In Re Borromeo AM No.

93-7-669-0 (1995)

FACTS:
The respondent, Joaquin T. Borromeo, is not a lawyer but has apparently read some
law books, and ostensibly come to possess some superficial awareness of a few
substantive legal principles and procedural rules. Because of these, he has ventured to
represent himself in numerous original and review proceedings. In the process, he took
the opportunity to disrespect the Supreme Court alleging that it made erroneous
decisions. He also compose and circulate many scurrilous statements against courts,
judges and their employees, as well as his adversaries, for which he is now being called
to account.

ISSUE:
Whether or not Joaquin Borromeo should be charged with constructive contempt.

HELD:
Yes. The Supreme Court held that Borromeo was guilty of constructive contempt of
court for repeatedly disrespecting the decisions and resolutions issued by the court, and
by issuing circular containing libellous and offending accusations against the SC justices
and its employees. It was also discovered that his actions were retaliatory attack
against the court for the series of dismissed complaints and appeals against 3 banks
from which he obtained loans with unfulfilled mortgages. Furthermore, the court
declared him guilty of contempt of court for his actions as well as allegations contained
in his pleadings attacking the personalities involved are clear examples of
argumentatum ad hominem or as personal attacks, which have no bearing on the
merits of the issues.