Topic: Rule 7.

01 – False statement in connection with his application for

admission to the bar.
In re Diao, A.C. 244, March 29, 1963, 7 SCRA 475 (1963)
Facts:
Severino Martinez charged Atty. Telesforo Diao having falsely represented in his
application that he had the academic qualifications.
Severino alleges Diao for not being able to finish high school and never
attended Quisumbing College, contrary to what he indicated, and never obtain
his A.A. diploma therefrom.
Diao admits the first matter, which is he did not finish his high school training,
although he did not finish high school, but he entered the service of U.S.
Military and passed it, which, according to him, equivalent of high school
diploma. In so far as the second matter is concern, he admits that he obtain
his degree from Arellano University, he says he was erroneously certified, due
to confusion, as a graduate of Quisumbing College in his school records.
Issue:
Whether or not Diao violated Rule 7.01 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility.
Ruling:
Yes.
Rule 7.01 - A lawyer shall be answerable for knowingly making a false
statement or suppressing a material fact in connection with his application for
admission to the bar.
In the case at bar, Diao false represented in his application for admission the
bar that he finished his high school, and obtained his A.A. diploma in
Quisumbing College, even if he really obtained it from Arellano University.
Therefore, Diao is guilty of violating Rule 7.01 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility for making a false statement in connection with his application
for admission to the bar.
Hence, Diao is disbarred.