POINTERSINLEGALANDJUDICIALETHICS

2016BAREXAMINATIONS
BYATTY.VICTORIAV.LOANZON
PARTA:THEVELASCOCASES
THELAWYERASAMEMBEROFSOCIETY
CORAZONT.NEVADA v. ATTY.RODOLFOD.CASUGA(A.C.No.7591,March20,
2012)
Question:Canalawyerwhoenteredintoacontractofleasewithathirdpersonbeheldliablefor
representinghimselfastheAdministratorofhisclientshotelwithouthavingaSpecialPowerof
Attorneyexecutedinhisfavor?
Answer:Yes. Thelawyercanbeheldliableforgrossmisconduct. Grossmisconductisa
transgressionofsomeestablishedordefiniteruleofaction,moreparticularly,unlawfulbehavior
orgrossnegligence,orthecorruptorpersistentviolationofthelawordisregardofwellknown
legalrules.
Theactsofmisrepresentinghimselftobeauthorizedtoenterintoacontractoflease,andeven
receivingthebenefitsofthesaidcontractconstitutegrossmisconduct.Therefore,thelawyercan
befoundliable.
FIDUCIARYDUTYUNDERCANON16,CPR
Question:Ms.CorazonNevadadeliveredtoAtty.Casugapiecesofjewelriesworthmorethan
P300,000.00inthecourseofherdealingswithhim.Sheaskedhimtosellthemonherbehalf.
However,despiterepeateddemands,Atty.CasugafailedtodeliverbacktoMs.Nevadathe
jewelriesortheproceedsofthesale.
CanMs.NevadafileadisbarmentcaseagainstherAtty.Casugaevenifthereisnolawyerclient
relationshipbetweenthem?
Answer:Yes.Rule16.03oftheCPRdemandsthatalawyershallholdintrustallmoneysand
propertiesofhisclientthatmaycomeintohispossession.Thelawyerwasdutyboundtoreturn
them upon demand. The absence of a lawyerclient relationship between Atty. Casuga and
Corazon does not exonerate the former. Both the CPR and case law penalize not only
malpracticeanddishonestyintheprofession,butalsogrossmisconductnotconnectedwiththe
professionaldutiesofthelawyer.
Therefore,Atty.Casugacanbeheldaccountableforbreachofhisfiduciaryduty.
UPHOLDINGTHEDIGNITYOFTHELEGALPROFESSION
VICTORIAC.HEENANv.ATTY.ERLINAESPEJO(A.C.NO.10050,December3,2013)
Question:Canalawyerbeheldadministrativelyliableforissuingworthlesschecks?
Answer:Yes.Lawyersmustatalltimesfaithfullyperformtheirdutiestosociety,tothebar,to
thecourtsandtotheirclients.Thefactthatthelawyerobtainedtheloanandissuedtheworthless
checksinherprivatecapacityandnotasanattorneyofthecomplainantisofnomoment.
Therefore,forissuingworthlesschecks,thelawyermaybeheldadministrativelyaccountable.
(Lawyerwassuspendedforthreeyears.Shediedwhileservinghersuspension.)
Question:Canalawyerborrowmoneyfromhisclientwithoutcrossingethicalboundaries?
Answer:No.Asageneralrule,alawyershouldnotborrowmoneyfromhisclient.Canon16.04
oftheCPRprovidesthatalawyershallnotborrowmoneyfromhisclientunlesstheclients
interestsarefullyprotectedbythenatureofthecaseorbyindependentadvice.
Reason:Thelawyersdutytosocietydemandshisuprightnessinhisdealingswiththirdpersons.

1 | Page

Thus,whiletheCourtmaynotordinarilydisciplinealawyerformisconductcommittedinhis
nonprofessionalorprivatecapacity,theCourtmaybejustifiedinsuspendingorremovinghim
asanattorneywherehismisconductoutsideofthelawyersprofessionaldealingsissogrossin
characterastoshowhimmorallyunfitandunworthyoftheprivilegewhichhislicenseandthe
lawconfer.
Question:Whatcircumstancesmaywarrantamoreseverepenaltyuponalawyerindisbarment
proceedingswherethecomplaintincludesacriminaloffensecommittedbythelawyeragainst
thecomplainant?
Answer:Thefollowingcircumstancesmaywarrantaseverepenaltyindisbarmentproceeding:
1. unjustifiedrefusaltoobeytheordersoftheIBPdirectingthelawyertofileananswerto
thecomplaint;
2. failure to appear at the scheduled mandatory conference before the Investigating
Commissioner;and
3. blatantrefusaltoheedthedirectivesoftheQuezonCityProsecutorsOfficeforhertofile
hercounteraffidavitinacriminalcase.
TheaboveactsviolateCanon10.03:Failuretoobserverulesofprocedure.
DISBARMENTPROCEEDINGISSUIGENERIS
Question: Canadisbarmentcasebefiledagainstthelawyerwhileacriminalcaseremains
pendingwhicharosefromthesamecommissionofadeplorableactbythelawyer?
Answer:Yes.Adisbarmentcaseissuigenerisinnature.Thus,adisbarmentcasecanproceed
simultaneouslywiththecriminalcaseinstitutedagainstthelawyer.Tosustainaconvictionina
criminal case, the prosecution must establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt while in a
disbarmentcase,onlypreponderanceofevidenceisrequired.
LAWYERSHOULDNOTBORROWMONEYFROMHISCLIENT(CANON16.04)
SPS.AMADORandROSITATEJADAv.ATTY.ANTONIUTTIK.PALAA(A.C.No.
7434,August23,2007)
Question:Atty.PalaaborrowedfromSps.TejadatheamountofP100KwithinterestofP70K
payableinthreemonthstoallowhimtoreconstitutethetitleofhisrealproperty.
Afterthelapseofthreemonthswithoutfulfillinghispromisetopaytheprincipalofhisloanand
its interest, Sps. Amador asked Atty. Palaa to settle his obligation. The demands remain
unheeded. Can Atty. Palaa be held administratively liable for not settling his loan despite
persistentdemandfromthecreditorspouses?
Answer:Yes.Thecomplainantscouldnothavebeendefraudedwithouttherepresentationsof
respondent.ApromiseofahighinterestconvincedthecomplainantstogivealoanofP100Kto
respondentlawyer.Heknewthathisrepresentationswerefalsesincethefilingfeeforapetition
forreconstitutionandotherexpensesincludingthepublicationofthefilingofthepetitioncould
nothavecostmorethanP20,000.Itisclearthatheemployeddeceitinconvincingcomplainants
topartwiththeirhardearnedmoney;andthelattercouldnothavebeeneasilyswayedtolendthe
moneywereitnotforhismisrepresentationsandfailedpromisesasamemberofthebar.
Therefore,Atty.Palaaisliablefornotpayinghisjustobligation.
COURTESY,FAIRNESSANDCANDORTOWARDSPROFESSIONALCOLLEAGUES
Question:CanaSenatorwhoisalsoalawyerinherprivilegespeechrefertothejusticesofthe
SupremeCourtasacourtofidiotswithoutincurringanyadministrativeliability?
Answer: Yes. Senator Santiagos privilege speech is not actionable criminally or in a
disciplinaryproceedingundertheRulesofCourt.Sheiscoveredbyherparliamentaryimmunity
2 | Page

buttheCourtremindedtheSenatorthatasamemberofthebar,sheissworntogiverespectto
theCourt.
Question:IsamemberofCongressboundtheCanonsofProfessionalResponsibility?
(N.B.PleaserefertoCanon6,CodeofProfessionalResponsibility)
Answer:Yes.Lawyersinpublicservicearekeepersofpublicfaithandareburdenedwiththe
higher degree ofsocialresponsibility, perhaps higherthantheir brethren inprivatepractice.
Thus,amemberofCongresscanbefoundguiltyofviolatingCanon8,Rule8.01andCanon11
oftheCodeofProfessionalResponsibilityifadisrespectfulutteranceismadeagainstthecourt.
AsamemberoftheBarandofficerofthecourt,likeanyother,amemberofCongressisduty
boundtoupholdthedignityandauthorityoftheCourtandtomaintaintherespectduetothe
bench.
CANDOR,FAIRNESSANDGOODFAITHTOWARDSTHECOURTS
ANTONIOCONLUv.ATTY.IRENEOAREDONIA,JR.(A.C.No.4955,September12,
2011)
Question: Can a client file an administrative complaint against a lawyer after the former
discoveredthattheCourtofAppealsdismissedtheappealfornonfilingoftheappellantsbrief
withinthereglamentaryperiod?
DUTYTOSERVECLIENTWITHCOMPETENCEANDDILIGENCE
Answer:Yes.TheCourtsaidthatitmustberememberedthataretainedcounselisexpectedto
servetheclientwithcompetenceanddiligence.Thisdutyincludesnotmerelyreviewingthe
casesentrustedtothecounselscareandgivingtheclientsoundlegaladvice,butalsoproperly
representing the client in court, attending scheduled hearings, preparing and filing required
pleadings,prosecutingthehandledcaseswithreasonabledispatch,andurgingtheirtermination
withoutwaitingfortheclientorthecourttoprodhimorhertodoso.Thelawyershouldnotbe
sittingidlybyandleavetherightsoftheclientinastateofuncertainty.Thefailuretofilea
briefresultinginthedismissalofanappealconstitutesinexcusablenegligence.This default
translatestoaviolationoftheinjunctionofCanon18,Rules18.03and18.04oftheCodeof
ProfessionalResponsibility.
CANDOR,FAIRNESSANDGOODFAITHTOWARDSTHECOURTS
Question:Whatistheliabilityofalawyerwhotriedtomisleadthecourtastothedateofactual
receiptofthedecision?
Answer: By his act, the lawyer had indulged in deliberate falsehood, contrary to the self
explanatoryprescriptionsofCanon1,Rule1.01andCanon10,Rule10.01.
Thelawyershouldbepenalizedforhislackofcandortothecourtwhenhetriedtomisleadthe
appellatecourtaboutthereceiptofacopyofitsdecision.(Theactwasdonetomakeitappear
thatatimelyappealwasfiled.)
Question:WhatistheremedyoftheSupremeCourtwhenalawyercontinuestorefuseitsorder
forhimtocommentonthedisbarmentcasefiledagainsthim?
Answer:TheSupremeCourtmayordertheNationalBureauofInvestigationtoarrestthedefiant
lawyerathislastknownaddressorinanyotherplacewherehemaybefound.
EVERYCASEMUSTRISEANDFALLONITSMERITS
ERLINDA I. BILDNER and MAXIMO K. ILUSORIO v. ERLINDA K. ILUSORIO,
RAMONK.ILUSORIO,MARIETTAK.ILUSORIO,SHEREENK.ILUSORIO,CECILIAA.
BISUA,andATTY.MANUELR.SINGSON(G.R.No.157384,June5,2009)
3 | Page

Question:Canalawyerbeasubjectofadisbarmentproceedingforattemptingtobribeajudge
tosecureafavorablejudgment?
Answer: Yes. Canon 13 of the Code of Professional Responsibility enjoins a lawyer to
refrain from any impropriety which tends to influence or gives the appearance of
influencingthecourt.Thepossibilityofanattemptedbriberyisnotfarfromrealityconsidering
lawyerspersistentphonecallstothejudge.
EVERYCASEMUSTRISEANDFALLONITSMERITS
Question:Whatwouldbeanappropriateremedyuponalawyerwhoattemptedtobribeajudge
inordertosecureafavorableruling?
Answer: Heedingtheinjunctionagainstdecreeingdisbarmentwherealessersanctionwould
sufficetoaccomplishthedesiredend,asuspensionforoneyearfromthepracticeoflawwas
foundtobeappropriateinacasewhenthelawyerattemptedtobribeajudge.
DUTYOFSHERIFFWHENCOURTISSUESANORDEROFATTACHMENT
ATTY. RICARDO M. SALOMON, JR. v. ATTY. JOSELITO FRIAL (A.C. No. 7820,
September12,2008)
Question: Atty. Frial was the counsel of Lucy Lo (complainant) in a case against Atty.
Salomon(defendant).AwritofattachmentwasissuedinfavorofLoforSalomonsVolvoand
NissanSentra.Inacomplaintfordisbarment,Atty.Salomonallegedthattheattachingsheriffof
ManilaturnedovertheattachedvehiclestoAtty.Frialwithoutanyauthorityfromthecourt.
Wastheactionofthesheriffproper?
DUTYOFSHERIFFWHENCOURTISSUESANORDEROFATTACHMENT
Answer:No.Thesheriffsactionwasnotproper.Thesheriffmustdepositanyobjectwhichhas
beenorderedattachedtothepremisesofthecourt.
Therefore,thesheriffcanbeasubjectofanadministrativecaseforviolationofhisduty.
LAWYERSDUTYASCUSTODIANOFATTACHEDITEMS
Question:Alawyerassumedresponsibilitytotakecustodyoftwovehicleswhichwerecovered
byacourtorder.Unfortunately,oneofthevehiclescaughtfire.Thelawyerneverinformedthe
courtthatoneoftheattachedvehicleswasnowatotalwreck.Canthelawyerbeheldliablefor
thisunfortunateincident?
Answer:Yes.HeisguiltyofgravemisconductarisingfromhisviolationofCanon16ofthe
CPRwhichprovidesthatmoneyoftheclientorcollectedfortheclientorothertrustproperty
comingintotheprofessionofthelawyershouldbereportedandaccountedforpromptlyand
shouldnotunderanycircumstancesbecommingledwithhisownorbeusedbyhim.
Therefore, he is guilty of violating his fiduciary duty. Fiduciary duty includes the task of
ensuringanypropertyheldinfavortheclientisadequatelypreserved.
Reason:Alawyerisfirstandforemostanofficerofthecourt.Assuch,heisexpectedtorespect
thecourtsorderandprocesses.Hemiserablyfellshortofhisdutiesassuchofficer.Hetrifled
withthewritofattachmentthecourtissued.Hewasremissinhisobligationoftakinggoodcare
oftheattachedcars.HealsoallowedtheuseoftheNissanSentracarbypersonswhohadno
businessusingit.Hedidnotinformthecourtoratleastthesheriffofthedestructionofthe
Volvocar.Whatisworseisthathetookcustodyoftheattachedvehicleswithoutsomuchas
informingthecourt,letalonesecuring,itsauthority.
THELAWYERASANOTARYPUBLIC
4 | Page

CORAZONT.NEVADA v. ATTY.RODOLFOD.CASUGA(A.C.No.7591,March20,
2012)
Question:Canalawyernotarizeadocumentwhichbearshisownsignatureasastockholderof
thecompanywhichenteredintoacontractofleasewithatenantwiththesamecompany?
Answer:No.Thenotariallawdisqualifiesanotarypublicfromperforminganotarialactifheor
sheisapartytotheinstrumentordocument. Whenhenotarizedthesamecontractwithout
qualificationthathesigneditasastockholderofthecompany,hewentagainstthefunctionofa
NotaryPublictoguardagainstanyillegalorimmoralarrangement.
Therefore,thelawyerviolatedhiscommissionasaNotaryPublic.
DOLORES L. DELA CRUZ, MILAGROS L. PRINCIPE, NARCISA L. FAUSTINO,
JORGEV.LEGASPIandJUANITOV.LEGASPI v. ATTY.JOSER.DIMAANO,JR.
(A.C.No.7781,September12,2008)

Question: Atty.Dimaanonotarizedan ExtrajudicialSettlementofEstatewithWaiverof

Rightswherethecomplainantssignatureswereforged;theydidnotappearnoracknowledged
thesamebeforeAtty.Dimaanoasnotarizingofficer;andthecommunitytaxcertificatesinthe
documentwerenottheirs.CanAtty.Dimaanobesubjectedtodisciplinaryactionforhislapses
asaNotaryPublic?
Answer:Yes. Atty.Dimaanoviolatedthe2004NotarialLaw.ANotaryPublicshouldrefrain
fromaffixinghissignatureandnotarialsealonadocumentunlessthepersonswhosignedit
arethesameindividualswhoexecutedandpersonallyappearedbeforethenotarypublicto
attesttothetruthofwhatarestatedtherein.Withouttheappearanceofthepersonwhoactually
executedthedocumentinquestion,anotarypublicwouldbeunabletoverifythegenuinenessof
thesignatureoftheacknowledgingpartyandtoascertainthatthedocumentisthepartysfree
actordeed.Thedocumentrequiresthatproperformalitiesbestrictlyobserved.
Question:WhataretheformalitiesrequiredbeforeaNotaryPubliccanaffixhissignaturetoa
notarialdeedwhichrequiresacknowledgment?
Answer:The2004RulesonNotarialPracticenowrequiresapartytotheinstrumenttopresent
(a) at least one current identification document issued by an official agency bearing the
photographandsignatureoftheindividual;and
(b)theoathoraffirmationofonecrediblewitnessnotprivytotheinstrument,documentor
transaction who is personally known to the notary public; and who personally knows the
individual,oroftwocrediblewitnessesneitherofwhomisprivytotheinstrument,documentor
transactionwhoeachpersonallyknowstheindividualandshowstothenotarypubliccompetent
proofofidentity.
The Notary Public must ascertain the identities of the affiant(s) and the witnesses to the
document.Hemustalsoensurethatallpartiesmustsignontheleftsidemarginofeachand
everypageofthedocument.
Thedetailsofthenotarizeddocumentmustberecordedinthenotarialregister(NotarialBook)
ofthecommissionedlawyer.
DISCIPLINEOFJUDGES:QUALITIESOFCOMPETENCEANDDILIGENCE
RICKY GARAY, et al. v. JUDGENICASIOBARTOLOME (A.M. No.MTJ081703,
June17,2008)
Question: Complainantsaretheaccusedinacriminalcasewhereintheywerechargedwith
qualified theft of bus starters and different tools amounting to P187,000. Judge Nicasio
Bartolome,theMTCjudgepresidingoverthecase,issuedawarrantofarrestagainstthemand
detainedthemintheprovincialjail.Wasthejudgecorrectinassumingjurisdictionofthecase?

5 | Page

DISCIPLINEOFJUDGES
Answer: No. Therespondentjudgeshouldhavenotassumedjurisdictionbecause atthetime
thecasewasinstitutedtheamountinvolvedisP187,000whichisbeyondthejurisdictionof
afirstlevelcourt.TherespondentjudgeexhibitedhisunfamiliaritywiththeRulesonCriminal
Procedure.HeisguiltyofviolatingSections3and5,Rule112oftheRevisedRulesofCriminal
Procedure.Healsobetrayedhislackofcompetencewhichisaconstitutionalqualificationfora
memberofthejudiciary.HelikewiseviolatedCanon6oftheCodeofJudicialConducton
CompetenceandDiligence.
Question: Respondent judge took more than three (3) months toissue the Joint Resolution
orderingthereturnofthecasestotheprovincialprosecutorforfurtherpreliminaryinvestigation.
Therulemandatesthatheshouldresolvethisissuewithinaperiodoften(10)days.Wasthe
actionofthejudgeproper?
Answer:No.TheRulesonCriminalProcedurerequiresajudgetosubmithisresolutionofthe
casewithinten(10)daysafterthepreliminaryinvestigationandtransmittheresolutionofthe
casetotheprovincialorcityprosecutor.Thereisnoquestionthatthejudgetookinordinatedelay
ofthree(3)monthsinsubmittinghisresolutionofthepreliminaryinvestigation. Heviolated
Canon 6 of the Code of Judicial Conduct which requires the qualities of competence and
diligence.
Question:Undertheforegoingfacts,whatliabilitydidtherespondentjudgeincur?
Answer: Thejudgebetrayedhisgrossignoranceofthelaw.When ajudgeshowsutter
unfamiliaritywithfundamentalrulesandprocedures,hecontributesto theerosionofpublic
confidenceinthejudicialsystem.Ignoranceofthelawisamainspringofinjustice.
Whenjudgesshowprofessionalincompetence,andareignorantofbasicandfundamentalrules,
theyareguiltyofgrossignoranceofthelawandprocedures.ThisisaseriouschargeunderSec.
8,Rule140oftheRulesofCourt.
Sec.11(A)ofRule140punishestheoffense.HealsoviolatedCanon6oftheCodeofJudicial
Conductoncompetenceanddiligence.
JOSEFINANAGUIAT v.JUDGEMARIOB.CAPELLAN,PRESIDINGJUDGE,MTCC,
BR.1,MALOLOSCITY,BULACAN(A.M.No.MTJ111782[FormerlyOCAIPINo.05
1807MTJ],March23,2011)
Question: AnejectmentcasewasfiledbeforetheMTC.Onitsface,theallegationsdonot
constituteanygroundforthecourttotakejurisdiction.Whatactionmustthejudgetakeunder
thepremises?
Answer:Thejudgemustdismissthecase. Inejectmentcases,thefirstdutyofajudgeisto
examinetheallegationsinthecomplaintandtheevidenceappendedtoit,andtodismissthecase
outrightonanyofthegroundsapparentintheallegationsandorderthedismissalofacivil
action.
Ifthereisagroundfordismissalexistingandapparentuponthefilingofthecomplaint,andyet
the judge allowed the case to unnecessarily drag on, the judge is guilty of undue delay in
renderingadecision.(Canon6onCompetenceandDiligence,CodeofJudicialConduct)
Question:Whatwouldconstituteunduedelayinrenderingadecisionororder?
Answer: Unduedelayinrenderingajudgmentexistswhereagroundfordismissingthecivil
case was patent on the face of the allegations and yet the judge did not dismiss the case
outright. Also, when the representatives lack of personality was reflected in the corporate
secretary'scertificateappendedtothecomplaintandyet,respondentjudgeallowedthecaseto
unnecessarilydragonformorethanfiveyears.
QUESTION:Whatwouldbeareasonablepenaltyfortheadministrativeoffenseofunduedelay
inrenderingjudgment?

6 | Page

ANSWER: A judge who allowed several and doubtless unnecessary postponements which
contributedtothedelayintheresolutionofwhatwasotherwiseasimplecasemaybesubjected
toamonetaryfine.TheCourtheldthatunduedelayinrenderingadecisionororderconstitutesa
lessseriousoffenseforwhichrespondentjudgeissubjectedtoafine.(ViolationofCanon6,
CompetenceandDiligence,CodeofJudicialConduct)
RE:LETTERCOMPLAINTOFATTY.ARIELSAMSONC.CAYETUNA,ETAL.,ALL
EMPLOYEES OF ASSOCIATE JUSTICE MICHAEL P. ELBINIAS against
ASSOCIATEJUSTICEMICHAELP.ELBINIAS,CAMindanaoStation(A.M.OCAIPI
No.08127CAJ,January11,2011)REMINDER: VERYIMPORTANTCASEPLEASE
READCAREFULLYALLRELATEDQUESTIONS
*Question:Howmayanadministrativecomplaintbeinitiatedagainstajudge?
Answer: Sec. 1 Rule 140of the Rules of Court provides forthe ways on how to institute
administrative proceedings against judges. Under this rule, the three ways to initiate the
complaintare:
First,motupropriobytheSupremeCourt;
Second,upon verifiedcomplaintwithaffidavitsofpersonshavingpersonalknowledgeofthe
factsallegedthereinorbydocumentswhichmaysubstantiatesaidallegations;or
Third,uponananonymouscomplaintsupportedbypublicrecordsofindubitableintegrity.
*Question:CertainemployeesoftheCourtofAppealsfiledalettercomplaintagainstajustice
ofthecourtfor: GrossInefficiency;BribeSolicitation;DrinkingLiquorinOfficePremises;
PersonalUseofGovernmentPropertyandResources;FalsificationofaFavoredEmployees
Daily Time Record; Disrespect Towards fellow Justices; Oppression through Intemperate,
OppressiveandThreateningLanguage;andGraveAbuseofAuthority.
Thelettercomplaintwassignedbyallthecomplainingemployeesbutwasnotverified.
Willthecaseprosper?
Answer: No. Anunverifiedlettercomplaintcannotbeabasisofanadministrativecomplaint
againstajudge.UnderSection1,Rule140oftheRulesofCourt,anadministrativecaseagainsta
judgemustbeverified.
Acomplainantmustattesttohispersonalknowledgeoftheallegationsembodiedinhisverified
lettercomplaint.
*Question:CantheCourttakecognizanceofananonymouslettercomplaintagainstajudge?
Answer:Yes.InSinsuatv.Hidalgo,theCourttookcognizanceoftheunverifiedmotionand
subsequentlettersofcomplainantssubmittedtotheOfficeoftheCourtAdministratorsincethe
unverified complaint was properly considered as an anonymous complaint and the
materialallegationswerenotonlyadmittedbyrespondentjudgebutarealsoverifiable
frompublicrecordsofindubitableintegrity,i.e.,recordsofthetrialcourt,asaptlyfoundby
theCA.
PROSECUTORJORGED.BACULIv.JUDGEMEDELARNALDOB.BELEN,RTC,BR.
36,CALAMBACITY,LAGUNA(A.M.No.RTJ092179,September24,2012)
Question: ProsecutorBaculifiledinformationforqualifiedtheftagainstCapacetebutJudge
Belendismissedthecase.IntheMotionforReconsideration,ProsecutorBaculistated:The
dismissal oftheinformationbythe courtwas motivated byhatred, illwill,and prejudice
against Asst. State Prosecutor II Jorge Baculi, the Investigating Prosecutor at the
PreliminaryInvestigation.
JudgeBelenfoundBaculiguiltyofdirectcontemptandindirectcontemptforthecontemptuous
natureofthepleadingshefiled.
7 | Page

BaculifiledanadministrativecaseagainstJudgeBelenbecausethejudgedidnotallowhimto
airhissideforhisallegedcontemptuousconduct.Willthecaseprosper?
Answer:NO,JudgeBelenisnotadministrativelyliable.Thecomplainanthasnotpresentedany
credibleevidencetosupporthisallegations.ThefactthatJudgeBelenhadinitiatedcontempt
proceedingsagainsthim,andinfactconvictedhiminsuchcontemptproceedings,doesnotby
itselfamounttoillmotivesonthepartofJudgeBelen.
*N.B. Theprimaryresponsibilityofaprosecutorisnottoconvictbuttoservetheendsof
justice.
GEOFFREY BECKETT v. JUDGE OLEGARIO R. SARMIENTO, JR., Regional Trial
Court,Branch24,CebuCity(A.M.No.RTJ122326,January30,2013)
Question: Despite the approval of a compromise agreement in the annulment of marriage
betweenspousesBeckett,thepresidingjudgeinasubsequenthabeascorpusproceeding,ordered
provisionalcustodyoftheminorchildtothemotherwhentheagreementawardedcustodytothe
father.Wasthejudgeguiltyofgrossignoranceofthelaw?
Answer:No.Grossignoranceofthelawonthepartofajudgepresupposesanappallinglackof
familiarity with simple rules of law or procedures and wellestablished jurisprudence which
tends to erode the public trust in the competence and fairness of the court which he
personifies.
Nottoknowthelawasbasic,almostelementary,astheRulesofCourt,oractingindisregardof
establishedruleoflawasifhewerenotawareofthesameconstitutesgrossignorancewhence
nooneisexcused,especiallyanRTCjudge.
However,therespondentjudge,ingrantingprovisionalcustodyoverGeoffrey,Jr.infavorofhis
mother,Eltesa,didnotdisregardtheresjudicatarulenorwasheimpartial.
OFFICEOFTHECOURTADMINISTRATOR v.HON.LEODEGARIOC.QUILATAN
(A.M.No.MTJ091745,September27,2010)
Question:Priortohisretirement,theOCAfoundJudgeQuilatanliableforgrossinefficiencyfor
failure to decide the 34 cases submitted for decision within the required period. The OCA
recommended that the erring judge be fined fifty thousand pesos (PhP 50,000). Is Judge
Quilatanisguiltyofgrossinefficiency?
Answer:Yes. TheCourthasrepeatedlyemphasizedtheneedforjudgestoresolvetheircases
withdispatch.Delaydoesnotonlyconstituteaseriousviolationofthepartiesconstitutional
righttospeedydispositionofcases,italsoerodesthefaithandconfidenceofthepeoplein
the judiciary, lowers its standards, and brings it into disrepute. Without doubt, Judge
Quilatanviolatedhismandatewhenhefailedtodecide34caseswithinthree(3)monthsfrom
theirsubmission,forwhichheshouldbeadministrativelysanctioned. (ViolationofCanon6,
CompetenceandDiligence)
DISQUALIFICATION/INHIBITIONOFJUDGES
JIMMYT.GOv.ALBERTOT.LOOYUKO(G.R.No.147923,October26,2007)
Question:Duringthependencyofthecriminalcase,theprosecutiononbehalfofGo,wantedto
presentcertainwitnessestostrengthenthecaseoftheprosecution.However,thetrialcourtfelt
no need for the testimonies of the aforementioned witnesses. This prompted Go to file an
administrativecomplaintagainstJudgeNemesioFelixforpartiality.
TheCAdismissedthecomplaintofGo.Gofailedtoestablishthepartialityofthepresiding
judgewhenitlimitedthenumberwitnesses.ItrationalizedthatJudgeFelixhadthediscretionto
inhibit himself from the case unless the ground for his inhibition is that which calls for
mandatoryinhibitionofthesameandinthiscasenosuchgroundexists.Goinsiststhatthereisa
validgroundtoinhibitthejudge.Ishiscontentiontenable?
Answer:None.Thereisnovalidgroundtoinhibitthejudgeastherewasnomanifestpartiality.
Indeed, the adverse rulings on the denial of the proposed testimonies of the prosecutions
8 | Page

witnessesarejudicialinnature.Absentproofthatthetrialcourtjudgehadactedinawanton,
whimsicaloroppressivemannerorforanillegalconsideration,andsimilarreasons, in
givingundueadvantagetorespondent,inhibitionisnotaremedytooustthejudgefromsitting
onthecase.
Second,theothertwo(2)groundsraisedbypetitionerarealsobaseless.Itisanageoldrulein
civilcasesthatonewhoallegesafacthastheburdenofprovingitandamereallegationisnot
evidence.
JOHNWELLW.TIGGANGAYv.JUDGEMARCELINOK.WACAS,RegionalTrialCourt,
Branch25,TabukCity,Kalinga(A.M.OCAIPINo.093243RTJ,April1,2013)
Question: ComplainantchargedJudgeWacasofImproprietyandPartialityfornotinhibiting
himselfinthecaseallegingthatheisDagadagssecondcousinbyaffinity,theformersauntis
marriedtoanuncleofDagadag.
Tiggangaymadetheallegationonthebasisof"somereliablesources,"notfromhispersonal
knowledge.JudgeWacasmaintainedthatTiggangaynevermovedforhisinhibitionduringthe
entire proceedings. Should the judge inhibit himself under the foregoing facts cited by
complainant?
Answer:No.Inadministrativeproceedings,theburdenofproofthatrespondentcommittedthe
actscomplainedofrestsonthecomplainant.Intheinstantcase,Tiggangayfailedtopresent
substantialevidencetoprovehisallegations.Onewhoallegesafacthastheburdenofproofand
mereallegationisnotevidence.
N.B.Asageneralrule,theobjectionforthejudgetoinhibithimselfmustberaisedduringthe
trialandnotafterthejudgehadrenderedanadverserulingagainstthecomplainant.
Reason:GrantingarguendothattheauntofJudgeWacasismarriedtotheuncleofrespondent
Dagadag,suchrealityisnotagroundforthemandatoryinhibitionofaJudgeasrequiredunder
Sec.1ofRule137,RevisedRulesofProcedure,sincethereisactuallynorelationofaffinity
betweenJudgeWacasandDagadag.Indeed,"thereisnoaffinitybetweenthebloodrelativesof
onespouseandthebloodrelativesoftheother.Ahusbandisrelatedbyaffinitytohiswifes
brother,butnottothewifeofhiswifesbrother.Thereisnoaffinitybetweenthehusbands
brotherandthewifessister.
POWERSANDDUTIESOFJUDICIALOFFICERS
ATTY.VIRGILIOP.ALCONERAv.ALFREDOT.PALLANAN(A.M.No.P123069,
January20,2014)
Question:Complainantaskedrespondentsheriffnottoexecuteanadversedecisionsincehehas
notyetreceivedacopyofthedenialofthemotionfromtheadversejudgment
Despitehisplea,respondentsheriffstillpushedthroughwiththeexecutionofthejudgmentand
inenforcing,allegedlyutteredwordsdegradingtothereputationofthecomplainant.Thelawyer
filed a ComplaintAffidavit against the respondent sheriff for grave misconduct. Is the
respondentsheriffguiltyofgravemisconduct?
Answer:Yes, therespondentshouldbepenalizedfordiscourtesyintheperformanceofhis
officialduties.Asapublicofficerandatrusteeforthepublic,itistheeverexistingresponsibility
ofrespondenttodemonstratecourtesyandcivilityinhisofficialactuationswiththepublic.
Public service requires integrity and discipline. Atall times, employees of the judiciary are
expectedtoaccordrespecttothepersonandtherightsofanother,evenacoemployee.Their
everyactandwordshouldbecharacterizedbyprudence,restraint,courtesyanddignity.
JUDGE PELAGIA DALMACIOJOAQUIN v. NICOMEDES C. DELA CRUZ, Process
Server,MTCC,SanJoseDelMonte,Bulacan(A.M.No.P072321,April24,2009)

9 | Page

Question:Aftercomplainantjudgeleftherofficeafewminutesbefore5:00p.m.,securityguard
reportedtoherthatprocessserverDelaCruzallegedlyarrivedintheoffice,apparentlydrunk,
and hurled invectives while pointing his fingers at other employees present. Afterwards,
respondent process server attempted to punch one of them. Can the judge institute an
administrativecomplaintagainstDelaCruz?
Answer:Yes. However,respondentsactcanonlyberegardedassimplemisconductsinceit
has no direct relation to the performance of his official duties. Respondent committed
misconductwhenheverballyabusedhiscoemployeesandappearedathisplaceofworkdrunk.
DrinkingduringofficehoursmayconstitutemisconductandisprohibitedundertheCivilService
Rules.Drinkingunderminesefficiencyandiscounterproductive.Itgeneratesanunwholesome
consequenceonapublicservant.Andwhentheculpritisanemployeeofthecourt,theimageof
thejudiciaryasawholecannotbutbeaffected.
RETIREMENTOFAHIGHRANKINGEMPLOYEEOFTHEJUDICIARY
InRe:ExpirationofFixedTermofOfficeofAtty.SaaduddinA.Alauya,Officeofthe
Jurisconsult,ZamboangaCity(A.M.No.11238Ret,August18,2015)
Question: In a Resolution, the Court denied Atty. Alauyas request for a lifetime monthly
pensionenjoyedbyRTCjudges.AlauyamovedforreconsiderationandarguedthattheCourten
bancconferreduponhimtherankandprivilegesofaRegionalTrialCourt(RTC)judgeeffective
October1996.Armedwiththisresolution,heclaimedthatheshouldenjoythesameretirement
benefitsextendedtojudges.IsthelegalargumentofAlauyatenable?
Answer:Yes.Timeandagain,theCourthasfollowedthepracticeofliberaltreatmentinpassing
uponretirementissuesandclaims,particularlyofjudgesandjustices,obviouslyinkeepingwith
thebeneficialintendmentofretirementlawswhichistorewardsatisfactorypastservices.Atthe
sametime,thesemeasuresprovidetheretireewiththemeanstosupporthimselfandhisfamily
inhisremainingyears.Onseveraloccasions,theCourthasliberallyinterpretedretirementlaws
inkeepingwithitspurpose.
Reason:InGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystemv.DeLeon:TheCourtheldthatretirement
laws,inparticular,areliberallyconstruedinfavoroftheretireebecausetheirobjectiveisto
providefortheretireessustenanceand,hopefully,evencomfort,whenhenolongerhasthe
capabilitytoearnalivelihood.Theliberalapproachaimstoachievethehumanitarianpurposes
ofthelawinorderthatefficiency,security,andwellbeingofgovernmentemployeesmaybe
enhanced.
Reason: Indeed, retirement laws are liberally construed and administered in favor of the
personsintendedtobebenefited,andalldoubtsareresolvedinfavoroftheretireetoachieve
theirhumanitarianpurpose.Upontheforegoingperspective,thetermprivilegesofan RTC
judgeandtheconfermentthereofmustbeconsideredascoveringtheretirementbenefitsunder
RA910,meaningalumpsumpaymentoffiveyearssalaryandamonthlypensionuntildeath
afterthe5yearperiod.
PARTB:CONCEPTS,BASICPRINCIPLESANDOTHERLEADING
JURISPRUDENCE
PARTONELEGALETHICS
ITheAttorneysOath
Q.WritetheAttorneysOath
A.I,________________dosolemnlyswearthatIwillmaintainallegiancetotheRepublicof
thePhilippines;
IwillsupportitsConstitutionandobeythelawsaswellasthelegalordersofthedulyconstituted
authoritiestherein;
Iwilldonofalsehood,norconsenttothedoingofanyincourt;
10 | P a g e

Iwillnotwittinglyorwillinglypromoteorsueanygroundless,falseorunlawfulsuit,neither
giveaidnorconsenttothesame;
Iwilldelaynomanformoneyormalice,andwillconductmyselfasalawyeraccordingtothe
bestofmyknowledgeanddiscretion,withallgoodfidelityaswelltothecourtsastomyclients;
and
Iimposeuponmyselfthisvoluntaryobligationwithoutanymentalreservationorpurposeof
evasion.SohelpmeGod.(RulesofCourt,Form28)
Q.Whatarethesourcesofethicalstandardsforthemembersofthebenchandbar?
A.(1)ConstitutionArticleVIIITheJudicialDepartment,Sec.5(5),
ArticleVITheLegislativeDepartment,Sec.14,
ArticleVIITheExecutiveDepartment,Sec.13,
ArticleIXConstitutionalCommissions,IXA,Sec.2;
(2)TheAttorneysOath;
(3)TheCodeofProfessionalResponsibility;
(4)TheCodeofJudicialEthics;
(5)TheRulesofCourt;(6)2004RulesonNotarialPractice;
(7)MCLERules;
(8)JBCRules;
(9)IssuancesoftheSupremeCourt;
(10)LegislationsfromCongress(creationandjurisdictionofappellateandotherlowercourts,
alsotheLapidLawonlegalaidserviceoflawyers);
(11)Jurisprudence;and
(12)ScholarlyWritingsonLegalandJudicialEthics.
Q.Whatisthefourfolddutyofalawyer?
A.TheFourfolddutyofalawyertoSociety,theLegalProfession,theCourtsandClients.
Q.Whatisthepracticeoflaw?
A.Thepracticeoflawisperforminganyactivity,inoroutofcourt,whichrequiresthe
applicationoflaw,legalprocedure,knowledge,trainingandexperience.Paguiav.Officeofthe
President,621SCRA600
Q.Whatistheprivilegeofthepracticeoflaw?
A.Thepracticeoflawisamereprivilegeandnotaright.Theadmissionoflawyersandtherules
governingthepracticeoflawisaconstitutionalmandategiventotheSupremeCourt.Elements
ofthelegalprofessionare:organization,learning,andthespiritofpublicservice.(Section5(5),
ArticleVIII,Constitution)
Cayetanov.Monsod(G.R.No.100113,September3,1991,201SCRA210):Thepracticeof
lawisnotlimitedtoappearancesincourtasalitigatorbutalsotheworkofacorporatelawyerin
preparationofdocumentsandthegivingoflegaladvice.
Paguiav.OfficeofthePresident(621SCRA600):Alawyersuspendedfromthepracticeoflaw
isprecludedfromapplyinghisknowledgeoflawinandoutofcourtwhileundergoinghis
suspension.Asuspendedlawyercannotevenappearonbehalfofarelativeasafriendbecause
hewouldinevitablyapplyhisknowledgeofthelaw.
Q.Whatisincludedinthepracticeoflaw?
A.Thepracticeoflawincludes:thepreparationofpleadings,andotherpapersincidentto
actionsandspecialproceedings;conveyancing,thepreparationoflegalinstrumentsofallkinds;
andthegivingofalllegaladvicetoclients.
Q.Agroupofbusinessmendecidedtoincorporateastockcorporationwiththeprimary
objectiveofgivinglegalguidancetotheirclientswhoregularlyinvestinpubliclylisted
11 | P a g e

companies.Theyintendtohireatleast25lawyerswhowillperformthework.Ifyouwerethe
ChairmanoftheSecuritiesandExchangeCommission,willyouapprovetheregistrationof
thesubjectcompany?
A.No.Thepracticeoflawisnotabusinessandlawyerscannotformstockcorporationsto
practicetheprofession.Itisalsoprohibitedforlawyerstoallownonlawyerstopracticelawnor
arelawyersallowedtosharetheirlegalfeeswithnonlawyers.Ulepv.TheLegalClinic,Inc.,
(BarMatterNo.550,June17,1993)
Q.Howmayonepursuethepracticeoflaw?
A.Thepracticeoflawasaprofessionmayonlybeexercisedbynaturalpersons,whoare
lawyers,eitherassolopractitionersorinpartnershipwithotherlawyers.
Q.Whataretheprimarycharacteristicswhichdistinguishthelegalprofessionfrombusiness?
A.1.Thepracticeoflawinvolvesadutyofpublicserviceofwhichtheemolumentisaby
productandonemayobtaineminencewithoutmakingmuchmoney.
2.Thepracticeoflawcreatesarelationasanofficerofthecourtwhoseprimaryroleistoassist
intheadministrationofjusticeinvolvingthoroughsincerity,integrityandreliability.
3.Thepracticeoflawcreatesarelationwithclientswiththehighestfiduciarydegree.
4.Thepracticeoflawcreatesarelationwhichotherlawyerswhichrequirescandor,fairnessand
decencyavoidinganykindofencroachmentuponotherspractice.
Q.Whatisthenatureofalawpartnership?
A.Apartnershipinthepracticeoflawisamererelationshiporassociationoflawyerswiththe
solepurposeofrenderinglegalservices.Itisnotalegalentityandisnotevenataxpayerandany
lawyerinthepartnershipisconsideredasolopractitionerwhoisthetaxpayer.(Tanv.Del
Rosario,Jr.,237SCRA324)
Q.WhatistheruleofuseofFirmName?
A.PetitionForAuthorityToContinueUseOfTheFirmName"Sycip,Salazar,Feliciano,
HERNANDEZ&CASTILLO"ANDINTHEMATTEROFTHEPETITIONFOR
AUTHORITYTOCONTINUEUSEOFTHEFIRMNAME"OZAETA,ROMULO,DE
LEON,MABANTA&REYES."[G.R.NO.X921.JULY30,1979.]TheCourtheldthat:"...It
isoftheessenceofaprofessionthatitispracticedinaspiritofpublicservice.A
trade...aimsprimarilyatpersonalgain;aprofessionattheexerciseofpowersbeneficialto
mankind.xxx.Butthememberofaprofessiondoesnotregardhimselfasincompetitionwith
hisprofessionalbrethren.Heisnotbarteringhisservicesasistheartisannorexchangingthe
productsofhisskillandlearningasthefarmersellswheatorcorn.xxxThebestserviceofthe
professionalmanisoftenrenderedfornoequivalentorforatriflingequivalentanditishis
pridetodowhathedoesinawayworthyofhisprofessionevenifdonewithnoexpectationof
reward.Thisspiritofpublicserviceinwhichtheprofessionoflawisandoughttobeexercised
isaprerequisiteofsoundadministrationofjusticeaccordingtolaw.Theothertwoelementsofa
profession,namely,organizationandpursuitofalearnedarthavetheirjustificationinthatthey
secureandmaintainthatspirit.
ADRIANOE.DACANAYv.BAKER&MCKENZIE,ADM.CASENO.2131MAY10,1985.
TheS.C.heldthatBaker&McKenzie,beinganalienlawfirm,cannotpracticelawinthe
Philippines(Sec.1,Rule138,RulesofCourt).AspointedoutbytheSolicitorGeneral,
respondents'useofthefirmnameBaker&McKenzieconstitutesarepresentationthatbeing
associatedwiththefirmtheycould"renderlegalservicesofthehighestqualitytomultinational
businessenterprisesandothersengagedinforeigntradeandinvestment"
Q.AdisbarmentcasewasfiledagainstAtty.Balauitan.ThebasisofthecomplaintwasaDeed
ofSaleexecutedbetweenthelawyerandthecomplainant.Atty.Balauitanmovedforthe
12 | P a g e

dismissalofthecasearguingthatthematterdoesinvolveanylawyerclientrelationship.Ishis
legalargumenttenable?
A.Alawyercannothaveadichotomybetweenhisprivatelifeandhisprofessionalresponsibility
asalawyer.Hecanbedisbarredevenifthereisnolawyerclientrelationshipbetweenhimanda
complainantinadisbarmentcaseandifthetransactioninvolveshissaleofaportionofhisreal
property.Gaciasv.Balauitan(507SCRA8,2006)
Q.CananindividualpracticingbeforetheShairacourtaffixtheprefixATTY.beforehis
name?
A.No.WhiletheSupremeCourtadministerstheexaminationsforonetopracticebeforethe
Shariacourts,anyoneadmittedisnotallowedtousetheprefixATTY.unlessheisalsoa
memberofthePhilippinebar.Shariacourtshavelimitedjurisdictionparticularlyonmatters
relatedtopersonal,familyandpropertylawconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheConstitution
andnationallaws.Alawiv.Alauya,A.M.SDC972P,February24,1997
II.QualificationsforAdmissiontothePracticeofLaw
Q.Whataretherequirementsforadmissiontothepracticeoflaw?
A.Sec.2,Rule138oftheRulesofCourtprovidesforthefollowingqualifications:Onemustbe
acitizenofthePhilippines,atleast21yearsofage,mustbearesidentofthePhilippines,must
haveobtainedhislawdegreeinalocalschool(Sections5&6,RulesofCourt),possessesGood
MoralCharacter(presentationofproofofgoodmoralcharacter,certificationthatonedoesnot
haveanypendingchargesorhavebeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude)
Q.Mr.RobertoLowasborninAustraliaofFilipinoparents.Afterhecompletedhiscollege
degreeinBusinessAdministrationinSydney,Australia,heenrolledinoneoftheuniversities
inMetroManilatoobtainhislawdegree.HesuccessfullygraduatedwithaBachelorofLaws
degreeandisnowprocessinghisdocumentstobeabletotakehisbarexaminations.Canhe
qualifytotakethebarexaminations?Justifyyouranswer.
A.Yes.Underthe1987Constitution,RobertoLoisconsideredanaturalbornFilipinosinceboth
hisparentsremainFilipinocitizensatthetimeofhisbirth.Healsocompletedhislawdegree
fromalocalschoolinMetroManila.
Q.CanaFilipinocitizenbeallowedtotakethebarwhenheobtainedhislawdegreefrom
ColumbiaUniversityinNewYork?
A.No.EverypersonintendingtobeadmittedtothepracticeoflawinthePhilippinesmustmeet
allthequalificationsunderSections5and6ofRule138.(InRe:ApplicationofAdrianoM.
Hernandez,July27,1993)
Q.ChristianSanJuanpassedthebarwithapassinggradeof80.50%.Hewasnotallowedto
takehisoathbecauseCristinaGarcia,hischildhoodsweetheartwithwhomhehasachild
withoutbenefitofmarriage,filedatimelymotiontoexcludehimfromtheoathtaking
ceremonies.WasCristinajustifiedinpreventingSanJuanfromtakinghisAttorneysOath?
Why?
A.Yes,becauseSanJuandoesnotpossessgoodmoralcharacterwhichisarequirementfor
admissiontothebar.
Barbav.Pedro(61SCRA484,1974):Abarpasserwhosiredachildwithapublicschool
teacherwasnotallowedtotakehisoathforlackofgoodmoralcharacterbutwasallowedtodo
soafter18yearsbasedontestimonialsofhisreformationwhenheworkedasacommunitysocial
developmentworkerafterpassingthebar.
Q.SantiagoGowasconditionallyallowedtotakethebarexaminationsbecauseheindicated
inhisapplicationforadmissionthatthereareonlytwopendingcivilcasesagainsthimatthat
timeandnocriminalchargeswerefiledagainsthimatthetimeofhisapplicationfor
13 | P a g e

admissiontothepracticeoflaw.SantiagoGosuccessfullypassedthebarexaminationsand
landed5thinsaidexaminations.Beforetakinghisoath,LeticiaSiaaskedtheSupremeCourt
nottoallowGototakehisoathbecausesheactuallyfiledarapecaseagainsthimwhichcase
remainspendingbutwhichinformationGowithheldinhisapplication.Willherrequestbe
givenduecourse?
A.Yes.Ifitcanbeestablishedthatthebarpasserdoesnotpossessgoodmoralcharacter,hewill
notbeallowedtotakehisoath.
Zaguirrev.Castillo,(A.C.No.4921,March6,2003):Goodmoralcharacterisrequiredfor
admissiontolawandmisrepresentationabouthistruelegalstatuswillbeagroundforabar
passerwassuspendedindefinitelyuponpassingthebar.
Q.Ispossessionofgoodmoralcharacterrequiredonlyforadmissiontothepracticeoflaw?
A.Maintenanceofgoodmoralcharacterisrequiredtoretaincontinuedmembershipinthebar.
Mecaralv.Velasquez(A.C.No8392June29,2010):TheSupremeCourtdisbarredalawyer
whofoundedareligiouscultandmadehissecretaryasexslave.
Cordonv.Balicanta(Adm.CaseNo.2797,October4,2002,390SCRA299(2002):TheS.C.
disbarredalawyerwhousedhisknowledgeofthelawtocommitfraudagainsthisclientby
formingacorporationoutoftheestateofthedeceasedhusbandofthecomplainant.Thelawyer
madehimselfthesolesignatoryofsaidcompanywhichallowedhimtomortgageseveral
propertiesofthecorporationwhichwereeventuallyforeclosedbythecreditorbank.
ArellanoUniversity,Inc.v.MijaresIII,605SCRA93,2009:TheS.C.disbarredalawyerwho
admittedinhisAffidavitinthedisbarmentcaseagainsthimthatheaskedforfacilitationfeeto
bribetheViceMayorofManilainthecourseofhisengagementascounsel.TheS.C.referredthe
casetotheOmbudsmanagainsttheViceMayorandthelawyerforthecrimeofbribery.The
Courtheldthatalawyersprofessionalfeedoesnotincludefacilitationfee.
Q.Whatisthecoverageoftheannualbarexaminations?
A.BarSubjectsunderSec.9,Rule138,RulesofCourtinclude:PoliticalLaw,LaborandSocial
Legislation,CivilLaw,Taxation,MercantileLaw,CriminalLaw,RemedialLawandLegaland
JudicialEthicsandPracticalExercises.
Q.Whatistheessenceofbarexaminations?
A.PublicpolicydemandsthatanypersonseekingadmissiontothebarinthePhilippinesbe
requiredtofurnishsatisfactoryproofofhisknowledgeofthelawandethicalstandardsandofhis
possessionofsuchdegreeoflearningandproficiencyinlawasmaybedeemednecessaryforthe
dueperformanceofthedutiesoflawyer.
Q.CandidocompletedhislawdegreeinOctober2015.Hewantedtobecomealawyerbuthe
realizedthatitwastoolateforhimtotaketheNovember2015barexaminations.Canhefilea
petitiontotheSupremeCourttobeallowedtotakehisspecialbarexaminations?
A.No.TheSupremeCourtadministersthebarexaminationsonlyonceayear.
Q.Fernando,aFilipinocitizen,completedhisstudyoflawinSpainandwasallowedto
practicelawinSpain.HesoughtpermissionfromtheSupremeCourtthathebeallowedtobe
admittedtoPhilippinebar.InhispetitionheinvokedtheprovisionsoftheTreatyon
AcademicDegreesandProfessionsbetweenthePhilippinesandSpain.Howwillyouruleon
thepetitionofFernando?
A.IwilldenyFernandospetition.FernandohasremainedaFilipinocitizenandhecannot
invoketheprovisionsofthetreatywhichisfoundedonreciprocityofthenationalsofeach
countryandthegrantoftheprivilegeisalwayssubjecttothedomesticlawsofbothcountries.In
Re:Garcia,2SCRA985
Q.Definethefollowing:
14 | P a g e

1.AttorneysatLaw:theclassofpersonswhoarebylicense,officersofthecourt,empoweredto
appear,prosecuteanddefend,anduponwhompeculiarduties,responsibilitiesandliabilitiesare
developedbylawasaconsequence.Culv.Cul,120Phil.729
2.AttorneyinFact:anagentwhoseauthorityisstrictlylimitedbytheinstrumentappointing
him.Hisauthorityisprovidedinaspecialpowerofattorneyorageneralpowerofattorneyor
letterofauthority.Anattorneyinfactisnotnecessarilyalawyer.
3.Counseldeoficio:acounsel,appointedorassignedbythecourt,fromamongsuchmembers
ofthebaringoodstandingwho,byreasonoftheirexperienceandabilitymayadequatelydefend
theaccused.Thepersonneednotbeamemberofthebarifnolawyerisavailableinagiven
locality.(Sec.7,Rule116,RulesofCourt)
Acounseldeoficioisappointedtodefendanindigentinacriminalaction(Sections3,4,and5,
Rule116;Sec.32,Rule138);ortorepresentadestitutepartyinacase(Sec.31,Rule138).
4.AttorneyAdHoc:apersonnamedandappointedbythecourttodefendanabsenteedefendant
inasuitinwhichtheappointmentismade.
5.AttorneyofRecord:amemberofthebarappointedbyaclienttorepresentincauseofacourt
anduponwhomserviceofpapersmaybemade.
6.OfCounsel:amemberofthebarwhoisassociatedwithalawofficebutdoesnotnormally
appearascounselofrecordofcaseshandledbythelawoffice.
7.LeadCounsel:amemberofthebarwhochargedwiththeprincipalmanagementanddirection
ofapartylitigant.
8.HouseCounsel:amemberofthebarwhoactsasattorneyforabusinesscompanyasan
employeeofsuchcompanyandrenderslegaladviceonmattersnecessaryintheordinarycourse
ofitsbusiness.
9.AmicusCuriae:afriendofthecourt.Apersonwithstronginterestinorviewsonthesubject
matteroftheaction.Onewhoisconsideredasanexperienceandimpartialattorneytohelpinthe
dispositionofissuessubmittedtotheCourt.(Sec.36,Rule138)
10.AmicusCuriaeparExcellence:barassociationswhoappearincourtasamicicuriaeor
friendsofthecourt.Likeanindividualamicuscuriae,amicuscuriaeparexcellencedonot
representanypartytothecasebutactasconsultantinadoubtfulissueforresolutionofthecourt.
Theydonotreceiveanycompensationfortheirlegalservicestothecourt.
11.Counseldeparte:alawyerretainedbyapartylitigant,usually,forafee,toprosecuteor
defendhiscauseincourt.Thetermimpliesfreedomofchoiceeitheronthepartofthelawyerto
accepttheemploymentoronthepartofthelitiganttocontinueorterminatetheretaineratany
time.
12.ProbonoCounsel:alawyerwhorenderslegalserviceswithoutcharginganyprofessional
feesbutdoesnotshoulderthecostsoflitigationonbehalfofhisclient.
13.Advocate:alawyerwhopleadsonbehalfofathirdparty.
14.Barrister:InEngland,apersonentitledtopracticelawasanadvocateorcounselinsuperior
courts.
15.Solicitor:InEngland,apersonprosecutingordefendingsuitsinaCourtofChancery.A
CourtofChanceryisacourtwhichadministersequityandproceedingaccordingtotheforms
andprinciplesofequity.
16.Proctor:InEngland,anattorneyinintheadmiraltyandecclesiasticalcourtswhoseduties
andbusinesscorrespondexactlytothoseofanattorneyatlaworsolicitorinaChancery.
Q.Whatisbarratry?
A.Itistheoffenseoffrequentlyexcitingandstirringupquarrelsinsuits.Itisfrowneduponasit
isagainstpublicpolicy.
Q.Whatisambulancechasing?
A.ThispracticeoriginatedinNewYork,wherethroughalawyerorhisagent,casesareliterally
solicitedinhospitalsorinpoliceprecincts.Theevilssoughttobepreventedbythispracticeare:

15 | P a g e

fomentinglitigation;subornationofperjury;mulctingofinnocentpersonsuponmanufactured
causesofaction;defraudinginjuredparties.

III.AppearanceofNonLawyers
Q.WhatistheStudentPracticeRule?
A.LawStudentPracticeRule:Rule138AoftheRulesofcourtallowsalawstudentto
representindigentclientsprovidedonehassuccessfullycompletedthe3rdyearofaprescribed
fouryearcurriculumandenrolledinarecognizedlawschoolsclinicallegaleducationprogram
>InBarMatterNo.730datedJune10,1998,theSupremeCourtrequiredthatlawstudent
practicebeforetheRegionalTrialCourtmustbeunderthedirectsupervisionandcontrolofa
memberoftheIntegratedBarofthePhilippines.
>UnderSection34oftheRulesofCourt,alawstudentmayappearbeforethefirstlevelcourtas
anagentorfriendofapartywithoutthesupervisionofamemberofthebar.
Q.Underwhatcircumstancescannonlawyersrepresentparties?
A.Nonlawyersmayappearinthefollowing:
1.Nonlawyersinfirstlevelcourts:smallclaimscases
2.Nonlawyersinadministrativetribunals:HLURB,DENR,DAR,NLRC,etc.
3.Proceedingswherelawyersareprohibitedfromappearing:proceedingsbeforetheLupong
Tagapamayapa,
4.Nonlawyersincourtorderedmediation
Q.Whatarethesanctionsforpracticeorappearancewithoutauthority?
1.Lawyerswithoutauthority:ContemptofCourt(Sec.1,Rule71)
Actsconstitutingcontempt:Misbehaviorasanofficerofthecourt,disobedienceorresistance
toalawfulorderofthecourt,abuseorunlawfulinterferencewithjudicialproceedings,
obstructionintheadministrationofjustice,misleadingthecourtormakingfalseallegations,
criticisms,insultsorveiledthreatsagainstthecourt,aidingintheunauthorizedpracticeof
law,unlawfulretentionofclients,advisingaclienttocommitacontemptuousact,
publicationswhichtendtoimpede,obstruct,embarrassorinfluencecourtsmaydegradethe
court;disrespectfulpleadings.
2.Personswhoarenotlawyers:IndirectContempt(Sec.3(e),Rule71)
CioconReerv.Lubao(674SCRA13):Karaanwouldalwaysappearincourtandheevenfiles
pleadingswithoutindicatinganyRollofAttorneyNo.,PTR,MCLEandIBPO.R.No.After
investigation,OCAfoundoutthatthe71yearoldKaraanwasnotinfactalawyer.Hewas
foundguiltyofindirectcontemptofcourtandfinedP10,000.00withoutimprisonment.
IV.PublicOfficialsandPracticeofLaw
Q.AregovernmentlawyerscoveredbytheCodeofProfessionalResponsibility(CPR)?
A.Yes.CANON6oftheCPRprovides:TheseCanonsshallapplytolawyersin
governmentserviceinthedischargeoftheirtasks.(Rules6.016.03,CodeofProfessional
Responsibility).

Q.Whatistheoneyearbanruleongovernmentlawyers?
A.Formergovernmentattorneysareprohibitedordisqualifiedfromtherepresentinganyinterest
adversetothegovernmentwithintheoneyearperiodwhentheywereseparatedfromservice.
Q.Whoarethepublicofficialsnotallowedtopracticelaw?

16 | P a g e

A.UndertheConstitution:ThePresident,VicePresident,membersoftheConstitutional
Commissions,membersofthejudiciary,membersofthecabinet,theirdeputiesandassistants
UnderCivilServiceRules:governmentlawyersingovernmentdepartments/offices/bureaus,in
governmentownedandcontrolledcorporations,governmentfinancialinstitutionsandthosewith
localgovernmentunits
UnderSpecialLaws:GovernorsandMayors(LocalGovernmentCode);Solicitorsandtrial
lawyersoftheOfficeoftheSolicitorGeneral,lawyersoftheOfficeoftheGovernment
CorporateCounsel,GovernmentprosecutorsundertheDOJandtheOfficeoftheOmbudsman
Q.Whatistheconceptoflimitedpracticeoflawamongpublicofficers?
A.Withpriorwrittenauthorizationoftheheadsofoffice,somegovernmentlawyersmaybe
authorizedtopracticelawprovidedtheywillnotrepresentanypartywhohasanadverseclaim
againstthegovernment.
Lorenzanav.Fajardo(462SCRA1(2005)):AlawyerisguiltyofviolatingtheCivilService
ruleondoublecompensationwhenheacceptedanappointmentasalawyeroftheUrbanAffairs
OfficeoftheCityofManilaandamemberofthePLEBofQuezonCity.

Q.Whoarethelawyerswhorepresentthegovernment?
A.Thelawyerstaskedtorepresentgovernment:OSG,OGCC,lawyersinregulardepartments,
bureaus,offices,lawyersinthegovernmentfinancialinstitutions,lawyersingovernmentowned
andcontrolledcorporations,lawyerswhoservethegovernmentsinterestunderspecial
contracts/orengagements,lawyersunderthelocalgovernmentunits.
Q.Whoarethelawyerswhorepresenttheinterestofthestateincriminalcases?
A.GovernmentlawyerstaskedtoprosecuteandrepresenttheinterestofthestatearethePublic
ProsecutorsfromtheDOJandOfficeoftheOmbudsman.
Q.Whoarethegovernmentlawyerswhorepresentindigentlitigants?
A.LawyerswhoworkwiththePublicAttorneysOfficerepresenttheindigentlitigants.
Q.CantheSupremeCourtmotupropiodisciplinelawyers?
A.Yes.
PeopleofthePhilippinesv.TheHon.JuanitoC.Castaneda,Jr.,etal.,G.R.No.208290,
December11,2013.CTAinconformitywiththeRunAftertheSmugglers(RATS)Groupofthe
RevenueCollectionMonitoringGroup(RCMG)oftheBOCtriedtheprivaterespondentsfor
violationoftheTariffandCustomsCodeofthePhilippines,asamended.S.C.saidthatitcould
notcountenancethefollowingpatentviolationsofthegovernmentprosecutors:failureofthe
prosecutionfailedtopresentcertifiedtruecopiesofthedocumentaryevidenceunderSection7,
Rule130andSection127,Rule132oftheRulesofCourtandthepetitionforcertiorariwasfiled
beyondthereglamentaryperiod.Thisstancetakenbythelawyersingovernmentservicerouses
theCourtsvigilanceagainstinefficiencyintheadministrationofjusticeandthepresumption
thatthecasewasdoomedbydesignfromthestartwasdoomedbydesignfromthestart.Verily,
thelawyersrepresentingtheofficesundertheexecutivebranchshouldberemindedthatthey
stillremainasofficersofthecourtfromwhomahighsenseofcompetenceandfervoris
expected.TheCourtremindedthelawyersintheBOCthatthecanonsembodiedintheCodeof
ProfessionalResponsibilityequallyapplytolawyersingovernmentserviceinthedischargeof
theirofficialtasks.
Q.MayalaborarbiterapplyaprincipleinCorporationLawtosupporthisdecisioninalabor
dispute?
A.Yes.YOLANDAA.ANDRES,MINETTEA.MERCADO,ANDELITOP.ANDRESv.
ATTY.SALIMATHARV.NAMBI,A.C.No.7158,March09,2015,DELCASTILLO,J.:
ThisisaComplaintforDisbarmentfiledagainstthenLaborArbiterSalimatharv.Nambi
(respondent)onthegroundofgrossignoranceofthelawinissuinganAmendedAliasWritof
ExecutionagainstM.A.BlocksWork,Inc.anditsincorporators,thehereincomplainants,who
arenotpartiestothecase.TheCourtheldthatthelaborarbiterhadlegalbasistopiercethe
corporateveiltoservetheendsofjusticebuthewasreprimandedfornotcomplyingwiththe
lawfulordersoftheIBPandtheCourt.
17 | P a g e

VI.Suspension,disbarmentanddisciplineoflawyers(Rule139B,RuleofCourt)
Q.Whatisthenatureandcharacteristicsofdisciplinaryactionsagainstlawyers?
A.Disbarmentordisciplinaryactionsagainstlawyersaresuigeneris.Itiscclassofitsownand
doesnotneedproofbeyondreasonabledoubt.Adisbarmentproceedingisimprescriptible;all
proceedingsarestrictlyconfidential;mayproceeddespitewithdrawalofthecomplaint.
Bengcov.Bernardo,672SCRA352(2012):S.C.saidthatadministrativecasesagainstlawyers
donotprescribe.Despitetheconsiderablelapseoftimebetweenthecommissionofthe
infractionandthetimeoffiling,thereisneedtodeterminetheadministrativeliabilityoflawyers.
Catalan,Jr.v.Silvosa,677SCRA352(2012):Alawyercannotescapethediscipliningarmof
theCourtdespiteanydelayinthefilingofanadministrativecaseagainstalawyer.
IBP Board of
Governors

RulesonDisbarment(Rule139B)
InitiationofaComplaint
BytheSupremeCourtmotuproprio
BytheIBPBoardofGovernorsmotuproprio
UponreferralbytheS.C.
UponreferralbytheIBPChapterBoard
Uponverifiedcomplaintbyanyperson
BoardofGovernors

Chairman, CBD

REPORT

May uphold the findings

Commissioner

May reverse the findings

May amend the findings

NomotionforReconsiderationbeforetheCommissioner.
MotionforReconsiderationbeforetheBoardofGovernorisallowed.
DecisionofIBPBoardofGovernorsisreviewedbytheSupremeCourt.
Q.DescribetheproceedingsbeforetheCommissiononBarDisciplineoftheIntegratedBarof
thePhilippines.
A.ProceedingsbeforetheCommissiononBarDisciplineoftheIntegratedBarofthe
Philippines
ThecomplaintisreferredtotheInvestigatingCommissioner.
TheInvestigatingCommissionerpresidesoverthedisbarmentproceedingsallowing
complainanttoprovehisallegationsandforthelawyertoestablishhisdefense.
Afterevaluation,theInvestigatingCommissionersubmitshisfindingsand
recommendationtotheChairmanoftheCommissiononBarDiscipline(CBD).
NoMotionforReconsiderationisallowedbeforetheInvestigatingCommissioner
TheChairmanoftheCBDsubmitsthereportoftheInvestigatingCommissionertothe
BoardofGovernors.

18 | P a g e

Inameetingcalledforthepurpose,theBoardofGovernorsevaluatesthereportand
rendersitsownresolution.
MotionforReconsiderationbeforetheBoardofGovernorsisallowed.
ThedecisionoftheBoardofGovernors(reviewedbySC)mustbeinwritingsupported
byfactsandevidencepresentedduringthehearingandtheapplicableprovisionofthe
CodeofProfessionalResponsibility.
Q.Whomayinitiatedisbarmentproceedings?
A.NESTORFIGUERASANDBIENVENIDOVICTORIA,JR.v.ATTY.DIOSDADOB.
JIMENEZ,A.C.No.9116,March12,2014.TheS.C.heldthatthecomplainantshave
personalitytofilethedisbarmentcase.InHeckv.JudgeSantos,theCourtheldthat[a]ny
interestedpersonorthecourtmotupropriomayinitiatedisciplinaryproceedings.Therightto
institutedisbarmentproceedingsisnotconfinedtoclientsnorisitnecessarythattheperson
complainingsufferedinjuryfromtheallegedwrongdoing.Disbarmentproceedingsbeingsui
generis,theproceduralrequirementobservedinordinarycivilproceedingsthatonlythereal
partyininterestmustinitiatethesuitwillnotapply.

Q.Canadisbarmentcasebedismisseduponmotionofthecomplainant?
A.No.SPOUSESROGELIOAMATORIOANDAIDAAMATORIOv.ATTY.FRANCISCO
DYYAPANDATTY.WHELMAF.SITONYAP,A.C.No.5914,March11,2015,Reyes,J.:
TheCourtsaidthatitcannotsimplyyieldtocomplainantschangeofheartbyrefutingtheirown
statementsagainsttherespondentsandprayingthatthecomplaintfordisbarmenttheyfiledbe
dismissed.Itbearsemphasizingthatanymisconductonthepartofthelawyernotonlyhurtsthe
clientscausebutisevenmoredisparagingontheintegrityofthelegalprofessionitself.Thus,
fortarnishingthereputationoftheprofession,alawyermaystillbedisciplinednotwithstanding
thecomplainantspardonorwithdrawalfromthecaseforaslongasthereisevidenceto
supportanyfindingofculpability.Acaseforsuspensionordisbarmentmayproceedregardless
ofinterestorlackofinterestofthecomplainants,ifthefactsprovensowarrant.Itfollowsthat
thewithdrawalofthecomplainantfromthecase,oreventhefilingofanaffidavitofdesistance,
doesnotconcludetheadministrativecaseagainstanerringlawyer.
Q.Canalawyermovefordismissalofthedisbarmentcaseagainsthimbasedonprejudicial
question?
A.No.Adisbarmentproceedingbeingsuigeneriscanproceedindependentlyofanycriminal
actioninstitutedagainstthelawyer.
ANTONINAS.SOSAv.ATTY.MANUELV.MENDOZA,A.C.No.8776,March22,2015,
Brion,J.Thisisacomplaintforthedisbarment/suspensionofAtty.ManuelV.Mendoza(Atty.
Mendoza)filedonOctober22,2010byAntoninaS.Sosa(Ms.Sosa),forviolationofRule1.01
oftheCodeofProfessionalResponsibilityarisingfromnonpaymentofdebt.
Aproceedingforsuspensionordisbarmentisnotacivilactionwherethecomplainantisa
plaintiffandtherespondentlawyerisadefendant.Disciplinaryproceedingsinvolvenoprivate
interestandaffordnoredressforprivategrievance.Theyareundertakenandprosecuted
solelyforthepublicwelfare.ForviolationofRule1.01,thelawyerwassuspendedfromthe
practiceoflawforoneyear.

Q.Canalawyersetupthedefenseofdoublejeopardyinadisbarmentcaseagainsthim?
A.No.Thedefenseofdoublejeopardycannotbeinvokedinadisbarmentproceeding.
19 | P a g e

Garridov.Garrido,611SCRA508(21010):S.C.reiteratedtherulethatlawsdealingwith
doublejeopardyorwithprocedure...donotapplyinthedeterminationoflawyers
qualificationsorfitnessformembershipintheBar...TheS.C.saidfirst,thatforadmissiona
candidatemustmeetalltherequirementsbecausethepracticeoflawisacomponentofthe
administrationofjusticeandinvolvesservicetothepublic;andsecond,admissionqualifications
arealsorequiredforthecontinuedenjoymentoftheprivilegetopracticeandlackof
qualificationsisamatterofpublicconcernandS.C.mayinquireintothem.
Q.Canalawyermovefordismissalofadisciplinarycaseagainsthimonthegroundthatthe
complainantsarenottheinjuredpartytothecase?
A.Nobecausethepracticeoflawisimbuedwithpublicinterestandinstitutionofcomplaints
againstlawyersisnotpredicatedonalawyerclientrelationship.
NestorFiguerasandBienvenidoVictoria,Jr.v.Atty.DiosdadoB.Jimenez,A.C.No.9116,
March12,2014.TheS.C.heldthatthecomplainantshavepersonalitytofilethedisbarment
case.InHeckv.JudgeSantos,theCourtheldthat[a]nyinterestedpersonorthecourtmotu
propriomayinitiatedisciplinaryproceedings.Therighttoinstitutedisbarmentproceedingsis
notconfinedtoclientsnorisitnecessarythatthepersoncomplainingsufferedinjuryfromthe
allegedwrongdoing.Disbarmentproceedingsbeingsuigeneris,theproceduralrequirement
observedinordinarycivilproceedingsthatonlytherealpartyininterestmustinitiatethesuit
willnotapply.
Q.Whatistheeffectofconvictionuponthepracticeoflawofalawyer?
A.Catalan,Jr.v.Silvosa,677SCRA352(2012):Alawyerconvictedofdirectbriberycanbea
subjectofdisbarmentproceedings.Directbriberyisacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude.The
defensethathisconvictionwasnotinhiscapacityasalawyerbutasapublicofficerbetraysthe
unmistakablelackofintegrityinhischaracter.
InRe:Atty.RodolfoD.Pactolin,670SCRA366(2112):TheconvictionofAtty.Pactolinbefore
theSandiganbayanforthecrimeofFalsificationofPublicDocumentiscontrarytojustice,
honestyandgoodmorals.Thisisacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude.EveniftheIBP
recommendeddismissalofthecase,S.C.disbarredhimbecausedisbarmentistheappropriate
penaltyforconvictionbyfinaljudgmentforacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude.
Q.Canajudgewhohasbeendismissedfromthejudiciarystillbeasubjectofadisbarment
proceeding?
A.Yes.OCAv.Liangco,662SCRA103(2011):Thedismissalofajudgefromservicewillnot
precludethefilingofadisbarmentcaseagainsthimbeforetheIBP.Thedisbarmentwasbased
onthesamegroundsforhisdismissal:grossmisconductandinexcusableignorance.Hefailed
tomakeadistinctionbetweenaResolutionandanOrdinanceandthatasjudge,hecannot
renderanOpinionbutratherhemustreceiveevidenceandmakeadecisionafterterminationof
trial.ItwillbetheIBPwhowillinvestigateajudgewhohasretiredfromthejudiciaryandnot
theSupremeCourt.
Q.Whatistheproofrequiredtoestablishtheculpabilityofalawyerinadisbarment
proceeding?
APO1JOSEB.CASPEv.ATTY.AQUILINOA.MEJICA,A.C.No.10679,March10,2015,
Villarama,J.:Indisciplinaryproceedingsagainstmembersofthebar,onlyclear
preponderanceofevidenceisrequiredtoestablishliability.Aslongastheevidencepresented
bycomplainantorthattakenjudicialnoticeofbytheCourtismoreconvincingandworthyof
beliefthanthatwhichisofferedinoppositionthereto,theimpositionofdisciplinarysanctionis
justified.
Q.Doesthelawyerhavetheburdenofproofinadisbarmentcase?

20 | P a g e

A.No.JovenandReynaldoC.Rasingv.Atty.PabloR.CruzandFrankieO.Magsalin
III,A.C.No.7686,July31,2013.Theburdenofproofindisbarmentandsuspension
proceedingsalwaysrestsontheshouldersofthecomplainant.TheCourtexercisesits
disciplinarypoweronlyifthecomplainantestablishesthecomplaintbyclearlypreponderant
evidencethatwarrantstheimpositionoftheharshpenalty.
Atty.AlanF.Paguiav.Atty.ManuelT.Molina,A.C.No.9881,June4,2014.TheS.C.saidin
whenitcomestoadministrativecasesagainstlawyers,twothingsaretobeconsidered:quantum
ofproof,whichrequiresclearlypreponderantevidence;andburdenofproof,whichisonthe
complainant.Here,thecomplaintwaswithoutfactualbasis.EvenifAtty.Molinadidprovidehis
clientslegaladvice,hestillcannotbeheldadministrativelyliablewithoutanyshowingthathis
actwasattendedwithbadfaithormalice.Thedefaultruleispresumptionofgoodfaith.
Q.Whatistheeffectofthewithdrawalofadisbarmentcase?
A.AdeliaV.Quiachonv.Atty.JosephAdorA.Ramos,A.C.No.9317,June4,2014.TheS.C.
heldthatthewithdrawalofadisbarmentcaseagainstalawyerdoesnotterminateorabatethe
jurisdictionoftheIBPandoftheCourttocontinueanadministrativeproceedingagainsta
lawyerrespondentasamemberofthePhilippineBar.Thecomplainantinadisbarmentcaseis
notadirectpartytothecase,butawitnesswhobroughtthemattertotheattentionoftheCourt.
Q.Whatarethegroundsforsuspension(Disbarment)?
A.Section27,Rule138,RulesofCourtprovidesthefollowinggrounds:deceitoranygross
misconduct,grosslyimmoralconduct,convictionofcrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude,violation
oflawyersOath,willfuldisobedienceofanylawfulorder,orcorruptlyorwillfullyappearingas
anattorneyforapartyinacasewithoutauthority,malpracticewhichincludespracticeof
solicitingcasesforthepurposeofgain,eitherpersonallyorthroughpaidagentsorbrokers..
RoseBunaganBansigv.Atty.RogelioJuanA.Celera,A.C.No.5581,January14,2014.The
CourtorderedCeleradisbarredforcontractingasecondmarriagewhenhisfirstmarriagewith
Complainantwasstillsubsisting.TheSupremeCourtheldthatforpurposesofthedisbarment
proceeding,theMarriageCertificatesbearingthenameofAtty.Celeraarecompetentand
convincingevidencetoprovethathecommittedbigamy,whichrendershimunfittocontinueas
amemberoftheBar.Atty.Celeraexhibitedadeplorablelackofthatdegreeofmoralityrequired
ofhimasamemberoftheBar.Hemadeamockeryofmarriage,asacredinstitutiondemanding
respectanddignity.Hisactofcontractingasecondmarriagewhilehisfirstmarriageis
subsistingconstitutedgrosslyimmoralconductandaregroundsfordisbarmentunderSection
27,Rule138oftheRevisedRulesofCourt.
EdgardoAreolav.Atty.MariaVilmaMendoza,A.C.No.10135,January15,2014.Thiscase
involvesaPAOwhoadvisedherclientsIyakiyakanlangninyosiJudgeMartinatpalalayain
nakayo.Malambotangpusonoon.Thus,acomplaintwaslodgedagainstherforviolationof
theattorneysoath,deceit,malpracticeorothergrossmisconductinofficeunderSection27,
Rule138oftheRevisedRulesofCourt.S.C.heldthatAtty.Mendozamadeirresponsible
advicestoherclientsinviolationofRule1.02andRule15.07oftheCodeofProfessional
Responsibility.ItisthemandateofRule1.02thatalawyershallnotcounselorabetactivities
aimedatdefianceofthelaworatlesseningconfidenceinthelegalsystem.Rule15.07states
thatalawyershallimpressuponhisclientcompliancewiththelawsandtheprinciplesof
fairness.However,whileherremarkwasinappropriateandunbecoming,hercommentwasnot
disparagingandreproachfulsoastocausedishonoranddisgracetotheJudiciary.Thus,she
wasonlyreprimandedandsternlywarned.
DR.DOMICIANOF.VILLAHERMOSA,SR.v.ATTY.ISIDROL.CARACOL,A.C.No.
7325,January21,2015,VILLARAMA,JR.,J.:TheRulesofCourtunderRule138,Section21
providesforapresumptionofalawyersappearanceonbehalfofhisclient,hence:SEC.21.
Authorityofattorneytoappear.Anattorneyispresumedtobeproperlyauthorizedto
representanycauseinwhichheappears,andnowrittenpowerofattorneyisrequiredto
authorizehimtoappearincourtforhisclient,butthepresidingjudgemay,onmotionofeither
21 | P a g e

partyandonreasonablegroundsthereforbeingshown,requireanyattorneywhoassumesthe
righttoappearinacasetoproduceorprovetheauthorityunderwhichheappears,andto
disclose,wheneverpertinenttoanyissue,thenameofthepersonwhoemployedhim,andmay
thereuponmakesuchorderasjusticerequires.Anattorneywillfullyappearingincourtfora
personwithoutbeingemployed,unlessbyleaveofthecourt,maybepunishedforcontemptasan
officerofthecourtwhohasmisbehavedinhisofficialtransactions.
Anattorneyclientrelationshipterminatesupondeathofeitherclientorthelawyer.Thus,a
lawyermustbemorecircumspectinhisdemeanorandattitudetowardsthepublicingeneral
asagentsofthejudicialsystem.
TERESITAB.ENRIQUEZ,v.ATTY.TRINADEVERA,A.C.No.8330,March16,2015,
Leonen,J.Anadministrativecomplaintfordisbarmentorsuspensionwasfiledbycomplainant
TeresitaB.EnriquezagainstAtty.TrinaDeVera.TheCourtfoundAtty.TrinaDeVera
committedseriousmisconductandshouldbeheldadministrativelyliablefortheissuanceand
dishonorofseveralpostdatedchecks.Shewassuspendedfromthepracticeoflawforoneyear

Q.Whataretheguidelinesinliftingoftheorderofsuspensionofthelawyer?
A.MANIEGOv.DEDIOS,617SCRA142(2010).TheCourtheldthataftertheperiodof
suspension,theresumptiontopracticeisnotautomatic.TheCourtissuedthefollowing
guidelines:
1.Afterafindingthattherespondentlawyermustbesuspendedfromthepracticeoflaw,the
Courtshallrenderadecisionrenderingthepenalty.
2.UnlesstheCourtexplicitlystatesthatthedecisionisimmediatelyexecutoryuponreceipt
thereof,respondenthas15dayswithinwhichtofileamotionforreconsiderationthereof.The
denialofsaidmotionshallrenderthedecisionfinalandexecutory.
3.Upontheexpirationoftheperiodofsuspension,respondentshallfileaSwornStatementwith
theCourt,throughtheOfficeoftheBarConfidantthatheorshehasdesistedfromthepractice
oflawandhasnotappearedinanycourtduringtheperiodofhisorhersuspension;
4.CopiesoftheSwornStatementshallbefurnishedtothelocalchapteroftheIBPandtothe
ExecutiveJudgeofthecourtswhererespondenthaspendingcaseshandledbyhimorher,and
whereheorshehasappearedascounsel;
5.TheSwornStatementshallbeconsideredasproofofrespondentscompliancewiththeorder
ofsuspension;and
6.Anyfindingorreportcontrarytothestatementsmadebytherespondentunderoathshallbea
groundforimpositionofamoreseverepunishment,ordisbarment,asmaybewarranted.
Tosummarize:
(i)FileaSwornStatementwiththeOfficeoftheBarconfidantthattherespondentlawyerhas
servedtheperiodofsuspensionstatingthathe/shedesistedfromthepracticeoflawandnever
appearedinanycourtduringtheperiodofsuspension.
(ii)CopiesoftheSwornStatementmustbefurnishedthechapterofwhichtherespondentlawyer
isamemberandtheExecutiveJudgesoftheRegionalTrialCourtsandfirstlevelcourtswhere
respondentlawyerhaspendingcases.
(iii)Ifsatisfied,theCourtwilllifttheorderofsuspensionandreinstatetheerringlawyer
Q.WhatistheeffectofanadversedisciplinaryactioninstitutedabroadagainstaFilipino
lawyer?
A.AdecisioninadisciplinaryactionagainstaFilipinolawyerpracticingabroadmayalsobea
basisforadisbarmentproceedingagainstthesamelawyerinthePhilippines.
Velezv.DeVera,496SCRA345(2006):AfindingoffactbytheCaliforniaStateBarcanbea
basisofanadministrativecomplaintagainstaFilipinolawyerbeforetheIBP.

22 | P a g e

Q.Canthepenaltyofalawyerbemitigatedbyvirtueofrelationship?
A.Yes.ALVINS.FELICIANOv.ATTY.CARMELITABAUTISTALOZADA,A.C.No.
7593,March11,2015.OnDecember13,2005,theCourtenbancpromulgatedaResolutionin
A.C.No.6656entitledBobieRoseV.Friasvs.Atty.CarmencitaBautistaLozada3suspending
Atty.LozadafortwoyearsforviolationofRules15.03and16.04oftheCodeofProfessional
Responsibility.
DuringherperiodofsuspensionsherepresentedherhusbandwherecomplainantFelicianowas
aparty.TheSupremeCourtsaiditrecognizesthefactthatitispartoftheFilipinoculturethat
amidanadversity,familieswillalwayslookoutandextendahelpinghandtoafamilymember,
moreso,inthiscase,toaspouse.Thus,consideringthatAtty.Lozada'sactuationwasprompted
byheraffectiontoherhusbandandthatinessence,shewasnotrepresentingaclientbutrather
aspouse,wedeemitpropertomitigatetheseverenessofherpenalty.
ReinstatementafterDisbarment
ReadmissiontotheBarandResumptiontoPracticeLaw
Q.Canabarpasserconvictedofahomicidestillbeadmittedtothepracticeoflaw?
A.Yes.INRE:OATHTAKINGOFARGOSINO,B.M.712,July13,1995andEnBanc
ResolutiondatedMarch19,1997.Alawyerwhowasinvolvedinthefataldeathofaneophytein
theinitiationritesofhisfraternitywasfinallyallowedtotakehisoathafterheshowedseveral
proofsoftestimonialofgoodcharacter.
Q.CanadisbarredlawyerbereinstatedintheRollofAttorneys?
A.Yes.RE:2003BAREXAMINATIONS(ATTY.DANILODEGUZMAN),586SCRA372A
lawyerwholeakedthebarquestionsinMercantileLawpreparedbyafoundingpartnerinhis
lawfirmwasreinstateduponproofofgoodmoralcharacterduringhisperiodofsuspension.
MACARUBBOv.MACARUBBO,A.M.6148,January22,2013.Macarubbowasdisbarredfor
contractingthreemarriages.Whilethedisbarmentcasewaspending,Macarruboresortedto
filingseparatecivilactionstoannultwoofsaidmarriages.Eightyearsafterhisdisbarment,he
filedaPetitionforExtraordinaryMercyforreinstatementintheRollofAttorneys.Ingranting
hisPetition,theCourtconsideredthefollowingguidelinessetforthinRe:LetterofAugustusC.
Diaz,MTCBranch37,AppealingforClemency(533SCRA534,2010):
1.Theremustbeproofofremorseandreformation.Theseshallincludebutshouldnotbelimited
tocertificationsortestimonialsoftheofficer(s)orchapter(s)oftheIBP,judgesorjudges
associationsandprominentmembersofthecommunitywithprovenintegrityandprobity.A
subsequentfindingofguiltinanadministrativecaseforthesameorsimilarmisconductwillgive
risetoastrongpresumptionofnonreformation.
2.Sufficienttimemusthavelapsedfromtheimpositionofpenaltytoensureaperiodofreform.
3.Theageofthepersonaskingforclemencymustshowthathehasstillproductiveyearsahead
ofhimthatcanbeputtogoodusebygivinghimachancetoredeemhimself.
4.Theremustbeashowingofpromise(suchasintellectualaptitude,learningorlegalacumen
orcontributiontolegalscholarshipandthedevelopmentofthelegalsystemoradministrative
andotherrelevantskills),aswellaspotentialforpublicservice.
5.Theremustbeotherrelevantfactorsandcircumstancesthatmayjustifyclemency
TheCourtconcludedwithareminderthattoenjoycontinuedmemberinthelegalprofession,
onemustbeapersonofgoodmoralcharacter.
ResumptiontoPracticeofaBalikbayanLawyer
RequisitesUpdatingandfullpaymentofallIBPmembershipdues;PaymentofProfessional
Tax;CompletionofMCLEcreditunits;andRetakingoftheLawyersOath
Q.CanaformerFilipinoresumehispracticeoflawinthePhilippines?

23 | P a g e

A.Yes.INRE:PETITIONTOREACQUIRETHEPRIVILEGETOPRACTICELAWIN
THEPHILIPPINES(EPIFANIOB.MUNESES),677SCRA364(2012).TheS.C.saidthata
Filipinolawyerwhohasbeennaturalizedinanothercountrydoesnotautomaticallyenjoythe
righttoresumehispracticeoflawwhenreturnstothePhilippines.ItheldthatundertheRules
ofAdmissiontothePhilippinebar,onemustbeaFilipinocitizen.Thus,whenheassumed
anothercitizenship,heipsofactolosthisFilipinocitizenship.ThereturningFilipinolawyer
mustrepatriatehimselfundertheprovisionsofR.A.9225.SaidlawsaysthatallPhilippine
citizenswhobecomecitizensofanothercountryshallbedeemednottohavelosttheir
Philippinecitizenshipundertheconditionsof(R.A.9225).
R.A.9225providesthatifapersonintendstopracticethelegalprofessioninthePhilippinesand
hereacquireshisFilipinocitizenshippursuanttoitsprovisions(heshallapplywiththeproper
authorityforalicenseorpermittoengageinsuchpractice.
PetitionforLeavetoResumePracticeofLawofBenjaminM.Dacanay,540SCRA424:To
reacquire,theauthoritytoresumehispracticeoflaw,therepatriatedFilipinomust:
1.UpdateandpayinfullhisannualmembershipduesintheIBP;
2.Payhisprofessionaltax;
3.Completehis36credithoursofMCLEtorefreshhimofhisknowledgeofPhilippinelaws,
rulesofpractice,recentjurisprudenceandupdatehimofrecentlegaldevelopments(MCLEwill
befromthetimehewasabsentinthePhilippinesuptothetimeheresumeshispractice);and
4.Retakehisoathwhichwillnotonlyremindhimofhisdutiesandresponsibilitiesasalawyer
andasanofficeroftheCourt,butalsotorenewhispledgetomaintainallegiancetothe
RepublicofthePhilippines.
VII.DutiesandResponsibilitiesofaLawyer
A.DutytoSociety
1.Respectforlawandlegalprocesses
CANON1AlawyershallupholdtheConstitution,obeythelawsofthelandandpromote
respectforlawandlegalprocesses.(Rules1.011.04)
Q.Whatdoesrespectforruleoflawinclude?
A.Thelawyermustatalltimesintheprotectionoftherightsofclientensurecompliancewith
thelawgoverningtheissuesofthependingcase.FERNANDOW.CHUv.ATTY.JOSEC.
GUICO,JR.,A.C.No.10573,January13,2015,PERCURIAM:FernandoW.Chuinvokesthe
Courtsdisciplinaryauthorityinresolvingthisdisbarmentcomplaintagainsthisformerlawyer,
respondentAtty.JoseC.Guico,Jr.,whomhehasaccusedofgrossmisconduct.Atty.Guicowas
disbarredforhavinghadviolatedRules1.01and1.02,CanonIoftheCodeofProfessional
ResponsibilityfordemandingandreceivingP580,000.00fromChuwhichconstitutedanactof
extortionandmisrepresentationthatcauseddishonortoandcontemptforthelegalprofession.
Q.Whatarethestandardsofmoralityrequiredofalawyer?
A.MELVYNG.GARCIAv.ATTY.RAULH.SESBREO,A.C.No.7973andA.C.No.
10457,February03,2015,PERCURIAM:TwocomplaintsfordisbarmentwerefiledbyDr.
MelvynG.Garcia(Garcia)againstAtty.RaulH.Sesbreo.Thetwocases,docketedasA.C.No.
7973andA.C.No.10457,wereconsolidatedintheCourtsResolutiondated30September
2014.TheIBPCBDconsolidatedA.C.No.7973withCBDCaseNo.082273.Theparties
agreedonthesoleissuetoberesolved:whethermoralturpitudeisinvolvedinaconvictionfor
homicide.TheCourtheldintheaffirmativeandorderedSesbrenodisbarred.
DR.ELMARO.PEREZv.ATTY.TRISTANA.CATINDIGANDATTY.KARENE.BAYDO,
A.C.No.5816,March10,2015,PERCURIAM.Complainantchargedthetwolawyerswith
grossimmoralconduct.Atty.Catindigwasdisbarredforcontractingasecondmarriagewiththe
complainantwhilehisfirstmarriagewasstillsubsisting.ThechargeagainstAtty.Baydowas
24 | P a g e

dismissedforlackofevidence.
Tiongv.Florendo,662SCRA1(2011):TheS.C.heldthatalawyersactofhavinganaffair
withhisclientswifemanifestedhisdisrespectforthelawsonthesanctityofmarriageandhis
ownmaritalvowoffidelity.Hisillicitrelationshipwiththewifeofhisclientshowedthathe
violatedCanon17oftheCPRforabuseofthetrustandconfidencereposedinhim.AnAffidavit
ofDesistanceoranyotherswornstatementwiththesameeffectwillnotexcusethelawyer
becauseanydisciplinaryproceedingisclothedwithpublicinterest.
Garridov.Garrido,611SCRA508(2010):Achargeofimmoralitywasbroughtbeforethe
lawyerforhavingcontractedthreemarriages.Helefthisfirstwifetopursuehisstudyoflaw.He
contractedhissecondmarriageuponmisrepresentationthatheissingle.Heengagedinanextra
maritalaffairwithalawyerwhomheeventuallymarriedinHongkongwhilehissecond
marriagewassubsisting.Suchconductbetrayedhismoraldepravityforwhichhewas
disbarred.TheladylawyerwaseventuallydisbarredforknowingthatGarridohadothertwo
subsistingmarriageswhenshehadherromanticrelationshipwithhimevenbeforeshebecamea
lawyer.
Q.Whatconstitutesdeceitfulconductonthepartofthelawyer?
A.Brennisenv.Contawi,670SCRA358(2012):TheS.C.disbarredalawyerwhoactedwith
deceitwhen,throughtheuseofafalsifieddocument,heeffectedtheunauthorizedmortgageand
saleofhisclientspropertyforhispersonalbenefit.
Buenov.Raneses,687SCRA711(2012):TheS.C.disbarredalawyerwhopracticallyaskedthe
clienttoselleverythingforthesakeofwinningthecase,onlytoendupnotreallydoing
anything.Byaskingmoneyfromhisclientforapurportedlybriberytothejudgetowinacase,
thelawyertarnishedtheimageofthejudiciaryandputablackmarkinthelegalprofessionas
well.
NatividadP.NavarroandHildaS.Presbiterov.Atty.IvanM.Solidum,Jr.,A.C.No.9872,
January28,2014.TheCourtheldthatAtty.Solidum,Jr.violatedRule1.01oftheCodeof
ProfessionalResponsibility.Conduct,asusedintheRule,isnotconfinedtotheperformanceof
alawyersprofessionalduties.Thetestiswhetherhisconductshowshimtobewantinginmoral
character,honesty,probity,andgooddemeanor,orwhetheritrendershimunworthytocontinue
asanofficerofthecourt.Atty.Solidum,Jr.washeldguiltyofengagingindishonestand
deceitfulconduct,bothinhisprofessionalcapacitywithrespecttohisclient.Thefiduciary
natureoftherelationshipbetweenthecounselandhisclientimposesonthelawyerthedutyto
accountforthemoneyorpropertycollectedorreceivedfororfromhisclient.Atty.Solidum,Jr.
failedtofulfillthisduty.
2.Efficientandconvenientlegalservices
CANON2Alawyershallmakehislegalservicesavailableinanefficientandconvenient
mannercompatiblewiththeindependence,integrityandeffectivenessoftheprofession.
(Rules2.012.04
Q.Whenisalawyerguiltyofencroachingonanotherlawyerspractice?
A.Lisanganv.Tolentino,A.C.No.6672,September4,2009:Alawyerwhoallowedhis
paralegal/secretarytosolicittheclientsofafellowlawyerwithapromiseoffinancialassistance
wassuspendedbytheS.C.andremindedlawyersthattheircallingcardsmustonlycontaintheir
name,fieldsofpractice,contactdetailsandnothingmore.Theprohibitionappliestothenon
legalstaffinordertocurbanyabuseoftheprivilegeofthelaw.
3.True,honest,fair,dignifiedandobjectiveinformationonlegalservices
CANON3Alawyerinmakingknownhislegalservicesshalluseonlythetrue,honest,fair,
dignifiedandobjectiveinformationorstatementoffacts.(Rules3.013.04)
25 | P a g e

4.Participationintheimprovementandreformsinthelegalsystem
CANON4Alawyershallparticipateinthedevelopmentofthelegalsystembyinitiatingor
supportingeffortsinlawreformsandintheimprovementoftheadministrationofjustice.
AlawyerisencouragedtoparticipateintheformulationofamendmentsintheRulesofCourtto
improvetheadministrationofjustice.
Alawyermayattendcongressionalhearingsinvolvingchangesinsubstantivelaws;creationof
newcourts;andredefiningjurisdictionoftrialandappellatecourts.
5.Participationinlegaleducationprogramandotherrelatedactivities
CANON5Alawyershallkeepabreastoflegaldevelopments,participateincontinuinglegal
educationprograms,supporteffortstoachievehighstandardsinlawschoolsaswellasinthe
practicaltrainingoflawstudentsandassistindisseminatingthelawandjurisprudence.
AlawyerisexpectedtocomplywiththerequirementsoftheMandatoryContinuingLegal
EducationandtoparticipateintheactivitiesoftheIBPandotherlegalprofessional
organizations.
Purpose:MCLE,whatitis;whoenforcestheMCLE
Q.WhatisthecompositionofconstitutionoftheMCLEBoard?
A.TheMCLEBoardiscomposedofaretiredjusticeoftheSupremeCourtistheChairman,with
thefollowingasmembers:anincumbentdeanofarecognizedlawschool,arepresentativefrom
adesignatedlawcenter,theChancellorofthePhilippineJudicialAcademyandthePresidentof
theIntegratedBarofthePhilippines.
Q.WhataretherequirementstocompletetheMCLE?
A.CoverageoftheMCLE36unitrequirement(correspondingunits:6forLegalEthics;6for
prescribedcoursesasapprovedbytheMCLEBoard,4fortrailandpretrialtechniques,4for
legalwritingandoraladvocacy,5foralternativedisputeresolution,2forinternationallawand
conventionsand9forupdatesonsubstantiveandprocedurallaws)
Q.WhatistheperiodofcomplianceforonesMCLE?
A.Alawyerhas3yearcompletionperiod.
Q.WhoareexemptedfromtheMCLErequirement?
A.President,VicePresident,MembersoftheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives,Membersof
theConstitutionalCommissions,Governors,Mayors,incumbentandretiredmembersofthe
judiciary,CabinetSecretariesandtheirundersecretaries,OSGlawyers,OGCClawyers,
OmbudsmanandallDeputiesoftheOmbudsman,ProfessorandReviewersoflawforaperiodof
tenyears.
Q.Whatarethepenaltiesfornoncompliance?
A.Impositionoffines,pleadingsmaybeexpungefromrecordsofthecourt,lawyerbecana
subjectofsuspensionordisbarment.
B.DutytotheLegalProfession
1.IntegratedBarofthePhilippines(Rule139A):Alawyercannotbeafullfledged
memberofthebar,hehasnotsignedtheRollofAttorneysaftertakinghisOathasa
lawyer.
Q.Whendoesonebecomeafullfledgedattorney?
A.Inre:PetitionofAtty.MedadotosignRollofAttorneys,B.M.No.2540,September24,
2013:PetitionerMedadopassedthebarexaminationsin1979.HetooktheAttorneysOath
26 | P a g e

thereafter,andwasscheduledtosigntheRollofAttorneys,butfailedtodoso.Itwasonlyin
2005thatherealizedthathedidnotsigntheRollafterbeingaskedhisRollnumberwhenhe
attendedhisMCLE.Thirty(30)yearsafterpassingthebar,MedadofiledaPetitiontoallowhim
tosignintheRollofAttorneys.TheSupremeCourtheldthatwhileanhonestmistakeoffact
couldbeusedtoexcuseapersonfromthelegalconsequencesofhisactsasitnegatesmaliceor
evilmotive,amistakeoflawcannotbeutilizedasalawfuljustification,becauseeveryoneis
presumedtoknowthelawanditsconsequences.Knowinglyengaginginunauthorizedpractice
oflawtransgressesCanon9oftheCodeofProfessionalResponsibility.SuchCanonalsoapplies
tolawstudentsandbarcandidates.Medadowasimposedapenaltyakintosuspensionby
allowinghimtosignone(1)yearafterreceiptoftheCourtsResolution.
Q.WhatistheIntegratedBarofthePhilippines?
A.PurposesoftheIBP:Toelevatethestandardsofthelegalprofession,improvethe
administrationofjustice,andenabletheBartodischargeitspublicresponsibilitymore
effectively.
ElectiveOfficers:President,ExecutiveVicePresidentandconcurrentlyaGovernorofaRegion
(chosenbytheBoardofGovernorswhowillsucceedthenationalPresident),Boardof
Governorsfrom:NorthernLuzon,CentralLuzon,GreaterManila,SouthernLuzon,Bicolandia,
EasternVisayas,WesternVisayas,EasternMindanaoandWesternMindanao.
Otherofficers:TheIBPshallhaveaSecretary,Treasurerandsuchotherofficersaswellas
employeesthePresidentmayappointwiththeconsentoftheBoardofGovernorsundersuch
termsandconditionsspecifiedintheappointmentofeachofficerand/oremployee.
MembershipandDues:Nonpaymentofduesmaysubjectthelawyertodisciplinaryaction
includingremovalofthenameofthedelinquentlawyerfromtheRollofAttorneys.(Sec.9,Rule
139A)LIFETIMEDUE:P12,500andANNUALDUE:P1,000
IntheMatterofBrewingControversiesintheIBPElections(A.M.No.0952SC,A.C.No.
8292,April2013):LawyersseekingpositionsintheIntegratedBarofthePhilippinesmust
respecttherotationalrule.Therotationalruleisadoptedtoallowequalopportunityforall
lawyersindifferentregionstohaveaccesstopositionsofleadershipintheIBP.TheS.C.also
remindedIBPofficersthattheyshouldnotusetheCourtasrefereefortheirintramurals.

NOTE:THISHASNEVERBEENASUBJECTOFABARQUESTION
RepublicActNo.9999:FREELEGALASSISTANCEACTOF2010
Legalservicesanyactivitywhichrequirestheapplicationoflaw,legalprocedure,knowledge,
trainingandexperiences whichshallinclude,amongothers,legaladviceandcounsel,andthe
preparationofinstruments andcontracts,includingappearancebeforetheadministrativeand
quasijudicialoffices,bodiesandtribunalshandlingcasesincourt,andothersimilarservicesas
maybedefinedbytheSupremeCourt.
Section4.RequirementsforAvailment.Forpurposesofavailingofthebenefitsandservicesas
envisionedinthisAct,alawyerorprofessionalpartnershipshallsecureacertificationfromthe
PublicAttorney'sOffice(PAO),theDepartmentofJustice(DOJ)oraccreditedassociationofthe
SupremeCourtindicatingthatthesaidlegalservices tobeprovidedarewithintheservices
definedbytheSupremeCourt,andthattheagenciescannotprovidethelegalservicestobe
providedbytheprivatecounsel.
For purpose of determining the number of hours actually provided by the lawyer and/or
professionalfirmintheprovisionoflegalservices,theassociationand/ororganizationduly
accreditedbytheSupremeCourtshallissuethenecessarycertificationthatsaidlegalservices
wereactuallyundertaken.
Section5.IncentivestoLawyers.ForpurposesofthisAct,alawyerorprofessionalpartnerships
renderingactualfreelegalservices,asdefinedbytheSupremeCourt,shallbeentitledtoan
allowabledeductionfromthegrossincome,theamountthatcouldhavebeencollectedforthe
27 | P a g e

actualfreelegalservicesrenderedoruptotenpercent(10%)ofthegrossincomederivedfrom
theactualperformanceofthelegalprofession,whicheverislower:Provided,Thattheactualfree
legalserviceshereincontemplatedshallbeexclusiveoftheminimumsixty(60)hourmandatory
legalaidservicesrenderedtoindigentlitigantsasrequiredundertheRuleonMandatoryLegal
AidServicesforPracticingLawyers,underBar
MatterNo.2012

,issuedbytheSupremeCourt
2.THELAWYERASANOTARYPUBLIC(A.M.No.02813SC,effectiveAugust1,
2004,asamended)
Q.WhatarethepurposesoftheNotarialRules?
A.Promote,serveandprotectpublicinterest;tosimplify,clarifyandmodernizetherules
governingnotariespublic;andtofosterethicalconductamongnotariespublic.
Pleasetakenotetherelevantprovisionsofthe2004NotarialRules:(Takeparticular
attentionofthedatewhenadocumentwasnotarized.Adocumentnotarizedbeforethe
effectivityofthe2004NotarialRuleswillbegovernedbytherelevantprovisionsofthe
RevisedAdministrativeCodewherethecedulawillsufficeasproofofidentity.)
HEIRSOFPEDROALILANOREPRESENTEDBYDAVIDALILANOv.ATTY.
ROBERTOE.EXAMEN,A.C.No.10132,March24,2015.ThecomplainantschargedAtty.
ExamenofnotarizingDeedsofSalewherehisbrotherwasthevendee.Inhisdefense,Atty.
ExamensaidthatatthetimeoftheexecutionofthesubjectDeedsofSaletheNotarialRulesof
2004werenotyetineffect.UndertheRevisedAdministrativeCodewhichgovernedthenotarial
practicetherewasnoprohibitiononnotarizingdocumentsofrelativesuptothefourthcivil
degreeofconsanguinityandaffinity.TheCourt,however,heldAtty.Examenliablefornot
ascertainingthedetailsofthecedulasoftheaffiants.Hereliedontheentriesmadebyhis
secretary.TheCourtsuspendedAtty.RobertoE.ExamenfromthepracticeoflawforTWO(2)
YEARS.Inaddition,hispresentnotarialcommission,ifany,waslikewiseREVOKED,andhe
isDISQUALIFIEDfromreappointmentasanotarypublicforaperiodoftwo(2)yearsfrom
finalityofthisdecision.
(1).CommissioningofaNotaryPublic
WILBERTOC.TALISICv.ATTY.PRIMOR.RINEN,A.C.No.8761,February12,2014:A
lawyersnotarialcommissionwasrevokedandhewasnotallowedtorenewthesameforone
yearforfailuretoascertaintheidentitiesofthepartieswhoexecutedanExtraJudicialPartition
withSalewhichallowedthetransfertoSpousesDuranteofaparcelofland.Notarizationisnot
anempty,meaningless,routinaryact.Itisinvestedwithsubstantivepublicinterest,suchthat
onlythosewhoarequalifiedorauthorizedmayactasnotariespublic.
(2).Qualifications(Section1,RuleIII)
(3).MannerofObtainingaCommission(Sections2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9and10RuleIII);and
RenewalofCommission(Sections13and14,RuleIII)
(4).PowersandLimitations
Powers(Section1,RuleIV;Sections14,RuleVII)
Prohibitions(Section2,RuleIV;Section1,RuleXII)
Disqualifications(Section4,RuleIV)
(5).InstanceswhenaNotaryPublicmayrefusetonotarize,issuecertification(Sections4,5
&6,RuleIV)
(6).JurisdictionandPeriodofValidityofCommission(Section11,RuleIII;Section9,Rule
IX)
RE:VIOLATIONOFRULESONNOTARIALPRACTICEA.M.No.0961SC,

28 | P a g e

January21,2015,MENDOZA,J.:Areviewoftherecordsandevidencepresentedby
complainantsshowsthatAtty.SiapnoindeedmaintainedalawofficeinLingayen,Pangasinan,
justbesidethelawofficeofoneofthecomplainants,Atty.ElizabethTugade.Itwasalsoproven
thatAtty.Siapnonotarizedseveralinstrumentswithanexpirednotarialcommissionoutsidethe
territorialjurisdictionofthecommissioningcourt.Section11,RuleIIIofthe2004Ruleson
NotarialPracticeprovides:
JurisdictionandTermApersoncommissionedasnotarypublicmayperformnotarialactsin
anyplacewithintheterritorialjurisdictionofthecommissioningcourtforaperiodoftwo(2)
yearscommencingthefirstdayofJanuaryoftheyearinwhichthecommissioningismade,
unlessearlierrevokedorthenotarypublichasresignedundertheseRulesandtheRulesof
Court.
(7).ReportorialRequirement(Section12,RuleIII;Sections16,RuleVI;andSections12,
RuleVIII)
CRESCENCIANOM.PITOGOv.ATTY.JOSELITOTROYSUELLO,A.C.No.10695,
March18,2015,Leonen,J:Fornotfaithfullyreflectingthenotarialdeedsinhisregistration
book,Atty.JoselitoTroySuellowasfoundGUILTYofviolatingCanon1andRule1.01ofthe
CodeofProfessionalResponsibilityandthe2004RulesonNotarialPractice.Accordingly,he
wasSUSPENDEDfromthepracticeoflawforthree(3)months;hisnotarialcommissionwas
immediatelyrevoked;andwasDISQUALIFIEDfrombeingcommissionedasnotarypublicfor
one(1)year
(8).DisciplinarySanctions/DeathofaNotaryPublic
Revocationofcommission((Section1,RuleXI)
Suspensionfrompracticeasalawyer
DeathofaNotaryPublic(Section4,RuleXI)
Q.Cananotarypublicdissolvemarriage?
A.No.Espinosav.Atty.JulietaA.Omana,A.C.No.9081,October12,2011:TheS.C.revoked
thenotarialcommissionofalawyerandshewaslikewisesuspendedfromthepracticeoflawfor
notarizingadocumentwhicheffectivelydissolvedthemarriageofthecomplainants.
Q.Isalawyerrequiredtorecalltheidentityoftheaffiantsafteralapseoffiveyears?
A.No.MetropolitanBank&TrustCompanyv.Arguelles,679SCRA348(2012):TheS.C.
heldthatitissufficientfortheNotaryPublictoascertaintheidentitiesoftheaffiantsandthe
witnessesatthetimeoftheexecutionofthedocument.TheNotaryPublicmustrelyonthe
presumptionthattheproofsofidentityofthepartieswereissuedbythepublicagenciesinthe
regularcourseofthedischargeoftheirresponsibilities.Itisalsonotpracticalforanotary
publictorecalltheaffiants12yearsaftertheypersonallyappearedbeforehim.
Q.Canalawyercontinuetonotarizedocumentswithanexpiredcommission?
A.No.Tenosov.Echanez,A.C.No.8384,11April2013:Byperforminghisdutieswithout
renewinghisnotarialcommission,theS.C.saidthathecommittedactsoffalsehoodandmustbe
punished.
Q.Canalawyernotarizethestatementexecutedbyhissisterinlaw?
A.No.Jandoquilev.Revilla,A.C.No.9514,10April2013:TheNotarialRulesof2004
disqualifieslawyersfromnotarizingdocumentsofrelativesuptothefourthcivildegreeof
consanguinityoraffinity.ThedefenseofAtty.RevillathathenotarizedtheAffidavitComplaint
ofhisrelativebyhisvirtueofthefactthathewasthecounselinthecriminalcaseisnotavailing
accordingtotheCourt.TheS.C.heldthatsincehesigneditwiththedetailsofhisnotarial
commissionleadstonootherconclusionthathesigneditasaNotaryPublicandnotascounsel.
TheS.C.reiteratedtherulethatwheretheaffiantsarepersonallyknowntotheNotaryPublic,
thejuratmuststateso,otherwise,partiesmustshowproofofcompetentidentity.
29 | P a g e

Q.CanVIOLATIONofonesnotarialcommissionbeincludedintheconductofthe
disbarmentofthelawyeralthoughthesamewasnotraisedinthecomplaint?
A.Yes.Virtusiov.Virtusio,680SCRA1(2012):TheIBPInvestigatingCommissioner
discoveredinthecourseofthedisciplinaryproceedingagainstVirtusiothatshefailedtorenew
hernotarialcommissionin2006and2007.Whileitwasnotasubjectofthecomplaint,theS.C.
heldthattheinfractioncanbescrutinizedintheinvestigation.TheS.C.revokedthenotarial
commissionofthelawyer,didnotallowhertorenewthesameandsuspendedherfromthe
practiceoflawfordeliberatefalsehoodforholdingouttothepublicthatshehasbeenproperly
commissionedtonotarizeddocuments.
Q.Whatistheculpabilityofalawyerforfailuretoascertaintheidentityofanaffiant?
A.WilbertoC.Talisicv.Atty.PrimoR.Rinen,A.C.No.8761,February12,2014:Alawyers
notarialcommissionwasrevokedandhewasnotallowedtorenewthesameforoneyearfor
failuretoascertaintheidentitiesofthepartieswhoexecutedanExtraJudicialPartitionwith
SalewhichallowedthetransfertoSpousesDuranteofaparcelofland.Notarizationisnotan
empty,meaningless,routinaryact.Itisinvestedwithsubstantivepublicinterest,suchthatonly
thosewhoarequalifiedorauthorizedmayactasnotariespublic.

CarlitoAngv.Atty.JamesJosephGupana,A.C.No.4545.February5,2014:TheSupreme
CourtheldthatAtty.Gupanasrevocationofhisnotarialcommission,disqualificationfrom
beingcommissionedasanotarypublicforaperiodoftwoyearsandsuspensionfromthe
practiceoflawforoneyearareinorderforfailuretorequirethepersonalpresenceofthe
affiantinanAffidavitofLosspurportedlyexecutedin1994.

LicerioDizonv.Atty.MarcelinoCabucana,Jr.,A.C.No.10185,March12,2014.TheS.C.
heldthatasanotarypublic,Atty.Cabucana,Jr.shouldnotnotarizeadocumentunlessthe
personwhosignsitisthesamepersonexecutingitandpersonallyappearingbeforehimtoattest
tothetruthofitscontents.Thisistoenablehimtoverifythegenuinenessofthesignatureofthe
acknowledgingpartyandtoascertainthatthedocumentisthepartysfreeandvoluntaryact
anddeed.Thus,Atty.Cabucana,Jr.wasfoundviolatingRule1.01,Canon1oftheCodeof
ProfessionalResponsibilityandsuspendedfromthepracticeoflawforthreemonths.His
notarialcommissionwasrevokedandhewasprohibitedfrombeingcommissionedasanotary
publicfortwoyears.

Q.Whatistheliabilityofalawyerfornotarizingadocumentwhentheaffiantisalready
dead?
A.Atty.FloritaS.Lincov.Atty.JimmyD.Lacebral,A.C.No.7241,October17,2011:Anotary
publicwhonotarizedaDeedofDonationofanotherlawyeronedayafterhisdeathtothe
detrimentoftheinterestsofthesurvivinglawyerspouse,wassuspendedbytheS.C.
Importantmatterstoconsider:
Jurat(Section6,RuleII)andAcknowledgment(Section1,RuleII),distinguished
CompetentEvidenceofIdentity(Section12,Rule2)
JIMMYANUDONANDJUANITAANUDONv.ATTY.ARTUROB.CEFRA,A.C.No.5482.
February10,2015,Leonen,J.Withouttheascertainingthepersonalpresenceoftheaffiants,
30 | P a g e

theCourtimposedupontheerrantlawyertheperpetualdisqualificationfornotarial
commission,revocationofnotarialcommissionandsuspensionfromthepracticeoflaw.The
lawyerwasfoundtohavenotarizedaDeedofSaleofapropertywhilethecomplainantswere
abroad.
Q.Cananotarypublicdelegatehisdutiesasanotarypublic?
A.No.MELANIOS.SALITA,v.ATTY.REYNALDOT.SALVE.A.C.No.8101,February
04,2015,PERLASBERNABE,J.:Anotarypublicshouldnotnotarizeadocumentunlessthe
personswhosignedthesamearetheverysamepersonswhoexecutedandpersonallyappeared
beforehimtoattesttothecontentsandthetruthofwhatarestatedtherein.Theseactsofthe
affiantscannotbedelegatedbecausewhatarestatedthereinarefactstheyhavepersonal
knowledgeofandarepersonallyswornto.Otherwise,theirrepresentativesnamesshould
appearinthesaiddocumentsastheoneswhoexecutedthesame.Asalawyercommissionedto
beanotarypublic,Atty.Salveismandatedtodischargehissacreddutieswithfaithful
observanceandutmostrespectforthelegalsolemnityofanoathinanacknowledgmentorjurat.
AffirmationorOath(Section2,RuleII)andSignatureWitnessing(Section14,RuleII),
distinguished
3.Upholdingthedignityofthelegalprofession
CANON7Alawyershallatalltimesupholdtheintegrityanddignityofthelegalprofession
andsupporttheactivitiesoftheintegratedbar.(Rules7.017.03)
Q.Whatistheliabilityofalawyerforfailuretoupholdthedignityofthelegalprofession?
A.ThelawyermaybedisbarredbytheSupremeCourtwhichhetarnishestheimageofthelegal
professionwhichtendstoerodepublictrustintheadministrationofjustice.
KeldStemmerikv.Atty.LeonuelN.Mas,A.C.8010,June16,2009:Alawyerwasdisbarredby
takingadvantageofthelackofknowledgeofPhilippinelawsbyaforeigner.Atty.Masdrewup
aDeedofSaleofapropertyinSubicwhichispartofpublicdomainandthereforeoutsidethe
commerceofman.
OCAv.Liangco,supra:S.C.said:Weareappalledbytherespondentsignoranceofthebasic
rulesofprocedure.Hiswantonuseofcourtprocessesinthiscasewithoutregardforthe
repercussionsontherightsandpropertyofothersclearlyshowshisunfitnesstoremaina
memberofthebar.
InRe:Pactolin,supra:TheS.C.ruled:Asarule,thisCourtexercisesthepowertodisbarwith
caution.xxyetthisCourthasalsoconsistentlypronouncedthatdisbarmentistheappropriate
penaltyforconvictionbyfinaljudgmentforacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude.xxxHisconduct
onlyexacerbateshisoffenseandshowsthathefallsshortoftheexactingstandardsexpectedof
himasavanguardofthelegalprofession.
4.Courtesy,fairnessandcandortowardsprofessionalcolleagues
CANON8Alawyershallconducthimselfwithcourtesy,fairnessandcandortowardshis
professionalcolleagues,andshallavoidharassingtacticsagainstopposingcounsel.(Rules8.01
8.02)
Q.Canalawyersharehisprofessionalfeeswithanonlawyer?
A.No.Asageneralrulealawyerisnotallowedtohisprofessionalfeeswithanonlawyer.
Villatuyav.Tabalingcos,676SCRA37(2012):Thisdisbarmentcaseishingedonthe
complainantsdemandfromrespondentlawyertosettlemoneyobligationsoutoftheirbusiness
transactions.ThefirstgroundheraisedinvolvesnonpaymentofagreedfeesforeveryStay
Orderobtainedfromthecourtand10%commissionfromeveryreferral;thesecondisthatthe
lawyersetuptwofinancialcompaniesasfrontstosolicitlegalservicesandcommittingtwo

31 | P a g e

countsofbigamyforhavingmarriedtwootherwomenwhilehisfirstmarriagewasstill
subsisting.
Onthefirstissue,theCourtsaidthatthereisviolationwherealawyershareshisfeeswitha
nonlawyer.Inthiscase,complainantfailedtoprofferevidence.Ontheissueofsolicitation,the
Courtheldthatitwouldappearthattherewasanattempttocircumventtheprohibitionon
advertisingonesservices,reprimandistheproperpenaltybecausethereisnoevidenceonthe
prevalencetousethetwofinancialcompaniestosolicit.TheCourtremindedlawyertobeclear
astowhatservicestheyarerenderingiftheyhavemultipleprofessions.Ontheissueofgross
immorality,thebelatedmoveofthelawyertoinstitutecivilactionstoannulhismarriageswill
notexculpatehim.TheCourtheld:xxxrespondentexhibitedadeplorablelackofthatdegree
ofmoralityrequiredofhimxxx.Hemadeamockeryofmarriage,xxx.Hisactsofcommitting
bigamytwiceconstitutedgrossimmoralconductandaregroundsfordisbarmentunderSection
27,Rule138oftheRevisedRulesofcourt.
5.Noassistanceintheunauthorizedpracticeoflaw
CANON9Alawyershallnot,directlyorindirectly,assistintheunauthorizedpracticeoflaw.
(Rules9.019.02)
Q.Whatconstitutesunauthorizedpracticeoflaw?
A.Tapayetalv.Attys.CharlieL.Bancoloetal,A.C.No.9604,March20,2013:Alawyerwho
allowedhissecretarytosignhispleadingintheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanisguiltyofviolation
ofCanon9.Onlylawyersareallowedtosignpleadingsandthesamecannotbedelegated.
Atty.EditaNoeLacsamanav.Atty.YolandoF.Bustamente(A.C.No.7269,November
23,2011:Alawyerwhoallowedaparalegaltoattendcourthearingsonhisbehalfhasviolated
Canon9becauseonlylawyersareallowedtoundertakerepresentationclientsbeforethe
regionaltrialcourts.
TUMBOKONv.PEFIANCO,678SCRA60(2012):Thiscasealsodealswiththelawyers
commitmenttoshareaportionofhislegalfeeswithanonlawyerinacaseforpartitionof
estatewhichcomplainantreferredtoPefianco.Thelawyerwasfoundguiltyofthisviolationby
hisadmissioninaletterhewrotetothepartiesinthepartitioncase.Onthesecondchargeof
abandoninghislegalwifetocohabitwithhismistresswithwhomhehasfourchildren,theCourt
thatitwasaclearbetrayalofthemaritalvowoffidelityorsexualrelationsoutsidemarriage
andisconsidereddisgracefulandimmoralasitmanifestsdeliberatedisregardofthesanctity
ofmarriageandmaritalvowsprotectedbytheConstitutionandaffirmedbyourlaws.
C.DutytotheCourts
1.Candor,fairnessandgoodfaithtowardsthecourts
CANON10Alawyerowescandor,fairnessandgoodfaithtothecourt.(Rules10.0110.02)
ReadalsoRule138,Section20(c)and(d),RulesofCourt,DutiesofAttorneys
Q.CanaSenatorbeexoneratedfromanyliabilityforcallingtheSupremeCourtasacourt
ofidiots?
A.AnteroJ.Pobrev.Sen.MiriamDefensorSantiago,A.C.No.7399,August25,2009.S.C.
exoneratedtherespondentforcallingtheS.C.justicesasacourtofidiots.Sheinvoked
parliamentaryimmunity.
Q.Isalawyerliableforresortingtoafraudulentorderofthecourttogaincustodyofhis
minorchildren?
A.Yes.NatashaHueysuwanFloridov.Atty.JamesBenedictC.Florido,A.C.No.5624,
Jan.20,2004).S.C.suspendedlawyerforresortingtoafraudulentorderpurportedlyissuedby
theCourtofAppealsawardingcustodyofhischildrenpendingtheannulmentcasefiledbyhis
complainantwife.
2.Respectforcourtsandjudicialofficers

32 | P a g e

CANON11Alawyershallobserveandmaintaintherespectduetothecourtsandtojudicial
officersandshouldinsistonsimilarconductbyothers(Rules11.0111.05)
Q.Areprofessorsoflawconsideredengagedinthepracticeofprofessionandaretherefore
subjecttodisciplinaryactionoftheSupremeCourt?DeCastro,J.
A.Yes.Re:LetteroftheU.P.LawFacultyonAllegationsofPlagiarismand
MisrepresentationoftheS.C.,A.M.No.10104SC,March8,2011.TheS.C.remindedthe
facultymembersoftheU.P.CollegeofLawtobemorecircumscribedwiththefilingofsimilar
complaintagainstthemembersofthejudiciary.Itnotedthattheconcernedjusticealready
admittedthelapseandthatitwasnotdonewithmalice.Hisgoodfaithrelievedhimfromany
kindofadministrativeliability.
3.Assistanceinthespeedyandefficientadministrationofjustice
CANON12Alawyershallexerteveryeffortandconsiderithisdutytoassistinthespeedy
andefficientadministrationofjustice.(Rules12.0112.08)
ReadalsoRule138,Section20(g)RulesofCourtDutiesofAttorneys;and
ArticleIII,Section16,ConstitutionRighttospeedydispositionofcases.
4.Relianceonmeritsofhiscauseandavoidanceofanyimproprietywhichtendsto
influencetheappearanceofinfluenceuponthecourts
CANON13Alawyershallrelyuponthemeritsofhiscauserefrainfromanyimpropriety
whichtendstoinfluenceorgivestheappearanceofinfluencingcourt.(Rules13.0113.03)
Q.Canalawyerbeheldliablefordraftingthedecisiononbehalfofajudgeinaneffortto
helpdeclogcourtdockets?
A.Yes.Lantoriav.Bunyi,A.M.CaseNo.1769,June8,1992.Alawyershouldnottakeitupon
himselftoprepareadraftdecisiononbehalfofajudge.Suchanactionofthecounsel
underminesthecompetenceofthejudiciaryandwilltendtoerodeconfidenceinthejudicial
system.
Q.Isitproperforalawyertomakepronouncementsinthemediaregardingapendingcase?
A.No.Cruzv.Salva,G.R.12871,July25,1959,105Phil.115.TheS.C.cautionedlawyers
fromattractingmediaattentionoverapendingcase.
Q.Arecourtdecisionssubjecttocriticism?
A.Yes.InRe:AlmacenG.R.No.L27654,Feb.18,1970.Lawyersaspartoffreespeechmay
criticizedecisionsoftheCourtbutsuchpostlitigationutterancesmustneverberesortedin
ordertomaligntheCourt.
D.DutytoClients
(i)Servicesregardlessofapersonsstatus
CANON14Alawyershallnotrefusehisservicestotheneedy.(Rules14.0114.04)
Read:Rule138,Section20,RulesofCourtonDutiesofAttorneys(h)and(i)
Rule138,Section31,RulesofCourtonAttorneysforDestituteLitigant
(ii)ServicesascounseldeoficioprimarilyinCRIMINALCASES
- AppointmentasCounseldeoficio(torepresentaccusedincriminalproceedings)
Read:Rule116,Section6,RulesofCourt,RighttoCounselofanAccused
Rule117,Section7,RulesofCourt,AppointmentofCounseldeoficioduringtrial
Q.Whomaybeappointedascounseldeoficio?
A.Alawyeringoodstanding;oranypersonwhoresidewherethecaseisfiled,ofgoodrepute
forprobityandabilitywherethereisnolawyerinthejurisdiction.

33 | P a g e

Q.Whatfactorsareconsideredintheappointmentofacounseldeoficio?
A.Thefollowingfactorsareconsidered:gravityoftheoffense,difficultyoftheissuesinvolved
andexperienceandabilityoftheappointee.
Q.WhatistheruleofthedesignationofCounseldeofficiobeforeanappellatecourt?
A.Rule124,Section2,RulesofCourt:Conditionsforappointment:accusedisinprison,thereis
nocounseldeparteonappealandaccusedsignednoticeofappealhimself.
Q.Whatarevalidgroundsforrefusaltobeengagedascounsel?
A.Thefollowinggroundsmaybeinvoked:whereengagementmayresultintoconflictof
interest,whenlawyerisunabletorepresentapartyduetopressingprofessionalmattersthatneed
hisattention,whenwhattheclientwishestheclienttoundertakeispatentlyillegal,whenthe
clientagreesinwritingtoretirehisrepresentationorwhereafterduenoticeandhearing,the
courtallowsthecounseltowithdrawhisappearanceinanactionorspecialproceeding,other
similargrounds.
2.Candor,fairnessandloyaltytoclients
CANON21Alawyershallpreservetheconfidenceandsecretsofhisclientevenafterthe
attorneyclientrelationisterminated.
(i)Confidentialityrule:Rulewillcoverpartnersinlegalprofessionandnonlegalstaff
workingforthelawyer.
(ii)Privilegedcommunications.Sec.21(b),Rule130willapply.
(iii)Conflictofinterest:Disclosemattersthatwouldgiverisetorepresentationoftwo
adverseinterests.ConflictofInterest,concept;whenlawyermaylawyermayheld
accountable;liability
Q.Whencanalawyerbefoundliableforconflictofinterest?
A.Pacanav.PascualLpez,A.C.No.8243,July24,2009.Alawyerwhoactedasaretained
counselofacompanywasdisbarredforalsorenderingadvicetothecreditorsofthecompany.
TheS.C.remindedlawyerstoavoidatalltimesanyoccasionwheretheywillrepresenttwo
adverseinterests.
NotesonIssueofConflictofInterest:Thenatureoflawyerandclientrelationshipisoneof
trustandconfidenceofthehighestdegree.
1. Alawyerwouldberepresentingaclientwhoseinterestisdirectlyadversetoanyofhis
presentorformerclients.
2. Alawyermayonlybeallowedtorepresentaclientinvolvingthesameorasubstantially
relatedmatterthatismateriallyadversetotheformerclientonlyiftheformerclient
consentstoitafterconsultation.
3. Throughoutthecourseofalawyerclientrelationship,thelawyerlearnsallthefacts
connectedwiththeclientscase,includingtheweakandstrongpointsofthecase.
Knowledgeandinformationgatheredinthecourseoftherelationshipmustbetreatedas
sacredandguardedwithcareandtoavoidtheappearanceoftreacheryanddouble
dealing,foronlythencanlitigantsbeencouragedtoentrusttheirsecretstotheir
lawyers,whichisparamountintheadministrationofjustice.
3.Candidandhonestadvicetoclients:Giveafairassessmentofthecasereferral.
CANON15Alawyershallobservecandor,fairnessandloyaltyinallhisdealingsand
transactionswithhisclients.(Rules15.0115.08)
Whenlawyerclientrelationshipcommences:noformalcontractisneeded,itissufficientthat
theadviceandassistanceofanattorneyissoughtandreceivedinanymannerpertinenttohis
profession.
34 | P a g e

FerdinandA.Samsonv.Atty.EdgardoO.Era,A.C.No.6664,July16,2013.S.C.saidthatthe
terminationoftheattorneyclientrelationshipdoesnotjustifyalawyertorepresentaninterest
adversetoorinconflictwiththatoftheformerclient.Thespiritbehindthisruleisthatthe
clientsconfidenceoncegivenshouldnotbestrippedbythemereexpirationoftheprofessional
employment.Asageneralrule,thebanondisclosureofclientsconfidencesisperpetual.Thus,
Atty.ErawasfoundguiltyofRule15.03ofCanon15andCanon17oftheCPRandwas
suspendedfromthepracticeoflawfortwo(2)years
4.Compliancewithlaws:NooneisabovetheRuleofLaw
5.Concurrentpracticeofanotherprofession:payseparatePTRs;oneprofessionis
governedbytheProfessionalRegulationCommissionandthelegalprofessionbythe
SupremeCourt.
5.DealingwithClientsmoniesandproperties
CANON16Alawyershallholdintrustallmoneysandpropertiesofhisclientthatmaycome
intohisprofession.(Rules16.0116.04)
(i)Fiduciaryrelationship
(ii)Cominglingoffunds:Alawyermustnotcominglehispersonalfundswiththoseofhis
client.
(iii)Deliveryoffunds:Alawyermustpromptlysurrendertohisclientand/oraccountfor
anymoneyreceivedbywayofamoneyjudgmentorproceedsfromatransactionhe
handledinthecourseofhisengagement.
(iv)Borrowingorlending:Alawyermustrefrainfromborrowingmoneyfromhisclient.
Pleasenote:Article1491(5),NewCivilCodewhichcoverstheprohibitionagainst
lawyerstoparticipateinanypublicorjudicialauctionofapropertyorrightswherehis
professionalserviceswereengaged.
Q.Isitproperforalawyertoaskfromherclientforanadvanceforherprofessionalfeesand
thereafternotrenderanykindoflegalservicetotheclient?A.
A.No.VictoriaC.Heenanv.Atty.ErlindaEspejo,A.C.No.10050,December3,2013.S.C.
foundAtty.Espejoguiltyofgrossmisconductforfailurepayapersonalloantoherclientwhich
sheinitiallyaskedasanadvanceforherprofessionalfees.Thedeliberatefailuretopayjust
debtsandtheissuanceofworthlesschecksconstitutegrossmisconduct.Alawyermaybe
disciplinednotonlyformalpracticeanddishonestyinhisprofessionbutalsoforgross
misconductoutsideofhisprofessionalcapacity.Thus,Atty.Espejowassuspendedfromthe
practiceoflawfortwo(2)years.
CECILIAAGNOVS.ATTY.MARCIANOJ.CAGATAN[558SCRA1,December7,2010]A
lawyerwhopaidanotherwithapersonalcheckfromabankaccountwhichheknewhasalready
beenclosedexhibitedanextremelylowregardtohiscommitmenttotheoathhetookwhenhe
joinedhispeers,therebyseriouslytarnishingtheimageoftheprofessionwhichheshouldholdin
highesteem.
Q.Whatinstanceswouldindicateviolationofalawyersfiduciaryduty?
A.Bayonlaetalv.Atty.PuritaA.Reyes,A.C.No.4808,November22,2011.Forherfailureto
turnovertoherclientsthejustcompensationinanexpropriationcase,S.C.disbarredthe
respondentlawyer.
Freemanv.Atty.ZenaidaP.Reyes,A.C.No.6246,November15,2011.S.C.disbarred
respondentlawyerforemployingdeceittopersonallygainfromtheproceedsoftheinsurance
claimsandretirementbenefitsofthedeceasedBritishspouseofthecomplainant.
Importantmatterstoconsideronfiduciaryduty:
(1).Lawyersareboundtopromptlyaccountformoneyorpropertyreceivedinthecourse
ofhisengagementascounsel.

35 | P a g e

(2).Evenifalawyerhasalienforfees,heisboundtoturnoveranypropertyormoney
receivedonbehalfofhisclient.
(3).Theturnoverofmoneyorpropertytohisclientissubjecttolawyerslien.
Allcostsoflitigationmustbebornebytheclient.
5.Fidelitytoclientscause
CANON17Alawyerowesfidelitytothecauseofhisclientandshallbemindfulofthetrust
andconfidencereposedinhim.
Q.Whatisthenatureofalawyerclientrelationship?
A.JosefinaCarranzavidadeZaldvarv.Atty.RamonSGCabanes,Jr.,A.C.No.7749,July8,
2013.S.C.suspendedrespondentlawyerforgrossnegligenceinviolationofCanon17,and
Rules18.03and18.04ofCanon18oftheCPR.S.C.reiteratedthattherelationshipbetweenan
attorneyandhisclientisoneimbuedwithutmosttrustandconfidence.Whetherhisservicesare
paidorrenderedprobono,alawyersdutyofcompetenceanddiligenceincludesnotmerely
reviewingthecasesentrustedtothecounselscareorgivingsoundlegaladvice,butalso
consistsofproperlyrepresentingtheclientbeforeanycourtortribunal,attendingscheduled
hearingsorconferences,preparingandfilingtherequiredpleadings,prosecutingthehandled
caseswithreasonabledispatch,andurgingtheirterminationwithoutwaitingfortheclientor
thecourttoprodhimorhertodoso.Whilesuchnegligenceorcarelessnessisincapableof
exactformulation,theCourthasconsistentlyheldthatthelawyersmerefailuretoperformthe
obligationsduehisclientisperseaviolation.
NotesonIssueofConflictofInterest:Thenatureoflawyerandclientrelationshipisoneof
trustandconfidenceofthehighestdegree.
4. Alawyerwouldberepresentingaclientwhoseinterestisdirectlyadversetoanyofhis
presentorformerclients.
5. Alawyermayonlybeallowedtorepresentaclientinvolvingthesameorasubstantially
relatedmatterthatismateriallyadversetotheformerclientonlyiftheformerclient
consentstoitafterconsultation.
6. Throughoutthecourseofalawyerclientrelationship,thelawyerlearnsallthefacts
connectedwiththeclientscase,includingtheweakandstrongpointsofthecase.
Knowledgeandinformationgatheredinthecourseoftherelationshipmustbetreatedas
sacredandguardedwithcareandtoavoidtheappearanceoftreacheryanddouble
dealing,foronlythencanlitigantsbeencouragedtoentrusttheirsecretstotheir
lawyers,whichisparamountintheadministrationofjustice.
(iv)Dutytoappriseclient:Thelawyermustinformtheclientofthestatusofthecase.
CANON18Alawyershallservehisclientwithcompetenceanddiligence.(Rules18.01
18.04)
Q.Whatcharacterizesthedutyofalawyertoservehisclientwithcompetenceanddiligence?
A.FelipeC.Dagalav.Atty.JoseC.Quesada,Jr.andAtty.AmadoT.Adquilen,A.C.No.5044,
December2,2013.S.C.reiteratedtheneedforlawyerstobeevermindfulofthecauseoftheir
clientsandaccordinglyexercisetherequireddegreeofdiligenceinhandlingtheiraffairs.For
hispart,thelawyerisrequiredtomaintainatalltimesahighstandardoflegalproficiency,and
todevotehisfullattention,skill,andcompetencetothecase,regardlessofitsimportanceand
whetherheacceptsitforafeeorforfree.Heisexpectedtoactwithhonestyinallhisdealings,
especiallywiththecourts.TheseprinciplesareembodiedinRule1.01ofCanon1,Rule10.01of
Canon10,Canon17andRule18.03ofCanon18oftheCPR.Atty.Quesadasfailuretoattend
thescheduledconferencehearings,despiteduenoticeandwithoutanyproperjustification,
exhibitshisinexcusablelackofcareanddiligenceinmanaginghisclientscauseinviolationof
Canon17andRule18.03,Canon18oftheCPR.

36 | P a g e

StephanBrunetandVirginiaRomanilloBrunetv.Atty.RonaldL.Guaren,A.C.No.10164,
March10,2014.ForhavingviolatedCanons17and18oftheCPR,Atty.Guarenwas
suspendedfromthepracticeoflawforsixmonths.Despiteacceptanceoftheamountof
P7,000.00forthetitlingofcomplainantslot,hefailedtoperformhisobligationandallowing5
yearstoelapsewithoutanyprogressonthereferral.S.C.reiteratedthatthepracticeoflawis
notabusinessanditremindedlawyersthatthedutytopublicserviceandtotheadministration
ofjusticeshouldbetheprimaryconsiderationoflawyers,whomustsubordinatetheirpersonal
interestsorwhattheyowetothemselves.Lawyeringisnotprimarilymeanttobeamoney
makingventure,andlawadvocacyisnotacapitalthatnecessarilyyieldsprofits
JulianPenillav.Atty.QuintinP.Alcid,Jr.,A.C.No.9149,September4,2013:TheCourtheld
thatAtty.Alcid,Jr.violatedCanon18andRules18.03and18.04oftheCodeofProfessional
Responsibilitywhenhefiledacriminalcaseforestafawhenthefactsofthecasewouldhave
warrantedthefilingofacivilcaseforbreachofcontract;whenthecasewasdismissedhe
committedanothersimilarblunderbyfilingacivilcaseforspecificperformanceanddamages
beforetheRTC,whenheshouldhavefileditwiththeMTC;andhedidnotalsoapprise
complainantofthestatusofthecases.Atty.Alcid,Jr.isnotonlyguiltyofincompetencein
handlingthecases.Hislackofprofessionalismindealingwithcomplainantisgrossand
inexcusable.Thelegalprofessiondictatesthatitisnotamereduty,butanobligation,ofa
lawyertoaccordthehighestdegreeoffidelity,zealandfervorintheprotectionoftheclients
interest.
CarlitoP.Carandangv.Atty.GilbertS.Obmina,A.C.No.7813,Apr.21,2009.InaJune3,
2013case,S.C.reiteratedthattheAttorneysnegligencetofileanappellatebriefandhisfailure
toinformtheclientthatthecasewasdismissedbecauseofhisnegligenceisguiltyofviolating
Canon18.Similarly,alawyerwhofalsifiesthedateofreceiptofthedecisiontomakeitappear
thatthetimewasfiledwithintheprescriptiveperiodisalsoguiltyofnegligenceandwasslapped
withamonetaryfine.
ErmelindaLadvda.DeDominguez,representedbyherAttorneyinFact,VicenteA.Pichon
v.Atty.ArnulfoM.AgleronSr.,A.C.No.5359,March10,2014.TheS.C.heldthatoncea
lawyertakesupthecauseofhisclient,heisdutyboundtoservehisclientwithcompetence,and
toattendtohisclientscausewithdiligence,careanddevotionregardlessofwhetherheaccepts
itforafeeorforfree.Heowesfidelitytosuchcauseandmustalwaysbemindfulofthetrustand
confidencereposedonhim.Forhisfailuretopromptlyfileapleadinghealreadysignedonthe
groundthathisclientdidnotsendthefilingfeesand30%ofhisprofessionalfees,theS.C.was
suspendedforthreemonthsTheCourtsaidthatthisactexhibitedhislackofprofessionalism.

Tosummarize:
OntheDutytoServewithCompetenceandDiligence
(i)Adequateprotection:Alawyermustensuretheappropriatelegalreliefsforhisclient.
(ii)Negligence:Aclientisboundbythenegligenceofhiscounsel.
(iii)CollaboratingCounsel:Withtheconsentoftheclient,acollaboratingcounselmay
participateinanongoingcase

7.Representationwithzealwithinlegalbounds
Q.Whatistherecourseofapartywhohaslostacase?

37 | P a g e

A.Re:VerifiedComplaintofTomasS.MerdegiaagainstHon.VicenteS.E.Veloso,etc./Re:
ResolutiondatedOctober8,2013inOCAIPINo.12205CAJagainstAtty.Homobono
AdazaII,IPINo.12205CAJ/A.C.No.10300,December10,2013.S.C.heldadministrative
complaintsagainstjusticescannotandshouldnotsubstituteforappealandotherjudicial
remediesagainstanassaileddecisionorruling.Whilealawyerhasadutytorepresenthisclient
withzeal,hemustdosowithintheboundsprovidedbylaw.ItfoundAtty.Adazaguiltyof
indirectcontemptforhisfailuretoimpressuponhisclientthefeaturesofthePhilippine
adversarialsystem,thesubstanceofthelawonethicsandrespectforthejudicialsystem,andhis
ownfailuretoheedwhathisdutiesasaprofessionalandasanofficeroftheCourtdemandof
himinactingforhisclientbeforethecourts.
(i)Useoffairandhonestmeans:Alawyermustonlyemploysuchlegalstrategyallowedby
thecircumstances.
(ii)Clientsfraud:Alawyermustnotcondoneanyillegalactsofhisclient.
(iii)Procedureinhandlingthecase:Thelawyersacceptanceandthelimitsofthe
engagementofhisservicesmustbemadeclearatthecommencementofthelawyerclient
relationship.
CANON19Alawyershallrepresenthisclientwithzealwithintheboundsofthelaw.
Q.Whenwillthelawyerbeheldaccountableforviolationoftheresponsibilitytoservehis
clientwithzealwithintheboundsoflaw?
Dimagibav.Montalvo,Jr.Adm.CaseNo.1424,October15,1991.Lawyerwasdisbarredfor
stretchingforalmost49yearsacaseinvolvingaprobateofawillfromwhichmorethanother
tencriminalandcivilsuitswereinstituted.
Ongv.Unto,Adm.CaseNo.2417,February6,2003.S.C.suspendedalawyerforsixmonths
forusingharassingtacticstoharassapartyfromhimhisclientwantedtoobtainchildsupport.
CANON20Alawyershallchargeonlyfairandreasonablefees.
CzarinaT.Malvarv.KraftFoodsPhils.,Inc.,etal.,G.R.No.183952,September9,2011:The
casestemmedfromtheexecutionofafinaldecisionwiththeC.A.inalaborlitigation.Petitioner
Malvar,however,enteredintoacompromiseagreementwiththerespondentspendingappeal
withoutinforminghercounsel.MalvarscounselfiledaMotiontoIntervenetoProtect
AttorneysRights.
S.C.,onconsiderationsofequityandfairness,disapprovedofthetendenciesofclients
compromisingtheircasesbehindthebacksoftheirattorneysforthepurposeofunreasonably
reducingorcompletelysettingtonaughtthestipulatedcontingentfees.Itsaidthatevenifthe
compensationoftheattorneyisdependentonlyonwinningthelitigation,thesubsequent
withdrawalofthecaseupontheclientsinitiativewouldnotdeprivetheattorneyofthe
legitimatecompensationforprofessionalservicesrendered.
Attorneysfees:(i)Acceptancefees;(ii)Contingencyfeearrangements;(iii)Attorneys
liens;(iv)Feesandcontroversieswithclients;(v)Conceptsofattorneysfees(a)ordinary
conceptand(b)extraordinaryconcept.
OnLawyersfeesandothercharges:
ReadRule138,Section24,RulesofCourtonCompensationofAttorneys
Rule138,Section12,RulesofCourtonCompensationforAttorneysdeofficio
Rule138,Section37,RulesofCourtonChargingLien

Q.Whatisacharginglien?
38 | P a g e

A.Acharginglienistherightwhichtheattorneyhasuponalljudgmentsforpaymentofmoney,
andexecutionsinpursuanceofsuchjudgments,obtainedinfavoroftheclient,tosecure
reimbursementforadvancesmadeandpaymentofattorneysfees.
Q.Whatisaretainingfee?
A.Aretainingfeecanpartakeofanacceptancefeeandcoversprofessionalfeesforservices
renderedincludingthepaymentofsuchamountofamountasmaybeagreeduponbythe
partiesinthecourseofhandlingalegalmatterfortheclient.
ReadRule20.01ofCPRandRule138,Section24onfactorstoconsiderinchargingfees
(importanceofthesubjectmatterofcontroversy,extentofservicesrendered,professional
standing)
Q.WhatistheconceptofQuantumMeruit?
A.Alawyerwillreceivesuchamountcommensuratetheservicesherenderedduringtheperiod
oflawyerclientrelationshipwhichmayhavebeenseveredbyeitherpartyduringthependency
ofthereferral.Itmayalsocollectedineventofthedeathofcounselbeforetheresolutionofthe
case.
Q.Whatischamperty?
A.Achampertouscontractmayresultwherealawyerassumesallexpensesforlitigationand
reimbursementiscontingentontheoutcomeofthecase.ThisisstrictlyprohibitedunderRule
1604oftheCPR.
Champertyisdifferentfromacontingentfeecontractbecauseinthelatterthelawyergets
reimbursedfortheadvancesmadefortheclientinthecourseofrepresentation,whetherhe
winsthesuitornot;onlytheamountofprofessionalfeesiscontingentuponwinning.
Q.Mayalawyerhavealienonajudgmenttoprotecthisprofessionalfees?
A.Yes.ConchitaBaltazar,etal.v.Atty.JuanB.Baez,Jr.,A.C.No.9091,December11,
2013.
Section26,Rule138oftheRulesofCourtallowsanattorneytointerveneinacasetoprotecthis
rightsconcerningthepaymentofhiscompensation.Thecourt,mayatitsdiscretion,allowthe
lawyertohavealienuponalljudgmentsforthepaymentofmoneyrenderedinacaseinwhich
hisserviceshavebeenretainedbytheclient.Inthiscase,however,thecontractforlegal
servicesisinthenatureofachampertouscontractanagreementwherebyanattorney
undertakestopaytheexpensesoftheproceedingstoenforcetheclientsrightsinexchangefor
somebargaintohaveapartofthethingindispute.SuchcontractsareprohibitedunderCanon
16.04oftheCPR,whichstatesthatlawyersshallnotlendmoneytoaclient,exceptwheninthe
interestofjustice,theyhavetoadvancenecessaryexpensesinalegalmattertheyarehandling
fortheclient.
Q.Whatisthenatureofachampertouscontract?
A.InRe:TheConjugalPartnershipoftheSpousesVicenteCadavedoandBenitaArcoy
Cadavedo(bothdeceased),substitutedbytheirHeirs,namely:Herminia,Pastora,Heirsof
Fructiosa,HeirsofRaquel,Evangeline,Vicente,Jr.,andArmand,allsurnamedCadavedo,
G.R.No.173188.January15,2014.TheCourtheldthatthecontingentfeeofP2000should
controltheagreementofcounselandhisclientsalthoughthesamewascontingentuponwinning
thecase.TheCourtsaidthatgrantingarguendothatthespousesCadavedoandAtty.Lacaya
indeedenteredintoanoralcontingentfeeagreementsecuringtothelatteronehalfofthe
subjectlot,theagreementisvoid.Theagreementischampertousandiscontrarytopublic
policy.Anyagreementbyalawyertoconductthelitigationinhisownaccount,topaythe
expensesthereofortosavehisclienttherefromandtoreceiveashisfeeaportionofthe
proceedsofthejudgmentisobnoxioustothelaw.
8.Preservationofclientsconfidences:(i)Prohibiteddisclosuresanduse;(ii)Disclosures,
whenallowed:Thedisclosuresmadeaclienttoalawyerarecoveredbytheprivileged
communicationsrule.Thelawyermay,however,discloseinformationrelayedtohimbya
clientwhenthelatterisabouttocommitacrimeorwhenthereisadisputebetweenthelawyer
andhisclientandtheinformationisvitalinthedefenseofthelawyer.
39 | P a g e

Q.Whenislawyerreleasedfromhisnondisclosureduty?
A.Palmv.Atty.FelipeIledan,Jr.A.C.No.8243,July24,2009.TheS.C.heldthatalawyeris
releasedfromhisnondisclosuredutywhenhefileswithagovernmentagencyapleadingorany
documentonbehalfofhisclient.TheCourtsaidthattherighttoinformationisprotectedunder
theBillofRights.

CANON22Alawyershallwithdrawhisservicesonlyforgoodcauseanduponnotice
appropriateinthecircumstances.
9.WithdrawalofServices:valid,justifiablereasonsforwithdrawal
PARTTWOJUDICIALETHICS
I.SourcesofJudicialEthics:1.TheConstitution;2.TheRulesofCourt;3.Statues
creatingcourts;4.TheNewCanonsofJudicialConductforthePhilippineJudiciary(took
effectonJune1,2004perA.M.030501SC)whichwaspatternedaftertheBangalore
DraftofCodeofJudicialConduct;and.5.CodeofJudicialConduct
II.MembershipintheJudiciary
QualifyingtotheBench
1.MembersoftheSupremeCourtandlowerappellatecourts:Section7(1),ArticleVIII,
1987ConstitutionmandatesthataJusticeoftheSupremeCourtandallcollegiateappellate
courtsmustbeanaturalbornFilipino.
QualificationsofSCJustice:naturalbornFilipino,atleastbe40yearsold,musthavebeenfor
15yearsormoreajudgeofalowercourtorengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines.
2.Membersofthelowercourts(regionaltrialcourtsandfirstlevelcourts):Section7(2),
articleVIII,1987ConstitutionprovidesthatCongressshallprovideforqualificationsbutone
mustbecitizenofthePhilippinesandmemberofthePhilippineBar.
3.Commonqualificationforallmembersofthejudiciary,Section7(3),ArticleVIII,1987
Constitutionprovides:AmemberoftheJudiciarymustbeapersonofprovencompetence,
integrity,probityandindependence.
4.TermofOffice:Section11,ArticleVIII,1987Constitutionprovidesthatmembersofthe
judiciaryshallholdofficeduringgoodbehavioruntiltheyreach70yearsoldortheybecome
incapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheiroffice.
5.MannerofSelectionandAppointment(ReadSection8,ArticleVIII,1987Constitution
forthecomposition,powersandtermofofficeofmembersoftheJudicialandBarCouncil)
Chavezv.JBC,etal.,G.R.No.202242,July17,2012:Congressisentitledonlytooneseatin
theJBCandnotoneforeachhouse.
RecentrulingsrelatedtotheJBC:
Villanuevav.JBC(2015):Afirstleveltrialcourtmustawaita5yearperiodbeforehecanbe
promotedasRTCjudge.TheCourtsustainedthepoweroftheJBCtoprescriberulesinthe
screeningofqualifiedcandidatestothejudiciarytoensurethatonlymenofprovencompetence,
integrity,probityandindependencewillbeappointedtothebench.
Jardelezavs.ChiefJusticeSerenoandJBC(2015):Havingbeendenieddueprocess,Jardeleza
shouldbeincludedinthelistofnomineestobeappointedasjusticeoftheSupremeCourt.An
issueabouthisintegritywasraisedintheselectionprocessbutJardelezawasnevergiventhe
opportunitytobeheardtooverturntheallegationagainsthim.
Law
AppointmentsmadebythePresidentinthejudiciarydonotneedanyconfirmationbythe
CommissiononAppointments.(Section9.ArticleVIII,1987Constitution)
Pleasenotethat:
AnyvacancyintheSupremeCourtmustbefilledwithin90daysfromtheoccurrence
thereof.(Section4(1),ArticleVIII,1987Constitution)

40 | P a g e

Forlowercourts,thePresidentshallissuetheappointmentswithin90daysfromthe
submissionofthelist.(Section9,ArticleVIII,1987Constitution)
Requirementsinthedischargeofresponsibilitiesofmembersofthejudiciary:
1. Nodecisionshallberenderedbyanycourtwithoutexpressingthereinclearlyand
distinctly,thefactsandlawonwhichitisbased.(Section14,ArticleVIII,1987
Constitution)
2. Dedicatedservicetothejudiciary
3. Membersofthejudiciaryshallnotbedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasi
judicialoradministrativefunctions.(Section12,ArticleVIII,1987Constitution)
4. SALNRequirement
MembersoftheSupremeCourtshallnotonlyreportalltheirassets,liabilities,and
networthuponassumptiontodutybuttheymustdisclosesuchtothePUBLICin
themannerprovidedbylaw.(Section17,ArticleXI,1987Constitution)
5. AllegiancetothePhilippineGovernment.Anypublicofficerowesallegiancetothe
PhilippinegovernmentanditsConstitutionandapublicofficerwhoseekstochange
citizenshiporacquirethestatusofanimmigrantofanothercountryduringhis
tenureshallbedealtwithbylaw.(Section18,ArticleVIII,1987Constitution)
III.Qualities(CommitthisMEMORYASTHISREPRESENTSTHESIXCANONSOF
JUDICIALCONDUCT:I.I.I.PECd):
Canon1:Independence
Canon2:Integrity
Canon3:Impartiality
Canon4:Propriety
Canon5:Equality
Canon6:Competenceanddiligence
A.UpholdtheDignityandIndependenceoftheCourt
CANON1AjudgeshouldupholdtheintegrityandindependenceoftheJudiciary.(Sections1
7)
Twoaspectsofindependence:institutionalindependenceandpersonalindependence:Whatis
expectedofjudges:todischargetheirfunctionsbasedsolelyonafairassessmentofthefactsand
invokingtheappropriateprovisionoflawinresolvingissuespresentedbeforethecourt;and
shieldthemselvesfromanykindofinfluencefromanypartyinvolvedinthecase.
InRe:VerifiedComplaintofEngr.OscarL.Ongjoco,664SCRA465(2012):Acomplaint
againstjusticesoftheCourtofAppealsmustbedismissedifthesameisbaselessandthe
recourseofthepartyistoseekjudicialrelieffromanadversedecision.
InRe:S.C.Resolutiondated28April2003inG.R.Nos.146817and145822,(Atty.Pena)669
SCRA530(2012):AmotiontoinhibittheponenteinapendingcasebeforetheS.C.basedon
suspicionofbriberyintheformofabrandnewMercedesBenzandcollusionwithanother
seniorassociatejusticeofS.C.cannotbegivenduecourse.Counselmustshowproofthata
connectionanddirectcorrelationexistsbetweenhisfailuretoreceiveacopyofitsMotionfor
Clarificationoftheotherparty.Heallegedthattheincidentdidnotallowhimtorefutethe
allegationstherein.TheCourtsaidthatsuchimputationiscompletelyuntenableand
irresponsible.
TalensDabonv.Arceo,A.M.1.No.RTJ961336,July25,1996:Ajudgewasdismissedfrom
serviceforgrossmisconductforsexuallyharassinghisClerkofCourt.
Gov.CourtofAppeals,G.R.No.101837,February11,1992,206SCRA165.TheCourtheld
thatthecomplainantwasnotdeprivedofdueprocesswhenthechargeagainsthimwas
upgradedfromgraveseriousinjuriestohomicide.Itsaidthatwhenthedeathoccurredafterthe
filingofthefirstinformationthesamecanbeamendedasamatterofcourse.
B.AvoidImpropriety:CANON2Ajudgeshouldavoidimproprietyandtheappearanceof
improprietyinallactivities.(Sections13)

41 | P a g e

RexM.Tupalv.JudgeRemegioV.Rojo,etc.,A.M.No.MTJ141842.February24,2014.The
CourtheldJudgeRojoguiltyofviolatingtheNewCodeofJudicialConductandCircularNo.1
90,andofgrossignoranceofthelaw.Hewassuspendedforsixmonthsforhavingnotarized
affidavitsofcohabitation,whichweredocumentsnotconnectedwiththeexerciseofhisofficial
functionsanddutiesassolemnizingofficer.Healsonotarizedaffidavitsofcohabitationwithout
certifyingthatlawyersornotariespublicwerelackinginhiscourtsterritorialjurisdiction.Asa
solemnizingofficer,thejudgesonlydutyinvolvingtheaffidavitofcohabitationistoexamine
whetherthepartieshaveindeedlivedtogetherforatleastfiveyearswithoutlegalimpedimentto
marry.TheGuidelinesdoesnotstatethatthejudgecannotarizethepartiesaffidavitof
cohabitation.Notarizingaffidavitsofcohabitationisinconsistentwiththedutytoexaminethe
partiesrequirementsformarriage.CircularNo.190datedFebruary26,1990.CircularNo.
190allowsmunicipaltrialcourtjudgestoactasnotariespublicexofficioandnotarize
documentsonlyifconnectedwiththeirofficialfunctionsandduties.
Samsonv.JudgeCaballero,A.M.No.RTJ08213,595SCRA423.Thenewlyappointed
judgewasnotallowedtoassumehispostasRTCjudgeofCabanatuanCityforhismaterial
misrepresentationinhisapplicationform.Caballerodidnotdisclosethatagraftandcorruption
chargewasfiledagainsthimbeforetheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanwhenheservedasa
prosecutor.
Suarezv.JudgeDilag,A.M.No.RTJ062014,March4,2009,580SCRA491.Ajudgewas
dismissedfromserviceduetogrossmisconduct.Thejudgewasfoundtohaveofficiatedseveral
marriageritesinashortspanoftimewithouthavingresolvedthenumerouscasespending
beforehiscourt.
Santosv.JudgeArcayaChua,A.M.No.MTJ0720093,February17,2009.Ajudgewas
suspendedbytheCourtforhavingacceptedmoneytointercedeonbehalfofherhusbands
relativeinapendingcasebeforetheSupremeCourtwhereshewaspreviouslyemployed.
Inonogv.JudgeIbay,A.M.No.RTJ092175,July28,2009,594SCRA168.Ajudgewasfined
bytheCourtforoppressiveconductforcitingadriverincontemptofcourtforhavingparked
thecarofhisemployerintheparkingslotassignedtothejudge.Thejudgeimposeduponthe
driveramonetaryfine.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.JudgeEdwinC.Larida,Jr.,RTC,Branch18,Tagaytay
City,A.M.No.RTJ082151,March11,2014.TheCourtheldthatJudgeLarida,Jr.committed
severallapses,specificallythenonsubmissiontotheCourtoftherequiredinventoryoflocally
fundedemployees,andhisallowingMarticiotodraftcourtorders.Suchlapsesmanifesteda
wrongattitudetowardsadministrativerulesandregulationsissuedforthegovernanceand
administrationofthelowercourts,totheextentofdisregardingthem,aswellasalaxityinthe
controlofhisBranchandinthesupervisionofitsfunctioningstaff.Theomissiontosubmitthe
inventoryshouldnotbeblamedonAtty.CalmaastheBranchClerkofCourt.Althoughitwas
verylikelythatJudgeLarida,Jr.hadtaskedAtty.Calmatodoandsubmittheinventoryinhis
behalf,JudgeLarida,Jr.asthePresidingJudgehimselfremainedtobetheofficerdirectly
burdenedwiththeresponsibilityfordoingso.Further,forknowinglyallowingdetailed
employeestosolicitcommissionsfrombondingcompanies,JudgeLarida,Jr.contravenedthe
CodeofJudicialConduct,whichimposedonhimthedutytotakeorinitiateappropriate
disciplinarymeasuresagainstcourtpersonnelforunprofessionalconductofwhichhewould
havebecomeaware.
AntonioM.Lorenzanav.JudgeMa.CeciliaI.Austria,RTC,Br.2,BatangasCity,A.M.No.
RTJ092200,April2,2014.TheCourtheldtheconductofJudgeAustriaofandpostinga
picturewithindecentattireforthepublicsconsumptioninherFrendsteraccountis
42 | P a g e

inappropriate.TheCourtheldthatshewasguiltyofimpropriety.Whilejudgesarenot
prohibitedfrombecomingmembersofandfromtakingpartinsocialnetworkingactivities,
theydonotshedofftheirstatusasjudges.Theycarrywiththemincyberspacethesameethical
responsibilitiesanddutiesthateveryjudgeisexpectedtofollowinhis/hereverydayactivities.
JudgeAustriawasguiltyofimproprietywhenshepostedherpicturesinamannerviewableby
thepublic.JoiningFriendsterpersedoesnotviolatetheNewCodeofJudicialConduct.The
CourtsaidJudgeAustriadisregardedtheproprietyandappearanceofproprietyrequiredofher
whenshepostedFriendsterphotosofherselfwearinganoffshoulderedsuggestivedressand
madethisavailableforpublicviewing..
C.MaintainImpartiality
CANON3Ajudgeshouldperformofficialdutieshonestly,andwithimpartialityand
diligence.(Sections16)
Pacov.Quilala,et.Al.,A.M.No.RTJ021699,413SCRA364.AjudgetogetherwiththeClerk
ofCourtandthecourtstenographerassignedtohiscourtwerealsosanctionedbytheS.C.The
Courtsaidthatexceptforclarificatoryquestions,thejudgemaynotbeallowedtoaskquestions
thatwouldelicitanswerstofavoroneofthepartiestothecase.Itisnotalsoproperforthe
judgetoallowtheClerkofCourttoconductanyproceedingintheabsenceofthejudgeandfor
thestenographertotranscribesuchproceedings.
ComplaintagainstChiefJusticeCoronadatedSept.14,2011filedbyInterPetal
RecreationalCorp.,A.M.No.12610SC,June13,2012.Thecomplaintraisedtheissueonthe
capacityofthenChiefJusticetodecideonapendingcasewithoutanybias.TheS.C.dismissed
thecomplaintbecausethesamehasbecomemootandacademicwiththeimpeachmentand
eventualremovalofChiefJusticeCoronafromoffice.
Villaluzv.Mijares,A.M.No.RTJ981402,April3,1998,288SCRA594.Thiscasewasfiled
byJusticeVillaluz,theformerspouseofPasayCityRTCJudgeMijares,againsther.TheS.C.
calledtheattentionofMijaresthattheRulesofCourtprohibitjudgesfromhearingcases
involvingrelativesuptothesixthcivildegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity.Inthesamefashiona
memberofthebenchmaynothearcaseswhereacounselisarelativeuptothefourthcivil
degreeofconsanguinityoraffinity.
D.DutytoImprovetheLawandtheAdministrationofJustice
CANON4:Ajudgemay,withdueregardtoofficialduties,engageinactivitiestoimprovethe
law,thelegalsystemandtheadministrationofjustice.(Sections115)
Albosv.Alaba,A.M.No.MTJ91517,March11,1994.Ajudgewhofailedtosigntheorder
grantingbailtotheaccusedandwholeftforanoutoftownwasfoundtohavebeenremisedof
hisresponsibilityasajudge.
DaniloE.Lubatonv.JudgeMaryJosephineP.Lazaro,RegionalTrialCourt,Br.74,
Antipolo,Rizal,A.M.RTJ122320,September2,2013.TheS.C.heldthatthe90dayperiod
withinwhichasittingtrialJudgeshoulddecideacaseorresolveapendingmatteris
mandatory.Therule,albeitmandatory,istobeimplementedwithanawarenessofthe
limitationsthatmaypreventaJudgefrombeingefficient.Underthecircumstancesspecificto
thiscase,itwouldbeunkindandinconsiderateonthepartoftheCourttodisregardJudge
Lazaroslimitationsandexactarigidandliteralcompliancewiththerule.Withherundeniably
heavyinheriteddocketandthelargevolumeofherofficialworkload,shemostprobablyfailedto
notetheneedforhertoapplyfortheextensionofthe90dayperiodtoresolvetheMotionto
Dismiss..
Re:CasesSubmittedforDecisionbeforeHon.TeofiloD.Baluma,FormerJudge,Branch1,
RegionalTrialCourt,TagbilaranCity,Bohol,A.M.No.RTJ132355,September2,2013.For
hisfailuretosufficientlyexplainwhyhefailedtoactonthetwentythree(23)casessubmittedfor
decision/resolution,theS.C.imposeduponhimadministrativesanctions.Everyjudgeshould
decidecaseswithdispatchandshouldbecareful,punctual,andobservantintheperformanceof
43 | P a g e

hisfunctionsfordelayinthedispositionofcaseserodesthefaithandconfidenceofourpeople
inthejudiciary,lowersitsstandardsandbringsitintodisrepute.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.Hon.SantiagoE.Soriano,A.M.No.MTJ071683,
September11,2013.
TheS.C.heldthatJudgeSorianohasbeenremissintheperformanceofhisjudicialdutiesfor
hisfailuretodecidethirtysix(36)casessubmittedfordecisioninMTCandMTCC,whichwere
allduefordecisionatthetimehecompulsorilyretired.Suchunreasonabledelayindeciding
casesandresolvingincidentsandmotions,andhisfailuretodecidetheremainingcasesbefore
hiscompulsoryretirementconstitutesgrossinefficiency.
Re:FailureofFormerJudgeAntonioA.CarbonelltoDecideCasesSubmittedforDecision
andResolvePendingMotionsintheRTC,Branch27,SanFernando,LaUnion,A.M.No.08
5305RTC,July9,2013.
TheS.C.saidthatCarbonellsfailuretodecidecaseswithinthereglamentary90dayperiod
withoutanyjustifiableandcrediblereasonsconstitutesgrossinefficiency.Thereiteratedthatas
afrontlineofficialoftheJudiciary,atrialjudgeshouldalwaysactwithefficiencyandprobity.
Heisdutyboundnotonlytobefaithfultothelaw,butalsotomaintainprofessionalcompetence.
Thepursuitofexcellenceoughtalwaystobehisguidingprinciple.
E.DutytoAvoidConflictwithJudicialResponsibilities
CANON5:Ajudgeshouldregulateextrajudicialactivitiestominimizetheriskofconflictof
judicialduties.(Sections15)
Re.ConvictionofJudgeAngeles,A.M.No.RTJ0695215,543SCRA.TheCourtheldthata
judgecannotbesuspendedinthedischargeofherresponsibilitiesuntilafterconvictionofa
criminaloffensesheallegedlycommittedhasbecomefinalandexecutory.
Guanzonv.JudgeRufon,537SCRA38.TheCourtremindedthefamilycourtjudgetoavoid
usingvulgarlanguageinthecourseofthetrial.Useofvulgarlanguageinsultsawitnessand
mayalsodiminishtherespectofthelitigantstowardsthecourtbecausecourtproceedingsare
heldinpublic.
Syv.JudgeFineza,A.M.RTJ031808,October15,2003,413SCRA374.TheCourtwillnot
condonetheactsofjudgesofacceptingmoneyfromalitigantwithapendingcasebeforehis
courtnorshouldajudgebeseendiningwithalitigantfacingacriminalcasebeforehiscourt.
F.DutytoExhibitCompetenceandDiligence
CANON6:CompetenceandDiligence(Sections17)
NarcisoG.Dulaliav.JudgeAfableE.Cajigal,RTC,Br.96,QuezonCity,A.M.No.OCAIPI
No.103492RTJ,December4,2013.S.C.saidthatasamatterofpublicpolicy,ajudgecannot
besubjectedtoliabilityforanyofhisofficialacts,nomatterhowerroneous,aslongasheacts
ingoodfaith.Toholdotherwisewouldbetorenderjudicialofficeuntenable,fornoonecalled
upontotrythefactsorinterpretthelawintheprocessofadministeringjusticecanbeinfallible
inhisjudgment.TheCourtremindedpartiesthatresorttojudicialremediesmustbeexercisedto
questionthedecisionofthetrialjudge.Badfaithonthepartofthetrialjudgeshouldneverbe
imputedunlessthesamecanbesupportedbyevidence.
Biggelv.JudgePamintuan,A.M.No.RTJ082101,559SCRA344.Theapparentbias
exhibitedbythejudgeshowninthedelayinthelegalprocedurecannotbecondoned.S.C.held
remindedjudgesoftheirpivotalroleintheadministrationofjustice.
Bayacav.JudgeRamos,A.M.No.MTJ071676,577SCRA93.S.C.heldthatgross
misconductandseriouslapsesintheconductoftheaffairsofthecourtmeritdismissalfromthe
judiciaryexceptforreasonsofcompassion,theCourtawardedtheretirementbenefitsofthe
judgewhodiedduringthependencyofthisadministrativecase.
Ma.LizaM.Jorda,CityProsecutorsOffice,TaclobanCityv.JudgeCrisologoS.Bitas,RTC,
Branch7,TaclobanCity;ProsecutorLeoC.Tabaov.JudgeCrisologoS.Bitas,RTC,Branch
44 | P a g e

7,TaclobanCity,A.M.No.RTJ142376/A.M.No.RTJ142377.March5,2014.TheCourtheld
JudgeBitasjudgeliableforgrossignoranceofthelawwhenhedeviatedfromtherequirement
ofahearingwherethereisanapplicationforbailandaggravatedhisoffensewhenhealso
grantedbailtoMiralleswithoutneitherconductingahearingnoramotionforapplicationfor
bailWhenanerrorissogrossandpatent,sucherrorproducesaninferenceofbadfaith.
AntonioM.Lorenzanav.JudgeMa.CeciliaI.Austria,RTC,Br.2,BatangasCity,A.M.No.
RTJ092200,April2,2014.TheCourtreiteratedtherulethatinadministrativecasesand
disbarmentproceedings,thecomplainantbearstheonusofprovingtheavermentsofhis
complaintbysubstantialevidence.Inthiscase,theallegationsofgraveabuseofauthority,
irregularityintheperformanceofduty,gravebiasandpartiality,andlackofcircumspectionare
devoidofmeritbecausethecomplainantfailedtoestablishJudgeAustriasbadfaith,maliceor
illwill.Thecomplainantmerelypointedtocircumstancesbasedonmereconjecturesand
suppositions.These,bythemselves,however,arenotsufficienttoprovetheaccusations.Even
grantingthatthejudgeerredintheexerciseofherjudicialfunctions,thesearelegalerrors
correctiblenotbyadisciplinaryaction,butbyjudicialremediesthatarereadilyavailabletothe
complainant.Anadministrativecomplaintisnottheappropriateremedyforeveryirregularor
erroneousorderordecisionissuedbyajudgewhereajudicialremedyisavailable,suchasa
motionforreconsiderationoranappeal.
GershonN.Dulangv.JudgeMaryJocelynG.Regencia,MCTC,AsturiasBalamban,
Cebu,A.M.No.MTJ141841,June2,2014.TheSupremeCourtheldthatpursuanttoRule
3.05,Canon3oftheCodeofJudicialConduct,promptdispositionofcasesisattainedbasically
throughtheefficiencyanddedicationtodutyofjudges.Inthiscase,thecivilcasewasalready
submittedforresolution.Beinganejectmentcase,itisgovernedbytheRulesofSummary
Procedurewhichclearlysetsaperiodof30daysfromthesubmissionofthelastaffidavitor
positionpaperwithinwhichadecisionmustbeissued.Inviolationofthisrule,JudgeRegencia
renderedjudgmentonlymorethantwoyearslaterthejudgefailedtoprofferanyacceptable
reasonindelayingthedispositionoftheejectmentcase,thus,makingheradministrativelyliable
forunduedelayinrenderingadecision..
IV.DisqualificationofJusticesandJudges(Rule137)
Prohibitiononpracticeofprofession:Nomemberofthejudiciarymaypracticetheir
professionduringtheirincumbency.
A. PrescriptiveDutytoresolvependingmatters
AllmatterspendingwiththeSupremeCourtmustberesolvedwith24months;
Twelve(12)monthsforallcollegiateappellatecourts;and
Three(3)monthsforallotherlowercourts.(Section15(1),1987Constitution)
B. DisqualificationandInhibitionofJudges:maybevoluntaryorinvoluntary:There
aretworulesgoverningthequalificationandvoluntaryinhibitionofjudges:Section1,
Rule137oftheRulesofCourt;andRule3.12oftheNewCodeofJudicialConductfor
thePhilippineJudiciary.Section1,Rule137oftheRulesofCourtprovides:
Disqualificationofjudges.Nojudgeorjudicialofficershallsitinanycaseinwhichhe,
orhiswifeorchild,ispecuniarilyinterestedasheir,legatee,creditororotherwise,orin
whichheisrelatedtoeitherpartywithinthesixthdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity,or
tocounselwithinthefourthdegree,computedaccordingtotherulesofthecivillaw,or
inwhichhehasbeenexecutor,administrator,guardian,trusteeorcounsel,orinwhich
hehaspresidedinanyinferiorcourtwhenhisrulingordecisionisthesubjectofreview,
withoutthewrittenconsentofallpartiesininterest,signedbythemandentereduponthe
record.

45 | P a g e

Ajudgemay,intheexerciseofhissounddiscretion,disqualifyhimselffromsittingin
case,forjustorvalidreasonsotherthanthosementionedabove.(ex.Ifjudgeservedas
weddingsponsortooneofthelitigantsorlitigantishiskasambahay.)
Canon3oftheNewCodeofJudicialConductforthePhilippineJudiciarystates:
Rule3.12.AJudgeshouldtakenopartinproceedingwherethejudgesimpartially
mightreasonablybequestioned.Thesecasesinclude,amongothers,proceedings
where:
Thejudgehaspersonalknowledgeofdisputedevidentiaryfactsconcerningthe
proceeding;
Thejudgeservedasexecutor,administrator,guardian,trusteesorlawyerinthecaseor
matterincontroversy,oraformerassociateofthejudgeservedascounselduringtheir
association,orthejudgeorlawyerwasamaterialwitnesstherein;
Thejudgesrulinginalowercourtisthesubjectofreview;
Thejudgeisrelatedbyconsanguinityoraffinitytoapartylitigantwithinthesixthdegree
ortococounselwithinthefourthdegree;
Thejudgeknowsthathisspouseorchildhasafinancialinterest,asheir,legatee,creditor,
fiduciary,orotherwise,inthesubjectmatterincontroversyorinapartytothe
proceeding,oranyotherinterestthatcouldbesubstantiallyaffectedbytheoutcomeof
theproceeding.
1. VoluntaryInhibition:Whenvoluntaryinhibitionbedone:Ajudgeisallowedunderthe
secondparagraphofSection1ofRule137oftheRulesofCourt,supra,tovoluntary
inhibitfromacaseforjustorvalidreasonsotherthanthosegroundsofdisqualification.
Re:ComplaintfiledbyLucenaB.RallosagainstJusticesGabrielT.Ingles,PamelaAnn
Maxino,andCarmelitaS.Manahan,IPINo.12203CAJ/A.M.No.12908CA,
December10,2013.ComplainantchargedJusticeHernandowithmanifestbiasbecausehe
voluntarilyinhibitedhimselfinCAG.R.CEBSP.No.06676onlyafterthepromulgationof
theMarch28,2012andApril13,2012resolutions.Complainantallegedthatsheshould
havebeeninformedofthevoluntaryinhibition.TheCourt,however,saidthatunderthe
internalrulesoftheC.A.,thesamewasnotnecessary.Inthespiritoftransparency,the
Courtheldthathenceforthallthepartiesinanyactionorproceedingsshouldbe
immediatelynotifiedofanymandatorydisqualificationorvoluntaryinhibitionoftheJustice
whohasparticipatedinanyactionofthecourt,statingthereasonforthemandatory
disqualificationorvoluntaryinhibition.Therequirementofnoticeisameasuretoensure
thatthedisqualificationorinhibitionhasnotbeenresortedtoinordertocauseinjusticeto
ortoprejudiceanypartyorcause.
Howvoluntaryinhibitioniseffected:Ajudgemaymotupropriooronmotionofaparty
voluntarilyreclusefromacaseifhehasgoodorvalidreasonswhichrenderhimincapableof
actingobjectivelyonthecase.
Whenajudgeshouldnotinhibithimself:Absentanygroundfordisqualification,ajudgeshould
notinhibitandifamotiontothateffectisfiled,heshoulddenyitif,despitethecircumstances
citedbythemovant,hehonestlybelievesthathecanactonthecaseobjectively.
2.RemittalofDisqualification:Natureofremittal:Remittalofdisqualificationistheprocess
bywhichajudgewhoisdisqualifiedtositonacaseonanyofthegroundsenumeratedin
Section5,Canon3,maypurgehimselfofsuchadisqualificationsothathemayactuponthe
case.
Howremittaliseffected:ThisprocessisallowedunderSection6ofthesameCanonwhich
provides:
Ajudgedisqualifiedasstatedabovemay,insteadofwithdrawingfromtheproceeding,disclose
ontherecordthebasisofdisqualification.If,basedonsuchdisclosure,thepartiesandlawyers,
independentlyofthejudgesparticipation,allagreeinwritingthatthereasonforinhibitionis
immaterialorunsubstantial;thejudgemaythenparticipateintheproceeding.TheAgreement,
signedbyallthepartiesandlawyers,shallbeincorporatedintherecordoftheproceedings.
V.DisciplineofMembersoftheJudiciary
46 | P a g e

A.MembersoftheSupremeCourt:Impeachment.(Section2,ArticleXI,1987
Constitution);Grounds;andProceedings
Inre:UndatedletterofMr.LouisC.Biraogo,A.M.No.09219,S.C.TheCourtfineda
retiredjusticeoftheSupremeCourtwithP500,000.00andindefinitesuspensionforpremature
releaseofadecisioninvolvingthecitizenshiprequirementofamemberoftheHouseof
Representatives.
InRe:LetterComplaintofAtty.PenaagainstJusticesCarpioandSereno,A.M.No.12611
SC.TheCourtdismissedthecomplaintforfailureofAtty.Penatosubstantiatehisallegations
andthatthesamearepurelyconjectureswhichcannotbeasubjectofjudicialreview.
B.DisciplineofAppellateJusticesandLowerCourtJudges:ReadSection11,ArticleVIII,
1987Constitution
1. Jurisdictionoverdisciplinarycases:The SupremeCourtenbancshallhavethepowerto
disciplineappellatejusticesandlowercourtjudges.
2. Voterequireddismissing amemberofthejudiciary:Amajorityvoteofalljusticeswho
actuallytookpartinthedeliberationsontheissuesinthecaseandvotedthereon.
3.Groundsfordisciplinaryactionoverappellateandtrialjudges
4.Sanctions:fines,suspension,dismissalfromoffice,forfeitureofbenefitsanddisbarment
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.Atty.DanielR.Liangco(A.C.No.5355,December11,
2011).Atrialcourtjudgewasdismissedfromserviceforgrossmisconductandgrossignorance
ofthelaw.Heallowedalocalgovernmentunittotakepossessionandawardedownershipofa
privatepropertywithoutanyexpropriationproceedingshavingbeenfiledbythegovernment.As
adefense,thejudgesaidthatwhatherenderedwasnotadecisionbutonlyanopinion.Afterhis
dismissal,theCourtinitiateddisbarmentproceedingsagainsthimbeforetheIBP.TheIBP
recommendedhisdisbarmentwhichtheCourtaffirmed.
VI.AdministrativeAspectsoverCourtMatters,ResponsibilitiesandDisciplineofCourt
Personnel
A.PowersandDutiesofCourtsandJudicialOfficers(Rule135)
B.CourtRecordsandGeneralDutiesofClerksandStenographer(Rule136)
C.LegalFees(Rule141):Mannerofpayment:legaltender;principlesofNegotiable
InstrumentsLawwillapply;feesinlien;andpersonsauthorizedtocollectlegalfees
D.Costs:Recoveryofcosts(Rule142):a)Prevailingparty;b)Dismissedappealoraction
c)Frivolousappeal;d)Falseallegations;ande)Nonappearanceofwitness
SurveyofRecentJurisprudenceinvolvingemployeesofthejudiciary:
ExecutiveJudgeMa.OfeliaS.ContrerasSorianov.ClerkIIILizaD.Salamanca,
MetropolitanTrialCourt,Branch55,MalabonCity,A.M.No.P133119.February10,2014.
TheExecutiveJudgefiledanadministrativecaseagainstrespondentfor
unauthorized/unexplainedabsencesandotherinfractions:(1)failuretoaccountforandturn
overthepartialsettlementamountofacivilobligation;and(2)failuretoaccountforandturn
overthepaymentforlegalfeesshereceivedinacase.TheCourtheldthattheactsofSalamanca
constitutedishonestyandconductprejudicialtothebestinterestoftheservice.
Dishonestyisdefinedasdispositionstolie,cheat,deceive,ordefraud.Itimplies
untrustworthiness,lackofintegrity,lackofhonesty,probityorintegrityinprincipleonthepart
oftheindividualwhofailedtoexercisefairnessandstraightforwardnessinhisorherdealings.
Conductprejudicialtothebestinterestofservice,ontheotherhand,pertainstoanyconduct
thatisdetrimentalorderogatoryornaturallyorprobablybringingaboutawrongresult;it
referstoactsoromissionsthatviolatethenormofpublicaccountabilityanddiminishortend
todiminishthepeoplesfaithintheJudiciary.
47 | P a g e

DeCastro,J.AngelitoR.Marquez,etal.v.JudgeVenancioM.Ovejera,etc.,etal.,A.M.No.
P112903,February5,2014.Infindingthesheriffguilty,theCourtcitedSection8ofRA6713
whichrequiresallpublicofficialsandemployeestoaccomplishandsubmitdeclarationsunder
oathoftheirassetsandliabilities.TherequirementofSALNsubmissionisaimedatcurtailing
andminimizingtheopportunitiesforofficialcorruption,aswellasatmaintainingastandardof
honestyinthepublicservice.Withsuchdisclosure,thepublicwould,toareasonableextent,be
abletomonitortheaffluenceofpublicofficials,and,insuchmanner,providesacheckand
balancemechanismtoverifytheirundisclosedpropertiesand/orsourcesofincome.S.C.held
thatbasedonSection8ofRA6713,allotherassetssuchasinvestments,cashonhandorin
banks,stocks,bonds,andthelike,shouldbedeclaredbythepublicofficialinhisorherSALN.
Inthiscase,however,itwasestablishedthatsheonlydeclaredtheoriginalamountofhertime
depositsinherSALNfortheyears2004and2005,anddidnotdisclosetheinterestswhichhad
eventuallyaccruedonthesame.
VeronicaF.Galindezv.ZosimaSusbillaDeVera,A.M.No.P133126,February4,2014.The
CourtfoundrespondentguiltyofgravemisconductVeraforsolicitingmoneytosupposedly
facilitatealegalproceedingincourt.ShewasdismissedfromserviceforviolatingSection2,
Canon1oftheCodeofConductforCourtPersonnelhasenjoinedallcourtpersonnelfrom
solicitingoracceptinganygift,favororbenefitbasedonanyorexplicitunderstandingthatsuch
gift,favororbenefitshallinfluencetheirofficialactions.
TheCourtfurthersaidthattodeservethetrustandconfidenceofthepeople,SusbillaDeVera
wasexpectedtohaveherdealingswiththepublictobealwayssincereandaboveboard.She
shouldnotleadotherstobelievethatdespiteherstatusasaminorcourtemployeeshehadthe
capacitytoinfluencetheoutcomesofjudicialmatters.Heractsdidnotliveuptothe
expectation,fortherecordsunquestionablyshowedhowshehaddeliberatelyandfraudulently
misrepresentedherabilitytoassistthecomplainantintheadoptionofhernieceandnephew.
ConcernedCitizenv.Nonitav.Catena,CourtStenographerIII,RTC,Br.50,PuertoPrincesa,
Palawan,A.M.OCAIPINo.021321P,July16,2013.Respondentstenographerwasdismissed
fromserviceforgrossdishonestyinconnectionwithherCivilServiceeligibilitywhereshewas
accusedofcausinganotherpersontotaketheCivilServiceEligibilityExaminationinherstead.
BeforetheDecisionwasimposed,however,respondentresignedbuttheCourtsaidthatdespite
this,itdidnotlosejurisdictionoverthecomplaintandthatitdidnotwarrantthedismissalofthe
same.TheCourtemphasizedthatcessationfromofficebyvirtueofherinterveningresignation
didnotwarrantthedismissaloftheadministrativecomplaintagainsther,fortheactcomplained
ofhadbeencommittedwhenshewasstillintheservice.Nordidsuchcessationfromoffice
rendertheadministrativecasemootandacademic.Otherwise,exactingresponsibilityfor
administrativeliabilitiesincurredwouldbeeasilyavoidedorevaded.TheCourtthereforealso
orderedhereligibilitytobecancelled,herretirementbenefitstobeforfeited,andher
disqualificationfromreemploymentinthegovernmentservicetobeperpetual.Herintervening
resignationnecessarilymeansthatthepenaltyofdismissalcouldnolongerbeimplemented
againsther.Instead,fineisimposed,thedeterminationoftheamountofwhichissubjecttothe
sounddiscretionoftheCourt.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.NoelR.Ong,DeputySheriff,Br.49,etal.,A.M.No.P
092690..TheCourtheldthatrespondentsactsofusingtheleviedcarforpersonalerrands
andlosingitwhileundertheirsafekeepingconstitutegravemisconductandgrossneglectof
duty.TheCourtsaidmisconductisatransgressionofsomeestablishedanddefiniteruleof
action,aforbiddenact,aderelictionfromduty,unlawfulbehavior,willfulincharacter,
improperorwrongbehavior.Amisconductisgraveorgrossifitisoutofallmeasure;
beyondallowance;flagrant;shamefulorsuchconductasisnottobeexcused.Suchflagrant
andshamefulactsandshouldnotbecountenanced.Respondentsactswarrantthepenaltyof
48 | P a g e

dismissalasprovidedinRule10,Section46oftheRevisedRulesonAdministrativeCasesinthe
CivilService.AsforrespondentBuencamino,hisdeathisnotagroundforthedismissalofthe
Complaintagainsthim.RespondentBuencaminosactstakeawaythepublicsfaithinthe
judiciary,andtheseactsshouldbesanctioneddespitehisdeath.
Sheriffsareremindedthattheyarerepositoriesofpublictrustandareunderobligationto
performthedutiesoftheirofficehonestly,faithfully,andtothebestoftheirabilities.Being
frontlineofficialsofthejusticesystem,sheriffsanddeputysheriffsmustalwaysstriveto
maintainpublictrustintheperformanceoftheirduties.
DevelopmentBankofthePhilippines,etc.Vs.DamvinV.Famero,SheriffIV,RTC,Br.43,
Roxas,OrientalMindoro,A.M.No.P.___________:Fortherespondentslapsesinthe
proceduresintheimplementationofthewritofexecution,hewasfoundguiltyofsimpleneglect
ofduty,definedasthefailureofanemployeetogiveattentiontothetaskexpectedofhim.Under
Section52(B)(1)oftheUniformRulesonAdministrativeCasesintheCivilService,simple
neglectofdutyisalessgrave.Section53ofthesameRulesallowsthediscipliningauthorityto
considermitigatingcircumstancesinfavoroftherespondent.Thecourtconsideredhislengthof
serviceintheJudiciary,acknowledgmentofinfractions,remorseandotherfamily
circumstances,amongothers,indeterminingtheproperpenalty.Hewasalsofoundtobe
entitledtothefollowingmitigatingcircumstances:(1)hismorethan24yearsofserviceinthe
Judiciary;(2)aclearrecordotherthanforthepresentinfractionwhichishisfirstoffense,(3)
theresistanceoftheinformalsettlerstoleavetheproperty;(4)fearforhislife;and(5)hiswell
groundedrecognitionthathecouldnotundertakeanydemolitionwithouttheappropriatecourt
order.Afterconsideringtheattendantfactsandthemitigatingcircumstances,thecourtalso
consideredthattheefficiencyofcourtoperationsmayensueiftherespondentsworkweretobe
leftunattendedbyreasonofhissuspension.Thus,hewasimposedthepenaltyoffineinsteadof
suspensionfromservice.
AnacletoO.Villahermosa,Sr.,etal.v.VictorSacia,ExecutiveAssistantIVandEfrenR.
Rivamonte,etc.,A.M.No.CA1428P,February11,2014.TheCourtheldthattheactof
solicitingorreceivingmoneyfromlitigantsconstitutesgravemisconduct.TheS.C.reiterated
thatTheCodeofConductforCourtPersonnelrequiresthatcourtpersonnelavoidconflictsof
interestinperformingofficialduties.Itmandatesthatcourtpersonnelshouldnotreceivetipsor
otherremunerationsforassistingorattendingtopartiesengagedintransactionsorinvolvedin
actionsorproceedingswiththejudiciary.Further,courtpersonnelcannottakeadvantageofthe
vulnerabilityofpartylitigants.Inthiscase,respondentswerefoundguiltyofgravemisconduct
andthus,dismissedfromservicewithforfeitureofretirementbenefitsandperpetual
disqualificationfromholdingpublicofficeinanybranchorinstrumentalityofthegovernment,
includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.DonabelM.Savadera,etal.,A.M.No.P041903,
September10,2013.TheS.C.onceagaincalledtheattentionofcourtpersonnelthatnoposition
demandsgreatermoralrighteousnessanduprightnessfromitsholderthanajudicialoffice.
Thoseconnectedwiththedispensationofjustice,fromthehighestofficialtothelowliestclerk,
carryaheavyburdenofresponsibility.Asfrontlinersintheadministrationofjustice,theyshould
liveuptothestricteststandardsofhonestyandintegrity.Theymustbearinmindthattheimage
ofacourtofjusticeisnecessarilymirroredintheconduct,officialorotherwise,ofthemenand
womenwhoworkthere.
Therespondentcourtemployeesweremetedoutwithpenaltiesbecausetheauditteamofthe
CourtdiscoveredcashshortagesinthebooksofaccountsoftheOfficeoftheClerkofCourt,
RTC,LipaCity.Asclerkofcourt,Atty.Apusenisprimarilyaccountableforallfundscollected
forthecourt,whetherpersonallyreceivedbyhimorbyadulyappointedcashierwhoisunder
hissupervisionandcontrol.Ascustodianofcourtfunds,revenues,records,propertiesand
premises,heisliableforanyloss,shortage,destructionorimpairmentofsaidfundsand
49 | P a g e

properties.Beingacashclerk,Savaderaisanaccountableofficerentrustedwiththegreat
responsibilityofcollectingmoneybelongingtothefundsofthecourt.Clearly,shemiserably
failedinsuchresponsibilityupontheoccurrenceoftheshortages.
Atty.RheaR.AlcantaraAquinov.MyleneH.DelaCruz,etc.,A.M.No.P133141.January
21,2014.TheCourtheldthatinthiscase,DelaCruzfailedtoliveuptotheseexacting
standards.TheinculpatoryactscommittedbyDelaCruzaresograveastocallforthemost
severeadministrativepenalty.Dishonestyandgravemisconduct,bothbeinginthenatureofa
graveoffense,carrytheextremepenaltyofdismissalfromservicewithforfeitureofretirement
benefits,exceptaccruedleavecredits,andperpetualdisqualificationforreemploymentinthe
governmentservice.ThispenaltyisinaccordancewithSections52and58oftheRevised
UniformRulesonAdministrativeCasesintheCivilService.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.Atty.MonaLisaA.Buencamino,etc.,etal./Re:Report
onthefinancialauditconductedintheMetropolitanTrialCourtetc.,A.M.No.P05
2051/A.M.No.054118MeTC.January21,2014.TheSupremeCourtheldthattheadmission
ofMapueofherliabilitydoesnotexculpateAtty.Buencaminofromherownnegligence.Aclerk
ofcourthasgeneraladministrativesupervisionoverallthepersonnelofthecourt.The
administrativefunctionsofaclerkofcourtareasvitaltothepromptandproperadministration
ofjusticeashisjudicialduties.Ascustodianofcourtfundsandrevenues,theclerkofcourtis
primarilyaccountableforallfundsthatarecollectedforthecourt,whetherpersonallyreceived
byhimorbyadulyappointedcashierwhoisunderhissupervisionandcontrol.Atty.
Buencaminowasremissintheperformanceofherdutiesasclerkofcourt.Atty.Buencamino
failedtosuperviseMapueandtoproperlymanagethecourtfundsentrustedtoher,
AlbertoValdezv.DesiderioW.Macusi,Jr.,SheriffIV,RTC,Branch25,Tabuk,
Kalinga,A.M.No.P133123,June10,2014.SheriffMacusiwasheldtoberemissinhisduties
andthusliableforsimpleneglectofdutywhichisthefailuretogiveattentiontoatask,orthe
disregardofadutyduetocarelessnessorindifference.TheCourtheldthatthe30dayperiod
imposedfortheexecutionofthewritafterthejudgmenthasbeenreceivedbythesheriff,aswell
astheperiodicreportevery30days,ismandatory.AreturnwhichMacusireferredtoashis
PartialReportisnotacceptablebecausethecourtissuesawrit,itisincumbentuponthesheriff
toenforceit.
OfficeoftheCourtAdministratorv.SarahP.Ampong,etc.,A.M.No.P133132,June4,2014.
TheCourtdismissedfromserviceAmpongforbeingliablefordishonestyinimpersonatingand
takingtheNovember1991CivilServiceEligibilityExaminationforTeachersonbehalfofone
Decir.Undersection58(a)oftheUniformRulesonAdministrativeCasesintheCivilService
(URACCS),thepenaltyofdismissalcarrieswithitthefollowingadministrativedisabilities:(a)
cancellationofcivilserviceeligibility;(b)forfeitureofretirementbenefits;and(c)perpetual
disqualificationfromreemploymentinanygovernmentagencyorinstrumentality,includingany
governmentownedandcontrolledcorporationorgovernmentfinancialinstitution.Ampong
shouldbemadetosimilarlysufferthesame.EveryemployeeoftheJudiciaryshouldbean
exampleofintegrity,uprightness,andhonesty.Courtpersonnelareenjoinedtoadheretothe
exactingstandardsofmoralityanddecencyintheirprofessionalandprivateconductinorderto
preservethegoodnameandintegrityofthecourtsofjustice.
Atty.VirgilioP.Alconerav.AlfredoT.Pallanan,A.M.No.P123069,January20,2014.The
CourtsaidthatabsentaTRO,anorderofquashal,orcompliancewithSec.19,Rule70ofthe
RulesofCourt,respondentsheriffhasnoalternativebuttoenforcethewrit.TheS.C.didnot
findthesheriffguiltyofthechargeofgravemisconduct.Hedidnotenforcethewritofexecution
becausetherewasstillapendingMotionforReconsiderationbeforethetrialcourt.S.C.said
thatmisconducthasbeendefinedasatransgressionofsomeestablishedanddefiniteruleof
50 | P a g e

action,moreparticularly,unlawfulbehaviororgrossnegligencebyapublicofficer.The
misconductisgraveifitinvolvesanyoftheadditionalelementsofcorruption,willfulintentto
violatethelaw,ortodisregardestablishedrules,allofwhichmustbeestablishedbysubstantial
evidence,andmustnecessarilybemanifestinachargeofgravemisconduct.Inthiscase,there
wasnoelementofmisconductestablishedagainsttheaccused.
Thesheriffsdutyintheexecutionofawritispurelyministerial;heistoexecutetheorderof
thecourtstrictlytotheletter.Hehasnodiscretionwhethertoexecutethejudgmentornot.
Whenthewritisplacedinhishands,itishisduty,intheabsenceofanyinstructionstothe
contrary,toproceedwithreasonablecelerityandpromptnesstoimplementitinaccordancewith
itsmandate.Itisonlybydoingsocouldheensurethattheorderisexecutedwithoutundue
delay.Thisholdsespeciallytruehereinwherethenatureofthecaserequiresimmediate
execution.
ElpidioSy,President,SystemsRealtyDevelopmentCorporationv.EdgarEsponilla,Legal
ResearcherandOfficerinCharge,etal.,A.M.No.P062261,December11,2013.Respondent
Esponilla,LegalResearcherandthenOfficerInChargeofBr.54ofRTCManila,andAtty.
Buendia,clerkofcourtandexofficiosheriffofRTCManilawerechargedwithGross
Misconduct,NegligenceandDishonestyfortheirregularwithdrawalofdepositsformonthly
rentalsinacivilcasebasedonapurportedExParteMotiontoWithdrawRentalDepositsfiled
byAtty.Bayhoninthecivilcase.S.C.heldthatAtty.BayhonviolatedtheLawyersOathand
Canon10,Rule10.01oftheCodeofProfessionalResponsibilityforfailingtoexplain,ingood
faiththecircumstancessurroundingthefilingoftheExParteMotionwhichhehimselffiled,for
profferingmisleadingclaimsinthecourseofthesubjectadministrativeinvestigation,andfor
nothavingshownandprovedthatheexertedhisbesteffortstosecureandsubmitacopyofthe
ExParteMotionallinviolationoftheresolutionsissuedbytheCourt.Atty.Bayhonwas
suspendedforsix(6)monthsfromthepracticeoflaw.

51 | P a g e