In Re: Oath taking of Argosino, B.M.

712, July 12, 1995 and En Bang Resolution

Introduction
01| March 19, 1997 | Padilla J.
KEY TAKE-AWAY OR DOCTRINE TO REMEMBER
The practice of law is a privilege granted only to those who possess the strict intellectual and moral qualifications

required of lawyers who are instruments in the effective and efficient administration o f justice. It is the sworn duty

of the Court not only to "weed out" lawyers who have become a disgrace to the noble profession of the law but, also of

equal importance, to prevent "misfits" from taking the lawyer' s oath, thereby further tarnishing the public image of

lawyers which in recent years has undoubtedly become less than irreproachable.

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Every lawyer should at ALL TIMES weigh his actions according to the sworn promises he makes when taking the

lawyer's oath. If all lawyers conducted themselves strictly according to the lawyer's oath and the Code of Professional

Responsibility, the administration of justice will undoubtedly be faster, fairer and easier for everyone concerned.

RECIT-READY / SUMMARY
Petitioner Argosino was indicted for Reckless Imprudence Resulting In Homicide which arose from the death of a

neophyte during fraternity initiation rites. He was sentenced to 2 years, 4 months and 1 day to 4 years on February.

On June of the same year he was granted probation, and subsequently a year after was granted discharge from

probation. It was on this order where Argosino petitioned to be allowed to take the lawyer's oath.

Argosino was asked to provide evidence regarding his good moral character, a requirement imposed upon those

seeking admission to the Bar. In compliance, petitioner submitted no less than 15 certifications/letters executed by

among others two 2 senators, 5 trial court judges, and 6 members of religious orders. He likewise submitted evidence

that a scholarship foundation had been established in honor of Raul Camaligan, the hazing victim, through joint

efforts of the latter's family and the 8 other accused.

The father of the victim was asked to comment and alongside his views as a parent, he left the decision to the sound

discretion of the court.

The Court, sfter a very careful evaluation of this case, resolved to allow petitioner Argosino to take the lawyer's oath,

sign the Roll of Attorneys and practice the legal profession.

FACTS

The Rundown
Legal and Judicial Ethics
In Re: Oath taking of Argosino, B.M. 712, July 12, 1995 and En Bang Resolution
Introduction
01| March 19, 1997 | Padilla J.
Check Above. Case is short.

ISSUES / RATIO
1. WON there is leeway to allow a criminal convict to enter the practie of law with the right amount of

atonement and will to change?

Yes. The Court decided that Mr. Argosino has exerted all efforts to atone for the death of Raul

Camaligan. The Court was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, taking judicial notice of the

general tendency of youth to be rash, temerarious and uncalculating.

Dispositive: PREMISES CONSIDERED, petitioner Al Caparros Argosino is hereby ALLOWED to take

the lawyers oath on a date to be set by the Court, to sign the Roll of Attorneys and, thereafter, to

practice the legal profession.

The Rundown
Legal and Judicial Ethics