NELITA S. SALAZAR vs. ATTY. FELINO R.

QUIAMBAO
A.C. No. 12401, March 12, 2019
EN BANC

As a lawyer, being trustworthy is one of the important qualities to be lived out in one’s
private and much more on the public life. They are public servants and it is essential that a
servant put first the public interest rather than their personal interest. In this case, the lawyer
broke the trust of his client and thus unethically act with regards to his legal profession. It has
always been a reminder that legal profession should always be upheld for it is not only to
enhance the standards of the profession but to also build up a façade which will, at all times,
make the people believe in the work of the lawyers in administering justice.

Once a client engages the services of the lawyer, it means clearly that there is trust and
confidence that she will be assisted in her cause. The client knows that being learned in the law;
a lawyer is competent to handle such case involving important documents or even large sum of
money. Trust is something that is developed through the years, and it is tested even in small
things. As one goes through the reality in life, this is such a great asset in living within a
community and in our workplace. Having this quality, bring more opportunities, experiences,
and people that would influence our lives and even our profession. Now, that I am studying
law, and if I will be able to finish and work this noble legal profession, I will remind myself that
a lot of hurdles I have been through and I will never let any of the negligence and unethical
actions or omissions will put to waste all I have worked on. Good reputation is the best
advertisement a lawyer can have, and that could be from a client whose trust was never
betrayed by his former counsel.

VIVIAN VILLANUEVA vs. ATTY. CORNELIUS M. GONZALES

A.C. No. 7657, February 12, 2008
EN BANC

Money is something we worked hard for; even how little it would be. I believe no one
would want his money to be lost for it is a one’s hard-earned. One would risk money just to
avoid more expenses especially when settling real properties. These conveyances are crucial just
like any other documents we are keeping. I have been quite exposed to a real property company
and I saw how people would want their real properties to be settled. They pay for an amount of
money and thus, have to be catered with an efficient and proper service.

A lawyer’s service has become part of the society’s daily lives. Many people would seek
a lawyer for legal processes, advice, notarial, etc. The lawyer in turn have to act on the duty and
obligation conferred in accordance with the law and Rules in performing such legal work. In
line with this, the client should always be informed about the client’s case. He should not be
clueless about his cause for it is part of the lawyer-client relationship. Communication should
transpire between them and so as to efficiently administer what has to be administered. Again,
trust is essential as the client gave him the requisites of his cause. As a lawyer, emolument is
only a by-product, the client’s cause is always the priority and diligence should always be
manifested in a lawyer’s deeds, hence will be considered negligent which contravenes with the
Canons of Professional Responsibility. As a law student, there are a lot of things that are
entrusted for us to do, especially in the aspect of studying. Our professors trust us that we read,
do our digests, submit it on time as a training for our future profession. We should be always
diligent and competent in doing such rather, we will become negligent and fail our subjects.
These things are being instilled in us even as a law student and so we will become great
counsels in the future. Responsibilities of law students are already great but such are
preparations for something greater. Lawyers have to do what is due to the court, to his client
and to the society at large.

ROMEO ADAN AND CIRILA ADAN vs. ATTY JEROME NORMAN L. TACORDA
A.C. No. 12826, February 1, 2021
THIRD DIVISION

There are a lot of big things that is expected of lawyers and these have to be as always
displayed in a positive manner. Good moral character is a prerequisite in the admission t the
Bar and the same is after the admission and throughout the life of a full-fledged officer of the
court. As always been reiterated, emolument is only a by-product in the service of lawyering for
it is a PUBLIC SERVICE. Once the case is agreed to be accepted, a lawyer is bound to be loyal to
his own client. In this case, the respondent filed a Motion against his own clients alleging that
the complainants had been evading payments for attorney’s fees. This act constituted is contrary
to the Lawyer’s Oath to not delay no man for money or malice. The same enthusiasm, conduct
and vigor in defending the cause must be shown to both paying and non-paying clients. This is
the burden of being in service but such challenge will in some way would brand a lawyer to be
a true lawyer. Another thing to be observed is the language in dealing with clients and
colleagues, which should always be dignified. Profane language stains not only the dignity of
the lawyer but that also of the legal profession. Lawyers are guardians of the law and so as
guardians of the profession, such that they must always uphold the decorum and greatness of
the noble profession.

Lawyers have to comply with what is asked to be done especially when such orders are
from the Court. They are the role models in obeying the laws of the land and abide by the rules
and orders of the court. All in all, these rules embodied in the Code of Professional
Responsibility serves as a guide in the proper conduct of lawyers. I believe that even I am still
studying law, some of the rules are already relevant to my status as a student. I will start
abiding to those guidelines. I will also remind myself that my future profession is a PUBLIC
SERVICE and not a something which I can utilize to make more money.