JOY A. GIMENO v.

 ATTY. PAUL CENTILLAS ZAIDE

A.C. No. 10303, April 22, 2015
BRION, J.:

FACTS:

Joy A. Gimeno, a complainant of this case, filed a case with the IBP’s
Commission on Bar Discipline against Atty. Zaide for multiple grounds and one of which
is the use of intemperate, offensive, and abusive language.

Atty. Zaide was a former counsel of the complainant and despite of this fact he is
still representing a client named Samontan who filed a complaint against Joy. In one of
Atty. Zaide’s pleadings, he called the complainant a “notorious extortionist”, but this
allegation was denied by the respondent.

The Commission found Atty. Zaide guilty of employing abusive and insulting
language. Atty. Zaide sought for the reconsideration but the same was denied. He then
went to this court.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the employment of intemperate, offensive, and abusive language

of Atty. Zaide can be a ground for suspension as a lawyer?

The Ruling of the Supreme Court:

Yes, the employment of intemperate, offensive, and abusive language of Atty.

Zaide can be a ground for suspension as a lawyer.

The prohibition on the use of intemperate, offensive, and abusive language in a

lawyer's professional dealings, whether with the courts, his clients, or any other person,
is based on the Code of Professional Responsibility.

FALLO:

The Court resolves to ADOPT the recommended penalty of the Board of

Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Atty. Paul Centillas Zaide is
found GUILTY of violating the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice and for using
intemperate, offensive and, abusive language in violation of Rule 8.01, Canon 8 and
Rule 11.03, Canon 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. His notarial
commission, if existing, is hereby REVOKED, and he is declared DISQUALIFIED from
being commissioned as a notary public for a period of two (2) years. He is
also SUSPENDED for one (1) year from the practice of law.