Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ethics Cases - 1A Canon 1, 5, 12
Ethics Cases - 1A Canon 1, 5, 12
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LAWYER Herein, BP 22 violation is a serious criminal offense which deleteriously affects public
I. TO THE RULE OF LAW interest and public order. The effects of the issuance of a worthless check transcends
the private interest of parties directly involved in the transaction and touches the
CANON 1 interest of the community at large. Putting valueless commercial papers in circulation,
multiplied a thousand fold, can very well pollute the channels of trade and commerce,
1. PEOPLE v. TUANDA injure the banking system and eventually hurt the welfare of society and the public
A.M. 3360 | Jan 30, 1990 interest. The crimes of which respondent was convicted also import deceit and violation
of her attorney's oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility under both of which
Respondent Fe T. Tuanda, a member of the Philippine Bar, asks this Court to lift the she was bound to "obey the laws of the land."
suspension from the practice of law imposed upon her by a decision of the Court ACCORDINGLY, the Court Resolved to DENY the Motion to Lift Order of Suspension.
of Appeals. In 1983, Atty. Fe Tuanda received from one Herminia A. Marquez several Respondent shall remain suspended from the practice of law until further orders from
pieces of jewelry with a total value of P36,000 for sale on commission basis. In 1984, this Court.
instead of returning the unsold pieces of jewelry worth P26,250, she issued 3 checks.
These checks were dishonored by the drawee bank, Traders Royal Bank, for
insufficiency of funds. Notwithstanding receipt of the notice of dishonor, Tuanda made 2. ROYONG v. OBLENA
no effort to settle her obligation. Criminal cases were filed, wherein she was acquitted A.C. 376 | April 30, 1963
of estafa but was found guilty of violation of BP 22 (The Anti-Bouncing Check Law).
The appellate court affirmed the decision of the trial court and imposed further Royong, the niece it the common-law wife of Oblena, filed a rape case against the
suspension against Tuanda in the practice of law, on the ground that the offense latter. In her complaint, Royong alleged that in 1958 Oblena forced her to
involves moral turpitude. Tuanda is now appealing to the Supreme Court for her have intercourse with her and that she refrained to report the incident because Oblena
suspension to be lifted arguing that her suspension was a penalty so harsh on top of threatened to kill her family. As a result if the sexual intercourse, Royong gave birth to
the fines imposed to her in violation of the aforementioned law. Arguing further that she a child Oblena denied all the allegations and argued that he and Royong had a
intends no damage to the plaintiff-appellee (Herminia A. Marquez) and she is not guilty relationship and Royong consented to have intercourse with him.The Solicitor General
of the offense charged. recommended that Oblena be permanently removed from the roll of attorney even
though the acts of the Royong before and after the rape incident showed that she is
ISSUE: W/N the suspension of Atty. Tuanda be lifted. more of a sweetheart than a victim because of the circumstances behind the incident.
HELD: No. The Court of Appeals correctly ruled that "the offense [of] which she is The Solicitor General also charged Oblena of falsifying and deliberately alleging in his
found guilty involved moral turpitude. Sections 27 and 28 of Rule 138 of the Revised application in the bar in1958 that he is a person of good moral character while having
Rules of Court provide as follows: an illicit and adulterous relationship with Angeles who is not only the aunt of Royong
but also has a legal husband in the province Oblena moved to dismiss the case
Sec. 27. Attorneys renewed or suspended by Supreme Court on what grounds. A because the offenses charged are different from those originally charged in the
member of the bar may be removed or suspended from his office as attorney by the complaint but the court overruled his petition. After the hearing, the investigators
Supreme Court of any deceit, malpractice, or other gross misconduct in such office, concluded that A.) Oblena used his knowledge in law to commit immoral acts without
grossly immoral conduct, or by reason of his conviction of a crime involving moral incurring any criminal liability; B.) he committed gross immorality by continuously
turpitude, or for any violation of the oath which he is required to take before admission cohabiting with Angeles, his common-law wife, even after he became a lawyer and C.)
to practice, or for a wilful disobedience of any lawful order of a superior court, or for Oblena falsified the truth as to his good moral character in his application to take the
corruptly or wilfully appearing as an attorney for a party to a case without authority so bar.
to do. The practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain, either personally or
through paid agents or brokers, constitutes malpractice. (Italics supplied) ISSUE: W/N the illicit relationship with Royong and the open cohabitation with Angeles,
a married woman, are sufficient grounds to cause Oblena’s disbarment.
Sec. 28. Suspension of attorney by the Court of Appeals or a Court of First Instance.
— The Court of Appeals or a Court of First Instance may suspend an attorney from HELD: Yes. Although Oblena is not yet convicted of the crime of rape, seduction or
practice for any of the causes named in the last preceding section, and after such adultery and he is not guilty of any of the grounds for disbarment enumerated in Sec
suspension such attorney shall not practice his profession until further action of the 25, Rule 127 of the Rules of Court, the enumeration is not exclusive and the power of
Supreme Court in the premises. the court to exclude unworthy members of the bar is inherent and is a necessary
Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude relates to and affects the good moral incident to the proper administration of justice and can be exercised even without any
character of a person convicted of such offense. statutory authority, in all cases unless properly prohibited by statutes.
Rule 7.03 A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to
American jurisprudence provides that the continued possession of a good moral practice law, nor should he, whether in public or private life, behave in a scandalous
character is a requisite condition for the rightful continuance in the practice of law. The manner to the discredit of the legal profession.
loss requires suspension or disbarment even though the statues do not explicitly
specify that as a ground of disbarment. A lawyer is expected at all times to uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal
profession by faithfully performing his duties to society, to the bar, to the courts and to
Oblena’s argument that he believed himself to be a person with good moral character his clients. Exacted from him, as a member of the profession charged with the
when he filed his application to take the bar examination is wrong. One’s own responsibility to stand as a shield in the defense of what is right, are such positive
approximation of himself is not a gauge of his moral character. Moral character is not a qualities of decency, truthfulness and responsibility that have been compendiously
subjective term but one which corresponds to objective reality. Moral character is what described as “moral character.” To achieve such end, every lawyer needs to strive at
the person really is and not what he other people thinks he is. all times to honor and maintain the dignity of his profession, and thus improve not only
the public regard for the Bar but also the administration of justice.
His pretension to wait for the 18th birthday of Royong before having carnal knowledge
with her shows the scheming mind of Oblena and his taking advantage of his
knowledge of the law. Also, Royong is the niece of his common-law wife and he 4. ACEJAS III v. PEOPLE
enjoyed moral ascendancy over her. Oblena took advantage of Royong’s trust on him. G.R. 156643 | June 27, 2006
Oblena’s contention that the Solicitor General exceeded his authority in filing On December 17, 1993, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation Agent Vladimir
the present complain which is entirely different from the original complaint filed is Hernandez, together with a reporter went to the house of Takao and Bethel Aoyagi to
untenable. There is nothing in the law requiring the Solicitor General to charge in his serve Mission Order No. 93-04-12. Hernandez told Takao, through his wife Bethel, that
complaint the same offence charged in the original complaint. What the law provides is there were complaints against him in Japan that he was a suspected to be a Yakuza
that if the Solicitor General finds sufficient grounds to proceed against the respondent, big boss, a drug dependent and an overstaying alien. Takao showed his passport and
he shall file the corresponding complaint accompanied by the evidence introduced in signed an undertaking issued by Hernandez, stating his promise to appear in an
his investigation. investigation at the BID and that as a guarantee of his appearance, he was entrusting
his passport to Hernandez. Bethel called Expedito Perlas and informed him of the
taking of Takao’s passport. Perlas referred them to Atty. Lucenario of the Lucernario,
3. TAPUCAR v. ATTY. TAPUCAR Margate, Mogpo, Tiongco and Acejas III Law firm. Following the advice of the latter,
A.C. 4148 | July 30, 1998 they did not appear before the BID.
In a letter-complaint dated November 22, 1993, complainant Remedios Ramirez Meanwhile, Hernandez prepared a progress report and submitted it to the Chief of
Tapucar sought the disbarment of her husband, Atty. Lauro L. Tapucar, on the ground Operations and Intelligence Division, Ponciano Ortiz, who recommended that Takao be
of continuing grossly immoral conduct for cohabiting with a certain Elena (Helen) Peña placed under custodial investigation. On December 22, 1993, the Aoyagis met accused
under scandalous circumstances. Atty. Francisco Acejas and were informed that Acejas would handle their case. On
January 5, 1994, Jun Pelingon (Bethel’s brother), Perlas, Atty. Acejas, Hernandez, Vic
Prior to this complaint, respondent was already administratively charged four times for Conanan and Akira Nemoto met at the Aristocrat Restaurant. Another meeting was set
conduct unbecoming an officer of the court. in Administrative Matter No. 1740, resolved at the Manila Nikko Hotel on January 8 with Pelingon, Perlas, Acejas and Hernandez
on April 11, 1980, respondent, at that time the Judge of Butuan City, was meted the attending. On January 11, on account of the alleged demand of 1million pesos for the
penalty of six months suspension without pay, while in Administrative Matter Nos. return of Takao’s passport, Pelingon called BID Commissioner Zafiro Espicio of Davao.
1720, 1911 and 2300-CFI, which were consolidated, this Court on January 31, 1981 The latter referred him to Atty. Angelica Somera, an NBI agent. An entrapment
ordered the separation from service of respondent. operation was arranged. On January 12, Hernandez returned the passport at the coffee
shop of the Diamond Hotel. The NBI team arrested Perlas, Atty. Acejas and Jose
ISSUE: W/N respondent violated Canon 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. Victoriano after the latter picked up the brown envelope containing marked money.
HELD: Yes. The Code of Professional Responsibility mandates that: ISSUE: W/N the accused guilty of direct bribery.
Rule 1.01. A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful
conduct. HELD: Yes. The crime of direct bribery exists when a public officer 1) agrees to
perform an act that constitutes a crime in consideration of any offer, promise, gift or
present; 2) accepts the gift in consideration of the execution of an act that does not ISSUE: W/N there is substantial evidence of malpractice on the part of Atty. De Vera
constitute a crime; or 3) abstains from the performance of official duties. independent of the recommendation of suspension by the hearing officer of the State
Bar of California.
Petitioners were convicted under the second kind of bribery, which contained the
following elements: 1) the offender was a public officer, 2) who received gifts o HELD: Yes; HOWEVER, judgment of suspension against a Filipino lawyer may
presents personally or through another, 3) in consideration of an act that did not transmute into a similar judgment of suspension in the Philippines only if the basis of
constitute a crime, and 4) that act related to the exercise of official duties. the foreign court's action includes any of the grounds for disbarment or suspension in
Hernandez took the passport of Takao Aoyagi. On various dates, he met with the this jurisdiction.
Aoyagi spouses and also Pelingon, regarding the return of the passport. Hernandez
then asked for a down payment on the payoff, during which he directed Bethel to The judgment of the foreign court merely constitutes prima facie evidence of unethical
deliver the money to Acejas. acts as lawyer. Considering that there is technically no foreign judgment to speak of,
the recommendation by the hearing officer of the State Bar of California does not
Even assuming that Acejas negotiated for the return of the passport on his clients constitute prima facie evidence of unethical behavior by Atty. de Vera. Complainant
behalf, he still failed to justify his actions during the entrapment operation. The must prove by substantial evidence the facts upon which there commendation by the
witnesses all testified that he had received the purported payoff. It would be illogical to hearing RECENT JURISPRUDENCE LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS officer was
sustain his contention that the envelope represented the balance of his firm’s legal based A LAWYER SHALL HOLD IN TRUST ALL MONEYS AND PROPERTIES OF
fees. It was given to Hernandez immediately after the return of passport. HIS CLIENT THAT MAYCOME TO HIS POSSESSION.
In sum, the Court found that the prosecution proved the elements of direct bribery. Atty. de Vera's act of holding on to his client's money without the latter's acquiescence
First, the offense was committed by BID Agent Hernandez who extorted money from is conduct indicative of lack of integrity and propriety. It is clear that he, by depositing
Aoyagi for the return of the passport and the promise of assistance in procuring visa. the check in his own account and using the same for his own benefit, is guilty of deceit,
Second, the offenders received the money as payoff, which Acejas received for the malpractice, gross misconduct and unethical behavior. He caused dishonor, not only to
group and gave it to Perlas. Third, the money was given in consideration of the return himself but to the noble profession to which he belongs. For, it cannot be denied that
of the passport, an act that did not constitute a crime. Fourth, both the confiscation and the respect of litigants to the profession is inexorably diminished whenever a member
the return of the passport were made in the exercise of official duties. For taking direct of the profession betrays their trust and confidence. Atty. De Vera violated his oath to
part in the execution of the crime, Hernandez and Acejas are liable as principals. A conduct himself with all good fidelity to his client. That the elder Willis "expected de
conspiracy exists even if all the parties did not commit the same act, if the participants Vera might use the money for a few days" was not so much an acknowledgment of
performed specific acts that indicated unity of purpose in accomplishing a criminal consent to the use by Atty. De Vera of his client's funds. Rather, it was more an
design. acceptance of the probability that Atty. De Vera might, indeed, use his client's funds,
which by itself did not speak well of the character of Atty. De Vera or the way such
character was perceived. Disciplinary action against a lawyer is intended to protect the
5. VELEZ v. ATTY. DE VERA court and the public from the misconduct of officers of the court and to protect the
A.C. 6697 | July 25, 2006
administration of justice by requiring that those who exercise this important function
Atty de Vera was suspended for three years by the State Bar of California for illegally shall be competent, honorable and reliable men in whom courts and clients may repose
depositing his client’s funds on his personal account and later on Atty de Vera resigned confidence. The statutory enunciation of the grounds for disbarment on suspension is
from the California Bar. May 13, 2005, the IBP Board, by 2/3 vote, resolved to remove no to be taken as a limitation on the general power of courts to suspend or disbar a
Atty. De Vera as member of the IBP Board and as EVP. Atty. De Vera allegedly made lawyer.
untruthful statements, innuendos and blatant lies during the Plenary Session of the IBP
10th National Convention of Lawyers on April 22,2005, making it appear that the
decision of the IBP Board to withdraw the Petition questioning R.A.9227, was due to 6. UI v. ATTY. BONIFACIO
influence and pressure from the Supreme Court, thereby bringing the IBP Board and A.C. 3319 | June 8, 2000
the IBP as a whole in public contempt and disrepute, in violation of Canon 11 of the
Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers which mandates that a lawyer shall Complainant Lesli Ui found out that her husband Carlos Ui was carrying out an illicit
observe and maintain the respect due to the courts and to judicial officers and should relationship with respondent Atty. Iris Bonifacio with whom he begot two children.
insist on similar conduct by others. On May 13, 2005 IBP issued a resolution removing Hence, a complaint for disbarment was filed by complainant against respondent before
Atty de Vera as a member of the IBP board and IBP EVP. the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on the
ground of immorality, more particularly, for carrying on an illicit relationship with the
complainant’s husband. It is respondent’s contention that her relationship with Carlos
Ui is not illicit because they were married abroad and that after June 1988, when he denied, was, in addition to being rather poorly and awkwardly worded, also
respondent discovered Carlos Ui’s true civil status, she cut off all her ties with him. prolix, with unnecessary matter being included therein without due regard to logic or
Respondent averred that Carlos Ui never lived with her. coherence or even rules of grammar. He could add that his denial was to be correlated
with his special defenses, where he concentrated on points not previously admitted.
ISSUE: W/N she has conducted herself in an immoral manner for which she deserves That is the most that can be said of his performance, and it is not enough. For even if
to be barred from the practice of law. such be the case, Attorney Busmente had not exculpated himself. He was of course
expected to defend his client's cause with zeal, but not at the disregard of the truth and
HELD: The complaint for disbarment against respondent Atty. Iris L. Bonifacio, for in defiance of the clear purpose of labor statutes. He ought to remember that his
alleged immorality, was dismissed. All the facts taken together leads to the inescapable obligation as an officer of the court, no less than the dignity of the profession, requires
conclusion that respondent was imprudent in managing her personal affairs. However, that he should not act like an errand-boy at the beck and call of his client, ready and
the fact remains that her relationship with Carlos Ui, clothed as it was with what eager to do his every bidding. If he fails to keep that admonition in mind, then he puts
respondent believed was a valid marriage, cannot be considered immoral. For into serious question his good standing in the bar.
immorality connotes conduct that shows indifference to the moral norms of society and
the opinion of good and respectable members of the community. Moreover, for such
conduct to warrant disciplinary action, the same must be “grossly immoral,” that is, it 8. LINSANGAN v. ATTY. TOLENTINO
must be so corrupt and false as to constitute a criminal act or so unprincipled as to be A.C. 6672 | September 4, 2009
HELD: Yes. Elections held on June 3,1989 be annulled, relevant by-laws be amended 11. STEMMERIK v. MAS
as per the court’s resolution and new elections be held such that the persons named in
A.C. 8010 | June 16, 2009
the resolution cannot contest for any IBP position.
Stemmerik, a Danish citizen, wanted to buy Philippine property due to its beauty. He
consulted Atty Mas about his intention, to which the latter advised him that he could
legally buy such properties. Atty Mas even suggested a big piece of property that he
can buy, assuring that it is alienable. Because of this, Stemmerik entrusted all of the
necessary requirements and made Atty Mas his attorney in fact as he went back to
Denmark. After some time, Atty Mas informed Stemmerik that he found the owner of During the entire period of the illnesses, De Ysasi II, the father-employer, took care of
the big piece of property and stated the price of the property is P3.8M. Stemmerik the medical expenses of his son and continued to give him his salary. However, in April
agreed, giving Atty Mas the money, and the latter supposedly drawing up the 1984, without due notice, the father stopped paying his son”s salary. The son made
necessary paperwork. oral and written demands for an explanation for the sudden stop of his income flow.
The demands were not heeded. So, De Ysasi III, the employee-son, filed an action with
When Stemmerik asked when he could have the property registered in his name, Atty the NLRC against his father for illegal dismissal.
Mas can’t be found. He returned to the Philippines, employed another lawyer, and to
his horror, was informed that aliens couldn’t own Philippine Lands and that the property ISSUE: W/N the father illegally dismissed his son
was also inalienable. Stemmerik the filed a DISBARMENT case against Atty MAS in
the Commission on Bar Discipline (CBD) of the IBP. The CBD ruled that Atty Mas HELD: Yes. De Ysasi III, the son, maintains that his dismissal was illegal because
abused the trust and confidence of Stemmerik and recommended that he be disbarred. there was no just cause and that due process was not observed. On the other hand,
The IBP Board of Governors adopted such recommendations. De Ysasi II, the father-employer, says that the dismissal was based on a just cause. He
says that his son was guilty of abandonment of his functions as farm administrator,
ISSUE: W/N Atty Mas can be disbarred. therefore giving him a ground to terminate employment.
HELD: Yes. The Supreme Court ruled that the absences of De Ysasi III from work cannot be
Disobeyed the Laws and the Constitutional Prohibition considered as abandonment because he has a justifiable excuse. He was suffering
Section 7, Article XII of the Constitution prohibits foreigners from buying Philippine from the scientific mumbo jumbo illnesses mentioned above. During the period of his
Lands. Respondent, in giving advice that directly contradicted a fundamental illness and recovery, De Ysasi III did not stay in the farm in Negros Occidental.
constitutional policy, showed disrespect for the Constitution and gross ignorance of However, he performed his job as manager which did not require him to stay in the
basic law. Worse, he prepared spurious documents that he knew were void and illegal. farm itself. Work from home, kumbaga. The father”s contention of abandonment cannot
be sustained because it is not mere absence that is needed to warrant abandonment.
Deceitful Conduct There must be deliberate and unjustified refusal to resume employment which was not
By advising complainant that a foreigner could legally and validly acquire real estate in present in this case.
the Philippines and by assuring complainant that the property was alienable,
respondent deliberately deceived his client. He did not give due regard to the trust and De Ysasi III was also refused due process because there is no factual question that he
confidence reposed in him by complainant. was never given any notice of his impending dismissal and the grounds therefor, much
less a chance to be heard. The father was ordered to pay his son back wages and
Illegal Conduct separation pay.
By pocketing and misappropriating the P3.8 million given by complainant for the
purchase of the property, respondent committed a fraudulent act that was criminal in The conduct of the respective counsel of the parties sorely disappoints the Court…It is
nature. their responsibility to exert all reasonable efforts to smooth over legal conflicts,
preferably out of court and especially in consideration of the direct and immediate
consanguineous ties between their clients. The useful function of a lawyer is not only to
12. DE YSASI III v. NLRC conduct litigation but to avoid it whenever possible. Both counsel for petitioner and
G.R. 104599 | March 11, 1994
respondent fell short of what was expected of them as there was no showing that they
took pains to initiate steps to avoid litigation between a father and a son. They did not
initiate steps which would lead to the reconciliation of the family. The Court reminded
In 1980, De Ysasi III (employee-son) was employed by his father, who is the private the counsels that it is their duty to avoid litigation as much as possible, as long as
respondent in this case. It is safe to assume that the employer-father is De Ysasi II. justice would still be served.
The case does not say, I swear. Anyway, De Ysasi III was working as farm
administrator for his father in Hacienda Manucao in Negros Occidental. Starting in
1982, De Ysasi III, the employee son, started suffering from various illnesses which
required hospitalization. First, he underwent fistulectomy which is the removial of the
fistula, a deep sinuous ulcer. He had to recuperate for 4 months. Second, he was
confined for acute gastroenteritis. Third, he was also confined for infectious hepatitis for
2 months.
13. CORDON v. BALICANTA blatantly used the corporate veil to perpetrate his fraudulent acts. In this case, it is clear
A.C. 2797 | Oct. 4, 2002 that Balicanta behaved in a way that merits more than a mere suspension.
When Rosaura Cordon”s husband died, she and her daughter, Rosemarie, inherited 14. ROXAS v. CA
around 21 parcels of land in Zamboanga City. Atty. Jesus Balicanta settled the estate G.R. 118436 | March 21, 1997
of her late husband and also advised the Cordons on how to manage their inheritance.
He enticed them to organize a corporation and transfer their properties to such
Maguesun Corporation filed an Application for Registration of two parcels of
corporation for development. Thus, Rosaura Enterprises, Inc. was born and the
unregistered land located in Tagaytay. In support of its application for registration they
Cordons assumed majority ownership. However, it was Balicanta who served as the
presented a Deed of Absolute Sale dated June 10, 1990, executed by Zenaida Melliza
Chairman of the Board, President, General Manager, and Treasurer. More than that,
as vendor who bought the property from Trinidad de Leon vda. de Roxas two and a
Balicanta also transferred the titles of the property to one Tion Suy Ong. He also made
half months earlier, as evidenced by a Deed of Sale dated March 26, 1990 and an
them sign a voting trust agreement and a SPA allowing Balicanta to sell and mortgage
Affidavit of Self-Adjudication dated March 24, 1990.
the Cordons” properties.
Notices of the initial hearing were sent by the Land Registration Authority to Hilario
Using a spurious board resolution, Balicanta obtained a P2.2 Million loan from the Land
Luna, Jose Gil and Leon Luna while Trinidad de Leon vda. de Roxas was not notified
Bank of the Philippines, supposedly to develop the Baliwasan Commercial Center
because she was not named as an adjoining owner, occupant or adverse claimant.
using 9 of the Cordons” properties as collateral. However, it was later found out that the
Publication was made in the Official Gazette and the Record Newsweekly. After an
structure was made out of poor materials such as sawali. For four years, Balicanta did
Order of general default was issued, the trial court proceeded to hear the land
not pay a single demand despite numerous demand and notice from LBP.
registration case.
Finally, in 1983, Rosemarie found out what was happening when she saw that
On October 4, 1990, LRA reported that the subject parcels of land had previously been
Balicanta had their ancestral home demolished, selling the land to Tion Suy Ong again,
applied for registration at the CFI of Cavite by Manuel A. Roxas and Trinidad de Leon
and transferred her mom to a house in a different town on the pretext that their home
but no decision has been made.
was being renovated. Thereafter, the Cordons filed a disbarment case against
Balicanta with the IBP Comission on Bar Discipline. Commissioner Cunanan issued a
February 13, 1991 the RTC granted Maguesun Corporation's application for
report recommending Balicanta”s disbarment. While Balicanta”s disbarment was
registration. Consequently RTC issued the Order for Issuance of the Decree on March
pending review before Executive VP and Northern Luzon Governor Pilando, Balicanta
14, 1991, after it ordered the application of Manuel A. Roxas and Trinidad de Leon
alleged that Commissioner Cunanan”s report was penned by the Cordons” lawyers.
dismissed.
Aside from this, Balicanta”s main defense is that he hid not do anything out of line, that
he was only doing his job, and it was the Cordons who should be held accountable for
It was only when the caretaker of the property was being asked to vacate the land that
being negligent in the running of the corporation.
petitioner Trinidad de Leon Vda. de Roxas learned of its sale and the registration of the
lots in Maguesun Corporation's name. Hence, she filed a petition for review before the
ISSUE: W/N Atty. Balicanta should be disbarred
RTC to set aside the decree of registration on the ground that Maguesun Corporation
committed actual fraud, alleging that her signature was forged in both the Deed of Sale
HELD: Yes. Balicanta”s actions show an organized plan to deceive the Cordons and
and the Affidavit of Self-Adjudication; that Maguesun Corporation intentionally omitted
deprive them of their property. In fact, Balicanta”s deceptions show in the evidence he
her name as an adverse claimant, occupant or adjoining owner in the application for
adduced to supposedly defend himself. In his supporting evidence, it showed that the
registration submitted to the LRA, such that the latter could not send her a Notice of
Cordons only owned 266 of Rosaura Enterprises, Inc.”s shares when the factual finding
Initial Hearing.
of the IBP Committee showed that the Cordons owned 1,711 out of 1,750 shares. Also,
Balicanta”s actions were done without the approval of the corporation”s Board of
RTC that Maguesun Corporation did not commit actual fraud and dismissed the petition
Directors. It was also never explained why the Cordons, despite holding around 90% of
for review of decree of registration April 15, 1992. CA affirmed the findings of RTC,
the company”s outstanding stock, were never participated in any of the corporation”s
ruling that Roxasí failed to and demonstrate that there was actual or extrinsic fraud, not
actions.
merely constructive or intrinsic fraud, a prerequisite for purposes of annuling a
judgment or reviewing a decree of registration. Hence this petition.
These fraudulent acts should not be permitted to continue, especially from the member
of the bar. The relation between an attorney and his client is highly fiduciary in nature.
Balicanta can”t hide behind the corporation”s separate juridical personality because he
ISSUE: W/N there is actual fraud on the part of Maguesun Corporation to warrant the preparation of the forged instruments, there are sufficient indicia which proves that
reopening and the setting aside of the registration decree Maguesun Corporation is not the "innocent purchaser for value" who merits the
protection of the law.
HELD: Yes. Only actual fraud or extrinsic fraud has been accepted as grounds for a
judgment to be annulled or, as in this case, a decree of registration reopened and The questioned signatures taken from the Deed of Sale and Affidavit of Self-
reviewed. The "fraud" contemplated by the law in this case (Section 32, P.D. No 1529) Adjudication are starkly different from the sample signatures in several documents
is actual and extrinsic, which includes an intentional omission of fact required by law. executed by Trinidad. The questioned signatures are smooth and rounded and have
none of the jagged and shaky character of petitioner's signatures characteristic of the
In the corporation's application for registration filed with the RTC only the following penmanship of elderly persons.
names appeared: Hilario Luna, Jose Gil, Leon Luna, Provincial Road. The court found
that the some words are typed in with a different typewriter, with the first five letters of The fact that petitioner was not the sole heir was known to the general public, as well
the word "provincial" typed over correction fluid. as the demise of the late President on April 15, 1946 while delivering a speech at Clark
Field, Pampanga. The aforementioned irregularities are too glaring to have been
However, Maguesun Corporation, annexed a differently-worded application for the ignored. If Tinidad did in fact execute said Affidavit, there is no reason why she should
petition to review the application of the Roxas; where in instead of PROVINCIAL state facts other than the unadulterated truth concerning herself and her family.
ROAD, the name ROXAS appeared. The discrepancy which is unexplained appears
intentional. 15. Re: FINANCIAL AUDIT OF ATTY. RAQUEL G. KHO
A.M. P-06-2177 | June 27, 2006
The Roxas family has also been in possession of the property uninterruptedly through
their caretaker, Jose Ramirez. Maguesun Corporation also that the subject land was
unoccupied when in truth and in fact, the Roxas family caretaker resided in the subject Atty. Kho is a former clerk of court of the RTC in Eastern Samar. He was found guilty of
property. Maguesun Corporation is likewise charged with the knowledge of such gross misconduct for his failure to make a timely remittance of judiciary funds in
possession and occupancy, for its President, who signed the Deed of Sale over the his custody. She was fined P10k. Since his malfeasance prima facie contravened
property, knew fully well that her grandaunt Trinidad de Leon vda. de Roxas owned the Canon 1, Rule 1.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, the Supreme Court
property. It is reasonable to expect her as a buyer to have inspected the property prior ordered him to show cause why he should not be disciplined as a lawyer and as an
to the sale such that the ascertainment of the current possessors or occupants could officer of the court. In his explanation, Atty. Kho admitted that his failure to make a
have been made facilely. timely remittance of the cash deposited with him was inexcusable. He maintained,
however, that he kept the money in the court’s safety vault and never once used it for
Maguesun Corporation intentional concealment and representation of Roxasí interest his own benefit.
in the subject lots as possessor, occupant and claimant constitutes actual fraud
ISSUE: Whether Atty. Kho is guilty of violating Canon 1, Rule 1.01.
justifying the reopening and review of the decree of registration.
HELD: Yes. Atty. Kho’s apparent good faith and his ready admission of the infraction,
Lastly, while publication of the notice in the Official Gazette is sufficient to confer although certainly mitigating, cannot negate the fact that his failure to remit P65,000 in
jurisdiction upon the court, publication in a newspaper of general circulation remains an judiciary funds for over a year was contrary to the mandatory provisions of OCA
indispensable procedural requirement. Couched in mandatory terms, it is a component Circular 8A-93. That omission is a breach of his oath to obey the laws as well as the
of procedural due process and aimed at giving "as wide publicity as possible" so that all legal orders of the duly constituted authorities and of his duties under Canon 1, Rule
persons having an adverse interest in the land subject of the registration proceedings 1.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
may be notified thereof. Although jurisdiction of the court is not affected, the fact that
publication was not made in a newspaper of general circulation is material and relevant As servants of the law and officers of the court, lawyers are required to be at the
in assessing the applicant's right or title to the land. forefront of observing and maintaining the rule of law. They are expected to make
themselves exemplars worthy of emulation.
A close scrutiny of the evidence on record leads the Court to the irresistible conclusion
The least a lawyer can do in compliance with Canon 1 is to refrain from engaging in
that forgery was indeed attendant in the case at bar. Although there is no proof of
unlawful conduct. By definition, any act or omission contrary to law is unlawful. It does
respondent Maguesun Corporation's direct participation in the execution and
not necessarily imply the element of criminality although it is broad enough to include it.
Thus, the presence of evil intent on the part of the lawyer is not essential in order to simulated Deed of Absolute Sale wherein they made it appear that complainants
bring his act or omission within the terms of Rule 1.01 which specifically prohibits reconveyed the Melencio property to his mother, he committed dishonesty.
lawyers from engaging in unlawful conduct.
Third, when on May 2, 1990 respondent persuaded his own clients, the Chua spouses,
into turning over to him the owner’s copy of his mother’s title upon the
16. CHUA v. MESINA misrepresentation that he would, in four months, have a deed of sale executed by his
A.C. 4904 | Aug. 12, 2004 mother in favor of complainants, he likewise committed dishonesty.
That the signature of “Felicisima M. Melencio” in the 1985 document and that in the
Complainants Ana Alvaran Chua and Marcelina Hsia administratively charged 1979 document are markedly different is in fact a badge of falsification of either the
respondent Atty. Simeon M. Mesina, Jr., for breach of professional ethics, gross 1979 or the 1985 document or even both.
professional misconduct, and culpable malpractice.
3. CASALS v. CUSI, JR. After hearing, the trial court issued an Order9 dated March 7, 2005 granting the motion
G.R. L-35766 | July 12, 1973
to reduce support and denying petitioner’s motion for spousal support, increase of the
children’s monthly support pendente lite and support-in-arrears. Petitioner’s motion for
Upon the filing of the petition at bar for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for writ of partial reconsideration of the March 7, 2005 Order was denied on May 4, 2005.
preliminary injunction, the Court as per its resolution resolved, without giving due
course to the petition, to require respondents to comment thereon within ten days from In her appeal brief, petitioner emphasized that she is not appealing the Decision dated
notice and to issue a temporary restraining order restraining respondent court inter alia May 16, 2005 which had become final as no appeal therefrom had been brought by the
from proceeding with the hearing of the case pending before it below. parties or the City Prosecutor or the Solicitor General. Petitioner pointed out that her
appeal is “from the RTC Order dated March 7, 2005, issued prior to the rendition of the
Despite notice and order of the court, Atty. Delante, as counsel for respondents, had decision in the main case”, as well as the May 4, 2005 Order denying her motion for
repeatedly failed to file the required comment, specifically, he failed three (3) times to partial reconsideration. By Decision dated September 9, 2008, the CA dismissed the
file it. appeal on the ground that granting the appeal would disturb the RTC Decision of May
16, 2005 which had long become final and executory. The CA further noted that
ISSUE: W/N Atty. Delante violated his duties to the court. petitioner failed to avail of the proper remedy to question an interlocutory order.
Petitioner’s motion for reconsideration was likewise denied by the CA.
HELD: Yes. A lawyer must do his best to honor his oath, as there would be a great
detriment to, if not a failure of the administration of justice if courts could not rely on the ISSUE: W/N the matter of support pendente lite are interlocutory or final.
submissions and representations made by lawyers in the conduct of a case. Three (3)
months suspension. HELD: No. Petitioner contends that the CA failed to recognize that the interlocutory
aspect of the assailed orders pertains only to private respondent’s motion to reduce
4. ROXAS v. CA support which was granted, and to her own motion to increase support, which was
G.R. 139337 | Aug 15, 2001 denied. Petitioner points out that the ruling on support in arrears which have remained
unpaid, as well as her prayer for reimbursement/payment were in the nature of final
Petitioner, Ma. Carminia C. Calderon and private respondent Jose Antonio F. Roxas, orders assailable by ordinary appeal. SC disagrees.
were married on December 4, 1985 and their union produced four children. On January
16, 1998, petitioner filed an Amended Complaint for the declaration of nullity of their An interlocutory order merely resolves incidental matters and leaves something more to
marriage on the ground of psychological incapacity under Art. 36 of the Family Code of be done to resolve the merits of the case. In contrast, a judgment or order is
the Philippines. considered final if the order disposes of the action or proceeding completely, or
terminates a particular stage of the same action. Clearly, whether an order or resolution
On May 19, 1998, the trial court issued an Order granting petitioner’s application for is final or interlocutory is not dependent on compliance or noncompliance by a party to
support pendente lite. The aforesaid order and subsequent orders for support its directive, as what petitioner suggests.
pendente lite were the subject of G.R. No. 139337 entitled “Ma. Carminia C. Roxas v.
Court of Appeals and Jose Antonio F. Roxas” decided by this Court on August 15, Moreover, private respondent’s obligation to give monthly support in the amount fixed
2001. The Decision in said case declared that “the proceedings and orders issued by by the RTC in the assailed orders may be enforced by the court itself, as what
the trial court in the application for support pendente lite (and the main complaint for transpired in the early stage of the proceedings when the court cited the private
annulment of marriage) in the re-filed case, that is, in Civil Case No. 97-0608 were not respondent in contempt of court and ordered him arrested for his refusal/failure to
rendered null and void by the omission of a statement in the certificate of non-forum comply with the order granting support pendente lite. A few years later, private
shopping regarding the prior filing and dismissal without prejudice of Civil Case No. 97- respondent filed a motion to reduce support while petitioner filed her own
0523 which involves the same parties.” The assailed orders for support pendente lite motion to increase the same, and in addition sought spousal support and support in
were thus reinstated and the trial court resumed hearing the main case. arrears. This fact underscores the provisional character of the order granting support
pendente lite.
On motion of petitioner’s counsel, the trial court issued an Order dated October 11,
2002 directing private respondent to give support in the amount of P42,292.50 per Petitioner’s theory that the assailed orders have ceased to be provisional due to the
month starting April 1, 1999 pursuant to the May 19, 1998 Order. On February 11, arrearages incurred by private respondent is therefore untenable. The remedy against
2003, private respondent filed a Motion to Reduce Support citing, among other an interlocutory order not subject of an appeal is an appropriate special civil action
under Rule 65 provided that the interlocutory order is rendered without or in excess of to testify as required by the case, they should withdraw from the active management of
jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion. Having chosen the wrong remedy in the case. This is embodied in Canon 19 of the Code of Legal Ethics.
questioning the subject interlocutory orders of the RTC, petitioner's appeal was
correctly dismissed by the CA. The decision of the CFI is reversed and the defendant is ordered to pay PNB the sum
of P11,574.38 with interest thereon at the rate of seven percent per annum to be
reckoned from August 1, 1930. Costs for the defendant
5. NATIONAL BANK v. UY TENG PIAO
G.R. L-35252 | Oct 21, 1932
6. BERBANO v. BARCELONA
Defendant-appellant, Uy Teng Piao, was sued by PNB for non payment of obligations A.C. 6084 | Sept 3, 2003
at the CFI of Manila and said court rendered judgment in favor of PNB on September 9,
1934 for the sum of P17,232.42 with interest of seven percent per annum from June 1, Felicitas Berbano, heir of Rufino Hilapo appointed Atty. Daen as their atty-in-fact for
1924. The court ordered the defendant appellant to deposit the money due with the their pending casevwith the Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems
clerk of the court within three months from the date of judgment. In case of failure to (regarding their Ayala lot being claimed by Filinvest Dev. Corp.). Atty.
pay, the mortgage properties should be sold at auction in accordance with law and the Daen was subsequently arrested by Muntinlupa police. The heirs of Hilapo looked for
proceeds to be applied to the payment of the judgment. a lawyer to secure the release of Atty. Daen. Berbano was recommended to Atty.
Barcelona (by a certain Naty Sibuya).
The defendant failed to comply with the payment order and the properties were
auctioned by the sheriff of Manila for a total of P1,300 with PNB as the buyer. On After the first visit of Atty. Barcelona in Muntinlupa City Jail, they learned that Atty.
February 11, 1925, PNB secured from defendant a waiver of the latter’s right to redeem Daen had decided to engage the services of Atty. Barcelona. Atty. Barcelona told
one of the proper ties described as TCT no. 8274 and thereafter sold the same to one Berbano that if they could produce P50K, he will cause the release of Atty. Daen the
Mariano Santos for P8,600. next day. Since it was already late in the evening, Berbano could only produce P15,700
by asking from relatives who were with her.
The other property, TCT No. 7264 was likewise resold and the proceeds was credited
to the account of Uy. The total amount generated with the resale of the lots amonted to There were several subsequent meetings between Berbano and Atty.
P 11, 300. On August 1, 1930, PNB instituted another court action for the recover of Barcelona regarding the “grease money” to be used to allegedly bribe an SC justice.
the balance of the judgment amounting to P11,574.38 with interest at seven percent Berbano made another payment via a “pay-to-cash” check for P24,000;
per annum. The defendant claimed that in exchange for his waiver of his right to and, in another occasion, went to the house of Atty. Barcelona to give him P10,000.
redeem the first property resold by PNB, the bank would not Another P15,000 was handed to Atty. Barcelona by Atty. Daen’s nephew while
collect from him the balance of the judgment. Berbano gave him P1000 for gasoline expenses when Atty. Barcelona informed them
that he could not secure Atty. Daen’s because the check had not been encashed.
The CFI ruled that there was in fact a condonation made by the bank through one of its
officer, a certain Mr. Pecson. Hence this appeal. By this time, the total amount given to Atty. Barcelona reached P64,000. For failure to
deliver on his promise and due to his sudden disappearance, Berbano filed a
ISSUES complaint for disbarment against Atty. Barcelona with the IBP. Commissioner
1. W/N PNB condoned the balance of the judgment Bautista found Atty. Barcelona guilty of malpractice and serious breach of the Code of
2. W/N a lawyer can appear as both counsel and witness in the same case Professional Responsibility recommending him to be disbarred and ordering him to
return the P64,000 (For failure to file an answer and to appear before the
HELD Commissioner, the decision was rendered ex parte.). Board of Governors adopted the
1. No. There was no evidence presented except the uncertain testimony of the Commissioner’s findings but reduced the penalty to suspension from the practice of law
defendant, that the bank did in fact agree to the condonation. Even if the SC grants for 6 years.
that Mr. Pecson did agree to the condonation, there is not evidence presented that Mr.
Pecson was authorized by the bank through its board of directors or persons ISSUE: W/N Atty. Barcelona should be disbarred
authorized by the said board to bind the bank to the agreement.
HELD: Atty. Barcelona should be disbarred.
2. Yes (No). The SC held that the appearance of a lawyer as both counsel and witness
in a trial is not strictly prohibited. The SC however stated that it would be preferable if Disbarment proceedings are meant to safeguard the administration of justice by
the lawyer in this case can appear only as one or the other. In other words, if they are protecting the court and the public from the misconduct of officers of the court and
remove from the profession of law persons whose disregard for their oath of office why she should not be subjected to disciplinary action for such failure.
have proved them unfit to continue discharging the trust reposed in them as members The Court referred the case to the IBP for hearing and decision. The IBP ruled that
of the bar. Bajar be
“SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY from the practice of law for Unethical
Berbano’s Affidavit-Complaint and testimony was sufficient to support the Practices and attitude showing her propensity and incorrigible character to violate the
finding that respondent committed the acts complained of. The act of Atty. Barcelona in basic tenets and requirements of the Code of Professional Responsibility
not filing his answer and ignoring the hearings, despite due notice, emphasized his rendering her unfit to continue in the practice of law.”
contempt for legal proceedings. Hence, the Court finds no compelling
reason to overturn the Investigating Commissioner’s judgment. However, Bajar continued to practice law despite the decision claiming that she did not
receive a copy of the order.
Atty. Barcelona is guilty for violations of Canon 1, 7, 11, and 16 (Rule 16.01). Instead of
promoting respect for law and the legal processes, respondent callously demeaned the ISSUE: W/N Bajar violated Canon 12.
legal profession by taking money from a client under the pretext of having connections
with a Member of the Court (to secure the release of Atty. Daen). Also, this was not the HELD: Yes. Respondent’s act of filing cases with identical issues in other venues
first time Atty. Barcelona has been charged and found guilty of conduct unbecoming despite the final ruling which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals and the Supreme
a lawyer (The previous case also involved misrepresentation and Atty. Court is beyond the bounds of the law. Respondent abused her right of
Barcelona also did not appear before the IBP despite due notice.). recourse to the courts. Respondent, acting as Tanlioco’s counsel, filed
Respondent has demonstrated a penchant for misrepresenting to clients that he has cases for Specific Performance and Maintenance of Possession despite the
the proper connections to secure the relief they seek, and thereafter, ask for money, finality of the decision in the Ejectment case which involves the same issues.
which will allegedly be given to such connections (related to Canon 12). The Court held that “an important factor in determining the existence of
forum-shopping is the vexation caused to the courts and the parties litigants by the
filing of similar cases to claim substantially the same reliefs.
7. SEBASTIAN v. BAJAR
A.C. 3731 | Sept 7, 2007 Indeed, “while a lawyer owes fidelity to the cause of his client, it should not be at the
expense of truth and administration of justice.” It is evident from the records that
Bajar was a lawyer or the Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance of the DAR who respondent filed other cases to thwart the execution of the final judgment in the
represented Fernando Tanlioco in numerous cases which raised the same Ejectment case.
issues. Tanlioco was an agricultural lessee of a land owned by Sebastian’s spouse and
sister-in-law (landowners). The landowners filed an Ejectment case In this case, respondent has shown her great propensity to disregard court orders.
against Tanlioco on the basis of a conversion order of the land use from agricultural to Respondent’s acts of wantonly disobeying her duties as an officer of the court show an
residential. The RTC rendered judgment ordering Tanlioco’s ejectment subject to the utter disrespect for the Court and the legal profession. However, the Court will not
payment of disturbance compensation. This was affirmed by the CA and SC. Bajar, as disbar a lawyer if it finds that a lesser penalty will suffice to accomplish the desired end.
counsel, filed another case for Specific Performance to produce the conversion order. Bajar was SUSPENDED from the practice of law for a period of THREE
YEARS effective from notice, with a STERN WARNING that a repetition of the same or
RTC dismissed this due to res judicata and lack of cause of action. Bajar again filed similar acts will be dealt with more severely.
another case for Maintenance of Possession with the DAR Adjudication Board which
raised the same issues of conversion and disturbance compensation. Manuel S.
Sebastian filed a disbarment complaint against Atty. Emily A. Bajar 8. HEGNA v. PADERANGA
A.C. 5955 | Sept 8, 2009
(respondent) for “obstructing, disobeying, resisting, rebelling, and impeding final
decisions of Regional Trial Courts, the Court of Appeals and of the Honorable Supreme
Hegna was the lessee of a portion of land owned by the Baclayon spouses for 10 years
Court, and also for submitting those final decisions for the review and
but during this period the Panaguinip spouses by means of force, threat, intimidation,
reversal of the DARAB, an administrative body, and for contemptuous acts
stealth and strategy (FISTS) entered upon the vacant portion of the lot and constructed
and dilatory tactics.”
a shop for which he filed a forcible entry case.
The Court issued a resolution requiring Bajar to comment on the complaint lodged
Hegna won and the Panaguinip spouses were sentenced to vacate the leased
against her. After a 2nd Motion for Extension, Bajar finally submitted her
premises and to pay complainant compensatory damages for illegal occupation. When
Comment which was alleged to not confront the issues raised against her. The Court
the MTCC of Cebu issued a writ of execution and the Sheriff levied certain properties of
required Bajar to submit a Rejoinder but failed, and was later ordered to show cause
the spouses they sent a letter dated Dec 2001 to Hegna for a possible amicable
settlement which he denied. Then Atty. Paderanga filed a Third Party Complaint
alleging that he bought the lot and the vehicle during November and December of 2001 9. PLUS BUILDERS v. REVILLA
which caused the failure to levy the properties by the Sheriff. A.C. 7056 | Feb. 11, 2009
Hegna then filed a letter complaint to the Office of the bar confidant for “deliberately On November 15, 1999, a decision was rendered by the Provincial Adjudicator of
falsifying documents, causing delay and a possible denial of justice.” He also filed Cavite (PARAD) in favor of complainant, Plus Builders, Inc. and against the
criminal charges against Atty. Paderanga & Atty. Madarang (notary public) for tenants/farmers Leopoldo de Guzman, et. al., who were the clients of respondent Atty.
falsification of public documents and the Panaguinip spouses for false testimony and Anastacio E. Revilla, Jr. The PARAD found that respondent’s clients were mere
perjury. His grounds were (1) the lot had no record of transfer with the Register of tenants and not rightful possessors/owners of the subject land. The case was elevated
Deeds, (2) the registration of the vehicle didn’t reflect any change of ownership & (3) all the way up to the Supreme Court, with this Court sustaining complainant’s rights
the Notarial Register Book showed tampering and erasures. over the land. Continuing to pursue his clients’ lost cause, respondent was found to
have committed intentional falsehood; and misused court processes with the intention
The City Prosecutor dismissed the criminal complaint for lack of prima facie evidence to delay the execution of the decision through the filing of several motions, petitions for
of guilt but referred the administrative complaint to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines temporary restraining orders, and the last, an action to quiet title despite the finality of
(IBP) for investigation. Atty. Paderanga’s defense alleged that for ESTATE PLANNING the decision. Furthermore, he allowed non-lawyers to engage in the unauthorized
purposes, he intentionally left these properties in the name of the previous owner and practice of law – holding themselves out as his partners/associates in the law firm.
that he alleged discrepancies in the notarization were made to correct mistakes so that
entries will speak the truth. Respondent maintains that he did not commit the acts complained of. The courses of
action he took were not meant to unduly delay the execution of the DARAB Decision
The Investigating Commissioner found that the dismissal was improper in light of the dated November 19, 1999, but were based on his serious study, research and
letter handwritten by Respondent’s clients, written in Cebuano, asking for mercy and experience as a litigation lawyer for more than 20 years and on the facts given to him
forgiveness in relation to the forcible entry case. Such letter was no longer necessary if by his clients in the DARAB case. He believes that the courses of action he took were
indeed there was a GENUINE transfer of ownership of properties. In addition, there valid and proper legal theory designed to protect the rights and interests of Leopoldo
were several instances where Atty. Paderanga will meet with Hegna offering settlement de Guzman, et. al.
and it was only when he denied them that he received the Third Party Complaint.
He stresses that he was not the original lawyer in this case. The lawyer-client
ISSUE: W/N there was indeed a genuine transfer of the lot and vehicle to Atty. relationship with the former lawyer was terminated because Leopoldo de Guzman, et.
Paderanga. al. felt that their former counsel did not explain/argue their position very well, refused to
listen to them and, in fact, even castigated them. As the new counsel, respondent
HELD: Yes. Commissioner is convinced that there was indeed an anomaly which candidly relied on what the tenants/farmers told him in the course of his interview. They
constitutes a violation of the Canons of Professional Responsibility so given 1 year maintained that they had been in open, adverse, continuous and notorious possession
suspension. His non-registration of the sale transaction so it would not appear in the of the land in the concept of an owner for more than 50 years. Thus, the filing of the
records of the BIR, the City Assessor or the Register of Deeds, on the Land action to quiet title was resorted to in order to determine the rights of his clients
Registration Office so that he would not pay for the expenses of the sale and respecting the subject property.
transfer twice, once he decided to sell; or place them in his children’s name, and
avoid paying estate and inheritance taxes upon his death. ISSUE: W/N respondent Atty. Revilla is guilty of gross misconduct.
He violated Rule 1.01 which provides that a lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, HELD: Yes. We are not unmindful of his dedication and conviction in defending the
dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct; and likewise violated the Lawyer’s Oath, less fortunate. Taking the cudgels from the former lawyer in this case is rather
which mandates that he should support the Constitution, obey the laws as well as the commendable, but respondent should not forget his first and foremost responsibility as
legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein, and do no falsehood or not an officer of the court. In support of the cause of their clients, lawyers have the duty to
consent to the doing of any in court. Further, he has also failed to live up to the present every remedy or defense within the authority of the law. This obligation,
standard set by law that he should refrain from counseling or abetting activities however, is not to be performed at the expense of truth and justice. This is the criterion
aimed at defiance of the law or at lessening confidence in the legal system. The that must be borne in mind in every exertion a lawyer gives to his case. Under the
act of non-registration of the deeds of sale to avoid paying tax may not be illegal per Code of Professional Responsibility, a lawyer has the duty to assist in the speedy and
se; but, as a servant of the law, a lawyer should make himself an exemplar for others to efficient administration of justice, and is enjoined from unduly delaying a case by
emulate. impeding execution of a judgment or by misusing court processes.
Motions for extension of time to file a pleading are not granted as a matter of course
but lie in the sound discretion of the court. It is thus incumbent on any movant for
10. FIL-GARCIA v. HERNANDEZ extension to exercise due diligence to inform himself as soon as possible of the Court's
A.C. 7129 | July 16, 2008
action on his motion, by timely inquiry from the Clerk of Court. Should he neglect to do
Filomeno Garcia, president of Fil-Garcia Inc., after losing his case in the CA for a sum so, he runs the risk of time running out on him, for which he will have nobody but
of money, secured the serviced of Atty. Fernando Hernandez, who received the denied himself to blame.
resolution for Garcia as counsel, and was given 15 days to appeal.
A lawyer who finds it impracticable to continue as counsel should inform the client and
Instead of filing the appeal, Hernandez filed for a Motion for Extension the day before ask that he be allowed to withdraw from the case to enable the client to engage the
the expiration of the period to file the appeal,, alleging that he was counsel for a services of another counsel who can study the situation and work out a solution.
mayoralty candidate and a senatorial candidate, and he was also needed in the
canvassing of votes, so the urgency of the nature of his work will not allow him the To make matters worse, it took respondent 7 months from the time he received a copy
limited time to file the appeal, thus asked for 30 days extension. of the Court's resolution to inform complainant of the same.
30 days later, Hernandez again filed his 2nd Motion for Extension, this time, because he He was merely suspended for 6 months, considering that respondent humbly admitted
fell ill, and his physical state will not allow him to file the appeal on time, thus asking for his fault in not immediately informing complainant of the status of the case.
20 days extension.
11. DE ESPINO v. ATTY. PRESQUITO
20 days later, the 3rd Motion for Extension was filed, with the grand excuse that A.C. 4762 | June 28, 2004
because he fell ill the last time, his work load piled up, thus requiring him more time to
conclude on the work load he missed when he was ill, plus the appeal, hence the Mrs. Linda Vda. de Espino filed a letter-complaint with the Court Administrator Alfredo
request for 10 days extension, to which 10 days later, he did actually file the appeal. Benipayo for "having employed fraud, trickery and dishonest means in refusing to
honor and pay [her] late husband Virgilio Espino, when he was still alive, the sum of
Of course, afterwards, Hernandez learned that all three Motions for Extensions were P763,060.00" against Atty Pepito C. Presquito (respondent). Mr. Espino and the
denied by the court, and to his dismay, received a copy of the resolution denying the respondent entered into an agreement for a purchase of land by the latter from the
former. The price of the land was P1,437,410.00, payable on a staggered basis and by
appeal all together. However, instead of informing his client, Fil-Garcia, he decides to
installments. Respondent issues post dated checks as payment. Respondent then
forward the resolution of denial of the appeal some 7 months later, which greatly
entered into a joint venture or partnership agreement with Mrs. Guadalupe Ares for the
angered his client, pushing him to file for his disbarment. subdivision of the land into home-size lots and its development, with a portion of the
land retained by respondent for his own use. The land was eventually titled in the name
ISSUE: W/N Hernandez is liable for malpractice, gross misconduct, tantamount to of respondent and Mrs. Ares, and subdivided into 35 to 36 lots.
violation of his oath as a lawyer, which warrant his disbarment.
The 8 post-dated checks issued by respondent were all dishonored. Mr. Espino made
HELD: Yes, to gross negligence, but no to disbarment. repeated demands for payment from respondent but the latter refused. Mr. Espino died
in December 1996. His widow, complainant, then tried to collect from respondent the
The filing of 3 motions for extension on the careless assumption that each motion will value of the eight checks. When complainant’s numerous pleas remained unheeded,
be granted by the Court, and without taking care of informing himself of the Court's she filed the complaint in June 1997.
action thereon, constitutes inexcusable negligence. Moreover, respondent knowingly
referred to Rule 65 in the petition he belatedly filed as an afterthought in his desperate Respondent denied any wrongdoing, and said that the allegations that he had
employed "fraud, trickery and dishonest means" with the late Mr. Espino were totally
attempt to salvage the appeal.
false and baseless.
Rule 12.04 enjoins a lawyer not to "unduly delay a case, impede the execution of Respondents claim that he and Mr. Espino, agreed that Mr Espino will not encash the
judgment or misuse court proceedings." While pressure of work or some other checks until the right of way problem has been resolved. In addition, respondent claims
unavoidable reasons may constrain a lawyer to file a motion for extension of time to file that the balance would be offset with the cost he incurred when he defended Mr.
pleadings, he should not presume that his motion for extension of time will be granted. Espino’s son in a criminal case.
complaint, respondent failed to file any and ignored this Court’s subsequent show
ISSUE: W/N respondent failed to act with candor and fairness towards complainant. cause order, he violated Rule 12.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, which
states that “A lawyer shall not, after obtaining extensions of time to file pleadings,
HELD: Yes. Complainant’s testimony and exhibits have clearly established that: (1) memoranda or briefs, let the period lapse without submitting the same or offering an
there was an agreement between respondent and complainant’s late husband for the explanation for his failure to do so.
sale of the latter’s land; (2) respondent had issued the eight checks in connection with
said agreement; (3) these checks were dishonored and remain unpaid; and (4) the land
sold had an existing road-rightof- way. 13. BUGARING AND RBBI v. HON. ESPANOL
G.R. 133090 | Jan. 19, 2001
The responded failed to prove that he had legal cause to refuse payment, or that he During the hearing of the case, plaintiffs and counsel were present together with one
was entitled to legal compensation. Respondent’s failure to present evidence is a operating a video camera who was taking photos of the proceedings of the case while
breach of Rule 12.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. counsel, Atty. Rexie Efren Bugaring, was making manifestation to the effect that he
was ready to mark his documentary evidence pursuant to his Motion to cite (in
Having no legal defense to refuse payment of the 8 dishonored checks, respondent’s contempt of court) the Deputy Register of Deeds of Cavite – Diosdado Concepcion
indifference to complainant’s entreaties for payment was conduct unbecoming of a
member of the bar and an officer of the court. Respondent violated the Code of The Court called the attention of said counsel who explained that he did not in fact
Professional Responsibility by his unlawful, dishonest and deceitful conduct towards instruct his assistant to take photos and added that the reason they had with them a
complainant and her late husband, first by allowing the 8 checks he issued to bounce, camera was because they had just come from a function. Counsel sent out his
then by ignoring the repeated demands for payment until complainant was forced to file assistant after the Court took exception to the fact that although proceedings are open
this complaint, and finally by deliberately delaying the disposition of this case with to the public and it being a court of record, the situation at hand is an abuse of
dilatory tactics. discretion of the court since the court was not asked for permission to do so.
12. ATTY. VAFLOR-FABROA v. ATTY. PAGUINTO When the respondent, Deputy Register of Deeds Concepcion manifested that he
A.C. 6273 | March 15, 2010 needed the services of counsel and right then and there appointed Atty. Barzaga to
represent him, the case was allowed to be called again. On second call, Atty. Bugaring
Complainant filed for the disbarment due to the allegations that respondent: promoted started to insist that he be allowed to mark and present his documentary evidence in
or sued a groundless, false or unlawful suit, and gave aid and consent to the same; spite of the fact that Atty. Barzaga was still manifesting that he be allowed to submit a
disobeyed laws of the land, promoted disrespect for law and the legal profession; did written pleading for his client. The court declared him out of order.
not conduct himself with courtesy, fairness and candor toward his professional
colleague and engaged in harassing tactics against opposing counsel; violated Canon After serving his sentence and paying the fine, he filed for a declaration of said order
19 – A lawyer shall represent his client with zeal within the bounds of the law; and to be null and void. He argued that he was never in contempt of court given that 1) he
ruined and damaged not only the Gen. Mariano Alvarez Services Cooperative, Inc. always addressed it with respect by using the phrase “your Honour please” and 2) he
(GEMASCO, INC.) but the entire water-consuming community as well. was merely carried away by his emotions in espousing the case of his client.
ISSUE: W/N respondent may be disbarred from the violations of Canons 1, 8, 10, 19, ISSUE: W/N RTC erred in citing petitioner in direct contempt of court.
and Rule 12.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
HELD: No. In light of Atty. Bugaring defense of being polite and using the phrase “your
HELD: Yes. IBP found that respondent is guilty of violating the Lawyer’s Oath as well Honour please” during the proceedings, the court ruled that his deference to the court
as Canons 1, 8, 10, and Rule 12.03 of the Code. The Court also noted that respondent in consistently addressing respondent judge as “your Honour please” is belied by his
previously been suspended from the practice of law for six months for violation of the behaviour therein:
Code. It appears, however, that respondent has not reformed his ways, calling for a 1. Veiled threat to file a petition for certiorari against the trial court (in violation of
more severe penalty this time. Rule 11.03, Canon 11)
2. The hurled uncalled for accusation that the respondent Judge was partial in
When respondent caused the filing of baseless criminal complaints against favour of the other party (in violation of Rule 11.04, Canon 11)
complainant, he violated the Lawyer’s Oath that a lawyer shall “not wittingly or willingly 3. Behaving without due regard to the trial court’s order to maintain order in the
promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, nor give aid or consent to the proceedings (in disregard of Canon 1)
same. Likewise, When, after obtaining an extension of time to file comment on the 4. Behaving without due regard or deference to his fellow counsel who at the
time was making representation in behalf of the other party, was rudely interest of his client, warm zeal in the defense and maintenance of his rights, and the
interrupted by the petitioner and was not allowed to further a word in edgewise exertion of his utmost learning, skill, and ability to ensure that nothing shall be taken or
(in violation of Canon 8 and Canon 22) withheld from him, save by the rules of law legally applied. It is axiomatic in the practice
5. Refusal of petitioner to allow the Registrar of Deeds of the Province of Cavite, of law that the price of success is eternal diligence to the cause of the client.
through counsel, to exercise his right to be heard (in violation of Section 1,
Article III, 1987 Constitution and Canon 18, and Canon 12) The practice of law does not require extraordinary diligence (exactissima diligentia) or
that extreme measure of care and caution which persons of unusual prudence and
Regarding counsel’s argument of being carried away in an effort to espouse the case circumspection use for securing and preserving their rights. All that is required is
of his client, the CA stated that: “A lawyer should not be carried away in espousing his ordinary diligence (diligentia) or that degree of vigilance expected of a bonus pater
client’s cause – he should not forget that he is an officer of the court, bound to exert familias.
every effort and placed under duty, to assist in the speedy and efficient administration
of justice” In the case at bar, not only did Atty. Suing try to coach his client or influence him to
answer questions in an apparent attempt not to incriminate him. His client contradicted
Atty. Suing’s claim that the Release Waiver and Quitclaim which he prepared was not
14. SAMBAJON, ET AL. v. ATTY. SUING the one presented at the Arbiter’s Office, as well as his implied claim that he was not
A.C. 7062 | Sept. 26, 2006
involved in releasing to the complainants the money for and in consideration of the
Sambajon, et al. are parties to a previous labor case in which the Atty. Jose Suing is execution of the documents.
the counsel of their employer Microplast, Inc. A judgment in favor of them was
rendered by the Labor Arbiter and a writ of execution was issued against Microplast, As an officer of the court, a lawyer is called upon to assist in the administration of
Inc. justice. He is an instrument to advance its cause. Any act on his part that tends to
obstruct, perverts or impedes the administration of justice constitutes misconduct.
In the meantime, the Labor Arbiter dismissed the case insofar as the seven While the Commission on Bar Discipline is not a court, the proceedings therein are
complainants are concerned on the basis of individual Release Waiver and Quitclaims nonetheless part of a judicial proceeding, a disciplinary action being in reality an
purportedly signed and sworn to by them. investigation by the Court into the misconduct of its officers or an examination into his
character.
Four of the seven who purportedly executed the Release Waiver and Quitclaims,
denied having signed and sworn to before the Labor Arbiter the said documents or
having received the considerations therefor. They subsequently filed an administrative
complaint alleging that respondent, acting in collusion with his clients Johnny and
Manuel Rodil, ―frustrated‖ the implementation of the Writ of Execution by presenting
before the Labor Arbiter the spurious documents. A Complaint seeking the disbarment
of Atty. Jose A. Suing on the grounds of deceit, malpractice, violation of Lawyer’s Oath
and the Code of Professional Responsibility was also filed.
During the administrative hearings before the IBP Commissioner, it was apparent that
Atty. Suing was coaching his client to prevent himself from being incriminated. It was
also revealed that the Release Waiver and Quitclaims allegedly signed were not the
same documents originally presented to the employees to be signed.
ISSUE: W/N the acts of Respondent Atty. Suing is an act arguably violative of the
Lawyers’ Code of Ethics
HELD: Yes.
Diligence is ―the attention and care required of a person in a given situation and is the
opposite of negligence. A lawyer serves his client with diligence by adopting that norm
of practice expected of men of good intentions. He thus owes entire devotion to the