Legal Profession

A.Y. 2020-2021, S2
Case Title IN RE ARGOSINO
Citation/Date B.M. No. 712 [July 13, 1995]
Relevant Topic Requirements for Admission to the Practice of Law; Good Moral Character
Facts
1. On February 4, 1992 ,Argosino, together with 13 others, was charged with the crime of homicide in
connection with the death of one Raul Camaligan. The death of Camaligan stemmed from the affliction
of severe physical injuries uponhim in course of "hazing" conducted as part of the university fraternity
initiation rites.

2. On February 11, 1993, the accused were consequently sentenced to suffer imprisonment for a period
ranging from two (2) years, four (4) months and one (1) day to four (4) years.

3. Eleven (11) days later, Mr. Argosino and his colleagues filed an application for probation with the
lower court. The application was granted on June 18 1993.

4. The period of probation was set at two (2) years, counted from the probationer's initial report to the
probation officer assigned to supervise him. Less than a month later, Argosino filed a petition to take
the bar exam.

5. He was allowed and he passed the exam, but was not allowed to take the lawyer's oath of office.On
April 15, 1994, Argosino filed a petition to allow him to take the attorney's oath and be admitted to the
practice of law. He averred that his probation period had been terminated. It is noted that his probation
period did not last for more than 10 months.
Issue/s and Ruling/s
W/N Argosino should be allowed to take the oath of Mr. Argosino must submit to this Court evidence that he
attorney and be admitted to the practice of law may now be regarded as complying with the requirement
of good moral character imposed upon those who are
seeking admission to the bar. He should show to the
Court how he has tried to make up for the senseless
killing of a helpless student to the family of the deceased
student and to the community at large. In short, he must
show evidence that he is a different person now, that he
has become morally fit for admission to the profession of
law.

He is already directed to inform the Court, by appropriate

written manifestation, of the names of the parents or
brothers and sisters of Camaligan from notice.

PREMISES CONSIDERED, petitioner Al Caparros Argosino is hereby ALLOWED to take the lawyer's oath on a date to
be set by the Court, to sign the Roll of Attorneys and, thereafter, to practice the legal profession.

SO ORDERED.