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    REPRIMAND

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    Re: ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT DATED FEBRUARY 18, 2005 OF

    ACOURT PERSONNEL AGAINST JUDGE FRANCISCO C. GEDORIO, JR

    A.M. No. RTJ-05-155 M!" 25, 200#

    SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J:

    FACTS

    On February 24, 2005, the Office f the !hief "u#tice recei$e% an

    anny&u# 'etter %ate% February 1(, 2005 fr& a curt )er#nne'

    %enuncing "u%ge Franci#c !* +e%ri, "r* f the Regina' ria' !urt

    -R!., /ranch 12, Or&c !ity, a# a %i#grace t the bench fr beha$ing

    un)rfe##ina''y* he 'etter #tate# that "u%ge +e%ri

    1* #hut# at an% re)ri&an%# 'ayer#, )er#nne', itne##e#, an%

    'itigant# in )en curt

    2* %e# nt 3n the ba#ic ru'e# f )rce%ure an% the 'a

    * i# crru)t, an% fa$r# t r three 'ayer# becau#e 3u#g &hatag

    niya, &eaning they gi$e hi& t ften

    4* i##ue% &any cntr$er#ia' r%er#, #uch a# granting bai' t a Mu#'i&

    %rug 'r% a'thugh the ca#e a# a##igne% t anther #a'a )re#i%e%

    by a ne u%ge an% %irecting that an r%er f arre#t again#t the

    6ice Mayr f Pa'&)n be 7ua#he% e$en if n ca#e a# fi'e%

    again#t the 'atter in hi# -u%ge#. #a'a

    5* a##igning Atty* !'intn Nue$, then R! c'er3 f curt, t rite hi#

    r%er# an% %eci#in# an%

    8* re)ri&an%e% in )en curt Atty* Ruben !a)ahi, a )ri$ate

    )ractitiner, an% Atty* Pa&e'a O'i$er f the Pub'ic Attrney# Office

    -PAO.*

    !hief "u#tice 9i'ari Da$i%e, "r* referre% the anny&u# 'etter t De)uty

    !urt A%&ini#tratr -D!A. :enai%a E'e)a fr %i#creet in$e#tigatin* he

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    In$e#tigating ea& fr& the Office f the !urt A%&ini#tratr cn%ucte% a

    %i#creet in$e#tigatin an% #ub&itte% a re)rt* "u%ge +e%ri %enie% a''

    the accu#atin# again#t hi&*

    In a Me&ran%u& %ate% May 4, 2008 fr then !hief "u#tice Arte&i

    6* Panganiban, !urt A%&ini#tratr !hri#t)her O* ;c3 rec&&en%e%

    that re#)n%ent u%ge be fine% in the a&unt f P10,000*00 fr cn%uct

    unbec&ing a u%ge an% be #e$ere'y ADMONI

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    c&)'aint, #u))rte% by )ub'ic recr%# f in%ubitab'e integrity* he

    in#tant c&)'aint a# in#titute% thrugh the 'a#t &%e*

    On the #ecn% i##ue, the !urt fin%# the E$a'uatin Re)rt f the

    O!A e''=fun%e%* he In$e#tigating ea& )er#na''y hear% re#)n%ent

    u%ge #huting )unyeta at hi# #taff an% #aying, Sino si Clinton? Bakla yon.

    when asked by a lady looking for the latter* ;i3ei#e, he in#u'te% "tha&

    ;)e>, curt inter)reter, by #huting at hi&, Ani&a' 3a, ba3'a 3a*

    he tea& ha% the cca#in t ta'3 t Atty* Franci#c 9* E#ca, a

    fr&er u%ge* 9e cnfi%e% t the& that he can n 'nger ta3e hi#

    -re#)n%ent u%ge. abu#e#, arrgance, an% crru)tin* 9e$er,

    accr%ing t !urt A%&ini#tratr ;c3, there i# n e$i%ence t #u#tain the

    charge f crru)tin*

    On the charge f granting bai' t a Mu#'i& h#e ca#e a# nt

    a##igne% t "u%ge +re%ri?# #a'a, #uffice it t #tate that he a#

    authri>e% by thi# !urt in it# Re#'utin %ate% A)ri' 8, 2005 t )re#i%e

    $er /ranch 5 here the ca#e a# raff'e%*

    On the charge f 7ua#hing an r%er f arre#t again#t Pa'&)n

    6ice=Mayr !n#tantin u)a, the recr%# #h that thi# &atter i# the

    #ubect f an a%&ini#trati$e c&)'aint, %c3ete% a# A*M* O!A IPI N* 05=

    2244=R", #ti'' )en%ing e$a'uatin by the O!A*

    @e are cn$ince% that "u%ge +e%ri?# actuatin# in the )re&i#e#

    cn#titute cn%uct unbec&ing a u%ge* he u#e f inte&)erate 'anguage

    i# inc'u%e% in the )r#cri)tin )r$i%e% by

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    er%e# )ub'ic cnfi%ence in the u%iciary* hu#, it i# their %uty t a$i% any

    i&)re##in f i&)r)riety in r%er t )rtect the i&age an% integrity f

    the u%iciary*

    hu#, the curt fin%# re#)n%ent u%ge +re%ri gui'ty f cn%uct

    unbec&ing f a u%ge, c'a##ifie% a# a 'ight charge un%er

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    CYNT$IA AD(INCULA (S ATTY. ERNESTO MACABATA

    AC #20), M!*+ #, 200#

    C$ICO-NAARIO, J.:

    FACTS

    !&)'ainant A%$incu'a #ught the 'ega' a%$ice f re#)n%ent

    Macabata, regar%ing her c''ectib'e# fr& ueen#ay ra$e' an% ur#*

    he t &et in a re#taurant in ue>n !ity t %i#cu## the )##ibi'ity f

    fi'ing a c&)'aint again#t ueen#ay becau#e they %i% nt #ett'e their

    accunt# a# %e&an%e%* After %inner, re#)n%ent t3 c&)'ainant h&e

    an% a# #he a# abut t #te) ut f the car, the re#)n%ent he'% her ar&

    an% 3i##e% her n the chee3 an% e&brace% her tight'y*

    After a't a &nth, they &et again in

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    re#)n%ent?# fee# an% it a# re#)n%ent h u'% a'ay# )ay e$ery

    ti&e they u'% eat ut* he I/P i&)#e% a ne &nth #u#)en#in n the

    re#)n%ent*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt re#)n%ent c&&itte% act# that are gr##'y i&&ra'

    r hich cn#titute #eriu# &ra' %e)ra$ity that u'% arrant hi#

    %i#bar&ent r #u#)en#in*

    $ELD

    he !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity frbi%# 'ayer# fr&

    engaging in un'afu', %i#hne#t, i&&ra' r %eceitfu' cn%uct* he !urt

    )ercei$e# the act f 3i##ing -be#=be#. n the chee3# a# &ere ge#ture#

    f frien%#hi) an% ca&ara%erie fr f greeting#, ca#ua' an% cu#t&ary*

    he act f re#)n%ent in turning the hea% f the c&)'ainant tar%#

    hi&, 3i##ing her n the 'i)# are %i#ta#tefu' but they cannt be cn#i%ere%

    a# gr##'y i&&ra'* @hi'e re#)n%ent 3i##e% her n the 'i)#, that a# nt

    &ti$ate% by &a'ice* he !urt c&e# t the cnc'u#in becau#e right

    after the c&)'ainant e)re##e% her annyance at being 3i##e%, thrugh

    a ce''u'ar tet &e##age, re#)n%ent i&&e%iate'y eten%e% an a)'gy t

    c&)'ainant* ;i3ei#e, if re#)n%ent ante% t i&)#e hie'f n the

    c&)'ainant, he u'% ha$e ch#en a &re #ec'u%e% )'ace here he

    cu'% &a3e hi# #eua' a%$ance#* A'' t'%, re#)n%ent# act# are nt

    gr##'y i&&ra' nr high'y re)rehen#ib'e t arrant %i#bar&ent r

    #u#)en#in*

    he c&)'aint i# hereby %i#&i##e%* 9e$er, Macabata i#

    REPRIMANDEDt be &re )ru%ent an% cautiu# ith hi# actin# hen

    %ea'ing ith hi# c'ient#*

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    ATTY. GEORGE C. BRIONES $#* ATTY. JACINTO D. JIMENE

    A.C. No. 1 A/* 2#, 200#

    AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.:

    FACTS

    Atty* +erge /rine# c'ai that Atty* "acint "i&ene> an% the 9eir#

    engage% again in fru& #h))ing hen Atty* "i&ene>, a# cun#e' fr the

    9eir#, fi'e% a cri&ina' c&)'aint an% eecute% an affi%a$it again#t Atty*

    /rine# fr re#i#ting an% #eriu#'y %i#beying the R! Or%er %ate% A)ri' ,

    2002 hich %irecte% Atty* /rine# t %e'i$er the re#i%ue f the e#tate t

    the 9eir# in )r)rtin t their #hare#, )uni#hab'e un%er Artic'e 151 f the

    Re$i#e% Pena' !%e*

    ISSUES

    1. @hether r nt Atty* "i&ene> i# gui'ty f fru& #h))ing*

    2. @hether r nt Atty* "i&ene> $i'ate% Ru'e 1G*01 f the !%e f

    Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    $ELD

    @9EREFORE, Atty* "acint D* "i&ene> i# fun% 34" f an%

    REPRIMANDED fr $i'atin f Ru'e 1G*01 f the !%e f Prfe##ina'

    Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    1. he !urt agree# ith the O/! that Atty* "i&ene> i# %o4 34" o

    o*36 7o//%* Recr%# #h that re#)n%ent, a# cun#e' fr

    the heir# f the 'ate ;u> "* 9en#n, fi'e% a #)ecia' ci$i' actin

    %c3ete% a# !A=+*R*

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    )ay&ent f c&&i##in t c&)'ainant* It i# e$i%ent that there i#

    i%entity f )artie# 34 &e*e%4 +!37e7 o !+4o% !%& *ee7

    7o34* 9ence, Atty* "i&ene> i# nt gui'ty f fru& #h))ing* he

    !urt 'i3ei#e fin%# n fau't n the )art f re#)n%ent in eecuting

    an affi%a$it in #u))rt f the cri&ina' c&)'aint a# he'% in

    the Santiago ca#e*

    2. 9e$er, there i# #ufficient grun% in #u))rt f Atty* /rine#?

    c&)'ain that Atty* "i&ene> 9o!4e&the Ru'e 1G*01 f the !%e f

    Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an% !7 *e/*6!%&e& o* 9o!4o% o

    4e R3e* Recr%# re$ea' that befre re#)n%ent a##i#te% the 9eir#

    in fi'ing the cri&ina' c&)'aint again#t herein c&)'ainant, he #ent

    %e&an% 'etter# t the 'atter t c&)'y ith the Or%er f "u%ge i)n

    t %e'i$er the re#i%ue f the e#tate t the heir# f the 'ate ;u> "*

    9en#n* !n#i%ering that Atty* /rine# %i% nt re)'y t the %e&an%

    'etter#, Atty* "i&ene> )te% t fi'e #ai% cri&ina' c&)'aint in beha'f

    f hi# c'ient# fr refu#a' t bey the 'afu' r%er f the curt*

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    ALE; B. CUETO 9 ATTY. JOSE B. JIMENE, JR.

    A.C. No. 5#8 J!%3!*" 20, 2005

    CORONA, J:

    FACTS

    Engr* A'e /* !uet fi'e% an a%&ini#trati$e ca#e again#t Atty*

    "i&ene> fr ha$ing $i'ate% the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an%

    !ann# f Prfe##ina' Ethic# hen he fi'e% a cri&ina' ca#e again#t hi& fr

    the c''ectin f the P20,000*00 ba'ance )en%ing hi# ntaria' fee*

    After ntari>ing the %cu&ent fr "#e "i&ene> III, the #n f Atty*

    "i&ene> an% ner f the bui'%ing, the 'atter %e&an%e% a P50,000 fee fr

    #uch #er$ice* abut the 'atter?# un)ai% bi'' fr !uet?# #er$ice#

    a# genera' cntractr* De#)ite the a%$ice, Atty* "i&ene> #ti'' %e)#ite% the

    chec3, hich a# cn#e7uent'y %i#hnre% fr 'ac3 f #ufficient fun%#*

    Meanhi'e, the P2,500,000 chec3 i##ue% by the 'ayer?# #n t !uet a#

    initia' )ay&ent )ur#uant t the !n#tructin Agree&ent a# a'#

    %i#hnre% fr ha$ing been %ran fr& a c'#e% accunt* hereafter,

    Atty* "i&ene> fi'e% a cri&ina' ca#e again#t Engr* !uet in $i'atin f /P 22

    -Anti=/uncing !hec3# ;a.* It a# in the )en%ency f hich that !uet

    fi'e% the a%&ini#trati$e c&)'aint again#t Atty* "i&ene>* he I/P, after

    recei$ing n re#)n#e fr& the 'ayer %e#)ite a ntice t e)'ain,

    re#'$e% t #anctin #uch act in $i'atin f !ann 20, Ru'e 20*4 f the

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    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an% rec&&en%e% that Atty* "#e /*

    "i&ene>, "r* be re)ri&an%e%* 9ence, the ca#e at bar*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt Atty* "i&ene> i# gui'ty f ha$ing $i'ate% !ann 20,

    Ru'e 20*4 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity

    $ELD

    @9EREFORE, Atty* "#e "i&ene>, "r* i# hereby SE(ERELY REPRIMANDED

    fr $i'ating !ann 20, Ru'e 20*4 f the !%e f Prfe##ina'

    Re#)n#ibi'ity

    !ann 20, Ru'e 20*4 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity

    &an%ate# that HaJ 'ayer #ha'' a$i% cntr$er#ie# ith c'ient#

    cncerning hi# c&)en#atin an% #ha'' re#rt t u%icia' actin n'y t

    )re$ent i&)#itin, inu#tice r frau%*H ;i3ei#e, in !ann 14 f the

    !ann# f Prfe##ina' Ethic# it #tate# that, HcJntr$er#ie# ith c'ient#

    cncerning c&)en#atin are t be a$i%e% by the 'ayer # far a# #ha''

    be c&)atib'e ith hi# #e'f=re#)ect an% ith hi# right t recei$e

    rea#nab'e rec&)en#e fr hi# #er$ice an% 'a#uit# ith the c'ient#

    #hu'% be re#rte% t n'y t )re$ent inu#tice, i&)#itin r frau%*H

    here a# c'ear'y n i&)#itin, inu#tice r frau% btaining in thi#

    ca#e t u#tify the 'ega' actin ta3en by re#)n%ent* A# brne ut by the

    recr%#, c&)'ainant !uet ha% a'rea%y )ai% &re than ha'f f

    re#)n%ent?# fee* re#rt t a #uit t rec$er the ba'ance re$ea'# a

    certain 3in% f #ha&efu' cn%uct an% incn#i%erate beha$ir that c'ear'y

    un%er&ine# the tenet e&b%ie% in !ann 15 that HAJ 'ayer #hu'%

    b#er$e can%r, fairne## an% 'ya'ty in a'' hi# %ea'ing# an% tran#actin#

    ith hi# c'ient*H An% hat can e #ay abut the fai'ure f re#)n%ent?# #n

    "#e III t )ay hi# n b'igatin t c&)'ainant !uetK It in a'' )rbabi'ity

    e)'ain# hy !uet ran #hrt f fun%#*

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    Re#)n%ent therefre #hu'% ha$e been &re t'erant f the %e'ay

    incurre% by c&)'ainant !uet*

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    A44" ORLANDO DION 97. A44" MARIC$U LAMBINO

    A.C.No. 8 AUGUST , 200

    CARPIO-MORALES, J:

    FACTS

    he 3i''ing %uring a ru&b'e n Dece&ber (, 1GG4 f Bni$er#ity f

    the Phi'i))ine# -BP. gra%uating #tu%ent Denni# 6enturina, the chair)er#n

    f the BP !''ege f Pub'ic A%&ini#tratin n, then !hief f

    the n re7ue#te% t ta3e the& int hi# cu#t%y* Atty* Marichu ;a&bin,

    ;ega' !un#e' f BP Di'i&an, h re)aire% t the Office f !'* /entain,

    a%$i#e% again#t Atty* Di>nL# &$e, he$er, he nt being ar&e% ith a

    arrant fr their arre#t* !hance''r P#a%a# an% 6ice !hance''r fr

    #tu%ent# R#ari rre#=u, h a'# re)aire% t the ffice f the c'ne',

    ine% Atty* ;a&bin in ))#ing the turn=$er f the #u#)ect# t Atty*

    Di>n, %e#)ite the 'atterL# c'ai& that un%er it# !harter the N/I a#

    authri>e% t &a3e arrant'e## arre#t#*

    he #u#)ect#L 'ayer, ne Atty* 6i''a&r, 'ater a'# #he% u) at the

    ffice f !'* /entain an% after hat a))eare% t be a heate% %i#cu##in

    beteen Atty* Di>n an% the BP fficia'#, the #tu%ent# ere a''e% t g

    bac3 t their %r&itrie#, ith Atty* 6i''a&r un%erta3ing t acc&)any

    the& t the N/I the f''ing &rning* he t #tu%ent=#u#)ect# ere

    e$entua''y in%icte% in curt*

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    9ence, ari#e# the fi'ing f a c&)'aint by Atty* Di>n again#t Atty*

    ;a&bin befre the Integrate% /ar f the Phi'i))ine# -I/P., fr $i'atin f

    !ann 1, Ru'e# 1*1 t 1* f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    Atty* Di>n ha% ear'ier fi'e% a cri&ina' c&)'aint a'# again#t Atty*

    ;a&bin, tgether ith !hance''r P#a%a# an% 6ice !hance''r rre#=u

    an% !'* /entain, befre the O&bu%#&an, fr $i'atin f P*D* 1(2G hich

    &a3e# it un'afu' fr anyne t b#truct the a))rehen#in an%

    )r#ecutin f cri&ina' ffen#e#* Atty* ;a&bin in turn charge% Atty* Di>n

    befre the I/P ith $i'atin f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity,

    #)ecifica''y !ann 1, Ru'e 1*01, 1*02, an% 1*0 !ann 8, Ru'e# 8*01 an%

    8*02 an% !ann (, Ru'e (*01*

    ISSUES

    -1. @hether r nt the act f Atty* ;a&bin in refu#ing t turn $er the

    #u#)ecte% #tu%ent# t the gru) f Atty* Di>n cn#titute# $i'atin f

    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity

    -2. @hether r nt the act f Atty* Di>n in trying t arre#t the #tu%ent=

    #u#)ect# cn#titute# $i'atin f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    $ELD

    On the fir#t i##ue, Re)rt an% Rec&&en%atin #ub&itte% t

    the /ar% f +$ernr# f the I/P n "une 20, 2005, !/D

    In$e#tigating !&&i##iner

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    In%ee%, Atty* ;a&bin a# 'ega''y u#tifie% in a%$i#ing again#t the

    turn$er f the #u#)ect# t Atty* Di>n, there being n ba#i# fr hi& t

    effect a arrant'e## arre#t* Atty* Di>nL# a%&ini#trati$e c&)'aint again#t

    her &u#t then be %i#&i##e%*

    On the #ecn% i##ue, re#)ecting the c&)'aint again#t Atty* Di>n,

    thi# !urt, a'# in Posadas v. Ombudsman, he'% that fr the fai'ure f the

    N/I agent# t c&)'y ith the cn#titutina' an% )rce%ura' re7uire&ent#,

    their atte&)t t arre#t the t #tu%ent=#u#)ect# ithut a arrant a#

    i''ega'*

    @ith re#)ect t the c&)'aint again#t Atty* Di>n, the

    !&&i##iner rec&&en%e% t re)ri&an% hi& fr $i'ating the !%e f

    Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity in rec3'e##'y trying t arre#t the #u#)ect#

    ithut arrant*

    In the &ain, Atty* Di>n in$3e%

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    Ru'e 1*02*A 'ayer #ha'' nt cun#e' r abet acti$itie# ai&e% at %efiance

    f the 'a r at 'e##ening cnfi%ence in the 'ega' #y#te&*

    @9EREFORE, the ca#e again#t Atty* Marichu !* ;a&bin i#

    DI

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    Ro7! Y!/ P!*!7 9 J374o P!*!7

    A.C. No. ))# J3%e #, 200#

    Garcia, J.:

    FACTS

    Petitiner R#a a) Para# fi'e% a Mtin fr !nte&)tCDi#bar&ent

    again#t Re#)n%ent Atty* "u#t Para# fr "u#t?# a''ege% $i'atin f a

    #u#)en#in r%er ear'ier &ete% u)n hi& by the !urt* he &tin a''ege#

    that "u#t ha# cntinue% hi# )ractice f after the recei)t f #u#)en#in n

    the grun% that the a''ege% fi'ing f hi# &tin fr recn#i%eratin

    #u#)en%# r interru)t# the running f the )eri% t a))ea'*

    On G

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    ISSUE

    @hether r nt "u#t Para# #hu'% be %i#barre%

    $ELD

    A!!ORDIN+;, the Mtin fr !nte&)t an%Cr Di#bar&ent i#

    DENIED* 9e$er, Atty* "u#t Para# i# hereby REPRIMANDED fr hi#

    fai'ure t b#er$e the re#)ect %ue the !urt in nt )r&)t'y c&)'ying

    ith thi# !urtL# re#'utin, ith 'ARNING that a &re %ra#tic

    )uni#h&ent i'' be i&)#e% u)n hi& fr a re)etitin f the #a&e act*

    he curt fin%# n #ufficient ba#i# t #u))rt R#a?# a''egatin that

    Atty* Para# $i'ate% the !urtL# #u#)en#in r%er, hat ith the fact that

    Atty* Para# hie'f t3 the initiati$e t infr& the 'er curt# f hi# ne=

    year #u#)en#in fr& 'a )ractice*

    In a nu&ber f ca#e#, e ha$e re)eate%'y e)'aine% an% #tre##e%

    that the )ur)#e f %i#bar&ent i# nt &eant a# a )uni#h&ent t %e)ri$e

    an attrney f a &ean# f 'i$e'ih% but i# rather inten%e% t )rtect the

    curt# an% the )ub'ic fr& &e&ber# f the bar h ha$e bec&e unfit

    an% unrthy t be )art f the e#tee&e% an% nb'e )rfe##in* ;i3ei#e,

    the )ur)#e f the eerci#e f the )er t cite fr cnte&)t i# t

    #afeguar% the functin# f the curt t a##ure re#)ect fr curt r%er# by

    attrney# h, a# &uch a# u%ge#, are re#)n#ib'e fr the r%er'y

    a%&ini#tratin f u#tice*

    "u#t a%&itte% that he ha% been 'e## than )ru%ent, an% in%ee% fe''

    #hrt, f hi# b'igatin t f'', bey an% c&)'y ith the #)ecific Or%er

    f the 9nrab'e

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    L!"! (. S!%4o7, e4 ! 97 J3&e Ro!%&o G. $o

    A.M. No. RTJ-05-1) J!%3!*" 2, 200#

    Austria-Marin!, J.:

    FACTS

    !&)'ainant ;igaya

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    On Dece&ber 14, 2004, the )r#ecutin )re#ente% it# fir#t itne##

    h re=affir&e% hi# affi%a$it an% )#iti$e'y i%entifie% a'' the a''ege%

    &a'efactr#, inc'u%ing c&)'ainant#* On Dece&ber 18, 2004, the #ecn%

    itne## )re#ente% by the )r#ecutin h i# an a''ege% c=cn#)iratr

    %irect'y i&)'icate% ;igaya

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    he act f "u%ge in %enying the c&)'ainant# the right t )re#ent

    e$i%ence cn#titute# #i&)'e ignrance f the 'a but in the ab#ence f

    &a'ice, crru)t &ti$e# r i&)r)er cn#i%eratin# n the )art f the

    re#)n%ent* Re#)n%ent fai'e% t b#er$e an% cn#i%er fr hi# )r)er

    %eter&inatin an% e$a'uatin the eight f e$i%ence )re#ente% by the

    )r#ecutin* !ann , Ru'e *01 f the !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct &an%ate#

    that a u%ge #ha'' be faithfu' t the 'a# an% &aintain )rfe##ina'

    c&)etence* Nthing in the recr%# #ugge#t# that re#)n%ent a#

    &ti$ate% by &a'ice r crru)t &ti$e# t %eny the a))'icatin fr bai'*

    !&)'ainant# fai'e% t #ub#tantiate their ther a''egatin# ith c&)etent

    )rf be#i%e# their n bare a''egatin#* Re#)n%ent# %i% hat he

    thught a# right un%er the 'a an% e#tab'i#he% )rinci)'e#* 9ence,

    re#)n%ent cu'% nt be he'% 'iab'e fr &anife#t )artia'ity an% #eriu#

    &i#cn%uct*

    Mre$er, fr #eriu# &i#cn%uct t ei#t, the u%icia' act

    c&)'aine% f #hu'% be crru)t r in#)ire% by an intentin t $i'ate the

    'a r a )er#i#tent %i#regar% f e''=3nn 'ega' ru'e#* he recr%# are

    bereft f any e$i%ence t thi# effect t arrant %i#ci)'inary actin again#t

    re#)n%ent*

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    FLORENCIA SOMOSOT 97. ATTY. ELIAS PONTE(EDRA

    A.C. No. )285 M!" 2, 200

    =UISUMBING,J.:

    FACTS

    F'rencia

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    E66!%3e (e!7+o 9 J3&e A&o*!+o% A%ee7

    A.M. No. RTJ-05-108 A3374 15, 200#

    Car"i#, J.:

    FACTS

    hi# a%&ini#trati$e ca#e c$er# 10 c&)'aint# fi'e% by E&&anue'

    n 6e'a#c,

    he re)rt an% rec&&en%atin %ate% Dec* 1, 2004 f "u#tice ia&

    ut'ine# the ff charge# again#t the "u%ge

    1. Mi#7uting 6e'a#c in ba% faith an% accu#ing hi& f fa'#ifying a

    )ub'ic %cu&ent

    2. B#ing inte&)erate 'anguage in )'ea%ing# fi'e% befre the Office f

    the Pre#i%ent an% the Office f the !urt A%&ini#tratr -O!A.,

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    4. 6i#iting the

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    in#tance# hen #he u#e% inte&)erate 'anguage fr her )'ea%ing# high=

    fau't tin the#i# in#u't t inte''igence 6e'a#c?#J &in% ha# been #u%%en'y

    tran#fr&e% int a chea) factry f bgu# charge# a &nu&ent t

    hy)cri#y the in#tant c&)'aint can be c&)are% t the 'a#t

    grunting ni#e# f a %ying rat that beca&e tra))e% in it# n gu''ibi'ity

    iJt i# $ery %i#gu#ting that 6e'a#cJ i# acting 'i3e a cry baby begging fr

    attentin an% eJ$en the greate#t f cr3# can ea#i'y &a3e

    %i#gui#e#* E$en '$e# can %re## in #hee)?# c'thing*

    he e#tee&e% )#itin f a &agi#trate f the 'a %e&an%# te&)erance,

    )atience an% curte#y bth in cn%uct an% 'anguage*

    "u#tice ia& a'# fun% Ange'e# gui'ty f inte&)erate 'anguage in

    her #tate&ent# again#t "u#tice /e''#i'' in her )'ea%ing# befre the Office

    f the Pre#i%ent an% the

    beteen 6e'a#c an% "u#tice /e''#i''*

    @e agree that re#)n%ent #hu'% ha$e been &re circu)ect in

    her 'anguage*@e ha$e he'% in a 'ng 'ine f ca#e# that the u%ge i# the

    $i#ib'e re)re#entatin f the 'a* hu#, a u%ge &u#t beha$e at a'' ti&e# in

    #uch a &anner that hi# r her cn%uct, fficia' r theri#e, can ith#tan%

    the t #earching )ub'ic #crutiny* he ethica' )rinci)'e# an% #en#e f

    )r)riety f a u%ge are e##entia' t the )re#er$atin f the )e)'e?# faith

    in the u%icia' #y#te&* 9e$er, e % nt agree that Ange'e#?# actin

    &erit# the fin%ing f in%irect cnte&)t again#t her* Ange'e#?# utbur#t

    a# %ue t the fact that the #ubect 'etter f "u#tice /e''#i'' a#

    a%%re##e% t then !hief "u#tice Da$i%e, "r*, c)y furni#he% a'' A##ciate

    "u#tice# f the

    It i# e)ecte% f her t try t fin% ut h c&)'ainant gt h'% f a c)y

    f the 'etter*

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    JULIO B. (EROSA 97 JUDGE MANUEL E. CONTRERAS

    A.M. No. MTJ-0-1> M!*+ 12, 200#

    AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.:

    FACTS

    !&)'ainant a''ege# that he i# a fre#t ranger f the De)art&ent f

    En$irn&ent an% Natura' Re#urce# -DENR. Prtecte% Area Office* On

    A)ri' 14, 2004, hi'e cn%ucting #ur$ei''ance n trea#ure hunting

    acti$itie# in Mt* I#arg Natura' Par3, Oca&), !a&arine#

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    u#t inci%enta' that he cau#e% the a))rehen#in f the truc3 'a%e% ith

    #t'en tru##e# an% bar# f the P;D er*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt "u%ge Manue' E* !ntrera#, be a%&ni#he% fr

    $i'atin f Ru'e *12-a. f the Ne !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct*

    $ELD

    he curt ru'e% that the re#)n%ent "u%ge $i'ate% the !%e f

    "u%icia' !n%uct *12-a. f !ann , !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct, t it

    Ru'e *12 = A u%ge #hu'% ta3e n )art in a )rcee%ing here the u%geL#

    i&)artia'ity &ight rea#nab'y be 7ue#tine%* he#e ca#e# inc'u%e, a&ng

    ther#, )rcee%ing# here

    -a. the u%ge ha# )er#na' 3n'e%ge f %i#)ute% e$i%entiary fact#

    cncerning the )rcee%ing*

    Recr%# re$ea' that re#)n%ent ha% )rir 3n'e%ge f the 'ting

    an% %i#&ant'ing at the P;D er in Oca&), !a&arine#

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    D!9& !%& M!*7! '!67 9A44". R3&" E%*?3e@

    A.C. No. >5> Fe*3!*" 2#, 200

    Ca$$%#, SR., J.:

    FACTS

    Re#)n%ent Atty* Enri7ue> i# the cun#e' f recr% f c&)'ainant=

    #)u#e# Da$i% an% Mari#a @i''ia in a ci$i' ca#e )en%ing befre the R!

    in Du&aguete here the #)u#e# are the %efen%ant#* Accr%ing t the

    c&)'ainant=#)u#e#, Mari#a @i''ia bught the 't #ubect f the

    cntr$er#y* A ran#fer !ertificate f it'e a# then i##ue% in her fa$r,

    #tating that #he i# HFi'i)in, &arrie% t Da$i% @* @i''ia, an A&erican

    citi>en*HOn "anuary (, 2004, Atty* Enri7ue> charge% Mari#a @i''ia ith

    fa'#ificatin f )ub'ic %cu&ent# befre the Office f the !ity Pr#ecutr f

    Du&aguete a''eging that Mari#a /acatan=@i''ia aut&atica''y '#t her

    Fi'i)in citi>en#hi) hen #he &arrie% an A&erican, an% a# thu#

    )rhibite% t n 'an% in the Phi'i))ine#, thereby &a3ing her gui'ty f

    fa'#ificatin in the Dee% #he eecute% t buy )r)erty in Negr# Orienta'*

    9e$er, in her cunter=affi%a$it, Mari#a cite# Artic'e I6, en#hi)

    hen #he &arrie% an A&erican un'e## #he renunce% it in a #)ecific act*

    In re)'y, Atty* Enri7ue>, 7ute# &re ut%ate% 'a, %ec'aring that her Hact

    f &arryingH her hu#ban% a# e7ui$a'ent t renuncing her citi>en#hi)*

    9e a'# %gge%'y atte&)t# t #h that the 1G( !n#titutin #u))rt#

    hi# )#itin, nt Mari#a?#*

    On Dece&ber 1, 2004, the ca#e a# referre% t the Integrate% /ar

    f the Phi'i))ine# fr in$e#tigatin, re)rt an% rec&&en%atin an% then

    ru'e% that re#)n%ent Atty* Enri7ue> be Hre)ri&an%e%, ith a arning an%

    a%$ice t #tu%y each an% e$ery )inin he &ay gi$e t hi# c'ient#*H

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    ISSUE

    @hether r nt the#e fact# cn#true that Atty* Enri7ue> can be

    charge% ith Hun'afu', %i#hne#t, i&&ra' an% %eceitfu' act# in $i'atin

    f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an% the !ann# f Prfe##ina'

    Ethic#*

    $ELD

    @herefre, fr gr## ignrance f the 'a, Atty* Ru%y * Enri7ue> i#

    REPRIMANDEDan% a%$i#e% t carefu''y #tu%y the )inin# he &ay gi$e

    t hi# c'ient#* 9e i# #tern'y arne% that a re)etitin f a #i&i'ar act #ha''

    be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y*

    Atty* Enri7ue> i# a%&ini#trati$e'y 'iab'e fr hi# actuatin# fr there i#

    n e$i%ence #hn by hi& that c&)'ainant Mari#a /acatan=@i''ia ha#

    renunce% her Fi'i)in citi>en#hi) ece)t her !ertificate f Marriage,

    hich %e# nt #h that #he ha# aut&atica''y ac7uire% her hu#ban%?#

    citi>en#hi) u)n her &arriage t hi&* he ca#e# cite% by Atty* Enri7ue>

    are nt a))'icab'e in thi# ca#e a# it i# c'ear that they refer t a'ien#

    ac7uiring 'an%# in the Phi'i))ine#* A# )inte% ut by the In$e#tigating

    !&&i##iner, !ann 5 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity re7uire#

    that a 'ayer be u)%ate% in the 'ate#t 'a# an% uri#)ru%ence* In%ee%,

    hen the 'a i# # e'e&entary, nt t 3n it r t act a# if ne %e# nt

    3n it cn#titute# gr## ignrance f the 'a* A# a retire% u%ge,

    re#)n%ent #hu'% ha$e 3nn that it i# hi# %uty t 3ee) hie'f e''=

    infr&e% f the 'ate#t ru'ing# f the !urt n the i##ue# an% 'ega'

    )rb'e cnfrnting a c'ient* In thi# ca#e, the 'a he a))arent'y

    &i#cn#true% i# n 'e## than the !n#titutin, the t ba#ic 'a f the

    'an%*

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    @ARNIN+

    Page | 1

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    JIMMY T. GO !..!. JAIME T. GAISANO 97 $ON. EUS C. ABROGAR

    e4 !

    G.R. No. 1)521> M!*+ 28, 200

    AZCUNA, J.:

    FACTS

    hi# i# an a))ea' by )etitin fr re$ie un%er Ru'e 45 f the Ru'e# f

    !urt fr& a %eci#in f the !urt f A))ea'#*

    Internatina' Echange /an3 fi'e% a !&)'aint befre the R! f

    Ma3ati fr !''ectin f a

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    'ayer they fi'e% a Ntice f A))ea' but R! i##ue% an r%er %enying the

    Ntice f A))ea' n the grun% that the reg'e&entary )eri% ha% a'rea%y

    e)ire% n N$e&ber 4, 1GGG, r ne %ay befre +ai#an fi'e% hi# Ntice

    f A))ea', cn#i%ering that hi# )re$iu# 'ega' cun#e' Atty* "a$ier recei$e%

    a c)y f the %eci#in n Octber 20, 1GGG* he %eci#in ha$ing bec&e

    fina' an% eecutry u)n &tin by the /an3, the R! r%ere% the

    i##uance f a @rit f Eecutin again#t )etitiner* +ai#an i# n befre

    thi# !urt n a Petitin fr Re$ie by !ertirari un%er Ru'e 45 f the Ru'e#

    f !urt t re$er#e the %enia' f hi# Petitin fr !ertirari by the !urt f

    A))ea'#* +ai#an argue# that he #hu'% be gi$en a ne tria' a# hi# fr&er

    cun#e', Atty* "a$ier a# gr##'y neg'igent in the han%ing f hi# ca#e an%

    that he ha# a &eritriu# %efen#e*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt hi# Ntice f A))ea' fr& the %eci#in f the

    Regina' ria' !urt -R!. #hu'% be gi$en %ue cur#e %e#)ite ha$ing

    been fi'e% 'ate

    $ELD

    @herefre, the )etitin i# %enie%* he !urt fin%# the )etitin

    ithut &erit* It #hu'% be nte% that the a##ai'e% %eci#in a# %eci%e%

    by the !urt f A))ea'# un%er Ru'e 85 f the Ru'e# f !urt* be grante%

    re'ief un%er a #)ecia' ci$i' actin, it &u#t be cn$incing'y )r$en that the

    curt a 7u c&&itte% gra$e abu#e f %i#cretin, r an act cn#tituting a

    )atent an% gr## e$a#in f a %uty, r a $irtua' refu#a' t )erfr& the %uty

    enine% r t act in cnte&)'atin f 'a, r that the tria' curt eerci#e%

    it# )er# in an arbitrary an% %e#)tic &anner by rea#n f )a##in an%

    )er#na' h#ti'ity* /earing thi# #tan%ar% in &in%, the !urt fin%# n errr

    in the %enia' f the )etitin by the !urt f A))ea'# a# there a# n

    Page |

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    #hing that the R! ha% gra$e'y abu#e% it# %i#cretin r hiica''y

    eerci#e% it# u%g&ent* he !urt agree# ith the R! an% the !urt f

    A))ea'# that the %eci#in a# )r)er'y &ai'e% t Atty* "a$ier a# he a#

    #ti'' cun#e' f recr%* 9i# recei)t f the %eci#in n Octber 20, 1GGG i#,

    therefre, the #tarting )int fr& hich t cunt the 15=%ay reg'e&entary

    )eri%* he R!, therefre, crrect'y %i#&i##e% the Ntice f A))ea' that

    a# fi'e% 'ate*

    Bn%er

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    STRICTLY 'ARNED nt t &a3e %i#re#)ectfu' #tate&ent# again#t a

    "u%ge ithut ba#i# in the recr%# r the e$i%ence*

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    FINE

    Page | 8

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    ROSARIO ADRIANO (SJUDGE FRANCISCO (ILLANUE(A

    A.M. NO. MTJ-- 12>2 DECEMBER8, 200>

    PANGANIBAN,J.:

    FACTS

    An a%&ini#trati$e ca#e a# fi'e% again#t "u%ge Franci#c D*

    6i''anue$a fr i&&ra'ity* hi# #te&&e% fr& a 'etter f c&)'aint fi'e% by

    R#ari * A%rian charging hi& ith gr## ignrance f the 'a,

    3ning'y ren%ering an unu#t u%g&ent, gra$e abu#e f %i#cretin an%

    cn%uct f unbec&ing a tria' u%ge*

    On her 'etter=c&)'aint, A%rian #tate% that the ac7uitta' f

    accu#e% Fe F'r 6a'in f charge# f &i#re)re#enting an% recr%ing her

    na&e in the %eath certificate a# the ife f the %ecea#e% hu#ban% f

    herein c&)'ainant, cuntenance% the cri&ina' act# #ubect f the ca#e

    that re#)n%ent# 'eniency tar%# the accu#e% h a# the &i#tre## f

    her %ecea#e% hu#ban%, &ay ha$e been brught abut by hi# n )ractice

    f chabiting ith a &an h i# nt hi# 'ega' ife, hich cn#titute#

    cn%uct unbec&ing a u%ge*

    !&)'ainant he$er %i% nt #)ecify the na&e f the na&e f the

    &an h a''ege%'y i# the &i#tre## f "u%ge 6i''anue$a but #)ecifie% the

    a%%re## a# N* 1 9anna

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    R#ari D* A%rian?# #rn c&)'aint, be re=%c3ete% a# an a%&ini#trati$e

    &atter #e)arate fr& thi# ca#e, be in$e#tigate% an%, if fun% true, he

    #hu'% be %ea't ith accr%ing'y*

    ;a#t'y, ith regar% t the charge f cn%uct f unbec&ing a tria'

    u%ge, it a# fun% ut that c&)'ainant?# e$i%ence i# )ure'y

    circutantia'* It a# a'# fun% ut that re#)n%ent "u%ge ha% been

    )re$iu#'y accu#e% f the #a&e an% a# )ena'i>e% by )aying P40,000*00

    )e## an% #ince "u%ge 6i''anue$a i# a'rea%y retire%, he can n 'nger be

    %i#&i##e% r #u#)en%e%* A'thugh un%er Ru'e 140 f the Ru'e# f !urt,

    i&&ra'ity i# cn#i%ere% a #eriu# charge ith an i&)#ab'e )ena'ty f

    either %i#&i##a' r #u#)en#in fr& the #er$ice re#)n%ent?# retire&ent

    ren%er# the )ena'ty f either %i#&i##a' r #u#)en#in &t an% aca%e&ic*

    herefre rec&&en%ing the %i#&i##a' f herein a%&ini#trati$e &atter fr

    ha$ing been &t an% aca%e&ic in $ie f the %eci#in ren%ere% in A*M*

    N* M"=GG=120 entit'e%, NBI vs. udge !illanueva*

    A# t the "u%ge 6i''anue$a?# 'etter re7ue#ting the re'ea#e f hi#

    retire&ent benefit# an% the retentin f a cn#i%erab'e a&unt there fr&

    )en%ing re#'utin f the a%&ini#trati$e ca#e fi'e% again#t hi&, the !urt,

    affir&ing the rec&&en%atin f the De)uty !urt A%&ini#tratr, re#'$e

    that -a. DEN the re7ue#t f "u%ge Franci#c D* 6i''anue$a an%

    @I99O;D hi# c&)u'#ry retire&ent benefit#, ece)t hi# accrue% 'ea$e

    cre%it#, )en%ing the fina' re#'utin f AM N#* M"=GG=122 an% M"=GG=

    12 an% -b. DIRE! the IMMEDIAE RE;EA

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    $ELD

    he !urt ru'e% that re#)n%ent "u%ge gui'ty f #i&)'e &i#cn%uct,

    un%ue %e'ay in %e'ay in %eci%ing a ca#e an% gr## ignrance f the 'a,

    an% i&)#ing u)n hi& a fine f P40,000*00 t be %e%ucte% fr& hi#

    retire&ent benefit# hich ha$e been ithhe'% in $ie f the #ecn%

    a%&ini#trati$e ca#e fi'e% again#t hi& herein he a# fun% gui'ty an%

    fine%*

    A# t the )re#ent c&)'aint, charging the re#)n%ent i&&ra'ity r

    cn%uct f unbec&ing a tria' u%ge, #ince c&)'ainant %i% nt #)ecify the

    na&e f the &i#tre## but )r$i%e% the a%%re## hich turn# ut t be the

    #a&e a%%re## here re#)n%ent an% hi# '$er na&e% a# Marian 9errera

    ha$e been fun% t be chabiting, a# he'% in the N/I ca#e, the !urt

    rea#nab'y cnc'u%e% that the &i#tre## a''u%e% t by c&)'ainant in thi#

    ca#e &u#t be the #a&e &i#tre## #ubect f the N/I ca#e becau#e f the

    #i&i'arity f the gi$en a%%re##e# an% if thi# ere #, the )re#ent charge#

    f i&&ra'ity again#t re#)n%ent ha% a'rea%y been fu''y thre#he% ut in

    that N/I ca#e here the #a&e re#)n%ent a# fun% gui'ty theref an%

    &ete% ut a FINE o Fo*4" To37!%& Pe7o7 P)0,000.

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    Re: Re/o*4 o% 4e F%!%+! A3&4 o 4e Boo7 o A++o3%47 o

    A44". R!?3e o

    A.M. No. P-0-21## J3%e 2#, 200

    Co*o%!,J.:

    FACTS

    An au%it ha# been cn%ucte% by the Office f the !urt

    A%&ini#tratr -O!A. f the b3# f accunt# f Atty* Ra7ue' +* h,

    fr&er c'er3 f curt f the Regina' ria' !urt, /ranch 5, Ora#, Ea#tern

    e% %e)#itry ban3 the c''ectin# fr the Fi%uciary

    Fun% -P80,000. an%

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    ISSUE

    @hether r nt h?# fai'ure t re&it the fun%# in %ue ti&e

    cn#titute# gr## %i#hne#ty an% gr## &i#cn%uct*

    $ELD

    @herefre, Atty* Ra7ue' +* h i# hereby fun% +BI; f gr##

    &i#cn%uct fr hi# fai'ure t &a3e ti&e'y re&ittance f u%iciary fun%# in

    hi# cu#t%y* 9e i# r%ere% t )ay a FINE o P10,000ithin ten -10. %ay#

    fr& recei)t f thi# re#'utin*

    he fai'ure t re&it the fun%# in %ue ti&e cn#titute# gr##

    %i#hne#ty an% gr## &i#cn%uct* It %i&ini#he# the faith f the )e)'e in

    the "u%iciary* Di#hne#ty, being in the nature f a gra$e ffen#e, carrie#

    the etre&e )ena'ty f %i#&i##a' fr& the #er$ice e$en if c&&itte% fr

    the fir#t ti&e* 9e$er, h #he% re&r#e by i&&e%iate'y re#tituting

    the ca#h #hrtage# an% c&)'ying ith the %irecti$e# f the au%it tea&*

    An% cn#i%ering that thi# i# hi# fir#t ffen#e, e fin% that the )ena'ty

    f P10,000 fine i# #ufficient*

    h?# fai'ure t &a3e a ti&e'y turn=$er f ca#h %e)#ite% ith hi&

    a# inecu#ab'e becau#e he cu'% ha$e )urcha#e% )#ta' &ney r%er#

    fr& the 'ca' )#t ffice )ayab'e t the chief accuntant, Accunting

    Di$i#in, FMO=O!A* he &ney cu'% ha$e earne% intere#t ha% he nt

    3e)t the& in the $au't fr $er a year

    Mre$er, e$en thugh h ha% a'rea%y tran#ferre% t the

    De)art&ent f "u#tice, it neither ren%er# thi# &atter &t nr free# hi&

    fr& 'iabi'ity* 9i# &i#cn%uct ref'ect# n hi# fitne## a# a &e&ber f the

    bar* 9i# &a'fea#ance"rima fa#iecntra$ene# !ann 1, Ru'e 1*01 f the

    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity* Atty* h i# further r%ere% t

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    !AB

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    C!*6e% E&!o 9. J3&e F!46! A7&!!

    A.M. No. RTJ-0-200# De+e6e* , 2010

    Fo*6e*" A.M. OCA IPI No. 05-2>8-RTJ

    BRION,J.:

    FACTS

    hi# ca#e i# an a%&ini#trati$e c&)'aint fi'e% by herein c&)'ainant

    !ar&en E%an again#t re#)n%ent "u%ge A#%a'a, fr a''ege%'y %eci%ing n

    !i$i' !a#e N* =G=058 n March 22, 2005, hen in fact herein

    re#)n%ent u%ge actua''y ru'e% n #e$era' &tin# re'ate% t the

    afre&entine% ca#e e$en after March 22, 2005* In a%%itin t thi#,

    c&)'ainant E%an a''ege# that re#)n%ent "u%ge erre% in %enying her

    ntice f a))ea'* Further&re, herein c&)'ainant cau#e% %e'ay by ging

    beyn% the G0=%ay reg'a&entary )eri% fr ren%ering %eci#in#*

    In the re#)n#e f "u%ge A#%a'a, #he #tate% that the r%er# #he

    i##ue% after March 22, 2005 %i% nt tuch n the ca#e, but ere actua''y

    re'ate% t herein c&)'ainant?# recei$ing #u))rt"endent lite* In a%%itin

    t thi#, #he %enie% the c&)'ainant?# ntice f a))ea' becau#e

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    $ELD

    In the ru'ing f the

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    M3e E. Coo*!&o 9 J3&e R+!*&o M. A!/4o

    A.M. No. MTJ-0-158, J3" >, 200#

    Austria-Martin!, J:

    FACTS

    Migue' E* !'ra% fi'e% a #rn='etter c&)'aint %ate% 1 "anuary

    2001 charging "u%ge Ricar% M* Aga)it ith +r## Ignrance f the ;a

    an% +ra$e Abu#e f Authrity re'ati$e t !ri&ina' !a#e N#* 481=+ an%

    482=+ entit'e% Pe)'e $#* Migue' !'ra%, ith +ra$e

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    A curt Re#'utin %ate% 24 March 200 re7uire% re#)n%ent t

    &anife#t hether he a# i''ing t #ub&it the a%&ini#trati$e &atter

    again#t hi& fr re#'utin ithut hi# c&&ent* Again, he fai'e% t

    c&)'y ith it* In the Re#'utin f 28 "anuary 2005, the !urt r%ere%

    hi& t #h cau#e hy he #hu'% nt be %i#ci)'inari'y %ea't ith r he'% in

    cnte&)t fr fai'ure t &anife#t an% c&)'y ith the fir#t curt re#'utin*

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    In the Re#'utin %ate% 2G March 2008, the !urt referre% bac3 the

    a%&ini#trati$e &atter t the O!A fr e$a'uatin, re)rt, an%

    rec&&en%atin* On 0 Augu#t 2008, the O!A #ub&itte% it# e$a'uatin

    a# f''# that the ffen#e charge% again#t the accu#e% hich ha# an

    i&)#ab'e )ena'ty f &re than ne year %e# nt nee% a certificatin t

    fi'e actin fr& the /arangay that there a# n gra$e abu#e f %i#cretin

    in the i##uance f arrant f arre#t n a Fri%ay that there a# &erit in

    the neg'ect f re#)n%ent u%ge t re#'$e the )en%ing i##ue f the

    &tin fr inhibitin hich a# nt acte% u)n t the ti&e f hi#

    c&)u'#ry retire&ent an% that c&)'ainant !'ra% #hu'% ha$e

    i&&e%iate'y infr&e% the curt abut the en$e')e ithut any cntent#

    # that )r)er actin cu'% ha$e been %ne* he O!A rec&&en%e% that

    "u%ge Aga)it be fun% gui'ty f gr## neg'ect fr fai'ure t act n the

    &tin fr )rhibitin fi'e% by accu#e%=c&)'ainant !'ra% an% fr hi#

    fai'ure t )r&)t'y c&)'y ith the 'afu' r%er f !urt an% nt ffering

    a $a'i% ecu#e theref an% #hu'% be fine% P20,000*00, an% that the

    ithhe'% a&unt f P20,000*00 fr& hi# retire&ent benefit# #ha'' be

    cn#i%ere% the )ay&ent f the fine* he !urt agree% in tt ith the

    #ai% fin%ing# an% rec&&en%atin# f the O!A*

    ISSUES

    1. @hether r nt the O!A crrect'y )rcee%e% ith the a%&ini#trati$e

    ca#e again#t re#)n%ent u%ge ba#e% n the a))'icabi'ity f A*M*

    N* 0=10=01=

    A%&ini#trati$e !&)'aint#*

    2. @hether r nt re#)n%ent u%ge c&&itte% +r## Ignrance f the

    'a fr hi# fai'ure t re&an% r %i#&i## the ca#e in $ie f the

    ab#ence f the re7ui#ite certificate t fi'e actin i##ue% by the

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    barangay a# a &an%atry re7uire&ent f the atarungan

    Pa&barangay ;a an% the ;ca' +$ern&ent !%e*

    . @hether r nt re#)n%ent u%ge c&&itte% +ra$e abu#e f

    authrity fr the i##uance f a arrant f arre#t n a Fri%ay t

    en#ure c&)'ainant?# incarceratin fr t %ay#*

    4. @hether r nt re#)n%ent u%ge c&&itte% +ra$e abu#e f

    authrity an% bia# in cntinuing the hearing f the ca#e# an% fr

    fai'ure t act n the &tin fr inhibitin*

    5. @hether r nt there a# an intentin n the )art f re#)n%ent

    u%ge t )re$ent c&)'ainant?# a))earance in curt by #en%ing an

    en$e')e, ith a #u))#e% ntice f hearing but ith nthing in#i%e*

    $ELD

    Se#tion ' ()* and )) (B*, +ule )- of the +ules of Court, as

    amended by ./. No. -)010)-0SC, #lassifies gross negle#t or undue delay

    in rendering a de#ision or order as a less serious #harge whi#h #arries any

    of the following san#tions2 sus"ension from offi#e without salary and other

    benefits for not less than one ()* nor more than three (3* months or a fine

    of more than P)-,---.-- but not eeeding P4-,---.--. 5e ado"t the

    re#ommendation of the OC that res"ondent should be im"osed a fine in

    the amount of P4-,---.--.

    @9EREFORE,the Court finds res"ondent udge +i#ardo /. ga"ito

    guilty of gross negle#t and is FINED % 4e !6o3%4 o Te%4"

    To37!%& Pe7o7 P20,000.00. $he withheld amount of $wenty

    $housand Pesos (P4-,---.-* from res"ondent6s retirement benefits is

    #onsidered as "ayment of the fine.

    1* e#, the O!A crrect'y )rcee%e% ith the a%&ini#trati$e

    ca#e again#t re#)n%ent u%ge ba#e% n the a))'icabi'ity f A*M*

    N* 0=10=01=

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    Me&ber# f the "u%iciary fr& /a#e'e## an% Bnfun%e%

    A%&ini#trati$e !&)'aint#* he re#'utin )r$i%e#

    7If the #om"laint is (a* filed within si& months before the

    #om"ulsory retirement of a usti#e or udge8 (b* for an alleged #ause

    of a#tion that o##urred at least a year before su#h filing8 and (#*

    shown "rima fa#ie that it is intended to harass the res"ondent, it

    must forthwith be re#ommended for dismissal. If su#h is not the

    #ase, the Offi#e of the Court dministrator must re9uire the

    res"ondent to file a #omment within ten ()-* days from re#ei"t of

    the #om"laint, and submit to the Court a re"ort and

    re#ommendation not later than thirty (3-* days from re#ei"t of the

    #omment. $he Court shall a#t on the re#ommendation before the

    date of #om"ulsory retirement of the res"ondent, or if it is not

    "ossible to do so, within si& (:* months from su#h date without

    "re%udi#e to the release of the retirement benefits less su#h amount

    as the Court may order to be withheld, taking into a##ount the

    gravity of the #ause of a#tion alleged in the #om"laint.;

    In the ca#e befre u#, the fir#t t re7ui#ite# fr %i#&i##a' are

    )re#ent* Fir#t, the #rn 'etter=c&)'aint a# recei$e% by the O!A

    n'y n 1 "anuary 2001, hich a# abut three ee3# befre the

    c&)u'#ri'y retire&ent f the re#)n%ent u%ge fr& hi# #er$ice n

    February 22, 2001*

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    ithut &erit* he fi'ing f the )re#ent c&)'aint %i% nt #h t

    be inten%e% &ere'y t hara## the re#)n%ent*

    2* N* !&)'ainant !'ra% i# charge% ith gra$e #'an%er*

    Bn%er Artic'e 5( f the Re$i#e% Pena' !%e, the &ai&u& )ena'ty

    fr it i# 2 year# an% 4 &nth#* hu#, re#)n%ent ha# uri#%ictin

    $er #ai% cri&ina' ca#e #ince )rir recur#e t barangaycnci'iatin

    i# nt re7uire% fr ffen#e# ith i&)#ab'e )ena'ty f &re than

    ne year a# ee&)'ifie% in A%&ini#trati$e !ircu'ar 14=G ba#e% n

    the ;ca' +$ern&ent !%e f 1GG1, R*A* 180*

    * N* A# )r$i%e% by

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    motu "ro"rio n the &tin fr inhibitin ithut re7uiring the

    atten%ance f c&)'ainant if the 'atter re)eate%'y fai'e% t a))ear

    %e#)ite #e$era' #etting# t hear the &tin* A u%ge, in the eerci#e

    f hi# #un% %i#cretin, &ay %i#7ua'ify hie'f fr& #itting n a

    ca#e fr u#t r $a'i% rea#n#*

    "u%ge# are &an%ate% t )erfr& a'' u%icia' %utie#, inc'u%ing

    the %e'i$ery f re#er$e% %eci#in#, efficient'y, fair'y an% ith

    rea#nab'e )r&)tne## un%er Se+4o% 5, C!%o% f the Ne

    !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct fr the Phi'i))ine "u%iciary* A'#, they are

    %irecte% t b#er$e un#cru)u'u#'y the )eri%# )re#cribe% by the

    !n#titutin in the a%u%icatin an% re#'utin f a'' ca#e# r

    &atter# #ub&itte% t their curt un%er the S3/*e6e Co3*4

    C*+3!* No. 1>%ate% "u'y 1, 1G(*

    In the ca#e f !isbal v. Buban, the !urt he'% that fai'ure t

    %eci%e ca#e# an% ther &atter# ithin the reg'e&entary )eri%

    cn#titute# gr## inefficiency an% arrant# the i&)#itin f

    a%&ini#trati$e #anctin again#t the erring &agi#trate* De'ay in

    re#'$ing &tin# an% inci%ent# )en%ing befre a u%ge ithin the

    reg'e&entary )eri% f ninety -G0. %ay# fie% by the !n#titutin

    an% the 'a i# nt ecu#ab'e an% cn#titute# gr## inefficiency*

    Further, #uch %e'ay cn#titute# a $i'atin f R3e >.05, C!%o% >

    f the !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct, hich &an%ate# that a u%ge #hu'%

    %i#)#e f the curt?# bu#ine## )r&)t'y an% %eci%e ca#e# ithin

    the re7uire% )eri%#* A# a tria' u%ge, re#)n%ent i# a frnt'ine

    fficia' f the u%iciary an% #hu'% at a'' ti&e# act ith efficiency

    an% ith )rbity* Bn%ue %e'ay in the %i#)#itin f ca#e# an%

    &tin# er%e# the faith an% cnfi%ence f the )e)'e in the

    u%iciary an% unnece##ari'y b'e&i#he# it# #tature*

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    5* here a# ab#ence f e$i%ence t #h that the #en%ing f

    an e&)ty en$e')e t c&)'ainant !'ra% a# &a'iciu# n the

    )art f the re#)n%ent u%ge*

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    J3!% &e! C*3@ Co%+e*%e& C4@e% o Le!@/ C4" 9 J3&e R3e%

    C!**e4!7

    A.M. No. RTJ-0#-20)> Se/4e6e* 5, 200#

    C#r#na, J:

    FACTS

    An a%&ini#trati$e ca#e a# fi'e% again#t the re#)n%ent thru an

    anny&u# 'etter accu#ing #ai% re#)n%ent f ba% beha$ir %uring

    hearing# cn%ucte% by hi& by u#ing har#h r%# again#t the cun#e'# an%

    their itne##e#, #uch 'etter a'# c'ai&e% that the re#)n%ent a# #te))ing

    beyn% hi# %utie# by cr## e&ining the itne##e# hie'f*

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    &i#beha$ir# u#e% har#h r%# but it a# %ne n'y t crrect the

    cun#e'# rng*

    An in$e#tigatin a# cn%ucte% hea%e% by "u%gre R&e Dana#,

    eecuti$e u%ge f the R! f ;ega>)i !ity* B)n hi# in$e#tigatin,

    cun#e'# ere inter$iee% #tating that the re#)n%ent a# u#ing har#h

    r%# an% a# cn#tant'y engage in e&barra##ing cun#e'# an%

    itne##e#* hey a'# accu#e% re#)%ent f being ba#tfu'*

    A &eeting a# he'% by the &e&ber# f the )r$incia' Pr#ecutin

    ffice fr the #ai% &atter, their rec&&en%atin a# t a%$ice the

    re#)n%ent t b#er$e )r)er u%icia' %ecru& an% t b#er$e the

    &an%ate# f Ne !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct an% the !ann# f "u%icia'

    Ethic#*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt the re#)n%ent u%ge i# gui'ty f i&)r)er beha$ir

    a# %ictate% by the !ann# f "u%icia' Ethic#K

    $ELD

    he curt ru'e% that re#)n%ent?# cn%uct a# unbec&ing f a

    &agi#trate* he cann# f 'a )r$i%e% the u%icia' b%y f the )r)er

    eti7uette a u%icia' re)re#entati$e &u#t ha$e in )erfr&ing their %utie#*

    It a# )r$i%e% fr by #uch cann that a u%icia' re)re#entati$e

    &u#t nt u#e har#h r%# r e&barra## cun#e'#, 'itigant# an% itne##e#*

    9e &u#t be ab'e t u#e curteu# r%# an% be )atient in %ea'ing ith

    the&* It a# fu% ut that the re#)n%ent a# nt ab'e t &eet #uch

    re7uire&ent# e)ecte% f a u%ge* he curt #ite% !ann 2, Integrity #ec*1

    an% 2, !ann 4 n Pr)riety, #ec 1 an% 8* It i# re7uire% f a u%ge t 7=e

    should be learned in the law, dignified in demeanor, refined in s"ee#h and

    virtuous in #hara#ter. Besides having the re9uisite learning in the law, he

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    must e&hibit that hallmark %udi#ial tem"erament of utmost sobriety and

    self0restraint.;

    @ith regar% t re#)n%ent?# beha$ir f #te))ing beyn% hi# r'e by

    7ue#tining by hie'f the itne##e#, it a# ru'e% that a'thugh u%ge#

    an% 'ayer# ha$e a #hare% re#)n#ibi'ity t u)h'% u#tice, they ha$e t

    c)erate an% ha$e &utua' re#)ect ith each ther* A# a genera' ru'e,

    u%ge &u#t n'y 'i&it hi# 7ue#tin# ith c'arificatry ne#* 9e &u#t

    eerci#e i&)artia'ity an% neutra'ity

    It a# ru'e% that the re#)n%ent a# gui'ty in $i'atin f the !%e

    f "u%icia' !n%uct an% the !ann# f "u%icia' Ethic# cn#titute# a breach

    f !ann# 1an% 11f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an% !ann (

    an% Ru'e (*01* $e 7 6!%&!4e& 4o /!" %e7 !%& !7 74e*%"

    !*%e&*

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    PSINSP. OMEGA JIRE$ D. FIDEL 9 JUDGE FELI; A. CARAOS

    A.M. No. MTJ--122) De+e6e* 12, 2002

    &NARES-SANTIAGO, J:

    FACTS

    Re#)n%ent "u%ge Fe'i, at 1045 in the e$ening a# hea$i'y %run3,

    atte&)te% t frcib'y re'ea#e ne Nati$i%a% /ra>a fr& %etentin ithut

    any )re'i&inary in$e#tigatin r ritten r%er fr the 'atter?# re'ea#e in the

    Munici)a' P'ice n, a gru)

    f #e$en &ar3et $en%r# a))rache% hi&* he &ar3et $en%r# )'ea%e%

    ith hi& t r%er the te&)rary re'ea#e f a certain Nati$i%a% /ra>a, a'#

    a &ar3et $en%r*

    Re#)n%ent u%ge a$erre% that after rea%ing the c&)'aint again#t

    /ra>a an% fin%ing that the ca#e a# c$ere% by the Ru'e n n by te'e)hne but t n a$ai'* 9e then trie% t cntact the

    !an%e'aria Pub'ic Mar3et P'ice Detach&ent an% a# ab'e t ta'3 t a

    certain P'ice Officer ;i&b* Re#)n%ent u%ge a#3e% Officer ;i&b t

    cn$ey hi# &e##age t the &unici)a' ai' ar%en fr the te&)rary

    re'ea#e f /ra>a )en%ing the )re'i&inary ea&inatin f the 'atter?# ca#e

    #che%u'e% the f''ing %ay*

    At arun% 1000 that e$ening, hi# ife 3e hi& u) an% t'% hi&

    that there ere t &en ut#i%e their hu#e*

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    a&ng the $en%r# h a))rache% hi& ear'ier at the tenni# curt, he 'et

    the& in* he t &en c&)'aine% that /ra>a a# nt a''e% t be

    re'ea#e% an% that the ai'er t'% the&, n that #a&e e$ening* @hen he arri$e% there, he ntice% that a

    te'e)hne a# 'cate% be#i%e the )'ice&en h ere then bu#y

    atching te'e$i#in an% h %i% nt e$en )ay attentin t hi&*

    Re#)n%ent u%ge a%&itte% that thi# irritate% hi&, cn#i%ering that ear'ier

    the )'ice&en fai'e% t an#er hi# te'e)hne ca'', # he uttere% the

    r%#

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    re)etitin f the #a&e r #i&i'ar act# i'' be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y*

    A u%ge, a# an a%$cate f u#tice an% $i#ib'e re)re#entatin f the

    'a, &u#t nt n'y a))'y the 'a but &u#t i&bibe it in hi# e$ery%ay 'i$ing*

    9a$ing acce)te% the ea'te% )#itin f a u%ge, bth hi# )er#na' an%

    )ub'ic 'ife ha$e been #et a)art fr& the a$erage citi>en by '#ing hi# c'

    an% uttering inte&)erate 'anguage at the )'ice&en n %uty regar%ing

    the re'ea#e f %etentin )ri#ner /ra>a, re#)n%ent u%ge ha#

    $er#te))e% the nr& %e&an%e% f a &e&ber f the bench*

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    Le4+! Go%@!e7 9 A44" M!*+e%o C!3+!%!

    A.C. No. 8> J!%3!*" 2>, 200

    Austria-Martin!, J.:

    FACTS

    Petitiner ;eticia +n>a'e> i# )raying that Re#)n%ent Atty*

    Marce'in !abucana be %i#barre% fr re)re#enting cnf'icting intere#t#*

    a'e# t fi'e a c&)'aint again#t the #ai% #heriff ith

    thi# !urt, after hich a'e#* hey hara##e% +n>a'e# an% a#3e% her t eecute an affi%a$it

    f %e#i#tance regar%ing her c&)'aint befre thi# !urt +n>a'e#

    thereafter fi'e% again#t the +atchec# cri&ina' ca#e# fr tre#)a##, gra$e

    threat#, gra$e ra' %efa&atin, #i&)'e cercin an% unu#t $eatin*

    9e$er, ntith#tan%ing the )en%ency f !i$i' !a#e N* 1=58,

    here re#)n%entL# 'a fir& a# #ti'' re)re#enting +n>a'e#, herein

    re#)n%ent re)re#ente% the +atchec# in the ca#e# fi'e% by +n>a'e#

    again#t the #ai% #)u#e#* +n>a'e> n a''ege# that !abucana #hu'% be

    %i#barre% fr& the )ractice f 'a #ince hi# acce)tance f the ca#e# f the

    +atchec# $i'ate# the 'ayer=c'ient re'atin#hi) beteen c&)'ainant

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    an% re#)n%entL# 'a fir& an% ren%er# re#)n%ent 'iab'e un%er the !%e

    f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    On "une 25, 2005, a Re#'utin a# )a##e% by the /ar% f

    +$ernr# f the I/P 'ARNED !%& REPRIMANDED Atty* Marce'in

    !abucana, "r* an% a%$i#e% t be &re circu)ect an% carefu' in

    acce)ting ca#e# hich &ight re#u't in cnf'ict f intere#t#*

    ISSUES

    1*. @hether r nt Atty* Marce'in !abucana re)re#ente% cnf'icting

    intere#t# hen he re)re#ente% the +atchec# in the ca#e# fi'e% by

    +n>a'e# again#t the #ai% #)u#e#*

    2*. @hether r nt there i# &erit n the cntentin f !abucana that

    there i# n cnf'ict f intere#t# in thi# ca#e, a# the ci$i' ca#e han%'e%

    by their 'a fir& here +n>a'e# i# the c&)'ainant an% the

    cri&ina' ca#e# fi'e% by +n>a'e# again#t the +atchec #)u#e# are

    nt re'ate%*

    $ELD

    @herefre, the re#'utin f the Integrate% /ar f the Phi'i))ine# i#

    a))r$e% ith &%ificatin that re#)n%ent Atty* Marce'in !abucana, "r*

    i# FINED 4e !6o3%4 o 4o 4o37!%& /e7o7 P2,000.00 4 !

    74e*% !*%%that a c&&i##in f the #a&e r #i&i'ar act in the future

    #ha'' be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y*

    1*. !abucana i# fun% gui'ty f $i'ating Ru'e 15*0 f !ann 15 f the

    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity* Ru'e 15*0 Q A 'ayer #ha'' nt

    re)re#ent cnf'icting intere#t ece)t by ritten cn#ent f a''

    cncerne% gi$en after a fu'' %i#c'#ure f the fact#*

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    cnfi%ence f the highe#t %egree* ;ayer# are e)ecte% nt n'y t

    3ee) in$i'ate the c'ient?# cnfi%ence,but a'# t a$i% the

    a))earance f treachery an% %ub'e=%ea'ing fr n'y then can

    'itigant# be encurage% t entru#t their #ecret# t their 'ayer#,

    hich i# f )ara&unt i&)rtance in the a%&ini#tratin f u#tice*

    One f the te#t# f incn#i#tency f intere#t# i# hether the

    acce)tance f a ne re'atin u'% )re$ent the fu'' %i#charge f the

    'ayer?# %uty f un%i$i%e% fi%e'ity an% 'ya'ty t the c'ient r in$ite

    #u#)icin f unfaithfu'ne## r %ub'e=%ea'ing in the )erfr&ance f

    that %uty* In thi# ca#e, re#)n%ent %i% nt n'y re)re#ent the

    +atchec #)u#e# in the a%&ini#trati$e ca#e fi'e% by +n>a'e#

    again#t the&* A# !abucana hie'f narrate% in hi# P#itin Pa)er,

    he 'i3ei#e acte% a# their cun#e' in the cri&ina' ca#e# fi'e% by

    +n>a'e# again#t the&*

    2*. here i# n &erit in the cntentin f !abucana that it a# hi#

    brther h re)re#ente% +n>a'e# in the ci$i' ca#e an% nt hi&,

    thu#, there cu'% be n cnf'ict f intere#t#* A# !abucana a%&itte%,

    it a# their 'a fir& hich re)re#ente% +n>a'e# in the ci$i' ca#e*

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    M!*77! Mo%&!! 97 J3&e Ree++! M!*!%o

    AM RTJ-0-2010 J!%3!*" 25, 200#

    &NARES-SANTIAGO, J.:

    FACTS

    Mari##a Mn%a'a, a ;ega' Re#earcher f R! Ma3ati, /ranch 18,

    charge% re#)n%ent "u%ge, "u%ge Marian, ith &i#re)re#enting her

    Re)rt f Pen%ing !a#e# fr "anuary 2005 that #he ha% a'rea%y %eci%e%

    entit'e% A&anet Inc $# Ea#tern e'ec&&unicatin#, Phi'i))ine#, Inc*,

    hen, in fact, the ca#e a# #ti'' ith Mn%a'a fr re#earch an% %rafting f

    the %eci#in*

    he u%ge %enie% the a''egatin, #aying that at the ti&e the

    &nth'y re)rt a# being %ne, a %eci#in ha% a'rea%y been )re)are%

    an% it a# u#t an $er#ight n her )art , nt &i#re)re#entatin, hen #he

    re)rte% the #tatu# f the ca#e a# %eci%e%* "u#t the #a&e, Marian #igne%

    anther %eci#in n the ca#e* Marian attache% %cu&entary e$i%ence

    t #u))rt her c'ai&* A&ng her three itne##e#, ere Atty* Rie' f

    /ranch 18* 9e cnten%e% that the A&anet ca#e a# a&ng th#e

    %eci%e% in "anuary an% that "u%ge Marian in#tructe% hi& t inc'u%e the

    #ai% ca#e in the 'i#t f ca#e# %eci%e% fr the &nth an% t #ub&it a c)y

    f the %eci#in 'ater n #ince it a# #ti'' t be )rinte% in fina' fr&*

    Anther itne## a# ab'ate, the !'er3=in=!harge fr !i$i' !a#e#,

    h atte#te% that hen the &nth'y re)rt a# being )re)are%, the

    A&anet ca#e ha% a'rea%y been %rafte% an% a# %ue fr )rinting an% that

    #he a# t'% by the u%ge t a'rea%y inc'u%e it in the &nth'y re)rt*

    9e$er, after the #ub&i##in f the re)rt, the c&)uter bgge% %n

    an% the %raft cu'% n 'nger be retrie$e%*

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    /e'an%, an e&)'yee f the 'ca' g$ern&ent f Ma3ati !ity,

    %etai'e% in /ranch 18, re=ty)e% the fina' %raft u)n the in#tructin f the

    "u%ge*

    "u%ge Marian cuntere% that Mn%a'a #hu'% ha$e ca''e% her

    attentin regar%ing the #tatu# f the #ubect ca#e t enab'e her t a%%re##

    the #ituatin that Mn%a'a?# fai'ure t infr& her f the #tatu# #he% her

    inefficiency an% untru#trthine## a# a )ub'ic #er$ant* Marian affir

    that Mn%e'a i# a )erennia' 'atec&er, a habitua' ab#entee, an% i#

    neg'igent in the )erfr&ance f her %uty* Mn%a'a?# %i#re#)ectfu' attitu%e

    an% un)rfe##ina' cn%uct )r&)te% her t a#3 Mn%a'a?# %etai' t the

    ffice f the !'er3 !urt f the Ma3ati R!*

    he Office f the !urt A%&ini#tratr rec&&en%e% that the ca#e

    be cn$erte% int a regu'ar a%&ini#trati$e &atter an% that "u%ge Marian

    be he'% 'iab'e fr &i#re)re#enting the #ai% ca#e that #he e)'ain in

    riting hy #he #hu'% nt be %i#ci)'ine% fr her fai'ure t %eci%e #&e

    ca#e# ithin the reg'e&entary )eri%*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt "u%ge Marian i# 'iab'e fr &i#re)re#entatin hen

    #he inc'u%e% in the &nth'y re)rt the #ai% ca#e a# a&ng the %eci%e%

    ca#e# an% @ON re#)n%ent "u%ge &a%e inaccurate entrie# in the &nth'y

    re)rt# an% fai'e% t %eci%e the ther ca#e# ithin the G0=%ay

    reg'e&entary )eri%*

    $ELD

    e#* "u%ge Marian i# 'iab'e fr &i#re)re#enting that #he ha%

    %eci%e% the ca#e f A&anet, befre it a# %rafte%, )rinte% an% #igne% by

    her* E$en if there i# a 7uarre' beteen the "u%ge an% Mn%a'a an% that

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    Mn%a'a a# &ti$ate% by a %e#ire fr re$enge, #ti'', the "u%ge inc'u%e%

    an un%eci%e% ca#e in the 'i#t f %eci%e% ca#e#*

    A %eci#in in a ci$i' ca#e i# ren%ere% n'y u)n the #igning by the

    u%ge h )enne% the #a&e an% u)n fi'ing ith the c'er3 f curt* A

    u%g&ent r fina' r%er %eter&ining the &erit# f the ca#e #ha'' be in

    riting )er#na''y an% %irect'y )re)are% by the u%ge, #tating c'ear'y an%

    %i#tinct'y the fact# an% the 'a f hich they are ba#e%, #igne% by hi&

    an% fi'e% by the !'er3 f !urt* @hat cn#titute# ren%itin f u%g&ent i#

    nt the &ere )rnunce&ent f the u%g&ent in an )en curt but the

    fi'ing f the %eci#in #igne% by the "u%ge ith the !'er3 f !urt* A %raft

    %eci#in %e# nt )erate a# a u%g&ent* Ren%itin f u%g&ent i# nt

    effecte% an% c&)'ete% unti' after the %eci#in an% u%g&ent i# #igne% by

    the u%ge*

    @hat the &nth'y re)rt re7uire# i# a 'i#t f ca#e# %eci%e% an% nt

    a 'i#t f ca#e# ith )re)are% %raft#* he 'i#t f %eci%e% ca#e# #hu'%

    )ertain t th#e %eci%e% %uring the &nth fr hich the re)rt i# being

    #ub&itte%, the ba#i# f hich i# the

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    N!4o%! B3*e!3 o I%9e74!4o% 97. J3&e F*!%+7+o D.

    (!%3e9!

    A.M. No. MTJ--120#. No9e6e* 21, 2001

    PANGANI'AN, J.:

    FACTS

    Directr n !ity an% three ther#

    fr i''ega' recruit&ent un%er Re)ub'ic Act -RA. (042 an% hite #'a$e tra%e

    un%er the Re$i#e% Pena' !%e in re'atin t RA 810* he 'etter a'#

    charge% re#)n%ent ith i&&ra'ity, a''eging that Marian 9errera a# hi#

    'i$e=in )artner*

    "u%ge Franci#c D* 6i''anue$a encurage three yung &en t

    a))'y fr b# a# +RO#, he acc&)anie% the& t the /%ega Night !'ub

    ne night in "anuary 1GGG* 9e intr%uce% the& t the )eratr, An%re# !*

    rre#=a), an% infr&e% the 'atter that the &en ere '3ing fr b#*

    Re#)n%ent Franci#c 6i''anue$a a'# acc&)anie% the& hen they

    a))'ie% at the 6 night c'ub, here they e$entua''y r3e% a# +RO#

    fr& "anuary 28, 1GGG t "anuary 2G, 1GGG* 9e c'ear'y faci'itate% the

    e&)'y&ent f the three yung &en a# +RO#* Our )re#ent #ciety

    cn#i%er# their r3 a# &ra''y rng* /y faci'itating the e&)'y&ent f

    the three in a night c'ub a# #uch, he a# )'acing the then i&)re##inab'e

    &inr# %irect'y n a )ath f &ra' %ecay* 9e a# e)#ing the& t a

    #ee%y r'% here the )ractice f ffering ne# f'e#h in echange fr

    &ney a# thru#t right in frnt f their face#*

    hrugh hi# care'e## act#, re#)n%ent )ene% hie'f t the

    charge# f hite #'a$e tra%e an% $i'atin f RA 810*

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    righteu#ne## an% u)rightne## than a #eat in the u%iciary* 9igh ethica'

    )rinci)'e# an% a #en#e f )r)riety #hu'% be &aintaine%, ithut hich

    the faith f the )e)'e in the u%iciary # in%i#)en#ab'e in an r%er'y

    #ciety cannt be )re#er$e%* In #u&, hi# actin# #h cn%uct

    unbec&ing hi# ffice*

    On I&&ra'ity, "u%ge Franci#c D* 6i''anue$a an% Marian 9errera

    ere '$er# becau#e re#)n%ent a# fun% #'ee)ing in#i%e the #a&e

    be%r& ccu)ie% by 9errera at N* 1 9anna

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    Jo%%" N 9 A44". Be%!6% A!*

    A&6. C!7e No. #252 No9e6e* 22, 200

    AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, J.:

    FACTS

    "hnny Ng, ne f the re#)n%ent# in a 'abr ca#e, fi'e% a

    %i#bar&ent ca#e again#t Atty* A'ar fr &i#beha$ir* A'ar, in hi# &tin fr

    recn#i%eratin, %eri%e% an% attac3e% the )er#na'itie# f the ;abr

    Arbiter an% the !&&i##iner# fr ha$ing c&e ith a %eci#in nt in

    fa$r f the&* Pre$iu#'y, A'ar?# c&)'aint again#t "nny Ng an% c&)any

    a# %i#&i##e% by the ;abr Arbiter, h#e act a# a'# u)he'% by the

    N;R! c&&i##iner#* he &tin fr recn#i%eratin cntaine% abu#i$e

    'anguage that atte&)te% at ca#tigating the )er#na'itie# herein

    &entine%*

    9e$er, A'ar argue% in %efence that the Ru'e# f !urt an% the

    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity n'y ha$e #u))'etry effect t the

    N;R! hen it# Ru'e# f Prce%ure ha# n )r$i#in n %i#ci)'inary &atter#

    again#t 'itigant# an% 'ayer# a))earing befre it* In thi# ca#e, A'ar

    #tre##e% that Ru'e f the N;R! Ru'e# f Prce%ure a'rea%y )r$i%e# fr

    a))r)riate #anctin# again#t &i#beha$ing 'ayer# an% 'itigant#* 9e a'#

    cnten%e% that the Ru'e# f !urt an%Cr the !%e f Prfe##ina'

    Re#)n#ibi'ity ha$e n a))'icatin an% effect t 'ayer# )racticing at the

    N;R!, the 'atter nt being a curt* Mre$er, he argue% that ;abr

    Arbiter# an% !&&i##iner# are nt u%ge# nr u#tice# an% hence, the

    !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct % nt a))'y t the& 'i3ei#e a# they % nt fr&

    )art f the u%iciary*

    ISSUE

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    @hether r nt the !%e f Prfe##ina' !n%uct a))'ie# t Atty* A'ar?#

    &i#beha$ir befre the N;R!

    $ELD

    A!!ORDIN+;, e fin% re#)n%ent Atty* /ena&in !* A'ar +BI; f

    $i'atin f !ann# ( an% 11 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity* 9e

    i# i&)#e% a FINE o P5,000.00ith STERN 'ARNINGthat a re)etitin

    f the #a&e r #i&i'ar act in the future i'' be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y

    1*. he MRMI cntain# in#u't# an% %iatribe# again#t the N;R!, attac3ing

    bth it# &ra' an% inte''ectua' integrity, re)'ete ith i&)'ie%

    accu#atin# f )artia'ity, i&)r)riety an% 'ac3 f %i'igence*

    Re#)n%ent u#e% i&)r)er an% ffen#i$e 'anguage in hi# )'ea%ing#

    that %e# nt a%&it any u#tificatin* he !%e f Prfe##ina'

    Re#)n#ibi'ity &an%ate#

    !ANON ( Q A 'ayer #ha'' cn%uct hie'f ith curte#y, fairne##

    an% can%r tar% hi# )rfe##ina' c''eague#, an% #ha'' a$i%

    hara##ing tactic# again#t ))#ing cun#e'*

    Ru'e (*01 S A 'ayer #ha'' nt, in hi# )rfe##ina' %ea'ing#, u#e

    'anguage hich i# abu#i$e, ffen#i$e r theri#e i&)r)er*

    !ANON 11 Q A 'ayer #ha'' b#er$e an% &aintain the re#)ect %ue t

    the curt# an% t u%icia' fficer# an% #hu'% in#i#t n #i&i'ar

    cn%uct by ther#*

    Ru'e 11*0 Q A 'ayer #ha'' ab#tain fr& #can%a'u#, ffen#i$e r

    &enacing 'anguage r beha$ir befre the !urt#*

    Ru'e 11*04 Q A 'ayer #ha'' nt attribute t a "u%ge &ti$e# nt

    #u))rte% by the recr% r ha$e n &ateria'ity t the ca#e*

    2*.he a##ertin that the N;R! nt being a curt, it# c&&i##iner#,

    nt being u%ge# r u#tice# an% therefre nt )art f the u%iciary

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    http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2006/nov2006/ac_7252_2006.html#fnt31
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    an% that cn#e7uent'y, the !%e f "u%icia' !n%uct %e# nt a))'y

    t the&, i# una$ai'ing* In ;acu&r& $* "acba, the en, t critici>e in )r)er'y re#)ectfu' ter

    an% thrugh 'egiti&ate channe'# the act# f curt# an% u%ge#*

    9e$er, e$en the t har%ene% u%ge u'% be #carre% by the

    #curri'u# attac3 &a%e by the 0 "u'y 2001 &tin n "u%ge

    ;acur&L# Re#'utin* On it# face, the Re#'utin )re#ente% the

    fact# crrect'y an% %eci%e% the ca#e accr%ing t #u))rting 'a

    an% uri#)ru%ence* hugh a 'ayerL# 'anguage &ay be frcefu' an%

    e&)hatic, it #hu'% a'ay# be %ignifie% an% re#)ectfu', befitting the

    %ignity f the 'ega' )rfe##in* he u#e f unnece##ary 'anguage i#

    )r#cribe% if e are t )r&te high e#tee& in the curt# an% tru#t

    in u%icia' a%&ini#tratin*

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    Roe*4 M. (7! 97. J3&e Roeo C. Se7+o%

    A.M. No. RTJ-0>-1#)). A3374 18, 200>

    SANDO(AL-GUTIERRE,J.:

    FACTS

    On Feb* 4, 2002 Pr#ecutr Rbert M* 6i#ba' charge% "u%ge Rge'i

    !*

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    @hether r nt "u%ge Rge'i !*

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    SPOUSES RODOLFO !%& SYL(IA CABICO 9 JUDGE E(ELYN L.

    DIMACULANGAN-=UERIJERO

    A.M. No. RTJ-02-1#>5 A/* 2#, 200#

    CARPIO,J.:

    FACTS

    infr&e% hi& that the re&aining a&unt fr the #ett'e&ent f the ca#e

    u'% nt be gi$en t c&)'ainant#* It a# at thi# )int that re#)n%ent

    "u%ge ca''e%

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    the f''ing

    /isis, bakit ayaw mong "umirma. Sige, huwag mo ng asahan na

    masisingil mo "a si Nadora. Didismisin ko ang lahat ang tatlo na iyan.

    Pumunta ka ng Batangas at doon mo "abistahan si Nadora. /as takot

    kayo sa abogado ninyo kaysa sa akin.

    On that #a&e %ay, %e#)ite the ab#ence f an affi%a$it f %e#i#tance,

    re#)n%ent "u%ge i##ue% an r%er %i#&i##ing the cri&ina' ca#e n the

    rea#n that c&)'ainant i# n 'nger intere#te% in the cri&ina' a#)ect*

    he Di#trict "ai' @ar%en Rufin M* e% re)re#entati$e i# %irecte% t

    re'ea#e i&&e%iate'y E%in A>arcn un'e## he i# %etaine% fr ther 'afu'

    cau#e r cau#e#*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt "u%ge E$e'yn c&&itte% gr## ignrance f the 'a

    hen #he i##ue% the r%er %ate% 12 Octber 2001, %i#&i##ing the cri&ina'

    ca#e ith )reu%ice again#t bth accu#e% after the 'atter ha% )ai% their

    in%i$i%ua' ci$i' 'iabi'ity*

    $ELD

    @9EREFORE, e fin% "u%ge E$e'yn ;* Di&acu'angan=uerier f

    the Regina' ria' !urt f !abanatuan !ity, /ranch 28 'iab'e fr +RO

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    ignrance f the 'a, fr )ay&ent f ci$i' 'iabi'ity %e# nt etingui#h

    cri&ina' 'iabi'ity*

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    LETICIA ADRIMISIN 97. ATTY. ROLANDO S. JA(IER

    A.C. No. 251 Se/4e6e* 8, 200

    Car"i#,J. :

    FACTS

    "u'y 12, 1G(, ;eticia A%riin a# intr%uce% by her cu#in, Pab'

    A%ri&i#in, t Atty* R'an% "a$ier* 9er #n=in='a, A'fre% Mnter%e

    Mnter%e a# charge% ith the cri&e f 7ua'ifie% theft*

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    $ELD

    @herefre, )etitin 7ue#tining the $i'atin f !ann 18 an% Ru'e

    1(*0 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ty*

    he !urt fin%# Atty* "a$ier 'iab'e fr $i'atin f !ann 18 an% Ru'e

    1(*0 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity -H!%eH., thu# he i#

    SUSPENDED fr& the )ractice f 'a o* SI; MONT$Seffecti$e u)n

    fina'ity f thi# Deci#in* he !%e &an%ate# e$ery 'ayer t h'% in tru#t

    a'' &ney# an% )r)ertie# f hi# c'ient that &ay c&e int hi# )##e##in*

    !n#e7uent'y, a 'ayer #hu'% accunt fr the &ney recei$e% fr& a

    c'ient* he !%e a'# enin# a 'ayer nt t neg'ect a 'ega' &atter

    entru#te% t hi&, an% hi# neg'igence in cnnectin thereith #ha'' ren%er

    hi& 'iab'e* A 'ayerL# fai'ure t return u)n %e&an% the fun%# he'% by hi&

    n beha'f f hi# c'ient gi$e# ri#e t the )re#u&)tin that he ha#

    a))r)riate% the #a&e fr hi# n u#e in $i'atin f the tru#t re)#e% in

    hi& by hi# c'ient*

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    DA(ID ALMENDRE, JR (S ATTY MINER(O LANGIT

    A.C. No. #05# JULY 25, 200

    CARPIO, J.:

    FACTS

    On February 1GG4, the tria' curt ren%ere% a %eci#in in the

    eect&ent ca#e ba#e% n a c&)r&i#e agree&ent eecute% by

    c&)'ainant an% /u&an'ag* On 1( Dece&ber 1GG5, the tria' curt i##ue%

    an a'ia# rit f eecutin fr the #ati#factin f the %eci#in* A curt r%er

    %ate% 2 March 2000 grante% the O&nibu# Mtin fr Eecutin an%

    @ith%raa' f De)#ite% Renta'# fi'e% by re#)n%ent a# c&)'ainantL#

    cun#e'* Re#)n%ent fi'e% a #ecn% &tin fr ith%raa' f %e)#ite%

    renta'#, hich the tria' curt a'# grante% n 18 March 2000* c&)'ainant

    'earne% that re#)n%ent a# ab'e t ith%ra the renta'# %e)#ite% by

    /u&an'ag* Fe'ici%a% Dary -HDaryH., Officer=in=!harge !'er3 f !urt,

    cnfir&e% thi# t c&)'ainant h recei$e% fr& Dary c)ie# f the t

    ith%raa' #'i)# %ran fr& the tria' curtL# #a$ing# accunt* One #'i)

    %ate% 10 March 2000 a# fr P2(,000, an% anther #'i) %ate% 1G A)ri'

    2000 a# fr P22,000*hu#, re#)n%ent recei$e% a tta' f P255,000, a#

    e$i%ence% by t recei)t# #igne% by hi&* he ith%raa'# ere &a%e

    thrugh DaryL# authri>e% re)re#entati$e Antnia Macaraeg, but Dary

    )er#na''y %e'i$ere% the &ney t re#)n%ent* Re#)n%ent %i% nt infr&

    c&)'ainant f the#e tran#actin#* !&)'ainant, thrugh hi# ne cun#e'

    Atty* Migue' D* ;ari%a, #ent re#)n%ent n 0 "une 200 a fina' %e&an%

    'etter fr the accunting an% return f the P255,000* Re#)n%ent fai'e% t

    re)'y* he I/P %irecte% the )artie# t fi'e their re#)ecti$e )#itin )a)er#*

    !&)'ainant #ub&itte% hi# )#itin )a)er n 22 March 2005* Again,

    re#)n%ent t3 n actin* 9ence, c&)'ainant fi'e% thi# ca#e fr

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    %i#bar&ent again#t re#)n%ent fr fai'ing t accunt fr c&)'ainantL#

    fun%#*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt Atty Miner$ ;angit i# gui'ty f the charge# again#t

    hi&

    $ELD

    @9EREFORE, e fin% Atty* Miner$ * ;angit +BI; f $i'ating

    !ann# 1, 11, 18, an% 1 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity* @e

    SUSPENDre#)n%ent fr& the )ractice f 'a o* 4o "e!*7 effecti$e

    u)n fina'ity f thi# Deci#in* Re#)n%ent he'% the &ney in tru#t fr

    c&)'ainant* he !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity #tate#

    !ANON 18 S A ;A@ER

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    CELIA ARROYO-POSIDIO 9. ATTY. JEREMIAS R. (ITAN

    A.C. No. 051, A/* 2, 200#

    &NARES-SANTIAGO, J.

    FACTS

    In a $erifie% c&)'aint %ate% "une 14, 2002, c&)'ainant !e'ia

    Arry=P#i%i )raye% fr the %i#bar&ent f re#)n%ent Atty* "ere&ia# R*

    6itan n accunt f %eceit, frau%, %i#hne#ty an% c&&i##in f act# in

    $i'atin f the 'ayer?# ath*

    !&)'ainant a''ege% that #he engage% the #er$ice# f re#)n%ent in

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    1GGG, the tria' curt ren%ere% a %eci#in, the %i#)#iti$e )rtin f hich

    #tate#

    '$EREFORE, /*e67e7 +o%7&e*e&, 3&6e%4 7 e*e"

    *e%&e*e& % !9o* o 4e /!%4 !%& !!%74 4e

    &ee%&!%4 o*&e*% 4e !44e* 4o:

    1. To /!" /!%4 4e 736 o P100,000.00 4

    %4e*e74 !4 4e *!4e o 12H /e* !%%36 *o6 Se/4e6e*

    #, 1 3%4 4e 7!6e 7 3" /!& !%&o* 7!47e&

    2. To /!" /!%4 4e !6o3%4 o P8,000.00 !7 !%& o*

    !44o*%e"7 ee7 !%&

    >. To /!" 4e +o74 o 734.

    Re#)n%ent a))ea'e% t the Regina' ria' !urt hich affir&e%

    the Metr)'itan ria' !urt %eci#in in toto. hu#, c&)'ainant fi'e% a

    Mtin fr I##uance f a @rit f Eecutin hich a# grante% n March 1G,

    2001*

    #ati#fy the u%g&ent again#t hi&, re#)n%ent i##ue% Pru%entia' /an3

    chec3 nu&ber 0(425 %ate% May 1, 2001 in the a&unt f

    P120,000*00 in fa$r f c&)'ainant* 9e$er, u)n )re#ent&ent fr

    )ay&ent, the chec3 a# %i#hnre% fr the rea#n A!!OBN !;O

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    P150,000*00 a# e$i%ence% by a Recei)t T uitc'ai& %ate% Augu#t 10,

    2000*

    On March 1, 2004, the ca#e a# referre% t the Integrate% /ar f

    the Phi'i))ine# -I/P. fr in$e#tigatin, re)rt an% rec&&en%atin* On

    "anuary 15, 2008, the In$e#tigating !&&i##iner #ub&itte% hi# Re)rt

    fin%ing re#)n%ent gui'ty f $i'ating the 'ayer?# ath an% the !%e f

    Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity in %efrau%ing hi# c'ient an% i##uing a chec3

    ithut #ufficient fun%# t c$er the #a&e*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt Ru'e 18*01, !ann 18 f the !%e f Prfe##ina'

    Re#)n#ibi'ity hich re7uire# the 'ayer t accunt fr a'' &ney r

    )r)erty c''ecte% r recei$e% fr r fr& hi# c'ient $i'ate%

    $ELD@9EREFORE, re#)n%ent Atty* "ere&ia# R* 6itan i# gui'ty f

    $i'ating Ru'e 18*01, !ann 18 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity

    an% i# SUSPENDED fr& the )ractice f 'a o* ! /e*o& o o%e 1

    "e!*effecti$e fr& ntice, ith a STERN 'ARNINGthat a re)etitin f

    the #a&e r #i&i'ar act# i'' be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y*

    It i# c'ear fr& the freging that re#)n%ent fe'' #hrt f the

    eacting &ra' an% ethica' #tan%ar%# i&)#e% n &e&ber# f the 'ega'

    )rfe##in* Re#)n%ent?# refu#a' t return c&)'ainant?# &ney u)n

    %e&an%, hi# fai'ure t c&)'y ith the 'afu' r%er# f the tria' curt, a#

    e'' a# the i##uance f a buncing chec3, re$ea' hi# fai'ure t 'i$e u) t hi#

    %utie# a# a 'ayer in cn#nance ith the #tricture# f hi# ath an% the

    !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity*

    It cannt be $ere&)ha#i>e% that &e&ber#hi) in the 'ega'

    )rfe##in i# a )ri$i'ege* @hene$er it i# &a%e t a))ear that an attrney

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    i# n 'nger rthy f the tru#t an% cnfi%ence f the )ub'ic, it bec&e#

    nt n'y the right but a'# the %uty f thi# !urt, hich &a%e hi& ne f

    it# fficer# an% ga$e hi& the )ri$i'ege f &ini#tering ithin it# /ar, t

    ith%ra the )ri$i'ege*

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    L374o B!!4!4 9 A44". E&!*&o A*!7 " S!%+e@

    A.C. No. 1 A/* 1>, 200#

    Ca$$%#, Sr, J:

    FACTS

    Petitner engage% the #er$ice# f the re#)n%ent t re)re#ent hi&

    in a ci$i' ca#e* It a# c'ai&e% by the )etitiner %i% nt a))ear %uring hi#

    tria' a# a%$i#e% by re#)n%ent* 9e c'ai&e% that the ca#e again#t the

    )etitiner a# u%ge% again#t hi# fa$r becau#e he a# u%ge% t be n

    %efau't fr hi# nn a))earance* @ith thi# ru'ing )etitiner a#

    e&barra##e% an% a# )ut in &i#ery an% )ub'ic ri%icu'e*

    On the ther han%, the re#)n%ent c'ai&e% that he a# trying t

    bring ith hi& the )etitiner %uring the tria' but it a# /a'abat h

    refu#e% fr %ifferent rea#n#* 9e a'# c'ai&e% that he %i% nt reei$e the

    ntice f %efau't fr& the curt an% that it a# the )etitiner h

    infr&e% hi& f #uch %eci#in* 9e a'# c'ai&e% that )etitiner a#3e% the

    #er$ice# f anther cun#e' hich a# the rea#n hy he a# nt ab'e t

    recei$e the ntice#* 9e further a''ege% that the a%&ini#trati$e ca#e a#

    brught abut by i''=i''* Anther a''egatin &a%e by the re#)n%ent a#

    that a ntice f hearing a# &a%e t a))ear a# #igne% by hi& hen in

    fact it?# nt hi#*

    An in$e#tigatin a# cn%ucte% by the I/P, an% it a# fun% ut

    that there ere t Atty* E%gar% Aria# the ther ne i# re#i%ing

    in Mani'a hi'e the re#)n%ent a# current'y re#i%ing at Puert Prin#e#a*

    Due t thi# fact, ntice# #ent t the %efen%ant ere #ent t the ther

    cun#e'* he I/P rec&&en%e% the re#)n%ent t be #u#)en%e%*

    ISSUE

    @hether r nt the re#)n%ent a# a%&ini#trati$e'y 'iab'e

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    $ELD

    !ON

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    BUN SIONG YAO$#* ATTY. LEONARDO A. AURELIO

    A.C. No. #02>, M!*+ >0, 200

    &nars-Santia(#, J.:

    FACTS

    On N$e&ber 11, 2004, a c&)'aint=affi%a$it1a# fi'e% again#t

    Atty* ;enar% A* Aure'i by /un

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    Rec&&en%atinfin%ing that fr& 1G( u) t 1GGG, re#)n%ent ha%

    been the )er#na' 'ayer f the c&)'ainant an% incr)ratr an% cun#e'

    f

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    )rfe##ina' character by a c'ient, un'e## the 'atter cn#ent#* hi#

    b'igatin t )re#er$e the cnfi%ence# an% #ecret# f a c'ient ari#e# at the

    ince)tin f their re'atin#hi)* he )rtectin gi$en t the c'ient i#

    )er)etua' an% %e# nt cea#e ith the ter&inatin f the 'itigatin, nr i#

    it affecte% by the )artyL# cea#ing t e&)'y the attrney an% retaining

    anther, r by any ther change f re'atin beteen the&* It e$en

    #ur$i$e# the %eath f the c'ient* ;ayer# &u#t cn%uct thee'$e#,

    e#)ecia''y in their %ea'ing# ith their c'ient# an% the )ub'ic at 'arge, ith

    hne#ty an% integrity in a &anner beyn% re)rach* ;ayer# cannt be

    a''e% t e)'it their )rfe##in fr the )ur)#e f eacting $engeance

    r a# a t' fr in#tigating h#ti'ity again#t any )er#nSt e#)ecia''y

    again#t a c'ient r fr&er c'ient*

    +enera''y #)ea3ing, a 'ayer can % hnr t the 'ega' )rfe##in

    by faithfu''y )erfr&ing hi# %utie# t #ciety, t the bar, t the curt# an%

    t hi# c'ient#* thi# en%, nthing #hu'% be %ne by any &e&ber f the

    'ega' fraternity hich &ight ten% t 'e##en in any %egree the cnfi%ence

    f the )ub'ic in the fi%e'ity, hne#ty an% integrity f the )rfe##in*

    In #u&, e fin% that re#)n%entL# actuatin# a&unt t a breach f

    hi# %uty t u)h'% g% faith an% fairne##, #ufficient t arrant the

    i&)#itin f %i#ci)'inary #anctin again#t hi&*

    Page | (G

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    (!e*!%! D!7!" 9 A44" Me!%o M!3*+o, J*

    AC 555 J!%3!*" 2>, 200

    San)#*a$-Gutirr!, J:

    FACTS

    At bar i# a &tin fr recn#i%eratin f the !urt?# Deci#in n

    A)ri' 22, 2005 fin%ing Atty* Me'ani HBatasH Maurici, "r* gui'ty f

    &a')ractice an% gr## &i#cn%uct an% i&)#ing u)n hi& the )ena'ty f

    SUSPENSIONfr& the )ractice f 'a fr a )eri% f 7< 6o%47*

    On Octber 1, 2001, 6a'eriana Da'i#ay, engage% Atty Maurici?#

    #er$ice# a# cun#e' in !i$i' !a#e N* 00=044, entit'e% HAu#io De uFman,

    et#. v. !aleriana Dalisay,a'* Ntith#tan%ing hi# recei)t f %cu&ent#

    an% attrney?# fee# in the tta' a&unt f P58,000 fr& Da'i#ay, Atty

    Maurici ne$er ren%ere% 'ega' #er$ice# fr her* A# a re#u't, Da'i#ay

    ter&inate% the attrney=c'ient re'atin#hi) an% %e&an%e% the return f

    her &ney an% %cu&ent#, but Atty Maurici refu#e%*

    On "anuary 1, 2004, the I/P !&&i##in n /ar Di#ci)'ine, fun%

    that Hfr the a&unt f P58,000 )ai% by the c&)'ainant , n actin

    ha% been ta3en nr any )'ea%ing# )re)are% by the re#)n%ent ece)t hi#

    a''ege% cnference# an% )inin# ren%ere% hen c&)'ainant fre7uente%

    hi# 'a ffice*H It rec&&en%e% that Atty Maurici be re7uire% t refun%

    the a&unt f P58,000*00 t Da'i#ay, an% #ur)ri#ing'y, that the c&)'aint

    be %i#&i##e%*

    On February 2, 2004, the I/P /ar% f +$ernr# )a##e%

    Re#'utin N* 6I=2004=121, a%)ting an% a))r$ing in toto the

    !&&i##in?# Re)rt an% Rec&&en%atin*

    On A)ri' 22, 2005, the !urt ren%ere% the a##ai'e% Deci#in*

    In thi# &tin fr recn#i%eratin, Atty Maurici a##ai'# that

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    1. Da'i#ay %i% nt engage hi# #er$ice# a# cun#e' in !i$i' !a#e N* 00=

    044*

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    Atty Maurici i# #ti'' 'iab'e becau#e there i# nthing in the recr%# t

    #h that he fi'e% any )etitin* Neither %e# the fact that !i$i' !a#e

    N* 00=044 a# a'rea%y H#ub&itte% fr %eci#inH ecu#e hi& fr&

    'iabi'ity f nt a))earing in !urt* 9e #hu'% ha$e returne%

    c&)'ainant?# &ney*

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    rectify her frau%u'ent re)re#entatin* If c&)'ainant refu#e#,

    then that i# the ti&e that he #hu'% ter&inate hi# re'atin#hi)

    ith her* Ob$iu#'y, in fi'ing fa'#ificatin charge# again#t

    c&)'ainant, re#)n%ent a# &ti$ate% by $in%icti$ene##*

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    D!"!% S4!. A%! C*74!% Neo*oo& A77o+!4o%, I%+. !%&o*

    47 O+e*7, Me6e*7 %!6e": M%e*9! A. Ge%!4o, J3e4! P.

    Be%e&+4o, P*!

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    1* @hether r nt re#)n%ent Atty* Na)'en E#)iritu &i#a))r)riate

    the fun%# entru#te% t hi& by hi# c'ient# thereby $i'ating the Ru'e

    18*01, !ann 18 f the !%e f Prfe##ina' Re#)n#ibi'ity an%

    2. @hether r nt c&)'ainant fficer#C&e&ber f the Dayan

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    2* !&)'ainant Miner$a +enat an% c&)any ha$e the 'ega' #tan%ing

    t #ue re#)n%ent Atty* E#)iritu #ince the#e t )artie# ha$e

    e#tab'i#he% a 'ayer=c'ient re'atin#hi)* If they % nt ha$e thi#

    uni7ue bn%, +enat et* a'* i'' nt ha$e the lo#us standi again#t

    Atty* E#)iritu* A# regar%# t the i##ue that c&)'ainant# ha$e n

    cau#e f actin, 7uting !&&i#iner

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    PETER DONTON 97. ATTY. EMMANUEL TANSINGCO

    A.C. No. 05# J3%e 2#, 200

    CARPIO, J.:

    FACTS

    he %i#bar&ent c&)'aint ar#e hen Atty* an#ingc fi'e% a

    cunter=charge fr )erury again#t Dntn* he ca#e in$'$e# an

    Occu)ancy Agree&ent beteen Mr* Duane

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    $ELD

    Ee% the Occu)ancy

    Agree&ent t e$a%e the 'a again#t freign ner#hi) f 'an%#*

    Re#)n%ent u#e% hi# 3n'e%ge f the 'a t achie$e an un'afu' en%*

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    J3!% D3!!, J*. 97. A44". P!o C. C*3@

    A.C. No, 85) A/* 25, 200#

    Car"i# M#ra$s, J. :

    FACTS

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    !*%%that #i&i'ar infractin i'' be %ea't ith &re #e$ere'y*

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    FIDELA (DA. DE ENRI=UE 97. ATTY. MANUEL G. SAN JOSE

    A.C. No. >5 Fe*3!*" 2>, 200#

    +UISUM'ING, J.:

    FACTS

    hi# i# an a%&ini#trati$e c&)'aint1J fr %i#bar&ent fi'e% by Fi%e'a

    6%a* De Enri7ue> again#t re#)n%ent Atty* Manue' +*

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    %utie# a# cun#e'* Accr%ing t !&&i##iner "u'i !* E'a&)ar, the n'y

    c&)'ete r3 re#)n%ent ren%ere% t hi# c'ient a# #en%ing a %e&an%

    'etter fr the 'e##ee t $acate the #ubect )re&i#e# ithin ten %ay# fr&

    recei)t f the %e&an% 'etter* he !&&i##iner a'# fun% re#)n%ent#

    e)'anatin fr hi# fai'ure t fi'e the ca#e un#ati#factry an% cnc'u%e%

    that re#)n%ent a# gui'ty f neg'igence in the )erfr&ance f hi# %uty a#

    a 'ayer fr aban%n&ent f hi# c'ient# cau#e* he !&&i##iner

    rec&&en%e% that re#)n%ent be #u#)en%e% fr& the )ractice f 'a fr

    three &nth#*

    Re#)n%ent %enie% being neg'i