification was allegedly
subscribed and sworn to on 21 May 2009. Second, Codilla, a resident of Ormoc City,
could not have possibly appeared personally before the notary public in Quezon
City.Third, in the notarial stamp, the date of expiration of the notarial
commission was handwritten while all other details were stamped; the PTR indicated
was issued in 2005; there was no MCLE Compliance Number as required by Bar Matter
No. 1922.Petitioner claims that due to the lack of a proper verification, the
Election Protest should have been treated as an unsigned pleading and must be
dismissed}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
because the HRET cannot take jurisdiction over the protest.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \f0 The Petition is dismissed for failure to show any grave abuse of
discretion on the part of the HRET on the Allegedly Defective Verification}{\b1
The alleged defects of the Verification are more apparent than real.}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 With respect
to the date of the notarization, it is clear that the stamped date "2009" was a
mere mechanical error. In fact, the notary public had superimposed in writing the
numbers "10" and countersigned the alteration. Thus, this error need not be overly
magnified as to constitute a defect in the Verification.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 With respect to the
second alleged defect, there is a presumption that official duty has been regularly
performed with respect to the jurat of the Verification, wherein the notary public
attests that it was subscribed and sworn to before him or her, on the date
mentioned thereon.[ Official duties are disputably presumed to have been regularly
performed. Thus, contrary to petitioner's allegation, there was no need for Codilla
to "attach his plane ticket to prove he flew from Ormoc City to Manila."}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Further, to
overcome the presumption of regularity, clear and convincing evidence must be
presented.Absent such evidence, the presumption must be upheld. The burden of proof
to overcome the presumption of due execution of a notarized document lies on the
party contesting the execution}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang8192 \langnp8192 .}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Thus,
petitioner's contention that she "had reliable information that [Codilla] was in
Ormoc City on the date indicated in the Verification" cannot be considered as clear
and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption that the document was duly
executed and notarized.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 With respect to the third alleged defect,
the fact that some portions of the stamp of the notary public were handwritten and
some were stamped does not, in itself, indicate any defect. Further, }{\b1 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Bar Matter No. 1922 merely requires
lawyers to indicate in all pleadings filed before the courts or quasi-judicial
bodies, the number and date of issue of their MCLE Certificate of Compliance or
Certificate of Exemption, whichever is applicable - for the immediately preceding
compliance period. Clearly, the regulation does not apply to notarial acts. }{\fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 With respect to the PTR number which was
dated 5 years prior to the date of notarization, the deficiency merely entails the
potential administrative liability of the notary public.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 In any case,
there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the HRET in denying
petitioner's Motion to Dismiss the Election Protest and directing Codilla to have
his Verification properly notarized.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 It has been consistently held that the
verification of a pleading is only a formal, not a jurisdictional, requirement. The
purpose of requiring a verification is to secure an assurance that the allegations
in the petition are true and correct, not merely speculative. This requirement is
simply a condition affecting the form of pleadings, and noncompliance therewith
does not necessarily render the pleading fatally defective.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 This Court has
emphasized that in this species of controversy involving the determination of the
true will of the electorate, time is indeed of paramount importance. An election
controversy, by its very nature, touches upon the ascertainment of the people's
choice as gleaned from the medium of the ballot. For this reason, an election
protest should be resolved with utmost dispatch, precedence and regard for due
process. Obstacles and technicalities that fetter the people's will should not
stand in the way of a prompt termination of election contests. Thus, rules on the
verification of protests should be liberally construed.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 At this point, it is pertinent to note that such
liberalization of the rules was also extended to petitioner. A perusal of the
Verification and Certification attached to this Petition shows she attests that the
contents of the Petition "are true and correct of [her] own personal knowledge,
belief and based on the records in [her] possession.Section 4, Rule 7 of the Rules
of Court provides that a pleading required to be verified which contains a
verification based on "information and belief or "knowledge, information and
belief," shall be treated as an unsigned pleading. A pleading, therefore, wherein
the verification is based merely on the party's knowledge and belief such as in the
instant Petition produces no legal effect, subject to the discretion of the court
to allow the deficiency to be remedied.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Solarte vs.
Pugeda, 336 SCRA 561}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Before us is an administrative charge for gross misconduct,
filed by complainant Emelita Solarte against a member of the bar, respondent Atty.
Teofilo F. Pugeda. Respondent was a municipal judge in the 1960s when, as notary
public ex officio, he allegedly notarized certain documents involving the sale of
land situated in Cavite, particularly two deeds of sale dated circa 1964 and 1967
involving parcels of land located at General Trias.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Complainant claimed an
interest in the lots sold because she was a descendant of the original owner,
Catalino Nocon. Complainants paternal grandfather, Felimon, was one of Catalinos
children. Some 30 years after the sale thereof, or in mid-1990s complainant
requested respondent for copies of the aforesaid deeds of sale. She suspected them
to be spurious and wanted to have them examined by the NBI. Unable to obtain copies
from respondent, she went to Herminia Nocon, another child of Catalino, who did not
give her copies but allowed her to look at the documents. Complainant recorded the
contents of the document on video and retyped the contents.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Complainant avers that
respondent Pugeda could not have legally notarized a document to which he also
acted as witness. She also cites as irregular or anomalous the absence of the
vendees signature in one of the deeds of sale. Complainant claims that respondent
and his wife are in fact administering the property at General Trias and they were
responsible for the wrongful partition of the property belonging to complainants
kin. According to complainant, the acts of respondent constitute gross misconduct.}
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Complainant
alleges in particular that respondent participated in the fraudulent partition and
sale of the property of Catalino. She discovered the fraud only recently according
to her, when she sought the titling of his fathers portion of the property. She now
assails the validity of the partition made by Catalino and his children
particularly since Herminia was not a signatory thereto and the deeds of sale
pertaining to the property.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 According to
the respondent, he was no longer a notary public ex officio and is willing to
participate in the release of the documents in question, however, the complainant
was impatient and left for USA before it could provide the documents. Further, }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 as municipal judge, he avers he
was empowered to notarize documents under the Judiciary Act of 1948 and the Revised
Administrative Code. The documents in question were notarized in the 1960s.
According to respondent, this was before the Supreme Court declared in 1980,[1]
that an ex officio notary public can only notarize documents if such notarization
is in connection with the exercise of his official functions and duties.}{\fs21
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \intbl \itap1 \fs21
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\lang8192 \langnp8192 The Court agreed with the recommendation of the IBP that the
case be dismissed.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Nothing in
the law prohibits a notary public from acting at the same time as witness in the
document he notarized. The only exception is when the document to be notarized is a
will.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
Apparently, he can be a witness to the document he notarized because the facts
provides that he is not a party to the transaction.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 The respondent cannot be faulted for failure of the National
archives to provide complainant with copies of the requested documents. Nowhere in
the records is it shown that respondent and his wife had a hand in the partition
and sale of the properties. Further, there is no prohibition for a notary public to
witness a document which he ratified nor for his wife to sign as witness.}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Complainant offered no proof, but only mere allegations, that
(1) respondent was involved in the partition of the subject property, and that (2)
respondent employed fraud to effect such partition. Such a grave charge against a
member of the bar and former municipal judge needs concrete substantiation to gain
credence. It could not prosper without adequate proof.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \cell }\pard \plain \qj
\brdrs \brdrw10 \cltxlrtb \cellx5181 \row \pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Amora vs. Comelec,
640 SCRA 473}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\lang8192 \langnp8192 I. Whether or not a CTC is a competent evidence of identity}
\langnp8192 II.W}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 hether it is
proper to disqualify a candidate who, in executing his Certificate of Candidacy
(COC), merely presented to the Notary Public his Community Tax Certificate.}
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Before us is
a petition for certiorari under Rule 64, in relation to Rule 65, of the Rules of
Court, seeking to annul and set aside the Resolutions dated April 29, 2010[1] and
May 17, 2010,[2] respectively, of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in SPA No.
10-046 (DC).}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 On December 1, 2009, petitioner Sergio G. Amora, Jr. (Amora)
filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Mayor of Candijay, Bohol. At that
time, Amora was the incumbent Mayor of Candijay and had been twice elected to the
post, in the years 2004 and 2007.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 }{\fs21 \kerning2
To oppose Amora, the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC) fielded Trygve L. Olaivar
(Olaivar) for the mayoralty post. Respondent Arnielo S. Olandria (Olandria) was one
of the candidates for councilor of the NPC in the same municipality.}{\fs21
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 On March 5, 2010, Olandria filed a petition for
disqualification against Amaro on the ground that his }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 COC was not properly sworn contrary to the requirements
of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) and the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. }{\fs21
\itap1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Amora
alleged that it was an improper ground; }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 Atty. Granada is, in fact, a close acquaintance since they have been
members of the League of Muncipal Mayors, Bohol Chapter, for several years}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 supported
by the affidavit of Atty. Granada}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 ; and}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Ultimately, he (Amora)
sufficiently complied with the requirement that the COC be under oath.}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 COMELEC granted and disqualified Amora.
Pending the motion for reconsideration, Amora was declared winner for having
garnered 58.97% of the total votes cast. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\langnp8192 A week after, the COMELEC affirmed their decision and disqualified
Amora. Accordingly, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The COC
therefore is rendered invalid when [petitioner] only presented his CTC to the
notary public. His defense that he is personally known to the notary cannot be
given recognition because the best proof [of] his contention could have been the
COC itself. However, careful examination of the jurat portion of the COC reveals no
assertion by the notary public that he personally knew the affiant, [petitioner]
herein. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Amoras petition is meritorious.}{\fs21
It is quite obvious that the Olandria petition is not based on any of the grounds
for disqualification as enumerated in the foregoing statutory provisions. Nowhere
therein does it specify that a defective notarization is a ground for the
disqualification of a candidate. Yet, the COMELEC would uphold that petition upon
the outlandish claim that it is a petition to disqualify a candidate for lack of
qualifications or possessing some grounds for disqualification.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\langnp8192 I. }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Section 12.
Competent Evidence of Identity. The phrase competent evidence of identity refers to
the identification of an individual based on:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 }{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 (a) at least one current identification
document issued by an official agency bearing the photograph and signature of the
individual. x x x.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 It is
apparent that a CTC, which bears no photograph, is no longer a valid form of
identification for purposes of Notarization of Legal Documents. No less than the
Supreme Court itself, when it revoked the Notarial Commission of a member of the
Bar in Baylon v. Almo, reiterated this when it said:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 As a matter
of fact, recognizing the established unreliability of a community tax certificate
in proving the identity of a person who wishes to have his document notarized, we
did not include it in the list of competent evidence of identity that notaries
public should use in ascertaining the identity of persons appearing before them to
have their documents notarized.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langnp8192 II. }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 NO. }{\b0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 The COMELEC committed grave abuse of discretion. The court cannot
prescribed additional grounds for it is only the Congress that is empowered to do
the same.}{\b0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
\langnp8192 Further, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Recently, }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The Court}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 have had occasion to distinguish
the various petitions for disqualification and clarify the grounds therefor as
provided in the OEC and the LGC. We declared, thus:}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 To
emphasize, a petition for disqualification on the one hand, can be premised on
Section 12 or 68 of the OEC, or Section 40 of the LGC. On the other hand, a
petition to deny due course to or cancel a CoC can only be grounded on a statement
of a material representation in the said certificate that is false. The petitions
also have different effects. While a person who is disqualified under Section 68 is
merely prohibited to continue as a candidate, the person whose certificate is
cancelled or denied due course under Section 78 is not treated as a candidate at
all, as if he/she never filed a CoC. Thus, in Miranda v. Abaya, this Court made the
distinction that a candidate who is disqualified under Section
68 can validly be substituted under Section 77 of the OEC because he/she remains a
candidate until disqualified; but a person whose CoC has been denied due course or
cancelled under Section 78 cannot be substituted because he/she is never considered
a candidate.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT: }
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Recently, we have had
occasion to distinguish the various petitions for disqualification and clarify the
grounds therefor as provided in the OEC and the LGC. We declared, thus:}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 To emphasize, a petition for disqualification on the one hand,
can be premised on Section 12 or 68 of the OEC, or Section 40 of the LGC. On the
other hand, a petition to deny due course to or cancel a CoC can only be grounded
on a statement of a material representation in the said certificate that is false.
The petitions also have different effects. While a person who is disqualified under
Section 68 is merely prohibited to continue as a candidate, the person whose
certificate is cancelled or denied due course under Section 78 is not treated as a
candidate at all, as if he/she never filed a CoC. Thus, in Miranda v. Abaya, this
Court made the distinction that a candidate who is disqualified under Section 68
can validly be substituted under Section 77 of the OEC because he/she remains a
candidate until disqualified; but a person whose CoC has been denied due course or
cancelled under Section 78 cannot be substituted because he/she is never considered
a candidate.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 In this case, however, contrary to the declarations of the
COMELEC, Amora complied with the requirement of a sworn COC. He readily explained
that he and Atty. Granada personally knew each other; they were not just colleagues
at the League of Municipal Mayors, Bohol Chapter, but they consider each other as
distant relatives. Thus, the alleged defect in the oath was not proven by Olandria
since the presentation of a CTC turned out to be sufficient in this instance. On
the whole, the COMELEC should not have brushed aside the affidavit of Atty. Granada
and remained inflexible in the face of Amoras victory and proclamation as Mayor of
Candijay, Bohol.}{\b0 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Caalim-
Verzonilla vs. Pascua, October 11, 2011, AC No. 6655}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Before the
Court is the verified affidavit-complaint[1] of Pacita Caalim-Verzonilla seeking
the disbarment of respondent Atty. Victoriano G. Pascua for allegedly falsifying a
public document and evading the payment of correct taxes through the use of
falsified documents.}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2
\langnp8192 Ang vs. Atty. Gupana, February 5, 2014, AC No 4545}{\fs21 \kerning2
\af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 The case stemmed
from an affidavit\uc1 \u8211 ?complaint3 filed by complainant Carlito Ang against
respondent. Ang alleged that on May 31, 1991, he and the other heirs of the late
Candelaria Magpayo, namely Purificacion Diamante and William Magpayo, executed an
Extra\uc1 \u8211 ?judicial Declaration of Heirs and Partition}{\fs21 \kerning2
\dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 . }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 He was given his share of 2,003 square meters designated as
Lot No. 2066\uc1 \u8211 ?B\uc1 \u8211 ?2\uc1 \u8211 ?B\uc1 \u8211 ?4, together with
all the improvements thereon.5 However, when he tried to secure a TCT in his name,
he found out that said TCT No. (T\uc1 \u8211 ?22409)\uc1 \u8211 ?6433 had already
been cancelled and in lieu thereof, new TCTs6 had been issued in the names of
William Magpayo, Antonio Diamante, Patricia Diamante, Lolita D. Canque, Gregorio
Diamante, Jr. and Fe D. Montero.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
According to him,there is a reasonable presumption that the respondent participated
in the commission of forgeries and falsification of the affidavit of loss, and Deed
of absolute of sale because it represents the signatures of Candelaria Magpayo,
accordingly, }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 it could not have
been executed by her as she died11 three years prior to the execution of the said
affidavit of loss.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The defense of the respondent is that
the administrative complaint against him is only a scheme by the complainant to
force the defendants in the civil case to enter into a compromise because the court
adjudged that only one of the CTC shall be annotated with lis pendens because }
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Ang admitted that he is not an
heir of the late Candelaria Magpayo but insisted on his claim for a share of the
lot because he is allegedly the son of the late Isaias Ang, the common\uc1 \u8211 ?
law husband of Candelaria Magpayo. Because of his admission, the notice of lis
pendens annotated in the four certificates of title of the land in question were
ordered cancelled and the land effectively became available for disposition.}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 After
reviewing the records of the case, the Court finds that respondent did not act
unethically when he sold the property in dispute as the sellers\uc1 \u8217 ?
attorney\uc1 \u8211 ?in\uc1 \u8211 ?fact because there was no more notice of lis
pendens annotated on the particular lot sold. Likewise, the Court finds no
sufficient evidence to show that the Deed of Absolute Sale executed by Candelaria
Magpayo on April 17, 1989 was antedated.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 However, the Court finds respondent
administratively liable for violation of his notarial duties when he failed to
require the personal presence of Candelaria Magpayo when he notarized the Affidavit
of Loss which Candelaria allegedly executed on April 29, 1994. Section 1 of Public
Act No. 2103, otherwise known as the Notarial Law.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 From the foregoing, it
is clear that the party acknowledging must appear before the notary public or any
other person authorized to take acknowledgments of instruments or documents.23 In
the case at bar, the jurat of the Affidavit of Loss stated that Candelaria
subscribed to the affidavit before respondent on April 29, 1994, at Mandaue City.
Candelaria, however, was already dead since March 26, 1991. Hence, it is clear that
the jurat was made in violation of the notarial law. Indeed, respondent averred in
his position paper before the IBP that he did not in fact know Candelaria
personally before, during and after the notarization24 thus admitting that
Candelaria was not present when he notarized the documents.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 From the foregoing, it
is clear that the party acknowledging must appear before the notary public or any
other person authorized to take acknowledgments of instruments or documents.23 In
the case at bar, the jurat of the Affidavit of Loss stated that Candelaria
subscribed to the affidavit before respondent on April 29, 1994, at Mandaue City.
Candelaria, however, was already dead since March 26, 1991. Hence, it is clear that
the jurat was made in violation of the notarial law. Indeed, respondent averred in
his position paper before the IBP that he did not in fact know Candelaria
personally before, during and after the notarization24 thus admitting that
Candelaria was not present when he notarized the documents.}{\fs21 \kerning2
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 VIOLATION OF CPR: }
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 Respondent likewise violated Rule 9.01, Canon 9, of the Code
of Professional Responsibility which provides that \uc1 \u8220 ?[a] lawyer shall
not delegate to any unqualified person the performance of any task which by law may
only be performed by a member of the Bar in good standing.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 As
aforesaid, respondent is mandated to observe with utmost care the basic
requirements in the performance of his duties as a notary and to ascertain that the
persons who signed the documents are the very same persons who executed and
personally appeared before him to attest to the contents and truth of what are
stated therein. In merely relying on his clerical staff to determine the
completeness of documents brought to him for notarization, limiting his
participation in the notarization process to simply inquiring about the identities
of the persons appearing before him, and in notarizing an affidavit executed by a
dead person, respondent
is liable for misconduct. }{\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj
\f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }\trowd \trql \trgaph0 \trleft-108 \trbrdrt
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 Lustestica vs.
Bernarbe, AC No, 6258, August 24, 2010}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch
\loch \f0 whether or not Respondent committed a falsehood in violation of his oath
as a lawyer and his duties as Notary Public when he notarized the Deed of Donation
purportedly executed by Benvenuto H. Lustestica and Cornelia P. Rivero as the
donors and Cecilio R. Lustestica and Juliana Lustestica as the donees on 5 August
1994.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain \ql
\loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 For consideration is
the disbarment complaint filed by Luzviminda R. Lustestica (complainant) against
Atty. Sergio E. Bernabe (respondent) for notarizing a falsified or forged Deed of
Donation of real property despite the non-appearance of the donors, Benvenuto H.
Lustestica (complainants father) and his first wife, Cornelia P. Rivero, both of
whom were already dead at the time of execution of the said document.}{\fs21
In his Answer,[1] the respondent admitted the fact of death of Benvenuto H.
Lustestica and Cornelia P. Rivero, considering their death certificates attached to
the complaint. The respondent claimed, however, that he had no knowledge that the
real Benvenuto H. Lustestica and Cornelia P. Rivero were already dead at the time
he notarized the Deed of Donation.He also claimed that he exerted efforts to
ascertain the identities of the persons who appeared before him and represented
themselves as the donors under the Deed of Donation.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\loch \af0 {\b1 \fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 RULING:}{\b1
\loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The notarized document provides that \uc1 \u8220 ?}
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 known to me and to me known to be
the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that
the same are their free act and voluntary deed.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 The respondent engaged in dishonest conduct because he falsely
represented in his Acknowledgment that the persons who appeared before him were
known to him to be the same persons who executed the Deed of Donation, despite the
fact that he did not know them and did not ascertain their identities as he
attested.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
\kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Moreover,
the respondent engaged in unlawful conduct when he did not observe the requirements
under Section 1 of the Old Notarial Law that requires notaries public to certify
that the party to the instrument has acknowledged and presented, before the
notaries public, the proper residence certificate (or exemption from the residence
certificate) and to enter the residence certificates number, place, and date of
issue as part of the certification. The unfilled spaces in the Acknowledgment where
the residence certificate numbers should have been clearly established that the
respondent did not perform this legal duty.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 Under the
circumstances, we find that the respondent should be made liable not only as a
notary public but also as a lawyer. He not only violated the Notarial Law (Public
Act No. 2103), but also Canon 1 and Rule 1.01 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \par }\pard \plain
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 The court
ordered that he disbarred and perpetual disqualification for being commissioned as
notary public. The court emphasized }{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 that this is respondents second offense and while he does not appear to
have any participation
in the falsification of the Deed of Donation, his contribution was his gross
negligence for failing to ascertain the identity of the persons who appeared before
him as the donors. This is highlighted by his admissio}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch
\af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 n}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 in his Answer that he did not personally know the parties and was
not acquainted with them. The blank spaces in the Acknowledgment indicate that he
did not even require these parties to produce documents that would prove that they
are the same persons they claim to be. As we emphasized in Maligsa:}{\fs21
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 A lawyer shall at all times uphold the integrity and dignity
of the legal profession. The bar should maintain a high standard of legal
proficiency as well as honesty and fair dealing. A lawyer brings honor to the legal
profession by faithfully performing his duties to society, to the bar, to the
courts and to his clients. To this end a member of the legal fraternity should
refrain from doing any act which might lessen in any degree the confidence and
trust reposed by the public in the fidelity, honesty and integrity of the legal
profession.}{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192
{\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \cell }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\cltxlrtb \cellx5196 \row \pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \lisb0 \lisa0 \widctlpar
\af0 {\fs21 \kerning2 \dbch \af2 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang8192 \langnp8192 \par }}

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