8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

1/41

TRINIDAD H. CAMARA Complainant, vsATTY. OSCAR AMANDY REYES, Respondent.A.C. No. 6121

RESOLUTIONNACHURA,J.:Before us is a Letter-Complaint !"file# $% &omplainant Trini#a# H.

Camara a'ainst respon#ent Att%. Os&ar Aman#% Re%es. Sometime in ())*, &omplainant +ire# t+e seri&es of respon#entto +an#le +er &ase. As partial a&&eptan&e fee, respon#ent re&eie#from &omplainant ),))).)) ei#en&e# $% a re&eipt("pla&e# on +is&allin' &ar#. Respon#ent, +o/eer, too0 no steps to prote&t&omplainant1s interest. As no seri&e /as ren#ere# $% respon#ent,&omplainant as0e# t+at +e return t+e amount 'ien +im so t+at s+e&oul# use it in repairin' +er +ouse. Respon#ent offere# t+at +e

/oul# ta0e &+ar'e of repairin' t+e +ouse. 2et, +e a'ain faile# tofulfill +is promise, /+i&+ prompte# t+e &omplainant to reiterate +er#eman# for t+e return of t+e mone%. *" As respon#ent faile# to 'ie$a&0 t+e amount #eman#e#, &omplainant initiate# t+e instant &ase. In +is Ans/er, respon#ent pra%e# t+at t+e &ase $e &lose# an#terminate#, simpl% $e&ause t+e matter +as alrea#% $een resole# $%all t+e parties &on&erne#. He a##e# t+at &omplainant /ent to +isoffi&e an# e3plaine# t+at s+e si'ne# t+e letter-&omplaint not 0no/in't+at it /as a'ainst respon#ent, as s+e /as ma#e to $eliee t+at it

/as a &omplaint a'ainst +er nei'+$or.4"

Complainant an# respon#ent faile# to atten# t+e man#ator%&onferen&e5 an# to su$mit t+eir respe&tie position papers. On 6e$ruar% !7, ())8, /e referre# t+e &ase to t+e Inte'rate#Bar of t+e +ilippines 9IB for inesti'ation, report an#re&ommen#ation."

In +is Report an# Re&ommen#ation, IBCommissioner Sala#or B. Ha$a$a' ma#e t+e follo/in' fin#in's: T+ere is proof t+at respon#ent re&eipte# t+e amount of+p),))).)) in +is o/n +an#/ritin'. Een +is &allin' &ar# /as'ien to t+e &omplainants. Canon !;, Rule !;.)! proi#es t+at a la/%er s+all a&&ountfor all mone% or propert% &olle&te# or re&eie# for or from t+e &lient.

Canon !e reiterate t+at t+e respon#ent #i# not traerse t+e &+ar'esa'ainst +im. He simpl% /ante# t+is &ase to $e &lose# an#terminate# alle'e#l% $e&ause +e an# ?rs. Camara +a# alrea#%resole# t+eir pro$lem an# t+e latter1s son, /+o also si'ne# t+eletter-&omplaint as attorne%-in-fa&t +as no aut+orit% to #o so. >HERE6ORE, premises &onsi#ere#, it is" most respe&tfull%re&ommen#e# t+at t+e respon#ent $e suspen#e# for si3 9; mont+sfrom t+e a&tie pra&ti&e of la/.;"In its Resolution No. @III-())

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

2/41

&ase of suspension or #is$arment ma% pro&ee# re'ar#less of t+einterest or la&0 of interest of t+e &omplainant. >+at matters is

/+et+er, on t+e $asis of t+e fa&ts $orne out $% t+e re&or#, t+e &+ar'eof ne'li'en&e +as $een #ul% proe#.7"is&iplinar% pro&ee#in's inole no priate interest an# affor# nore#ress for priate 'riean&e. T+e% are un#erta0en an# prose&ute#solel% for t+e pu$li& /elfare, an# for t+e purpose of preserin' &ourtsof Fusti&e from t+e offi&ial ministration of persons unfit to pra&ti&e in

t+em. T+e attorne% is &alle# to ans/er to t+e &ourt for +is &on#u&t asan offi&er of t+e &ourt. T+e &omplainant is in no sense a part%, an#+as 'enerall% no interest in t+e out&ome of t+e &ase. !)" T+is is alsot+e reason /+% t+is Court ma% inesti'ate &+ar'es a'ainst la/%ersre'ar#less of &omplainant1s stan#in'.!!"

>+en respon#ent a&&epte# t+e amount of ),))).)) from&omplainant, it /as un#erstoo# t+at +e a'ree# to ta0e up t+e latter1s&ase, an# t+at an attorne%-&lient relations+ip $et/een t+em /asesta$lis+e#. 6rom t+en on, it /as e3pe&te# t+at +e /oul# sere +is&lient, +erein &omplainant, /it+ &ompeten&e, an# atten# to +er &ause

/it+ fi#elit%, &are an# #eotion.!("

T+e a&t of re&eiin' mone% as a&&eptan&e fee for le'al seri&es in+an#lin' &omplainant1s &ase an# su$se=uentl% failin' to ren#er su&+seri&es is a &lear iolation of Canon !< of t+e Co#e of rofessionalResponsi$ilit%, /+i&+ proi#es t+at a la/%er s+all sere +is &lient /it+&ompeten&e an# #ili'en&e.!*" Spe&ifi&all%, Rule !HERE6ORE, Resolution No. @III-())

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

3/41

/it+ a &op% of +er marria'e &ontra&t /it+ Soriano. Before t+e en# ofe&em$er ())!, arias 'ae a'uinto (,)) for t+e filin' fee.Sometime $et/een Kanuar% an# April ())(, arias in=uire# froma'uinto on t+e pro'ress of +er annulment &ase. a'uinto informe#+er t+at t+e &ase /as file# /it+ t+e Re'ional Trial Court of ?anila,Bran&+ ;4 9JRTC-?anila, Bran&+ ;4J, $efore Ku#'e Ri&aforte an#t+at t+e +earin' /as s&+e#ule# on ( April ())(. Before t+e+earin', arias re=ueste# for a meetin' /it+ a'uinto $ut t+e

se&retar% informe# +er t+at t+e +earin' /as &an&elle#. T+ese&retar% furt+er informe# arias t+at t+e Fu#'e reset t+esu&&ee#in' +earin's ori'inall% s&+e#ule# on (7 ?a% ())( an# (;Kune ())( $e&ause t+e Fu#'e /as si&0 or out of to/n.On t+e first /ee0 of Kul% ())(, arias /ent to t+e trial &ourt toin=uire a$out +er &ase $ut t+e &ourt personnel in RTC-?anila,Bran&+ ;4 informe# +er t+at t+ere /as no su&+ &ase file# in t+eir&ourt. arias as0e# a'uinto for t+e &ase num$er, #ate of filin',&op% of t+e petition an# t+e &ourt /+ere t+e annulment &ase /aspen#in'. a'uinto tol# arias t+at t+e re&or#s /ere at +is offi&ean# t+at +e /as in ?alolos, Bula&an atten#in' to a &ase. It turne#out t+at t+ere /as no annulment &ase file# in RTC-?anila, Bran&+;4. a'uinto promise# to return t+e mone% t+at arias pai# as#o/n pa%ment. Ho/eer, a'uinto returne# t+e !),))) onl% afterarias file# /it+ t+e Commission on Bar is&ipline 9JCBJ of t+eInte'rate# Bar of t+e +ilippines 9JIBJ t+e present &omplaint for#is$arment.In t+e Or#er #ate# !4 6e$ruar% ())*, (t+e CB #ire&te# a'uinto toans/er t+e &omplaint. a'uinto as0e# for an e3tension of ! #a%s tofile +is Ans/er. T+e CB 'rante# t+e e3tension in t+e Or#er #ate#!7 ?ar&+ ())*.*

Ho/eer, a'uinto faile# to file +is Ans/er /it+int+e e3ten#e# perio# an# t+us t+e CB #e&lare# +im in #efault in t+eOr#er #ate# ! Kul% ())*.4After t+e +earin', arias su$mitte# +erosition aper pra%in' t+at t+e CB #e&lare a'uinto 'uilt% ofiolation of Rule !;.)! an# Rule !it+#ra/aloft+e &omplaint. arias state# t+at a'uinto Jpersonall% e3plaine#e3+austiel% t+e reasons /+% +e faile# to &ompl% /it+ +iso$li'ationsJ an# s+e realiGe# t+at t+e &omplaint arose #ue to aJmisappre+ension of fa&ts, misun#erstan#in' an#mis&ommuni&ation.J arias manifeste# t+at s+e /as /it+#ra/in't+e &omplaint, as s+e /as no lon'er intereste# in pursuin' t+e &ase.On t+e same #ate, a'uinto file# a ?anifestation an#?otion;e3plainin' t+at +e faile# to atten# t+e +earin' on *) Kul%())* $e&ause +e /as in Ta$u0, alin'a atten#in' a +earin' in a&riminal &ase for frustrate# +omi&i#e. He apolo'iGe# to arias for

+is a&tuations &laimin' J+imself solel% to $e $lame#.J He furt+er

#e&lare# t+at +e faile# to timel% prepare an# file t+e petition forannulment $e&ause +e spen#s +is time mostl% in en. ?arianoAlareG, Caite /+ere +e pra&ti&es la/ &aterin' to t+ose J&lients /+o+ae less in life.JCommissioner's Report & RecommendationT+e IB #esi'nate# Att%. Re$e&&a illanuea-?aala9JCommissionerJ as Commissioner to &on#u&t a formal inesti'ationof t+e &ase. T+e Commissioner foun# a'uinto ne'li'ent in

performin' +is #uties as a la/%er an# as an offi&er of t+e &ourt. T+eCommissioner #e&lare# t+at a la/%er +as t+e #ut% to 'ie a#e=uateattention, &are an# time to +is &ases, a&&eptin' onl% as man% &asesas +e &an +an#le. a'uinto faile# to &ompl% /it+ t+is #ut%. T+eCommissioner re&ommen#e# t+e suspension of a'uinto from t+epra&ti&e of la/ for si3 mont+s.The Court's Ruling>e a'ree /it+ t+e Commissioner.arias 'ae a'uinto !),))) &as+ as partial pa%ment of t+ea&&eptan&e fee. arias also 'ae a'uinto(,)) for t+e filin' fee.a'uinto le# arias to $eliee t+at +e +a# file# t+e annulment&ase. a'uinto informe# arias t+at t+e &ase /as file# /it+ t+eRTC-?anila, Bran&+ ;4, $efore Ku#'e Ri&aforte. Ho/eer, ariaslater foun# out t+at a'uinto neer file# t+e annulment &ase in &ourt.Rule !;.)! of t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit% 9Jt+e Co#eJproi#es t+at a la/%er s+all a&&ount for all mone% or propert%&olle&te# for or from t+e &lient. A&&eptan&e of mone% from a &lientesta$lis+es an attorne%-&lient relations+ip an# 'ies rise to t+e #ut%of fi#elit% to t+e &lients &ause.8?one% entruste# to a la/%er for aspe&ifi& purpose, su&+ as for filin' fee, $ut not use# for failure to filet+e &ase must imme#iatel% $e returne# to t+e &lient on#eman#.+en a la/%er a&&epts a &ase, +is a&&eptan&e is animplie# representation t+at +e possesses t+e re=uisite a&a#emi&learnin', s0ill an# a$ilit% to +an#le t+e &ase. T+e la/%er +as t+e #ut%to e3ert +is $est Fu#'ment in t+e prose&ution or #efense of t+e &aseentruste# to +im an# to e3er&ise reasona$le an# or#inar% &are an##ili'en&e in t+e pursuit or #efense of t+e &ase.A la/%er s+oul# 'ie a#e=uate attention, &are an# time to +is &ase.On&e +e a'rees to +an#le a &ase, +e s+oul# un#erta0e t+e tas0 /it+#e#i&ation an# &are. If +e fails in t+is #ut%, +e is not true to +is oat+as a la/%er. Hen&e, a la/%er must a&&ept onl% as mu&+ &ases as +e&an effi&ientl% +an#le, ot+er/ise +is &lients interests /ill suffer.7It isnot enou'+ t+at a la/%er possesses t+e =ualifi&ation to +an#le t+ele'al matter. He must also 'ie a#e=uate attention to +is le'al /or0.

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt2http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt3http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt5http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt6http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt6http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt7http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt7http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt8http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt9http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt2http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt3http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt5http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt6http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt7http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt8http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/jul2004/ac_6297_2004.html#fnt9

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

4/41

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

5/41

*. Criminal C+ar'es for 6alsifi&ation of o&uments4. Can&ellation of $usiness li&ense to operate #ue to iolations ofla/s.T+ese are resere# for future a&tions in &ase of failure to pa% t+ea$oe amounts as settlements in t+e National La$or RelationsCommission 9NLRC.1

Beliein' t+at t+e &ontents of t+e letter #eiate# from a&&epte#et+i&al stan#ar#s, &omplainant file# an a#ministratie &omplaint2/it+

t+e Commission on Bar is&ipline of t+e Inte'rate# Bar of t+e+ilippines 9IB. Respon#ent file# an Ans/er /it+ Implea#er9?otion to ismiss an# Counter&laims3&laimin' t+at Att%.Emmanuel A. Ko&son, &omplainants le'al &ounsel, also pla%e# animportant part in imputin' t+e mali&ious, #efamator%, an# fa$ri&ate#&+ar'es a'ainst +im. Respon#ent also pointe# out t+at t+e &omplaint+a# no &ertifi&ation a'ainst forum s+oppin' an# /as motiate# onl%to &onfuse t+e issues t+en pen#in' $efore t+e La$or Ar$iter. B% /a%of &ounter&laim, respon#ent as0e# for #ama'es an# for t+e#is$arment of Att%. Ko&son. Respon#ent also as0e# t+e IB toen#orse t+e prose&ution of Att%. Ko&son for Usurpation of u$li&6un&tions4an# for iolation of t+e Notarial La/.5

A man#ator% &onferen&e /as +el# on ; e&em$er ()) $utrespon#ent faile# to appear.6Bot+ parties /ere t+ereafter re=uire# tosu$mit t+eir position papers.T+e Report an# Re&ommen#ation7of Inesti'atin' Commissioner?ila'ros . San Kuan foun# t+at &omplainant, faile# to file +isposition paper an# to &ompl% /it+ A#ministratie Cir&ular No. )4-74re=uirin' a &ertifi&ate a'ainst forum s+oppin' an#, a&&or#in'l%,re&ommen#e# t+e #ismissal of t+e &omplaint a'ainst respon#ent. On(; ?a% ());, t+e IB Boar# of oernors a#opte# an# approe# t+eReport an# Re&ommen#ation of t+e Inesti'atin' Commissioner.8On!) Kul% ());, t+e IB Commission on Bar is&ipline transmitte# tot+e Supreme Court t+e noti&e of sai# Resolution an# t+e re&or#s oft+e &ase.9T+ereafter, on !< Au'ust ());, respon#ent file# /it+ t+eIB a ?otion for Re&onsi#eration 9for ?o#ifi&ation ofe&ision10reiteratin' +is &laim of #ama'es a'ainst &omplainant int+e amount of four +un#re# million pesos 9

4)),))),))).)), or itse=uialent in #ollars, for filin' t+e Jfalse, mali&ious, #efamers si&",frau#ulent, ille'al fa$ri&ators si&", maleolent," oppressie, easiefilin' of" a 'roun#less an# false suit.J11

Complainant t+ereafter file# t+is etition for Reie/ 9of t+eResolution of t+e IB Commission on Bar is&ipline 12alle'in' t+at+e personall% su$mitte# an# file# /it+ t+e IB +is position paper,after serin' a &op% t+ereof on respon#ent $% re'istere# mail. Hefurt+er alle'es t+at +e /as #eprie# of +is ri'+t to #ue pro&ess /+ent+e IB #ismisse# +is &omplaint /it+out &onsi#erin' +is positionpaper an# /it+out rulin' on t+e merits t+ereof.

Complainant a&&or#in'l% pra%s for t+e reersal an# settin' asi#e oft+e (; ?a% ()); Resolution13of t+e IB Boar# of oernors an# t+ereman# of t+e &ase to t+e IB Commission on Bar is&ipline forproper a#Fu#i&ation an# #isposition on t+e merits.Base# on t+e re&or#s, t+ere is trut+ to &omplainants assertion t+at+e file# +is position paper on (! e&em$er ()), after serin' a&op% of t+e same to respon#ent. T+e IB stamp on t+e front pa'e ofsai# #o&ument s+o/s t+at it /as re&eie# $% t+e IB on (!e&em$er ()). T+e re'istr% re&eipt atta&+e# to t+e same #o&umentalso s+o/s t+at it /as sent $% re'istere# mail to respon#ent on t+esame #ate.14

Complainant, +o/eer, omitte# to offer an% e3planation in +is petition$efore t+is Court for +is failure to atta&+ a &ertifi&ation a'ainst forums+oppin' in +is &omplaint a'ainst respon#ent.T+e re=uirement of a &ertifi&ation a'ainst forum s+oppin' /asori'inall% re=uire# $% Cir&ular No. (

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

6/41

real =uestion for #etermination is /+et+er or not t+e attorne% is still afit person to $e allo/e# t+e priile'es as su&+. Hen&e, in t+ee3er&ise of its #is&iplinar% po/ers, t+e Court merel% &alls upon amem$er of t+e Bar to a&&ount for +is a&tuations as an offi&er of t+eCourt /it+ t+e en# in ie/ of preserin' t+e purit% of t+e le'alprofession an# t+e proper an# +onest a#ministration of Fusti&e $%pur'in' t+e profession of mem$ers /+o $% t+eir mis&on#u&t +aeproe# t+emseles no lon'er /ort+% to $e entruste# /it+ t+e #utiesan# responsi$ilities pertainin' to t+e offi&e of an attorne%. In su&+posture, t+ere &an t+us $e no o&&asion to spea0 of a &omplainant ora prose&utor.18Emp+asis supplie#"In ie/ of t+e nature of #is$arment pro&ee#in's, t+e &ertifi&ationa'ainst forum s+oppin' to $e atta&+e# to t+e &omplaint, if one isre=uire# at all in su&+ pro&ee#in's, must refer to anot+era#ministratie &ase for #is&iplinar% pro&ee#in's a'ainst t+e samerespon#ent, $e&ause su&+ ot+er pro&ee#in's or Ja&tionJ is one t+atne&essaril% inoles Jt+e same issuesJ as t+e one pose# in t+e#is$arment &omplaint to /+i&+ t+e &ertifi&ation is suppose#l% to $eatta&+e#.6urt+er, t+e rationale for t+e re=uirement of a &ertifi&ation a'ainstforum s+oppin' is to apprise t+e Court of t+e pen#en&% of anot+era&tion or &laim inolin' t+e same issues in anot+er &ourt, tri$unal or=uasi-Fu#i&ial a'en&%, an# t+ere$% pre&isel% aoi# t+e forums+oppin' situation. 6ilin' multiple petitions or &omplaints &onstitutesa$use of &ourt pro&esses,19/+i&+ ten#s to #e'ra#e t+ea#ministration of Fusti&e, /rea0s +ao& upon or#erl% Fu#i&ialpro&e#ure, an# a##s to t+e &on'estion of t+e +eail% $ur#ene##o&0ets of t+e &ourts.206urt+ermore, t+e rule pros&ri$in' forums+oppin' see0s to promote &an#or an# transparen&% amon' la/%ersan# t+eir &lients in t+e pursuit of t+eir &ases $efore t+e &ourts topromote t+e or#erl% a#ministration of Fusti&e, preent un#uein&onenien&e upon t+e ot+er part%, an# sae t+e pre&ious time oft+e &ourts. It also aims to preent t+e em$arrassin' situation of t/oor more &ourts or a'en&ies ren#erin' &onfli&tin' resolutions or#e&isions upon t+e same issue.21

It is in t+is li'+t t+at /e ta0e a furt+er loo0 at t+e ne&essit% ofatta&+in' a &ertifi&ation a'ainst forum s+oppin' to a #is$arment&omplaint. It /oul# seem t+at t+e s&enario sou'+t to $e aoi#e#,i.e.,t+e filin' of multiple suits an# t+e possi$ilit% of &onfli&tin' #e&isions,rarel% +appens in #is$arment &omplaints &onsi#erin' t+at sai#pro&ee#in's are eit+er Jta0en $% t+e Supreme Court motu proprio,or$% t+e Inte'rate# Bar of t+e +ilippines 9IB upon t+e erifie#&omplaint of an% person.J22T+us, if t+e &omplainant in a #is$arment&ase fails to atta&+ a &ertifi&ation a'ainst forum s+oppin', t+epen#en&% of anot+er #is&iplinar% a&tion a'ainst t+e same respon#entma% still $e as&ertaine# /it+ ease. >e +ae preiousl% +el# t+at t+e

rule re=uirin' a &ertifi&ation of forum s+oppin' to a&&ompan% eer%initiator% plea#in', Js+oul# not $e interprete# /it+ su&+ a$soluteliteralness as to su$ert its o/n ultimate an# le'itimate o$Fe&tie ort+e 'oal of all rules of pro&e#ure/+i&+ is to a&+iee su$stantial

Fusti&e as e3pe#itiousl% as possi$le.J23

At an% rate, &omplainants su$se=uent &omplian&e /it+ t+ere=uirement &ure# t+e suppose# #efe&t in t+e ori'inal &omplaint. T+ere&or#s s+o/ t+at &omplainant su$mitte# t+e re=uire# &ertifi&ationa'ainst forum s+oppin' on ; e&em$er ()); /+en +e file# +isCommentOpposition to respon#ents ?otion to ismiss t+e presentpetition.6inall%, t+e intrinsi& merit of &omplainants &ase a'ainst respon#ent

Fustifies t+e 'rant of t+e present petition. Respon#ent #oes not #en%aut+ors+ip of t+e t+reatenin' letter to &omplainant, een spirite#l%&ontestin' t+e &+ar'e t+at t+e letter is unet+i&al.Canon !7 of t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit% states t+at Jala/%er s+all represent +is &lient /it+ Geal /it+in t+e $oun#s of t+ela/,J remin#in' le'al pra&titioners t+at a la/%ers #ut% is not to +is&lient $ut to t+e a#ministration of Fusti&e5 to t+at en#, +is &lientssu&&ess is /+oll% su$or#inate5 an# +is &on#u&t ou'+t to an# mustal/a%s $e s&rupulousl% o$serant of la/ an# et+i&s. 24In parti&ular,Rule !7.)! &omman#s t+at a Jla/%er s+all emplo% onl% fair an#+onest means to attain t+e la/ful o$Fe&ties of +is &lient an# s+all notpresent, parti&ipate in presentin' or t+reaten to present unfoun#e#&riminal &+ar'es to o$tain an improper a#anta'e in an% &ase orpro&ee#in'.J Un#er t+is Rule, a la/%er s+oul# not file or t+reaten tofile an% unfoun#e# or $aseless &riminal &ase or &ases a'ainst t+ea#ersaries of +is &lient #esi'ne# to se&ure a leera'e to &ompel t+ea#ersaries to %iel# or /it+#ra/ t+eir o/n &ases a'ainst t+e la/%ers&lient.25

In t+e &ase at $ar, respon#ent #i# e3a&tl% /+at Canon !7 an# itsRule pros&ri$e. T+rou'+ +is letter, +e t+reatene# &omplainant t+ats+oul# t+e latter fail to pa% t+e amounts t+e% propose as settlement,+e /oul# file an# &laim $i''er amounts in&lu#in' moral #ama'es, as

/ell as multiple &+ar'es su&+ as ta3 easion, falsifi&ation of#o&uments, an# &an&ellation of $usiness li&ense to operate #ue toiolations of la/s. T+e t+reats are not onl% unet+i&al for iolatin'Canon !7, $ut t+e% also amount to $la&0mail.Bla&0mail is Jt+e e3tortion of mone% from a person $% t+reats ofa&&usation or e3posure or opposition in t+e pu$li& prints,Po$tainin'of alue from a person as a &on#ition of refrainin' from ma0in' ana&&usation a'ainst +im, or #is&losin' some se&ret &al&ulate# tooperate to +is preFu#i&e.J In &ommon parlan&e an# in 'enerala&&eptation, it is e=uialent to an# s%non%mous /it+ e3tortion, t+ee3a&tion of mone% eit+er for t+e performan&e of a #ut%, t+e

preention of an inFur%, or t+e e3er&ise of an influen&e. Not

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt20http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt20http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt22http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt23http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt24http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt25http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt20http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt22http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt23http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt24http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/jun2007/ac_7298_2007.html#fnt25

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

7/41

infre=uentl%, it is e3torte# $% t+reats, or $% operatin' on t+e fears ort+e &re#ulit%, or $% promises to &on&eal or offers to e3pose t+e

/ea0nesses, t+e follies, or t+e &rime of t+e i&tim.26

InSps.Boyboy v. Atty. Yabut, Jr.,27 %e held that a(n accusation )or#lac*mail and e+tortion is a very serious one %hich, i) properlysu#stantiated, %ould entail not only respondent's dis#arment )romthe practice o) la%, #ut also a possi#le criminal prosecution.28hilethe respondent in-oy#oy%as e+onerated )or lac* o) evidence, thesame may not #e said o) respondent in the present case )or headmits to %riting the o))ensive letter.In fa&t, respon#ent #oes not fin# an%t+in' /ron' /it+ /+at +e /rote,#ismissin' t+e same as merel% an a&t of pointin' out massieiolations of t+e la/ $% t+e ot+er part%, an#, /it+ $ol#ness, assertin't+at Ja la/%er is un#er o$li'ation to tell t+e trut+, to report to t+e'oernment &ommission of offenses punis+a$le $% t+e State.J29Hefurt+er asserts t+at t+e /ritin' of #eman# letters is a stan#ar#pra&ti&e an# tra#ition an# t+at our la/s allo/ an# en&oura'e t+esettlement of #isputes.Respon#ents assertions, +o/eer, are mislea#in', for it is =uiteo$ious t+at respon#ents t+reat to file t+e &ases a'ainst &omplainant

/as #esi'ne# to se&ure some leera'e to &ompel t+e latter to 'ie into +is &lients #eman#s. It /as not respon#ents intention to point out&omplainants iolations of t+e la/ as +e so 'allantl% &laims. 6ar fromit, t+e letter een &ontains an implie# promise to J0eep silentJ a$outt+e sai# iolations if pa%ment of t+e &laim is ma#e on t+e #atein#i&ate#.In#ee#, t+e /ritin' of #eman# letters is a stan#ar# pra&ti&e an#tra#ition in t+is Furis#i&tion. It is usuall% #one $% a la/%er pursuant tot+e prin&ipal-a'ent relations+ip t+at +e +as /it+ +is &lient, t+eprin&ipal. T+us, in t+e performan&e of +is role as a'ent, t+e la/%erma% $e tas0e# to enfor&e +is &lients &laim an# to ta0e all t+e stepsne&essar% to &olle&t it, su&+ as /ritin' a letter of #eman# re=uirin'pa%ment /it+in a spe&ifie# perio#. Ho/eer, t+e letter in t+is &ase&ontains more t+an Fust a simple #eman# to pa%. It een &ontains at+reat to file retaliator% &+ar'es a'ainst &omplainant /+i&+ +aenot+in' to #o /it+ +is &lients &laim for separation pa%. T+e letter /aso$iousl% #esi'ne# to se&ure leera'e to &ompel &omplainant to%iel# to t+eir &laims. In#ee#, letters of t+is nature are #efinitel%pros&ri$e# $% t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit%.Respon#ent &annot &laim t+e san&tuar% proi#e# $% t+e priile'e#&ommuni&ation rule un#er /+i&+ a priate &ommuni&ation e3e&ute#in t+e performan&e of a le'al #ut% is not a&tiona$le. T+e priile'e#nature of t+e letter /as remoe# /+en respon#ent use# it to$la&0mail &omplainant an# e3tort from t+e latter &omplian&e /it+ t+e#eman#s of +is &lient.

Ho/eer, /+ile t+e /ritin' of t+e letter /ent $e%on# et+i&alstan#ar#s, /e +ol# t+at #is$arment is too seere a penalt% to $eimpose# on respon#ent, &onsi#erin' t+at +e /rote t+e same out of+is oerGealousness to prote&t +is &lients interests. A&&or#in'l%, t+emore appropriate penalt% is repriman#.>HERE6ORE, premises &onsi#ere#, t+e petition is 'rante#. T+e (;?a% ()); Resolution of t+e IB Boar# of oernors is +ere$%REERSE an# SET ASIE. Respon#ent Att%. Lolito . Apari&io is+ere$% foun# lia$le for iolation of Rule !7.)! of Canon !7 of t+eCo#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit%, an# is a&&or#in'l% mete# outt+e penalt% of RERI?AN, /it+ t+e STERN >ARNIN t+at arepetition of t+e same or similar a&t /ill $e #ealt /it+ more seerel%.SO ORERE

A.C. No. 661 Apil 2!, 2&&!ATTY.EOREC.3RIONES,Complainant,vs.ATTY. "ACINTO D. "IMENE,Respondent.R E S O L U T I O NAUSTRIA-?ARTINEQ,J.:T+e root of +erein a#ministratie &omplaint for is$arment 1#ate#Au'ust !(, ())4 file# $% Att%. eor'e S. Briones &+ar'in' Att%.Ka&into . KimeneG /it+ iolation of Reise# Cir&ular No. ( O6 THE 6OREOIN, t+e &ourt +ere$%:!. Reiterates its #esi'nation of t+e a&&ountin' firm of ?essrs. Al$a,Romeo Co. to imme#iatel% &on#u&t an au#it of t+e a#ministration$% Att%. eor'e S. Briones of t+e estate of t+e late LuG K. Henson,t+e e3penses of /+i&+ s+all $e &+ar'e# a'ainst t+e estate.(. Suspen#s t+e approal of t+e report of t+e spe&ial a#ministratore3&ept t+e pa%ment of +is &ommission /+i&+ is +ere$% fi3e# at !.

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

8/41

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

9/41

Heirs in filin' t+e &riminal &omplaint a'ainst +erein &omplainant, +esent #eman# letters to t+e latter to &ompl% /it+ t+e Or#er of Ku#'eTipon to #elier t+e resi#ue of t+e estate to t+e +eirs of t+e late LuGK. Henson. Consi#erin' t+at &omplainant #i# not repl% to t+e #eman#letters, respon#ent opte# to file sai# &riminal &omplaint in $e+alf of+is &lients for refusal to o$e% t+e la/ful or#er of t+e &ourt.T+e Or#er referre# to is t+e t+ir# part of t+e assaile# Or#er #ate#April *, ())( /+i&+ #ire&ts &omplainant to #elier t+e resi#ue to t+eHeirs in proportion to t+eir s+ares. As aptl% pointe# out $%&omplainant, respon#ent s+oul# +ae first file# t+e proper motion

/it+ t+e RTC for e3e&ution of t+e t+ir# part of sai# Or#er instea# ofimme#iatel% resortin' to t+e filin' of &riminal &omplaint a'ainst +im.A mere perusal of t+e rest of t+e Or#er #ate# April *, ())( rea#il%#is&loses t+at t+e approal of t+e report of &omplainant as Spe&ialA#ministrator /as suspen#e# prior to t+e au#it of t+e a#ministrationof &omplainant. Conse=uentl%, t+e RTC /oul# still +ae to #eterminean# #efine t+e resi#ue referre# to in t+e su$Fe&t Or#er. T+e filin' oft+e &riminal &omplaint /as ei#entl% premature.Respon#ent &laims t+at +e a&te# in 'oo# fait+ an# in fa&t, #i# notiolate Rule !7.)! $e&ause +e assiste# t+e Heirs in filin' t+e &riminal&omplaint a'ainst +erein &omplainant after t+e latter i'nore# t+e#eman# letters sent to +im5 an# t+at a la/%er o/es +is &lient t+ee3er&ise of utmost pru#en&e an# &apa$ilit%. T+e Court is not&onin&e#. 6air pla% #eman#s t+at respon#ent s+oul# +ae file# t+eproper motion /it+ t+e RTC to attain +is 'oal of +ain' t+e resi#ue oft+e estate #eliere# to +is &lients an# not su$Fe&t &omplainant to apremature &riminal prose&ution.As +el# inSu/u*i v. Tiamson:16

Canon !7 of t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit% enFoins a la/%erto represent +is &lient /it+ Geal. Ho/eer, t+e same Canon proi#est+at a la/%er1s performan&e of +is #uties to/ar#s +is &lient must $e

/it+in t+e $oun#s of t+e la/. Rule !7.)! of t+e same Canonre=uires, amon' ot+ers, t+at a la/%er s+all emplo% onl% fair an#

+onest means to attain t+e la/ful o$Fe&ties of +is &lient. Canon !,Rule !.)8 also o$li'es la/%ers to impress upon t+eir &lients&omplian&e /it+ t+e la/s an# t+e prin&iple of fairness. To permitla/%ers to resort to uns&rupulous pra&ti&es for t+e prote&tion of t+esuppose# ri'+ts of t+eir &lients is to #efeat one of t+e purposes of t+estate M t+e a#ministration of Fusti&e. >+ile la/%ers o/e t+eir entire#eotion to t+e interest of t+eir &lients an# Geal in t+e #efense of t+eir&lient1s ri'+t, t+e% s+oul# not for'et t+at t+e% are, first an# foremost,offi&ers of t+e &ourt, $oun# to e3ert eer% effort to assist in t+espee#% an# effi&ient a#ministration of Fusti&e.17

Alt+ou'+ respon#ent faile# to lie up to t+is e3pe&tation, t+ere is noei#en&e t+at +e a&te# /it+ mali&e or $a# fait+. Conse=uentl%, it is

$ut fit to repriman# respon#ent for +is a&t of unfair #ealin' /it+

&omplainant. It must $e stresse# t+at #is$arment is t+e most seereform of #is&iplinar% san&tion, an#, as su&+, t+e po/er to #is$ar mustal/a%s $e e3er&ise# /it+ 'reat &aution for onl% t+e most imperatiereasons an# in &lear &ases of mis&on#u&t affe&tin' t+e stan#in' an#moral &+ara&ter of t+e la/%er as an offi&er of t+e &ourt an# amem$er of t+e $ar. A&&or#in'l%, #is$arment s+oul# not $e #e&ree#

/+ere an% punis+ment less seere M su&+ as repriman#,suspension, or fine M /oul# a&&omplis+ t+e en# #esire#.18

>HERE6ORE,Att%. Ka&into . KimeneG is foun#'uilt%ofan#RERI?ANEfor iolation of Rule !7.)! of t+e Co#e ofrofessional Responsi$ilit%.SO ORERE.

.R. No. 16&! E3 12,2&&!RANCISCORAYOS)etitione,4 versus 4ATTY.)ONCIANO.HERNANDE,Respondent.

E C I S I O NCHICO-NAQARIO,J.:T+is is a etition for Reie/ [1]of t+e Resolution #ate#!( ?ar&+())of t+e Inte'rate# Bar of t+e +ilippines 9IB, #ismissin'petitioner 6ran&is&o Ra%os1s &omplaint for #is$arment a'ainstrespon#ent Att%. on&iano Hernan#eG.Respon#ent /as t+e &ounsel of petitioner in Ciil Case No. S?-7!entitle#,0Francisco Rayos v. 1A2"C"R, file# $efore t+e Re'ionalTrial Court 9RTC, ?alolos, Bula&an. T+e &omplaint alle'e#, amon'ot+er t+in's, t+at t+e National o/er Corporation9NAOCOR re&0lessl%, impru#entl% an# ne'li'entl% opene# t+et+ree floo#'ates of t+e spill/a% of An'at am at mi#ni'+t of (;O&to$er !78< until t+e earl% mornin' +ours of (8 O&to$er !78

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

10/41

set asi#e t+e RTC #e&ision an# or#ere# t+e reinstatement of t+e&omplaint.[3]

On*) April !77), +o/eer, t+e &omplaint /as #ismisse# a'ain $%t+e RTC for la&0 of suffi&ient an# &re#i$le ei#en&e.[4]

T+e &ase /as su$se=uentl% appeale# to t+e Court of Appeals, /+i&+reerse# t+e RTC #e&ision an# a/ar#e# #ama'es in faor ofpetitioner, t+e #ispositie portion of /+i&+ rea#s: CON6OR?ABL2 TO THE 6OREOIN, t+e Foint #e&isionappeale# from is +ere$% REERSE an# SET ASIE, an# a ne/one is +ere$% ren#ere#: 3 3 3(. In Ciil Case No. S?-7!, or#erin' #efen#ants-appellees to pa%

Fointl% an# seerall%, plaintiff-appellant, /it+ le'al interest from t+e#ate /+en t+is #e&ision s+all +ae $e&ome final an# e3e&utor%, t+efollo/in':A. A&tual #ama'es of 6ie Hun#re# T/ent% T+ousan# esos9(),))).))5B. ?oral ama'es of 6ie Hun#re# T+ousan# esos 9)),))).))5an#C. Liti'ation E3penses of Ten T+ousan# esos 9!),))).)). 3 3 3 3 In a##ition, in all t+e four 94 instant &ases, or#erin' #efen#ants-appellees to pa%, Fointl% an# seerall%, plaintiffs-appellants, attorne%1sfees in an amount e=uialent to ! of t+e total amount a/ar#e#.[5]

T+e &ase /as appeale# to t+is Court, /+i&+ affirme# t+e Court ofAppeals e&ision.[6] T+e e&ision of t+e Supreme Court $e&amefinal an# e3e&utor% on4 Au'ust !77*. T+us, a >rit of E3e&ution[7]/as issue# $% t+e RTC on!)e&em$er !77*, upon motion file# $% respon#ent. As a&onse=uen&e, NAOCOR issue# C+e&0 No. )!48!) #ate#Kanuar% !774, in t+e amount of!,);),

http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn4http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn4http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn5http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn6http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn7http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn7http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn8http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn9http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn10http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn10http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn11http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn11http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn12http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn13http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn14http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn4http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn5http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn6http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn7http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn8http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn9http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn10http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn11http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn12http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn13http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn14

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

11/41

On! 6e$ruar% ()), Inesti'atin' Commissioner L%#ia A. NaarroB. 6una su$mitte# +er Report an# Re&ommen#ation,[14]re&ommen#in' t+e #ismissal of t+e &ase.T+ereafter, t+e IB issue# its Resolution #ate#!( ?ar&+ ()),approin' an# a#optin' t+e re&ommen#ation of t+e Inesti'atin'Commissioner, t+us:RESOLE to AOT an# AROE, as it +ere$% AOTE an#AROE, t+e Report an# Re&ommen#ation of t+e Inesti'atin'Commissioner of t+e a$oe-entitle# &ase, +erein ma#e part of t+isResolution as Anne3 DA5 an#, fin#in' t+e re&ommen#ation full%supporte# $% t+e ei#en&e on re&or# an# t+e appli&a$le la/s an#rules, an# &onsi#erin' t+at t+e &ase la&0s merit, t+e same is +ere$%IS?ISSE.[15]

>e #o not a'ree in t+e re&ommen#ation of t+e IB. T+e t+res+ol# issue in t+is petition is: /+et+er respon#ent is

Fustifie# in retainin' t+e amount a/ar#e# to petitioner in Ciil CaseNo. S?-7! to assure pa%ment of +is attorne%1s fees.?one%s &olle&te# $% an attorne% on a Fu#'ment ren#ere# in faor of+is &lient &onstitute trust fun#s an# must $e imme#iatel% pai# oer tot+e &lient.[16] Canon !; of t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit%proi#es as follo/s:CANON !; - A la/%er s+all +ol# in trust all mone%s an# properties of+is &lient t+at ma% &ome into +is possession.Rule !;.)! M A la/%er s+all a&&ount for all mone% or propert%&olle&te# or re&eie# for or from t+e &lient.In t+e &ase at $ar, /+en respon#ent /it++el# an# refuse# to #eliert+e NAOCOR &+e&0 representin' t+e amount a/ar#e# $% t+e &ourtin Ciil Case No. S?-7!, /+i&+ +e re&eie# on $e+alf of +is &lient9petitioner +erein, +e $rea&+e# t+e trust repose# on +im. It is onl%after an Or#er /as issue# $% t+e RTC or#erin' t+e #elier% of t+e&+e&0 to petitioner t+at t+e respon#ent partiall% #eliere# t+e amountof)(,e +ae +el# t+at la/%erin' is not a mone%ma0in' enture an#la/%ers are not mer&+ants.[20] La/ a#o&a&%, it +as $een stresse#,is not &apital t+at %iel#s profits. T+e returns it $irt+s are simplere/ar#s for a Fo$ #one or seri&e ren#ere#. It is a &allin' t+at, unli0emer&antile pursuits /+i&+ enFo% a 'reater #eal of free#om from'oernmental interferen&e, is impresse# /it+ a pu$li& interest, for

/+i&+ it is su$Fe&t to State re'ulation.[21]

A la/%er is not merel% t+e #efen#er of +is &lient1s &ause an# atrustee of +is &lient1s &ause of a&tion an# assets5 +e is also, an# firstan# foremost, an offi&er of t+e &ourt an# parti&ipates in t+efun#amental fun&tion of a#ministerin' Fusti&e in so&iet%. [22] It follo/st+at a la/%er1s &ompensation for professional seri&es ren#ere# issu$Fe&t to t+e superision of t+e &ourt, not Fust to 'uarantee t+at t+efees +e &+ar'es an# re&eies remain reasona$le an# &ommensurate

/it+ t+e seri&es ren#ere#, $ut also to maintain t+e #i'nit% an#inte'rit% of t+e le'al profession to /+i&+ +e $elon's. Upon ta0in' +is

attorne%1s oat+ as an offi&er of t+e &ourt, a la/%er su$mits +imself to

http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn15http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn16http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn17http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn17http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn18http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn19http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn20http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn20http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn21http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn21http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn22http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn23http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn15http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn16http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn17http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn18http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn19http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn20http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn21http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn22http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn23

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

12/41

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

13/41

/ort+ of t+e attorne%1s seri&es. Courts ma% as&ertain also if t+eattorne%1s fees are foun# to $e e3&essie, /+at is reasona$le un#ert+e &ir&umstan&es.[34] In no &ase, +o/eer, must a la/%er $e allo/e#to re&oer more t+an /+at is reasona$le, pursuant to Se&tion (4,Rule !*< of t+e Rules of Court.>e +ae i#entifie# t+e &ir&umstan&es to $e &onsi#ere# in#eterminin' t+e reasona$leness of a &laim for attorne%1s fees asfollo/s: 9! t+e amount an# &+ara&ter of t+e seri&e ren#ere#5 9(la$or, time, an# trou$le inole#5 9* t+e nature an# importan&e oft+e liti'ation or $usiness in /+i&+ t+e seri&es /ere ren#ere#5 94 t+eresponsi$ilit% impose#5 9 t+e amount of mone% or t+e alue of t+epropert% affe&te# $% t+e &ontroers% or inole# in t+e emplo%ment59; t+e s0ill an# e3perien&e &alle# for in t+e performan&e of t+eseri&es5 98 t+e professional &+ara&ter an# so&ial stan#in' of t+eattorne%5 9e also ta0e note respon#ent1s efforts in liti'atin' petitioner1s&ase for a lon' perio# of ! %ears. Lastl%, t+e respon#ent too0 ris0 inrepresentin' petitioner on a &ontin'ent fee $asis. In &onsi#eration of t+e fore'oin', a fee of * of t+e amounta/ar#e# to petitioner /oul# $e a fair &ompensation for respon#ent1sle'al seri&es.T+e mis&on#u&t of a la/%er, /+et+er in +is professional or priate&apa&it%, /+i&+ s+o/s +im to $e /antin' in moral &+ara&ter,+onest%, pro$it% an# 'oo# #emeanor, ren#ers +im un/ort+% to t+epriile'es /+i&+ +is li&ense an# t+e la/ &onfer upon +im, ma% $e

san&tione# /it+ #is$arment or suspension.[46]

http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn35http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn35http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn36http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn37http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn38http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn38http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn39http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn40http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn41http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn41http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn42http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn42http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn43http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn43http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn44http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn45http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn46http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn46http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn47http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn35http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn36http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn37http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn38http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn39http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn40http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn41http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn42http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn43http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn44http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn45http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn46http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2007/feb2007/169079.htm#_ftn47

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

14/41

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

15/41

t+eir la/%er-&lient relations+ip, respon#ent tol# +er t+at it /as notne&essar%. S+e nonet+eless offere# to 'ie +im ! of /+at +e ma%$e a$le to &olle&t from t+e #e$tors 9pp. 4-8. tsn, e&. *, !78.Complainant also #e&lare# t+at respon#ent $orro/e# from +er(,))).)), l,*)).)), an# *,))).)) on t+ree separate o&&asions,$ut s+e &oul# not remem$er /+en s+e 'ae t+ose amounts.Respon#ent #i# not pa% t+ose loans 9pp. +at ei#en&e

+e +a# /ere all 'at+ere# $% +im on +is initiatie 9pp. 4-8, tsn, $d..

T+e Soli&itor eneral t+en set out t+e follo/in':F$19$1ST+ere is in t+e &ase at $ar clear admissions #y #oth complainant andrespondent o) an attorney!client relationship #et%een them,spe&ifi&all% in t+e &olle&tion of #e$ts o/in' &omplainant.Respondentalso admitted, in his ans%er to the complaint and in his testimony,having received 2:?,@@@.@@ )rom inde#tor Constancia anosca%ithout turning over the amount to his client, complainant herein,and applying it instead as part o) his attorney's )ees. It +as $een +el#t+at t+e mone% &olle&te# $% a la/%er in pursuan&e of a Fu#'ement infaor of +is &lient +el# in trust 9A%a . Bi'onia,8 +il.e are, +o/eer, una$le to a&&ept +isre&ommen#ation.?one%s &olle&te# $% an attorne% on a Fu#'ment ren#ere# in faor of+is &lient, &onstitute trust fun#s an# must, $e imme#iatel% pai# oer

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

16/41

to t+e &lient.4Canon !! of t+e Canons of rofessional Et+i&s t+enin for&e, proi#es as follo/s:!!.9ealing %ith trust property.T+e la/%er s+oul# refrain from an% a&tion /+ere$% for +is personal$enefit or 'ain +e a$uses or ta0es a#anta'e of t+e &onfi#en&erepose# in +im $% +is &lient.oney o) the client or collected )or the clientor ot+er trust propert%&omin' into t+e possession of t+e la/%er s+oul# $e reporte#an#accounted )or promptlyan#should not under any circumstance#e comingled/it+ +is o/n or#e used #y him. 9Emp+asis supplie#>+en respon#ent /it++el# an# refuse# to #elier t+e mone%re&eie# $% +im for +is &lient, t+e #e&ease# &omplainant HilariaTan+ue&o, +e $rea&+e# t+e trust repose# upon +im.T+e &laim of t+erespon#ent t+at &omplainant +a# faile# to pa% +is attorne%s fees, isnot an e3&use for respon#ents failure to #elier an% amount to t+e&omplainants.;It is of &ourse true t+at un#er Se&tion *8 of Rule !*HERE6ORE, t+e Court Resole# t+at:!. respon#ent is 'uilt% of iolation of t+e attorne%s oat+ an# ofserious professional mis&on#u&t an# s+all $e SUSENE from t+epra&ti&e la/ for si3 9; mont+s an# >ARNE t+at repetition of t+esame or similar offense /ill $e more seerel% #ealt /it+5(. t+e attorne%s fees t+at respon#ent is entitle# to in respe&t of t+e&olle&tion &ases +ere inole# s+all $e an amount e=uialent tofifteen per&ent 9! of t+e total amount &olle&te# $% respon#entfrom t+e #e$tors in t+ose &ases5*. respon#ent s+all return fort+/it+ to t+e estate of &omplainantHilaria Tan+ue&o t+e !(,))).)) respon#ent re&eie# on $e+alf of+is &lient less attorne%s fees #ue to +im in respe&t of t+at amount 9

l(,))).)) less fifteen per&ent !" t+ereof or a net amount of!),()).))5 an#4. respon#ent s+all return to t+e estate of &omplainant HilariaTan+ue&o an% #o&uments an# papers re&eie# $% +im from t+e#e&ease# &omplainant in &onne&tion /it+ t+e &olle&tion &ases for

/+i&+ +e /as retaine#. If +e +as in fa&t ma#e an% ot+er &olle&tionsfrom #e&ease# &omplainants #e$tors, +e s+all promptl% a&&ountt+erefor to &omplainants estate an# s+all $e entitle# to re&eie inrespe&t t+ereof t+e fifteen per&ent 9! attorne%s fees proi#e# for+erein.Let a &op% of t+is Resolution $e furnis+e# ea&+ to t+e Bar Confi#antan# sprea# on t+e personal re&or# of respon#ent attorne%, an# to t+e

Inte'rate# Bar of t+e +ilippines.

A.C. No. 0!/ "an#a$ 2&, 2&&0A(E73.C-ETO,+omplainant,vs.ATTY. "OSE 3. "IMENE, "R.,espondent.R E S O L U T I O N

CORONA,J.D

Before us is a &omplaint1for #is&iplinar% a&tion a'ainst Att%. KoseKimeneG, Kr. file# $% En'r. Ale3 B. Cueto /it+ t+e Inte'rate# Bar oft+e +ilippines 9IB, Commission on Bar is&ipline.En'r. Ale3 Cueto alle'e# t+at sometime in O&to$er !777 +e en'a'e#t+e seri&es of respon#ent as notar% pu$li&, t+e latter $ein' t+efat+er of t+e o/ner of t+e $uil#in' su$Fe&t of t+e Constru&tionA'reement2to $e notariGe#. He /as t+en a&&ompanie# $% a &ertainal Riera, t+e $uil#in' a#ministrator of respon#ent1s son KoseKimeneG III.After notariGin' t+e a'reement, respon#ent #eman#e# ),))) asnotarial fee. espite +is surprise as to t+e &ost of t+e notarial seri&e,&omplainant informe# respon#ent t+at +e onl% +a#*),))) in &as+.Respon#ent persua#e# &omplainant to pa% t+e *),))) an# to issuea &+e&0 for t+e remainin' (),))). Bein' unfamiliar /it+ t+e &ost ofnotarial seri&es, &omplainant pai# all +is &as+3an# issue# a 6arEast Ban0 &+e&0 #ate# e&em$er (

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

19/41

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

20/41

( T+e Resolution of t+e pu$li& respon#ent #ate# Kanuar% *), !77)/+i&+ #enie# t+e petitioners motion for re&onsi#eration.T+e 'roun#s relie# upon $% t+e petitioners are as follo/s:T+e respon#ent Court, in up+ol#in' t+e entitlement of priaterespon#ent-attorne% on t+e attorne%s fees +e &laime#, #e&i#e# t+e=uestion in a manner not in a&&or# /it+ la/ or /it+ t+e appli&a$le#e&isions of t+is Honora$le Tri$unal.T+e respon#ent Court, in refusin' to reie/ an# #etermine t+epropriet%, reasona$leness an# ali#it% of t+e attorne%s fees &laime#$% t+e priate respon#ent-attorne%, #eparte# from t+e usual &ourseof Fu#i&ial pro&ee#in's.T+e respon#ent Court, in failin' to #e&lare t+e attorne%s fees&laime# $% t+e priate respon#ent-attorne% as un&ons&iona$le,e3&essie, unreasona$le, immoral an# unet+i&al, #e&i#e# t+e=uestion in a /a% not in a&&or# /it+ la/ an# /it+ appli&a$le#e&isions of t+is Honora$le Tri$unal. 9etition, pp. !(-!*5Rollo, pp.!;-!8T+e follo/in' are t+e ante&e#ent fa&ts pertinent to t+e &ase at $ar:T+e respon#ent la/%er /as retaine# as &ounsel $% +is $rot+er-in-la/an# sister, t+e no/ #e&ease# petitioners parents, spouses Aurelioan# 6eli&i#a# Li&u#an. His seri&es as &ounsel pertaine# to t/o

relate# &iil &ases #o&0ete# as Ciil Case No. V-!((4 for partitionan# Ciil Case No. V-(ilfre#o Li&u#an an# Aurelio Li&u#an on +is o/n $e+alfan# on $e+alf of +is #au'+ter, petitioner Cristina Li&u#an-Campos.T+e sai# trial &ourts Or#er, $ein' one of t/o Or#ers $ein'

essentiall% &+allen'e# in t+is petition, is repro#u&e# $elo/:

Before t+e &ourt for &onsi#eration is a etition for Attorne%s Lienfile# $% Att%. Teo#oro . omalanta, &ounsel for t+e plaintiff, pra%in't+at +is attorne%s fees $e annotate# as a lien at t+e $a&0 of TransferCertifi&ate of Title No.

from t+e earlier &ontra&tual proisions in t+at it entitle# t+erespon#ent la/%er to one-t+ir# 9!* of t+e su$Fe&t propert% or 7).s=uare meters an# proi#e# for usufru&tuar% ri'+ts oer t+e entire lotin =uestion in faor of t+e respon#ent la/%ers son, Teo#oro ?.omalanta, Kr. for an a'ree# &onsi#eration. 9Anne3 JKJ of t+eetition5Rollo, p. 7On Kul% (, !7

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

21/41

On O&to$er 4, !7

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

22/41

In t+e &ase at $ar, t+e respon#ent la/%er &ause# t+e annotation of+is attorne%s fees lien in t+e main a&tion for partition #o&0ete# asCiil Case No. V-!((4 on t+e $asis of a Contra&t for rofessionalSeri&es #ate# Au'ust *), !787. >e fin# reersi$le error in t+e Courtof Appeals +ol#in' t+at:>+en t+e reasona$leness of t+e appellees lien as attorne%s feesoer t+e properties of +is &lients a/ar#e# to +im $% t+e trial &ourt +a#not $een =uestione# $% t+e &lient, an# t+e sai# or#ers +a# alrea#%$e&ome final an# e3e&utor%, t+e same &oul# no lon'er $e #istur$e#,

not een $% t+e &ourt /+i&+ ren#ere# t+em 9Taa#a . Court ofAppeals, !*7 SCRA 4!7. 9CA e&ision p. 85Rollo, p. *;On t+e &ontrar%, /e rule t+at t+e =uestione# Or#ers #ate#Septem$er !7, !787 an# O&to$er (!, !7ilfre#o Li&u#an /+o $ot+ manifeste#in open &ourt t+at t+e% 'ae t+eir free an# /illin' &onsent to t+e sai#&ontra&t /e &annot allo/ t+e sai# &ontra&t to stan# as t+e la/$et/een t+e parties inole# &onsi#erin' t+at t+e rule t+at in t+epresen&e of a &ontra&t for professional seri&es #ul% e3e&ute# $% t+eparties t+ereto, t+e same $e&omes t+e la/ $et/een t+e sai# partiesis not a$solute $ut a#mits an e3&eptiont+at t+e stipulations t+ereinare not &ontrar% to la/, 'oo# morals, 'oo# &ustoms, pu$li& poli&% orpu$li& or#er 9see+ilippine Ameri&an Life Insuran&e Compan% .ine#a, !8 SCRA 4!; !7

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

23/41

pertain to t+e respon#ent la/%ers son $% /a% of usufru&t for ten 9!)%ears. T+ere s+oul# neer $e an instan&e /+ere a la/%er 'ets asattorne%s fees t+e entire propert% inole# in t+e liti'ation. It isun&ons&iona$le for t+e i&tor in liti'ation to lose eer%t+in' +e /on tot+e fees of +is o/n la/%er.T+e respon#ent la/%ers ar'ument t+at it is not +e $ut +is sonTeo#oro ?. omalanta, Kr. /+o is &laimin' t+e usufru&tuar% ri'+toer t+e remainin' portion of t+e su$Fe&t lot is ina&&urate. T+ere&or#s s+o/ t+at t+e matter of usufru&t is tie# up /it+ t+is &ase

sin&e t+e $asis for t+e sai# usufru&tuar% ri'+t is t+e &ontra&t forprofessional seri&es t+e reasona$leness of /+i&+ is $ein'=uestione# in t+is petition. >e fin# t+e ten-%ear usufru&t oer t+esu$Fe&t lot part an# par&el of t+e attorne%s fees $ein' &laime# $% t+erespon#ent la/%er.In resolin' t+e issue of reasona$leness of t+e attorne%s fees, /eup+ol# t+e time-+onoure# le'al ma3im t+at a la/%er s+all at all timesup+ol# t+e inte'rit% an# #i'nit% of t+e le'al profession so t+at +is$asi& i#eal $e&omes one of ren#erin' seri&e an# se&urin' Fusti&e,not mone%-ma0in'. 6or t+e /orst s&enario t+at &an eer +appen to a&lient is to lose t+e liti'ate# propert% to +is la/%er in /+om an trustan# &onfi#en&e /ere $esto/e# at t+e er% in&eption of t+e le'al

&ontroers%. >e fin# t+e Contra&t for rofessional Seri&es #ate#Au'ust *), !787, un&ons&iona$le an# unreasona$le. T+e amount of(),))).)) as attorne%s fees, in lieu of t+e !(!. s=uare metersa/ar#e# to t+e respon#ent la/%er an# t+e ten-%ear usufru&tuar%ri'+t oer t+e remainin' portion of !) s=uare meters $% t+erespon#ent la/%ers son, is, in t+e opinion of t+is Court,&ommensurate to t+e seri&es ren#ere# $% Att%. omalanta.>HERE6ORE, IN IE> O6 THE 6OREOIN, t+e instant petitionis RANTE. T+e Court of Appeals #e&ision of Septem$er !(, !7

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

24/41

0no/n as t+e Co#e of Con#u&t an# Et+i&al Stan#ar#s for u$li&Offi&ials an# Emplo%ees $efore t+e San#i'an$a%an.9

Complainant ?er&a#o alle'e# t+at sai# &riminal &omplaint forfalsifi&ation of pu$li& #o&ument 9I.S. No. S 77-7e no/ resole /+et+er respon#ent iolate# t+e rule on priile'e#&ommuni&ation $et/een attorne% an# &lient /+en +e file# a &riminal&ase for falsifi&ation of pu$li& #o&ument a'ainst +is former &lient.A $rief #is&ussion of t+e nature of t+e relations+ip $et/een attorne%an# &lient an# t+e rule on attorne%-&lient priile'e t+at is #esi'ne# toprote&t su&+ relation is in or#er.In en'a'in' t+e seri&es of an attorne%, t+e &lient reposes on +imspe&ial po/ers of trust an# &onfi#en&e. T+eir relations+ip is stri&tl%

personal an# +i'+l% &onfi#ential an# fi#u&iar%. T+e relation is of su&+#eli&ate, e3a&tin' an# &onfi#ential nature t+at is re=uire# $%ne&essit% an# pu$li& interest.15Onl% $% su&+ &onfi#entialit% an#prote&tion /ill a person $e en&oura'e# to repose +is &onfi#en&e inan attorne%. T+e +%pot+esis is t+at a$stinen&e from see0in' le'ala#i&e in a 'oo# &ause is an eil /+i&+ is fatal to t+e a#ministrationof Fusti&e.16T+us, t+e preseration an# prote&tion of t+at relation /illen&oura'e a &lient to entrust +is le'al pro$lems to an attorne%, /+i&+is of paramount importan&e to t+e a#ministration of Fusti&e.17One rulea#opte# to sere t+is purpose is t+e attorne%-&lient priile'e: anattorne% is to 0eep iniolate +is &lients se&rets or &onfi#en&e an# notto a$use t+em.18T+us, t+e #ut% of a la/%er to presere +is &lients

se&rets an# &onfi#en&e outlasts t+e termination of t+e attorne%-&lientrelations+ip,19an# &ontinues een after t+e &lients #eat+.20It is t+e'lor% of t+e le'al profession t+at its fi#elit% to its &lient &an $e#epen#e# on, an# t+at a man ma% safel% 'o to a la/%er an#&onerse /it+ +im upon +is ri'+ts or suppose# ri'+ts in an% liti'ation

/it+ a$solute assuran&e t+at t+e la/%ers ton'ue is tie# from eer#is&losin' it.21>it+ full #is&losure of t+e fa&ts of t+e &ase $% t+e &lientto +is attorne%, a#e=uate le'al representation /ill result in t+eas&ertainment an# enfor&ement of ri'+ts or t+e prose&ution or#efense of t+e &lients &ause.No/, /e 'o to t+e rule on attorne%-&lient priile'e. ean >i'more&ites t+e fa&tors essential to esta$lis+ t+e e3isten&e of t+e

priile'e,vi/:

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt9http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt10http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt10http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt10http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt11http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt12http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt13http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt14http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt15http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt15http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt16http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt17http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt17http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt20http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt21http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt9http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt10http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt11http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt12http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt13http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt14http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt15http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt16http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt17http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt18http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt19http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt20http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt21

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

25/41

9! >+ere le'al a#i&e of an% 0in# is sou'+t 9( from a professionalle'al a#iser in +is &apa&it% as su&+, 9* t+e &ommuni&ations relatin'to t+at purpose, 94 ma#e in &onfi#en&e 9 $% t+e &lient, 9; are at+is instan&e permanentl% prote&te# 98 from #is&losure $% +imself or$% t+e le'al a#isor, 9it+outan% testimon% from t+e &omplainant as to t+e spe&ifi& &onfi#ential

information alle'e#l% #iul'e# $% respon#ent /it+out +er &onsent, itis #iffi&ult, if not impossi$le to #etermine if t+ere /as an% iolation oft+e rule on priile'e# &ommuni&ation. Su&+ &onfi#ential informationis a &ru&ial lin0 in esta$lis+in' a $rea&+ of t+e rule on priile'e#&ommuni&ation $et/een attorne% an# &lient. It is not enou'+ tomerel% assert t+e attorne%-&lient priile'e.37T+e $ur#en of proin't+at t+e priile'e applies is pla&e# upon t+e part% assertin' t+epriile'e.38

IN IE> >HEREO6, t+e &omplaint a'ainst respon#ent Att%. Kulito. itriolo is +ere$% IS?ISSE for la&0 of merit.SO ORERE.

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt22http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt23http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt24http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt25http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt26http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt27http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt27http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt28http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt29http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt29http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt30http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt32http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt33http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt34http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt35http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt36http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt37http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt37http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt38http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt22http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt23http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt24http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt25http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt26http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt27http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt28http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt29http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt30http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt32http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt33http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt34http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt35http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt36http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt37http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2005/may2005/ac_5108_2005.html#fnt38

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

26/41

A.C. No. %!'0 O+to=e 2, 10CYNTHIA3.ROSACIA,+omplainant,vs.ATTY. 3EN"AMIN 3. 3-(A(ACAO,espondent.R E S O L U T I O N6RANCISCO,J.DComplainant C%nt+ia B. Rosa&ia, presi#ent of Ta&ma, +ils., In&., a#ul% re'istere# &orporation, file# a &omplaint for #is$arment #ate#O&to$er (, !77!, a'ainst +erein respon#ent Att%. BenFamin B.Bulala&ao. A&tin' on t+e &omplaint, t+e Court in a resolution #ate#

6e$ruar% (4, !77(, resole# to refer t+e &ase to t+e Inte'rate# Bar oft+e +ilippines 9IB for inesti'ation, report an# re&ommen#ation.Commissioner i&tor C. 6ernan#eG, t+e IB inesti'atin'&ommissioner, foun# t+at respon#ent $rea&+e# +is oat+ of offi&e an#a&&or#in'l% re&ommen#e# respon#ents suspension from t+epra&ti&e of la/ for t+ree 9* mont+s. !In a resolution #ate# Kul% *),!774, t+e IB Boar# of oernors resole# to a#opt an# approe t+e&ommissioners report an# re&ommen#ation.(As foun# $% t+e IB, t+e un#ispute# fa&ts are as follo/s:On Kune !, !77), $% irtue of a /ritten A'reement 9E3+. J*-aJ,respon#ent Att%. BenFamin B. Bulala&ao /as +ire# as retaine#&ounsel of a &orporation $% t+e name of Ta&ma +ils., In&.

On O&to$er *!, !77), t+e la/%er-&lient relations+ip $et/een t+erespon#ent an# Ta&ma +ils., In&. /as seere# as s+o/n $% anot+era'reement of een #ate 9E3+. J*-$J.On Kul%, !77!, or after almost nine 97 mont+s from t+e #aterespon#ents retainer a'reement /it+ Ta&ma, +ils., In&. /asterminate#, seeral emplo%ees of t+e &orporation &onsulte# t+erespon#ent for t+e purpose of filin' an a&tion for ille'al #ismissal.T+ereafter, +e a'ree# to +an#le t+e &ase for t+e sai# emplo%ees asa'ainst Ta&ma, +ils., In&. $% filin' a &omplaint $efore t+e NationalLa$or Relations Commission, an# appearin' in t+eir $e+alf. *T+e sole issue to $e a##resse# is /+et+er or not respon#ent$rea&+e# +is oat+ of offi&e for representin' t+e emplo%ees of +is

former &lient, Ta&ma, +ils., In&., after t+e termination of t+eirattorne%-&lient relations+ip. >e a'ree /it+ t+e fin#in's of t+e IBt+at respon#ent $rea&+e# +is oat+ of offi&e. Respon#ent #oes notno/ #ispute t+is. In fa&t, in +is motion for re&onsi#eration,respon#ent a#mitte# t+at +e J#i# &ommit an a&t $or#erin' on 'raemis&on#u&t, if not outri'+t iolation of +is attorne%s oat+J. 4Ho/eer,respon#ent is plea#in' for t+e Courts &ompassion an# lenien&% tore#u&e t+e IB re&ommen#e# t+ree mont+s suspension to eit+er fineor a#monition /it+ t+e follo/in' proffere# 'roun#s: t+at +e isrelatiel% ne/ in t+e profession +ain' $een a#mitte# to t+e+ilippine Bar on April !), !77) at t+e a'e of 4; /+en t+e&omplaine# &on#u&t /as &ommitte# on Au'ust !77!5 t+at +e is of

+um$le $e'innin's an# +is suspension /ill #eprie +is famil% of its

onl% sour&e of lieli+oo# +e $ein' t+e sole $rea# /inner in t+e famil%5t+at +e +as full% realiGe# +is mista0e an# t+e 'rait% of +is offense for

/+i&+ +e is full% repentant5 t+at +e +as seere# +is attorne%-&lientrelations+ip /it+ t+e emplo%ees of Ta&ma, +ils., In&. $% in+i$itin'+imself an# /it+#ra/in' +is appearan&e as &ounsel in t+e la$or &asea'ainst Ta&ma, +ils., In&.5 an# t+at +e ple#'es not to &ommit t+esame mista0e an# to +en&efort+ stri&tl% a#+ere to t+e professionalstan#ar#s set fort+ $% t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit%.T+e Court reiterates t+at an attorne% o/es lo%alt% to +is &lient not

onl% in t+e &ase in /+i&+ +e +as represente# +im $ut also after t+erelation of attorne% an# &lient +as terminate# as it is not 'oo#pra&ti&e to permit +im after/ar#s to #efen# in anot+er &ase ot+erperson a'ainst +is former &lient un#er t+e prete3t t+at t+e &ase is#istin&t from, an# in#epen#ent of t+e former &ase. It $e+ooesrespon#ent not onl% to 0eep iniolate t+e &lients &onfi#en&e, $ut alsoto aoi# t+e appearan&e of trea&+er% an# #ou$le #ealin' for onl%t+en &an liti'ants $e en&oura'e# to entrust t+eir se&rets to t+eirattorne%s /+i&+ is of paramount importan&e in t+e a#ministration of

Fusti&e.;T+e relation of attorne% an# &lient is one of &onfi#en&e an#trust in t+e +i'+est #e'ree.8A la/%er o/es fi#elit% to t+e &ause of +is&lient an# +e ou'+t to $e min#ful of t+e trust an# &onfi#en&e repose#

in +im.

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

27/41

A.C. No. 01&0. A#>#st 12, 15ERNANDO SA(ONA,complainant, vs.ATTY. ISIDRO T. HI(DA8A, respondent. E C I S I O NITU,J.:In an affi#ait-&omplaint, #ate# (7 ?ar&+ !77;, 6ernan#o Salon'a,resi#ent of Si0ap at Ti%a'a Ala$an' en#ors Asso&iation, In&.9DSTAA, of ?untinlupa Cit%, &+ar'e# Att%. Isi#ro T. Hil#a/a /it+'ross mis&on#u&t an#or #e&eit. Complainant aerre# t+at

respon#ent la/%er /as a retaine# &ounsel of STAA for a num$er of%ears an#, in e&em$er !77*, represente# t+e asso&iation in CiilCases No. (4);, No. (4!* an# No. (4!;, for eFe&tment a'ainst,respe&tiel% , Lin#a el Rosario, An'elita ?anuel an# 6ran&is&oe'a, all stall+ol#ers at t+e Ala$an' mar0et, $efore t+e ?uni&ipalTrial Court of ?untinlupa. T+e #efen#ants #eposite# t+e a&&rue#rentals /it+ t+e &ourt. On !4 Noem$er !774, respon#ent la/%erfile# a motion to /it+#ra/ t+e #eposit5 t+us:DKOINT ?OTION TO >ITHRA> EOSITDCounsel for &omplainant, unto t+is Honora$le Court, mostrespe&tfull% manifest:D!. T+at, #efen#ants-appellants Lin#a #el Rosario, An'elita ?anuel

an# 6ran&is&o e'a ma#e t+eir #eposit of a&&rue# rentals on t+eirstalls up to O&to$er !, !774, as follo/s:a. Lin#a #el Rosario -- (4,44).;)$. An'elita ?anuel -- 4;,4*;.;)&. 6ran&is&o e'a -- **,;;;.;)Total -- !)4,4*.A O?EQW*4ATR NO. 74(

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

28/41

re&or#. He &ite# t+e resolution of t+e STAA Boar# of Trustees,#ate# *) O&to$er !774, t+at rea#:DATITIAN N ULON N BOAR O6 TRUSTEES NSIA AT TI2AA ALABAN ENORS ASSOCIATION, INC.inanap noon' i0a-*) n' O0tu$re, !774 sa Tan''apan nito saAla$an'?'a umalo:resi#ent - 6ernan#o Salon'aE3e&utie i&e-res. - Tirso Sapar

Internal - omin'o Silaa Se&urit% - Leonar#o umaposAu#itor - Un#o CiprianoHin#i umalo: E3ternal - Aser ArealoTreasurer - olores Kainar------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DUnan' tinala0a% sa pa'pupulon' an# 0aa%usan n' sama+an at m'a#apat tup#in n' m'a 0asapi $ilan' 0anilan' tun'0ulin sa sama+an atsa lu'ar na 0anilan' pina'titin#a+an. An' 0alinisan a%pina'tutuunan n' pansin.DBa'ama1t Xon-leae1 an' pan'ulo natin, sa 0a+ala'a+an n'

pina'uusapan si%a a% narito sa pa'pupulon'.DTinala0a% an' +in#i pa'$a$a%a# n' ?ar0et 6ee at 'amit ele&tri&aln' !! #atin' mi%em$ro n' STAA na tu/iran' na'$a$a%a# n'a%onsa 0ooperati$a. a+il #ito a% na/a/alan n' 4).)) +an''an')).)) an' sama+an san'-a%on sa ta%a n' pan'ulo.Da+il #ito, $ini'%an n' 0arapatan an' a$o'a#o n' sama+an naisaa%os an' #apat na +a0$an'in' le'al upan' mali0om an' salapipara sa STAA upan' ma0atu'on ito sa $a%arin sa B?B? at sai$a pan' pa'0a0a'astusan sa +ina+arap na o0as%on.D?a%roon' pa'-uusap upan' /a0asan an' usapin na i#inulo' n'STAA la$an sa ooperati$a sapa'0at sa #i/a n' ma'an#an'pa'0a0auna/aan at ma$utin' sama+an, nais n' ipa'0aloo$ n'

ooperati$a an' +ini+in'i n' STAA na la'%an n' +an''anan an'lu'ar na an' m'a miem$ro n' STAA an' si%a laman' ma'titin#asa +ala'an' itata0#a n' $a/a1t pani'.Dito tumin#i' si Ester al#e at ipina$ati# sa 0apulun'an na si%a a%0inausap n' en. ?ana'er n' ooperati$a at tinatanon' 0un' maari#a/ a% +u/a' n' paalisin an' la$in'-isan' 9!! tumi/ala' saSTAA.DTinala0a% n' pamunuan an' $a'a% na ito at an' la+at a%na'0a0aisa sa 0anilan' paninin#i'an na #apat laman' pala%asin an'la+at n' ta0sil at ana% n' sama+an upan' mai/asan an' +in#ipa'0a0auna/aan at tulo% ma'in' aral na #in sa i$a pa.

DIsinuno# na tinala0a% an' m'a X$alim$in'1 o na'#a#ala/an' mu0+aat inatasan na $umuo n' 0ommitte tun'0ol #ito upan' ma$ati# 0un'sino-sino an' m'a ito at malapatan n' 0au0ulan' lunas.DSa ano man' Compromise A'reement na 'a'a/in, +in#i #apatpuma%a' na manatili pa an' m'a ta0sil sa STAA at an'0ooperati$a an' si%an' ma'$i$i'a% sa 0anila n' lu'ar sa alin man'parte n' palen'0e n'unit +in#i sa Transient Area.DAn' pa'pupulon' a% itinin#i' sa 'anap na i0a-(:)) n' +apon.9S'#. 9S'#.

6ernan#o Salon'a Tirso Saparresi#ent E3e&utie i&e-resi#ent9S'#. 9S'#.omin'o Silaa Leonar#o umapos Internal Se&urit%9S'#.Respon#ent li0e/ise sou'+t to ma0e t+e &larifi&ation t+at +isseri&es as &ounsel of STAA /ere alrea#% terminate# in 6e$ruar%!77, lon' $efore +e appeare# as &ounsel for B?B? ine&em$er !77.After a &lose reie/ of t+e re&or#s, t+e Court is in&line# to partiall%'rant t+e motion for re&onsi#eration su$mitte# $% respon#ent.

T+e $asis of t+e Inesti'atin' Commissioner for fin#in' respon#entla/%er to +ae iolate# Canon !; [4]/as t+e suppose# a#mission ofAtt%. Hil#a/a t+at +e /it+#re/ t+e amount of !)4,4*.

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

29/41

part% +is &lient +as preiousl% &onten#e# /it+ in a &ase similarl%inolin' sai# parties.>HERE6ORE, t+e Court ABSOLES Att%. Isi#ro T. Hil#a/a fromt+e &+ar'e of +ain' iolate# +is o$li'ation to +ol# in trust t+e fun#sof +is &lient $ut RERI?ANS +im for +ain' pla&e# at ris0 +iso$li'ation of preserin' t+e &onfi#entialit% relations+ip /it+ apreious &lient, /it+ a /arnin' t+at a repetition of t+e same or similar&on#u&t in t+e future /ill $e #ealt /it+ most seerel%.SO ORERE.

A.C. No. 02/& Ma+< %&, 2&&'8I((IAMS.-Y, +omplainant, vs. ATTY. ERMIN (.ONA(ES, espondent.

R E S O L U T I O NAUSTRIA-?ARTINEQ,J.:>illiam S. U% file# $efore t+is Court an a#ministratie &ase a'ainstAtt%. 6ermin L. onGales for iolation of t+e &onfi#entialit% of t+eirla/%er-&lient relations+ip. T+e &omplainant alle'es:Sometime in April !777, +e en'a'e# t+e seri&es of respon#ent

la/%er to prepare an# file a petition for t+e issuan&e of a ne/&ertifi&ate of title. After &onfi#in' /it+ respon#ent t+e &ir&umstan&essurroun#in' t+e lost title an# #is&ussin' t+e fees an# &osts,respon#ent prepare#, finaliGe# an# su$mitte# to +im a petition to $efile# $efore t+e Re'ional Trial Court of Ta%u', an'asinan. >+ent+e petition /as a$out to $e file#, respon#ent /ent to +is9&omplainant1s offi&e at irra ?all, reen+ills an# #eman#e# a&ertain amount from +im ot+er t+an /+at t+e% +a# preiousl% a'ree#upon. Respon#ent left +is offi&e after reasonin' /it+ +im. E3pe&tin't+at sai# petition /oul# $e file#, +e /as s+o&0e# to fin# out later t+atinstea# of filin' t+e petition for t+e issuan&e of a ne/ &ertifi&ate oftitle, respon#ent file# a letter-&omplaint #ate# Kul% (;, !777 a'ainst

+im /it+ t+e Offi&e of t+e roin&ial rose&utor of Ta%u',an'asinan for J6alsifi&ation of u$li& o&uments.J!T+e letter-&omplaint &ontaine# fa&ts an# &ir&umstan&es pertainin' to t+etransfer &ertifi&ate of title t+at /as t+e su$Fe&t matter of t+e petition

/+i&+ respon#ent /as suppose# to +ae file#. ortions of sai# letter-&omplaint rea#:T+e un#ersi'ne# &omplainant a&&uses >ILLIA? S. U2, of le'al a'e,6ilipino, marrie# an# a resi#ent of !*(-A ilmore Street &orner 7t+Street, Ne/ ?anila, VueGon Cit%, ?i&+ael An'elo T. U2, CRISTINAEARL T. U2, minors an# resi#ents of t+e aforesai# a##ress,Luimin#a . Toma'os, of le'al a'e, marrie#, 6ilipino an# a resi#entof Carma% East, Rosales, an'asinan, an# 6. ?a#a%a', /it+ offi&e

a##ress at A!(, (6 ira ?all S+oppin' Comple3, reen+ills, San

Kuan, ?etro ?anila, for ESTA6A THRU 6ALSI6ICATION O6UBLIC OCU?ENTS, &ommitte# as follo/s:T+at on ?ar&+ !, !77;, >illiam S. U% a&=uire# $% pur&+ase apar&el of lan# &onsistin' of 4.))! +a. for t+e amount of !)),))).)),+ilippine Curren&%, situate# at Br'%. onGales, Umin'an,an'asinan, from 6ER?IN C. ONQALES, as ei#en&e# $% a ee#of Sale e3e&ute# $% t+e latter in faor of t+e formerP5 t+at in t+e sai##ate, >illiam S. U% re&eie# t+e Transfer Certifi&ate of Title No. T-**!((, &oerin' t+e sai# lan#5

T+at instea# of re'isterin' sai# ee# of Sale an# Transfer Certifi&ateof Title 9TCT No. T-**!((, in t+e Re'ister of ee#s for t+e purposeof transferrin' t+e same in +is name, >illiam S. U% e3e&ute# a ee#of oluntar% Lan# Transfer of t+e aforesai# lan# in faor of +is&+il#ren, namel%, ?i&+ael An'elo T. U% an# Cristina Earl T. U%,

/+erein >illiam S. U% ma#e it appear t+at +is sai# &+il#ren are ofle'al a'e, an# resi#ents of Br'%. onGales, Umin'an, an'asinan,

/+en in fa&t an# in trut+, t+e% are minors an# resi#ents of ?etro?anila, to =ualif% t+em as farmers$enefi&iaries, t+us pla&in' t+e sai#propert% /it+in t+e &oera'e of t+e Lan# Reform ro'ram5T+at t+e a$oe-name# a&&use#, &onspirin' to'et+er an# +elpin' oneanot+er pro&ure# t+e falsifie# #o&uments /+i&+ t+e% use# as

supportin' papers so t+at t+e% &an se&ure from t+e Offi&e of t+eRe'ister of ee#s of Ta%u', an'asinan, TCT No. T-!;9Certifi&ate of Lan# O/ners+ip A/ar# No. ))4 *(7*) in faor of +isa$oe-name# &+il#ren. Some of t+ese 6alsifie# #o&uments arepurporte# Affi#ait of SellerTransferor an# Affi#ait of Non-Tenan&%,$ot+ #ate# Au'ust (), !77;, /it+out t+e si'nature of affiant, 6erminC. onGales, an# t+at on t+at sai# #ate, 6ermin C. onGales /asalrea#% #ea#P 5T+at on e&em$er !8, !77illiam S. U% /it+ #e&eit an# ei#entintent to #efrau# un#ersi'ne#, still a&&epte# t+e amount of*4),))).)), from Att%. 6ermin L. onGales, *)),))).)), in NBC+e&0 No. )))););, an# 4),))).)), in &as+, as full pa%ment of t+e

re#emption of TCT No. **!((P0no/in' full% /ell t+at at t+at timet+e sai# TCT &annot $e re#eeme# an%more $e&ause t+e same /asalrea#% transferre# in t+e name of +is &+il#ren5T+at >illiam S. U% +as appropriate# t+e amount &oere# $% t+eaforesai# &+e&0, as ei#en&e# $% t+e sai# &+e&0 /+i&+ /asen&as+e# $% +imP5T+at inspite of repeate# #eman#s, $ot+ oral an# in /ritin', >illiam S.U% refuse# an# &ontinue to refuse to #elier to +im a TCT in t+ename of t+e un#ersi'ne# or to return an# repa% t+e sai#*4),))).)), to t+e #ama'e an# preFu#i&e of t+e un#ersi'ne#.(

>it+ t+e e3e&ution of t+e letter-&omplaint, respon#ent iolate# +isoat+ as a la/%er an# 'rossl% #isre'ar#e# +is #ut% to presere t+e

se&rets of +is &lient. Respon#ent un&eremoniousl% turne# a'ainst

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt1http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt2http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt1http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt2

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

30/41

+im Fust $e&ause +e refuse# to 'rant respon#ent1s re=uest fora##itional &ompensation. Respon#ent1s a&t tarnis+e# +is reputationan# so&ial stan#in'.*

In &omplian&e /it+ t+is Court1s Resolution #ate# Kul% *!,())),4respon#ent file# +is Comment narratin' +is ersion, asfollo/s:On e&em$er !8, !77+en respon#ent file#

t+e Letter-Complaint to t+e Offi&e of t+e Spe&ial rose&utor in Ta%u',an'asinan, +e iolate# Canon (! of t+e Co#e of rofessionalResponsi$ilit% /+i&+ e3pressl% proi#es t+at JA la/%er s+all preseret+e &onfi#en&es an# se&rets of +is &lient een after t+e attorne%-&lient relation is terminate#.J Respon#ent &annot ar'ue t+at t+ere

/as no la/%er-&lient relations+ip $et/een t+em /+en +e file# t+eLetter-Complaint on (; Kul% !777 &onsi#erin' t+at as earl% as !4April !777, or t+ree 9* mont+s after, respon#ent +a# alrea#%terminate# &omplainant1s per&eie# la/%er-&lient relations+ip$et/een t+em. T+e #ut% to maintain iniolate t+e &lient1s &onfi#en&esan# se&rets is not temporar% $ut permanent. It is in effe&t perpetualfor Jit outlasts t+e la/%er1s emplo%mentJ 9Canon *8, Co#e of

rofessional Responsi$ilit% /+i&+ means een after t+e relations+ip+as $een terminate#, t+e #ut% to presere t+e &lient1s &onfi#en&esan# se&rets remains effe&tie. Li0e/ise Rule (!.)(, Canon (! of t+eRules of rofessional Responsi$ilit% proi#es t+at JA la/%er s+allnot, to t+e #isa#anta'e of +is &lient, use information a&=uire# in t+e&ourse of emplo%ment, nor s+all +e use t+e same to +is o/na#anta'e or t+at of a t+ir# person, unless t+e &lient /it+ t+e full0no/le#'e of t+e &ir&umstan&es &onsents t+ereto.JOn (7 April ())*, t+e Commission re&eie# a letter #ate# (4 April())* from Att%. Au'usto ?. ?a&am, /+o &laims to represent&omplainant, >illiam S. U%, alle'in' t+at &omplainant is no lon'erintereste# in pursuin' t+is &ase an# re=ueste# t+at t+e same $e

#ismisse#. T+e aforesai# letter +ar#l% #eseres &onsi#eration as

http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt3http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt5http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt6http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt7http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt8http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt9http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt3http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt4http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt5http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt6http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt7http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt8http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2004/mar2004/ac_5280_2004.html#fnt9

8/12/2019 LEGETH 18-22

31/41

pro&ee#in's of t+is nature &annot $e interrupted #y reason o)desistance, settlement, compromise, restitution, %ithdra%al o) thecharges, or )ailure o) the complainant to prosecute the same.9Se&tion , Rule !*7-B, Rules of Court. ?oreoer, in-oliver vs. Sim#ol, !; SCRA ;(*, t+e Court rule# t+at Jany person may #ring tothis Court5s attention the misconduct o) any la%yer, and action %illusually #e ta*en regardless o) the interest or lac* o) interest o) thecomplainant, i) the )acts proven so %arrant.JIN IE> O6 THE 6OREOIN, /e fin# respon#ent Att%. 6ermin L.

onGales to +ae iolate# t+e Co#e of rofessional Responsi$ilit%an# it is +ere$% re&ommen#e# t+at +e $e SUSENE for a perio#of SI@ 9; ?ONTHS from re&eipt +ereof, from t+e pra&ti&e of +isprofession as a la/%er an# mem$er of t+e Bar.!)

On Kune (!, ())*, t+e Boar# of oernors of t+e Inte'rate# Bar oft+e +ilippines issue# Resolution No. @-())*-*;, t+us:RESOLE to AOT an# AROE, as it is +ere$% AOTEan# AROE, t+e Report an# Re&ommen#ation of t+eInesti'atin' Commissioner of t+e a$oe-entitle# &ase, +erein ma#epart of t+is Resolutione&ision as Anne3 JAJ5 an# fin#in' t+ere&ommen#ation full% supporte# $% t+e ei#en&e on re&or# an#appli&a$le la/s an# rules, an# &onsi#erin' t+at respon#ent iolate#

Rule (!.)(, Canon (! of t+e Canons of rofessional Responsi$ilit%,Att%. 6ermin L. onGales is +ere$% SUSENE from t+e pra&ti&eof la/ for si3 9; mont+s.!!

reliminaril%, /e a'ree /it+ Commissioner illanuea-?aala t+at t+emanifestation of &omplainant U% e3pressin' +is #esire to #ismiss t+ea#ministratie &omplaint +e file# a'ainst respon#ent, +as nopersuasie $earin' in t+e present &ase.Se&. , Rule !*7-B of t+e Rules of Court states t+at:No inesti'ation s+all $e interrupte# or terminate# $% reason of t+e#esistan&e, settlement, &ompromise, restitution, /it+#ra/al of t+e&+ar'es, or failure of t+e &omplainant to prose&ute t+e same.T+is is $e&ause:

A pro&ee#in' for suspension or #is$arment is not in an% sense a &iila&tion /+ere t+e &omplainant is a plaintiff an# t+e respon#ent la/%eris a #efen#ant. is&iplinar% pro&ee#in's inole no priate interestan# affor# no re#ress for priate 'riean&e. T+e% are un#erta0en an#prose&ute# solel% for t+e pu$li& /elfare. T+e% are un#erta0en for t+epurpose of preserin' &ourts of Fusti&e from t+e offi&ial ministration ofpersons unfit to pra&ti&e in t+em. T+e attorne% is &alle# to ans/er tot+e &ourt for +is &on#u&t as an offi&er of t+e &ourt. T+e &omplainantor t+e person /+o &alle# t+e attention of t+e &ourt to t+e attorne%salle'e# mis&on#u&t is in no sense a part%, an# +as 'enerall% nointerest in t+e out&ome e3&ept as all 'oo# &itiGens ma% +ae in t+eproper a#ministration of Fusti&e. Hen&e, if t+e ei#en&e on re&or#

/arrants, t+e respon#ent ma% $e suspen#e# or #is$arre# #espite t+e#esistan&e of &omplainant or +is /it+#ra/al of t+e &+ar'es.!(

No/ to t+e merits of t+e &omplaint a'ainst t+e respon#ent.ra&ti&e of la/ em$ra&es an% a&tiit%, in or out of &ourt, /+i&+re=uires t+e appli&ation of la/, as /ell as le'al prin&iples, pra&ti&e orpro&e#ure an# &alls for le'al 0no/le#'e, trainin' an#e3perien&e.!*>+ile it is true t+at a la/%er ma% $e #is$arre# orsuspen#e# for an% mis&on#u&t, /+et+er in +is professional or priate&apa&it%, /+i&+ s+o/s +im to $e /antin' in moral &+ara&ter, in

+onest%, pro$it% an# 'oo# #emeanor or un/ort+% to &ontinue as anoffi&er of t+e &ourt,!4&omplainant faile# to proe an% of t+e&ir&umstan&es enumerate# a$oe t+at /oul# /arrant t+e #is$armentor suspension of +erein respon#ent.Not/it+stan#in' respon#ent1s o/n per&eption on t+e matter, as&rutin% of t+e re&or#s reeals t+at t+e relations+ip $et/een&omplainant an# respon#ent stemme# from a personal transa&tion or#ealin's $et/een t+em rat+er t+an t+e pra&ti&e of la/ $%respon#ent. Respon#ent #ealt /it+ &omplainant onl% $e&ause +ere#eeme# a propert% /+i&+ &omplainant +a# earlier pur&+ase# from+is 9&omplainant1s son. It is not refute# t+at respon#ent pai#&omplainant *4),))).)) an# 'ae +im ample time to pro#u&e its

title an# e3e&ute t+e ee# of Re#emption. Ho/eer, #espite t+eperio# 'ien to +im, &omplainant faile# to fulfill +is en# of t+e $ar'ain$e&ause of t+e alle'e# loss of t+e title /+i&+ +e +a# a#mitte# torespon#ent as +ain' prematurel% transferre# to +is &+il#ren, t+uspromptin' respon#ent to offer +is assistan&e so as to se&ure t+eissuan&e of a ne/ title to t+e propert%, in lieu of t+e lost one, /it+&omplainant assumin' t+e e3penses t+erefor.

As a