Administrative Liabilities of lawyers

 Main Objectives of Disbarment and Suspension:

1. to compel the attorney to deal fairly and honestly with his clients;
2. to remove from the profession a person whose misconduct has
proved him unfit to be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities
belonging to the office of an attorney;
3. to punish the lawyer;
4. to set an example or a warning for the other members of the bar;
5. to safeguard the administration of justice from incompetent and
dishonest lawyers;
6. to protect the public

 Characteristics of Disbarment Proceedings:

1. Neither a civil nor criminal proceedings;
2. Double jeopardy cannot be availed of in a disbarment proceeding;
3. It can be initiated motu propio by the SC or IBP. It can be initiated
without a complaint;
4. It is imprescriptible;
5. Conducted confidentially;
6. It can proceed regardless of the interest of the lack thereof on the
part of the complainant;
7. It constitutes due process.

 Grounds for Disbarment or Suspension:

1. deceit;
2. malpractice or other gross misconduct in office;
3. grossly immoral conduct;
4. conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;
5. violation of oath of office;
6. willful disobedience of any lawful order of a superior court;
7. corrupt or willful appearance as attorney for a party to case
without authority to do so (Sec. 27, Rule 138, RRC)