SECOND DIVISION

[A.C. No. 9018. April 20, 2016.]

TERESITA P. FAJARDO , complainant, vs. ATTY. NICANOR C. ALVAREZ ,

respondent.

DECISION

LEONEN , J : p

This administrative case involves the determination of whether a lawyer working

in the Legal Section of the National Center for Mental Health under the Department of
Health is authorized to privately practice law, and consequently, whether the amount
charged by respondent for attorney's fees is reasonable under the principle of quantum
meruit.
Complainant Teresita P. Fajardo (Teresita) was the Municipal Treasurer of San
Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. She hired respondent Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez (Atty. Alvarez) to
defend her in criminal and administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The parties have differing versions of the facts as summarized by the
Investigating Commissioner of the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar
of the Philippines. Teresita's version of the facts is as follows:
Around 2009, Teresita hired Atty. Alvarez to handle several cases led against
her before the Of ce of the Ombudsman. 1 Atty. Alvarez was then working in the Legal
Section of the National Center for Mental Health. 2 He asked for P1,400,000.00 as
acceptance fee. 3 However, Atty. Alvarez did not enter his appearance before the Of ce
of the Ombudsman nor sign any pleadings. 4
Atty. Alvarez assured Teresita that he had friends connected with the Of ce of
the Ombudsman who could help with dismissing her case for a certain fee. 5 Atty.
Alvarez said that he needed to pay the amount of P500,000.00 to his friends and
acquaintances working at the Of ce of the Ombudsman to have the cases against
Teresita dismissed. 6
However, just two (2) weeks after Teresita and Atty. Alvarez talked, the Of ce of
the Ombudsman issued a resolution and decision recommending the ling of a criminal
complaint against Teresita, and her dismissal from service, respectively. 7
Teresita then demanded that Atty. Alvarez return at least a portion of the amount
she gave. 8 Atty. Alvarez promised to return the amount to Teresita; however, he failed
to ful ll this promise. 9 Teresita sent a demand letter to Atty. Alvarez, which he failed to
heed. 10
On the other hand, Atty. Alvarez claims the following:
Atty. Alvarez is Legal Of cer III of the National Center for Mental Health under the
Department of Health. 11 He has authority to engage in private practice of the
profession. 12 He represented Teresita in several cases before the Of ce of the
Ombudsman. 13
Atty. Alvarez and Teresita had an arrangement that Teresita would consult Atty.
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 Alvarez whenever a case was led against her. 14 Atty. Alvarez would then advise
Teresita to send him a copy of the complaint and its attachments through courier. 15
Afterwards, Atty. Alvarez would evaluate the case and call Teresita to discuss his fees
in accepting and handling the case. 16 A 50% downpayment would be deposited to Atty.
Alvarez's or his secretary's bank account. 17 The balance would then be paid in
installments. 18 The success fee was voluntary on Teresita's part. 19
On July 10, 2009, Atty. Alvarez received a call from Teresita regarding a meeting
at Shangri-La Mall to discuss the decision and resolution she received from the Of ce
of the Ombudsman dismissing her from service for dishonesty and indicting her for
violation of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3019, respectively. 20 Atty. Alvarez accepted
the case and asked for P500,000.00 as acceptance fee. 21 According to Atty. Alvarez,
he arrived at the amount after considering the dif culty of the case and the workload
that would be involved, which would include appeals before the Court of Appeals and
this Court. 22 However, the fee is exclusive of ling fees, appearance fees, and other
miscellaneous fees such as costs for photocopying and mailing. 23
Atty. Alvarez claimed that he prepared several pleadings in connection with
Teresita's case:
(1) motion for reconsideration led on July 23, 2009 in connection with the
administrative case;
(2) motion for reconsideration led on July 23, 2009 in connection with the
criminal case;
(3) petition for injunction led on October 15, 2009 before the Regional Trial
Court of Gapan City; and
(4) petition for preliminary injunction with prayer for a temporary restraining
order led before the Court of Appeals on November 18, 2009, and the
amended petition on November 26, 2009. 24
Atty. Alvarez also said that he prepared several letters to different government
officials and agencies. 25
Atty. Alvarez alleged that Teresita made staggered payments for the amounts
they agreed on. 26 Teresita only paid the balance of the agreed acceptance fee
equivalent to P450,000.00 on February 11, 2010. 27 While Teresita paid P60,000.00 for
the miscellaneous expenses, she did not pay the expenses for other legal work
performed and advanced by Atty. Alvarez. 28
On the last day for ling of the petition for review of the Of ce of the
Ombudsman's Decision, Teresita informed Atty. Alvarez that she was no longer
interested in retaining Atty. Alvarez's services as she had hired Atty. Tyrone Contado
from Nueva Ecija, who was Atty. Alvarez's co-counsel in the cases against Teresita. 29
On June 1, 2011, Teresita led before the Of ce of the Bar Con dant a Veri ed
Complaint praying for the disbarment of Atty. Alvarez. 30 This Court required Atty.
Alvarez to file his comment on the complaint within 10 days from notice. 31
On December 7, 2011, the case was referred to the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines for investigation, report, and recommendation. 32
In his Report and Recommendation 33 dated November 12, 2012, Investigating
Commissioner Honesto A. Villamayor found Atty. Alvarez guilty of violating the Code of
Professional Responsibility and recommended Atty. Alvarez's suspension from the
practice of law for one (1) year. 34 Atty. Alvarez was also ordered to return the amount
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 of P700,000.00 to Teresita with legal interest from the time of demand until its full
payment. 35 The dispositive portion of the Investigating Commissioner's Report and
Recommendation reads: CAIHTE

WHEREFORE, finding Respondent guilty of committing unlawful, immoral

and deceitful acts of the Canon of Professional Responsibility, [it] is
recommended that he be suspended for one (1) year in the practice of law and
he be ordered to return the amount of P700,000.00 to the Complainant within
two (2) months from receipt of this order with legal interest from the time of
demand, until fully paid, with a warning that repetition of [a] similar offense in
the future will be dealt with more severely. 36
On the unauthorized practice of law, the Investigating Commissioner found that
while Atty. Alvarez claimed that he was authorized by his superior to privately practice
law, the pleadings he allegedly prepared and led did not bear his name and signature.
37 Hence, the Investigating Commissioner stated that:

The time that Respondent spent in following up the case of Complainant in the
Of ce of the Ombudsman is a time lost to the government which could have
been used in the service of many taxpayers[.] 38
In any case, granting that Atty. Alvarez was authorized by his superior to practice
his profession, the Investigating Commissioner stated that Atty. Alvarez was prohibited
to handle cases involving malversation of funds by government, of cials such as a
municipal treasurer. 39
Moreover, the Investigating Commissioner found that the attorney's fees Atty.
Alvarez asked for were unreasonable:
From all indication, Complainant was forced to give to the Respondent
the amount of P1,400,000.00 because of the words of Respondent that he has
friends in the Of ce of the Ombudsman who can help with a fee. That because
of that guarantee, Complainant was obligated to shell out every now and then
money for the satisfaction of the allege[d] friend of the Respondent[.]
Complainant is an ordinary Municipal Treasurer of a 4th or 5th class
municipality and the amount of attorney's fees demanded by the Respondent is
very much excessive. . . . The exorbitant amount that he demanded from
complainant is too much for a lowly local government employee. What the
Respondent did is not only illegal, immoral and dishonest but also taking
advantage of a defenseless victim.
xxx xxx xxx
While a lawyer should charge only fair and reasonable fees, no hard and
fast rule may be set in the determination of what a reasonable fee is, or what is
not. That must be established from the facts of each case[.]
xxx xxx xxx
The fees claimed and received by the Respondent for the alleged cases
he handled despite the fact that the records and evidence does not show that he
ever signed pleadings led, the amount of P700,000.00 is reasonable, thus,
fairness and equity dictate, he has to return the excess amount of P700,000.00
to the complainant[.] 40
In Notice of Resolution No. XX-2013-778 41 dated June 21, 2013, the Integrated
Bar of the Philippines Board of Governors adopted the ndings and recommendations
of the Investigating Commissioner:
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 RESOLVED to ADOPT AND APPROVE, as it is hereby unanimously
ADOPTED AND APPROVED, the Report and Recommendation of the
Investigating Commissioner in the above-entitled case, herein made part of this
Resolution as Annex "A", and nding the recommendation fully supported by the
evidence on record and the applicable laws and rules and considering that
complaint [sic] is guilty of unlawful, immoral and deceitful acts, Atty. Nicanor C.
Alvarez is hereby SUSPENDED from the practice of law for one (1) year
with [a] Warning that repetition of the same acts shall be dealt with more
sever[e]ly. Further, he is Ordered to Return the amount of P700,000.00 to
complainant with legal interest from the time of demand. 42 (Emphasis in the
original)
Atty. Alvarez moved for reconsideration of the Resolution, 43 but the Motion was
denied by the Board of Governors in Notice of Resolution No. XXI-2014-286 44 dated
May 3, 2014. The Resolution reads:
RESOLVED to DENY Respondent's Motion for Reconsideration, there
being no cogent reason to reverse the ndings of the Commission and the
resolution subject of the motion, it being a mere reiteration of the matters which
had already been threshed out and taken into consideration. Thus, Resolution
No. XX-2013-778 dated June 21, 2013 is hereby AFFIRMED. 45 (Emphasis in the
original)
We resolve the following issues:
First, whether respondent Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez, as a lawyer working in the
Legal Section of the National Center for Mental Health under the Department of Health,
is authorized to engage in the private practice of law; and
Second, whether the amount charged by respondent for attorney's fees is
reasonable under the principle of quantum meruit.
The Investigating Commissioner did not make a categorical declaration that
respondent is guilty of unauthorized practice of his profession. The Investigating
Commissioner merely alluded to respondent's unauthorized practice of law.
We find that respondent committed unauthorized practice of his profession.
Respondent claims that he is authorized to practice his profession 46 as shown
in the letter dated August 1, 2001 of National Center for Mental Health Chief Bernardino
A. Vicente. 47 The letter reads:
TO : ATTY. NICANOR C. ALVAREZ
Legal Officer III
This Center

Subject : Authority to engage in private practice of profession

______________________________________________
This refers to your request for permission to engage in private practice of
your profession.
In accordance with Administrative Order No. 21, s. 1999 of the
Department of Health, which vested in the undersigned the authority to grant
permission for the exercise of profession or engage in the practice of
profession, you are hereby authorized to teach or engage in the practice of your
profession provided it will not run in con ict with the interest of the Center and
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 the Philippine government as a whole. In the exigency of the service however, or
when public interest so requires, this authority may be revoked anytime.
Please be guided accordingly.
[sgd.]
BERNARDINO A. VICENTE, MD, FFPPA, MHA, CESO IV
Medical Center Chief II 48 (Emphasis supplied)
Respondent practiced law even if he did not sign any pleading. In the context of
this case, his surreptitious actuations reveal illicit intent. Not only did he do
unauthorized practice, his acts also show badges of offering to peddle in uence in the
Office of the Ombudsman.
I n Cayetano v. Monsod, 49 the modern concept of the term "practice of law"
includes the more traditional concept of litigation or appearance before courts:
The practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases in court. A
person is also considered to be in the practice of law when he:
". . . for valuable consideration engages in the business of
advising person, rms, associations or corporations as to their
rights under the law, or appears in a representative capacity as an
advocate in proceedings pending or prospective, before any court,
commissioner, referee, board, body, committee, or commission
constituted by law or authorized to settle controversies and there,
in such representative capacity performs any act or acts for the
purpose of obtaining or defending the rights of their clients under
the law. Otherwise stated, one who, in a representative capacity,
engages in the business of advising clients as to their rights under
the law, or while so engaged performs any act or acts either in
court or outside of court for that purpose, is engaged in the
practice of law."
DETACa

xxx xxx xxx

The University of the Philippines Law Center in conducting orientation
brie ng for new lawyers (1974-1975) listed the dimensions of the practice of
law in even broader terms as advocacy, counseling and public service.
"One may be a practicing attorney in following any line of
employment in the profession. If what he does exacts knowledge
of the law and is of a kind usual for attorneys engaging in the
active practice of their profession, and he follows some one or
more lines of employment such as this he is a practicing attorney
at law within the meaning of the statute."
Practice of law means any activity, in or out of court, which requires the
application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. "To
engage in the practice of law is to perform those acts which are characteristics
of the profession. Generally, to practice law is to give notice or render any kind
of service, which device or service requires the use in any degree of legal
knowledge or skill."
xxx xxx xxx
Interpreted in the light of the various de nitions of the term "practice of
law," particularly the modern concept of law practice, and taking into
consideration the liberal construction intended by the framers of the
Constitution, Atty. Monsod's past work experiences as a lawyer-economist, a
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 lawyer-manager, a lawyer-entrepreneur of industry, a lawyer-negotiator of
contracts, and a lawyer-legislator of both the rich and the poor — verily more
than satisfy the constitutional requirement — that he has been engaged in the
practice of law for at least ten years. 50 (Emphasis supplied)
Cayetano was reiterated in Lingan v. Calubaquib: 51
Practice of law is "an activity, in or out of court, which requires the
application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience." It
includes "[performing] acts which are characteristics of the [legal] profession" or
"[rendering any kind of] service [which] requires the use in any degree of legal
knowledge or skill."
Work in government that requires the use of legal knowledge is
considered practice of law. In Cayetano v. Monsod, this court cited the
deliberations of the 1986 Constitutional Commission and agreed that work
rendered by lawyers in the Commission on Audit requiring "[the use of] legal
knowledge or legal talent" is practice of law. 52 (Citations omitted)
By preparing the pleadings of and giving legal advice to complainant, respondent
practiced law.
Under Section 7 (b) (2) of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code
of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Of cials and Employees, and
Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 1986, 53 government of cials or employees are
prohibited from engaging in private practice of their profession unless authorized by
their department heads. More importantly, if authorized, the practice of profession
must not con ict nor tend to con ict with the of cial functions of the government
official or employee:
Republic Act No. 6713 :
Section 7. Prohibited Acts and Transactions. — In addition to acts and
omissions of public of cials and employees now prescribed in the Constitution
and existing laws, the following shall constitute prohibited acts and
transactions of any public of cial and employee and are hereby declared to be
unlawful:
xxx xxx xxx
(b) Outside employment and other activities related thereto. — Public
officials and employees during their incumbency shall not:
xxx xxx xxx
(2) Engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by
the Constitution or law, provided, that such practice will not con ict or tend to
conflict with their official functions[.]
xxx xxx xxx
Memorandum Circular No. 17 :
The authority to grant permission to any of cial or employee shall be granted
by the head of the ministry or agency in accordance with Section 12, Rule XVIII
of the Revised Civil Service Rules, which provides:
"Sec. 12. No of cer or employee shall engage directly
in any private business, vocation, or profession or be connected
with any commercial, credit, agricultural, or industrial undertaking
without a written permission from the head of Department;
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 Provided, That this prohibition will be absolute in the case of those
of cers and employees whose duties and responsibilities require
that their entire time be at the disposal of the Government:
Provided, further, That if an employee is granted permission to
engage in outside activities, the time so devoted outside of of ce
hours should be xed by the chief of the agency to the end that it
will not impair in any way the ef ciency of the other of cer or
employee: And provided, nally, That no permission is necessary
in the case of investments, made by an of cer or employee, which
do not involve any real or apparent con ict between his private
interests and public duties, or in any way in uence him in the
discharge of his duties, and he shall not take part in the
management of the enterprise or become an of cer or member of
the board of directors",aDSIHc

subject to any additional conditions which the head of the of ce deems

necessary in each particular case in the interest of the service, as expressed in
the various issuances of the Civil Service Commission.
I n Abella v. Cruzabra, 54 the respondent was a Deputy Register of Deeds of
General Santos City. While serving as an incumbent government employee, the
respondent " led a petition for commission as a notary public and was commissioned .
. . without obtaining prior authority from the Secretary of the Department of Justice." 55
According to the complainant, the respondent had notarized around 3,000 documents.
56 This Court found the respondent guilty of engaging in notarial practice without
written authority from the Secretary of Justice. Thus:
It is clear that when respondent led her petition for commission as a
notary public, she did not obtain a written permission from the Secretary of the
D[epartment] [of] J[ustice]. Respondent's superior, the Register of Deeds, cannot
issue any authorization because he is not the head of the Department. And even
assuming that the Register of Deeds authorized her, respondent failed to
present any proof of that written permission. Respondent cannot feign
ignorance or good faith because respondent led her petition for commission
as a notary public after Memorandum Circular No. 17 was issued in 1986. 57
In this case, respondent was given written permission by the Head of the
National Center for Mental Health, whose authority was designated under Department
of Health Administrative Order No. 21, series of 1999. 58
However, by assisting and representing complainant in a suit against the
Ombudsman and against government in general, respondent put himself in a situation
of conflict of interest. ATICcS

Respondent's practice of profession was expressly and impliedly conditioned on

the requirement that his practice will not be "in con ict with the interest of the Center
and the Philippine government as a whole." 59
I n Javellana v. Department of Interior and Local Government, 60 the petitioner
was an incumbent City Councilor or member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bago
City. He was a lawyer by profession and had continuously engaged in the practice of
law without securing authority from the Regional Director of the Department of Local
Government. 61 In 1989, the petitioner acted as counsel for Antonio Javiero and
Rolando Catapang and led a case for Illegal Dismissal and Reinstatement with
Damages against Engr. Ernesto C. Divinagracia, City Engineer of Bago City. 62
Engr. Ernesto C. Divinagracia led an administrative case before the Department
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 of Local Government for violation of Section 7 (b) (2) of Republic Act No. 6713 and
relevant Department of Local Government memorandum circulars on unauthorized
practice of profession, as well as for oppression, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
63 While the case was pending before Department of Local Government, the petitioner
was able to secure a written authority to practice his profession from the Secretary of
Interior and Local Government, "provided that such practice will not con ict or tend to
conflict with his official functions." 64
This Court in Javellana observed that the petitioner practiced his profession in
conflict with his functions as City Councilor and against the interests of government:
In the rst place, complaints against public of cers and employees
relating or incidental to the performance of their duties are necessarily
impressed with public interest for by express constitutional mandate, a public
of ce is a public trust. The complaint for illegal dismissal led by Javiero and
Catapang against City Engineer Divinagracia is in effect a complaint against the
City Government of Bago City, their real employer, of which petitioner Javellana
is a councilman. Hence, judgment against City Engineer Divinagracia would
actually be a judgment against the City Government. By serving as counsel for
the complaining employees and assisting them to prosecute their claims
against City Engineer Divinagracia, the petitioner violated Memorandum Circular
No. 74-58 (in relation to Section 7[b-2] of R[epublic] A[ct] [No.] 6713) prohibiting
a government of cial from engaging in the private practice of his profession, if
such practice would represent interests adverse to the government.
Petitioner's contention that Section 90 of the Local Government Code of
1991 and DLG Memorandum Circular No. 90-81 violate Article VIII, Section 5 of
the Constitution is completely off tangent. Neither the statute nor the circular
trenches upon the Supreme Court's power and authority to prescribe rules on the
practice of law. The Local Government Code and DLG Memorandum Circular
No. 90-81 simply prescribe rules of conduct for public officials to avoid conflicts
of interest between the discharge of their public duties and the private practice
of their profession, in those instances where the law allows it. 65
There is basic con ict of interest here. Respondent is a public of cer, an
employee of government. The Of ce of the Ombudsman is part of government. By
appearing against the Of ce of the Ombudsman, respondent is going against the same
employer he swore to serve.
In addition, the government has a serious interest in the prosecution of erring
employees and their corrupt acts. Under the Constitution, "[p]ublic of ce is a public
trust." 66 The Of ce of the Ombudsman, as "protectors of the [P]eople," 67 is mandated
to "investigate and prosecute . . . any act or omission of any public of cer or employee,
of ce or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or
inefficient." 68
Thus, a con ict of interest exists when an incumbent government employee
represents another government employee or public of cer in a case pending before the
Of ce of the Ombudsman. The incumbent of cer ultimately goes against government's
mandate under the Constitution to prosecute public of cers or employees who have
committed acts or omissions that appear to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inef cient.
69 Furthermore, this is consistent with the constitutional directive that "[p]ublic of cers
and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the [P]eople, serve them with
utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and ef ciency; act with patriotism and justice,
and lead modest lives." 70
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 The objective in disciplinary cases is not to punish the erring of cer or employee
but to continue to uplift the People's trust in government and to ensure excellent public
service:
[W]hen an of cer or employee is disciplined, the object sought is not the
punishment of that of cer or employee, but the improvement of the public
service and the preservation of the public's faith and con dence in the
government. . . . These constitutionally-enshrined principles, oft-repeated in our
case law, are not mere rhetorical ourishes or idealistic sentiments. They should
be taken as working standards by all in the public service. 71
Having determined that respondent illicitly practiced law, we nd that there is
now no need to determine whether the fees he charged were reasonable.
In disbarment or disciplinary cases pending before this Court, the complainant
must prove his or her allegations through substantial evidence. 72 In Advincula v.
Macabata, 73 this Court dismissed a complaint for disbarment due to the lack of
evidence in proving the complainant's allegations:
As a basic rule in evidence, the burden of proof lies on the party who makes the
allegations — ei incumbit probation, qui decit, non qui negat; cum per rerum
naturam factum negantis probation nulla sit. In the case at bar, complainant
miserably failed to comply with the burden of proof required of her. A mere
charge or allegation of wrongdoing does not suf ce. Accusation is not
synonymous with guilt. 74 (Emphasis in the original, citations omitted)
Moreover, lawyers should not be hastily disciplined or penalized unless it is
shown that they committed a transgression of their oath or their duties, which re ects
on their fitness to enjoy continued status as a member of the bar:
The power to disbar or suspend ought always to be exercised on the
preservative and not on the vindictive principle, with great caution and only for
the most weighty reasons and only on clear cases of misconduct which
seriously affect the standing and character of the lawyer as an of cer of the
court and member of the Bar. Only those acts which cause loss of moral
character should merit disbarment or suspension, while those acts which neither
affect nor erode the moral character of the lawyer should only justify a lesser
sanction unless they are of such nature and to such extent as to clearly show
the lawyer's un tness to continue in the practice of law. The dubious character
of the act charged as well as the motivation which induced the lawyer to
commit it must be clearly demonstrated before suspension or disbarment is
meted out. The mitigating or aggravating circumstances that attended the
commission of the offense should also be considered. 75
Likewise, we nd that respondent violated the Lawyer's Oath and the Code of
Professional Responsibility when he communicated to or, at the very least, made it
appear to complainant that he knew people from the Of ce of the Ombudsman who
could help them get a favorable decision in complainant's case.
Lawyers are mandated to uphold, at all times, integrity and dignity in the practice
of their profession. 76 Respondent violated the oath he took when he proposed to gain
a favorable outcome for complainant's case by resorting to his in uence among staff in
the Office where the case was pending. 77
Thus, respondent violated the Code of Professional Responsibility. Canon 1,
Rules 1.01, and 1.02 78 prohibit lawyers from engaging in unlawful, dishonest, immoral,
or deceitful conduct. 79 Respondent's act of ensuring that the case will be dismissed
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 because of his personal relationships with of cers or employees in the Of ce of the
Ombudsman is unlawful and dishonest. Canon 7 80 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility requires lawyers to always "uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal
profession."
In relation, Canon 13 81 mandates that lawyers "shall rely upon the merits of his
[or her] cause and refrain from any impropriety which tends to in uence, or gives the
appearance of influencing the court."
A lawyer that approaches a judge to try to gain in uence and receive a favorable
outcome for his or her client violates Canon 13 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility. 82 This act of in uence peddling is highly immoral and has no place in
the legal profession:
The highly immoral implication of a lawyer approaching a judge — or a
judge evincing a willingness — to discuss, in private, a matter related to a case
pending in that judge's sala cannot be over-emphasized. The fact that Atty.
Singson did talk on different occasions to Judge Reyes, initially through a
mutual friend, Atty. Sevilla, leads us to conclude that Atty. Singson was indeed
trying to in uence the judge to rule in his client's favor. This conduct is not
acceptable in the legal profession. 83
In Jimenez v. Verano, Jr., 84 we disciplined the respondent for preparing a release
order for his clients using the letterhead of the Department of Justice and the
stationery of the Secretary: TIADCc

The way respondent conducted himself manifested a clear intent to gain

special treatment and consideration from a government agency. This is
precisely the type of improper behavior sought to be regulated by the codi ed
norms for the bar. Respondent is duty-bound to actively avoid any act that tends
to in uence, or may be seen to in uence, the outcome of an ongoing case, lest
the people's faith in the judicial process is diluted.
The primary duty of lawyers is not to their clients but to the
administration of justice. To that end, their clients' success is wholly
subordinate. The conduct of a member of the bar ought to and must always be
scrupulously observant of the law and ethics. Any means, not honorable, fair
and honest which is resorted to by the lawyer, even in the pursuit of his devotion
to his client's cause, is condemnable and unethical.
xxx xxx xxx
Zeal and persistence in advancing a client's cause must always be within
the bounds of the law. A self-respecting independence in the exercise of the
profession is expected if an attorney is to remain a member of the bar. In the
present case, we nd that respondent fell short of these exacting standards.
Given the import of the case, a warning is a mere slap on the wrist that would
not serve as commensurate penalty for the offense. 85
Similar to the present case, in Bueno v. Rañeses, 86 we disbarred a lawyer who
solicited bribe money from his client in violation of Canon 13 of the Code of
Professional Responsibility:
Rather than merely suspend Atty. Rañeses as had been done in Bildner,
the Court believes that Atty. Rañeses merits the ultimate administrative penalty
of disbarment because of the multi-layered impact and implications of what he
did; by his acts he proved himself to be what a lawyer should not be, in a
lawyer's relations to the client, to the court and to the Integrated Bar.
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 First, he extracted money from his client for a purpose that is both false
and fraudulent. It is false because no bribery apparently took place as Atty.
Rañeses in fact lost the case. It is fraudulent because the professed purpose of
the exaction was the crime of bribery. Beyond these, he maligned the judge and
the Judiciary by giving the impression that court cases are won, not on the
merits, but through deceitful means — a decidedly black mark against the
Judiciary. Last but not the least, Atty. Rañeses grossly disrespected the IBP by
his cavalier attitude towards its disciplinary proceedings.
From these perspectives, Atty. Rañeses wronged his client, the judge
allegedly on the "take," the Judiciary as an institution, and the IBP of which he is
a member. The Court cannot and should not allow offenses such as these to
pass unredressed. Let this be a signal to one and all — to all lawyers, their
clients and the general public — that the Court will not hesitate to act decisively
and with no quarters given to defend the interest of the public, of our judicial
system and the institutions composing it, and to ensure that these are not
compromised by unscrupulous or misguided members of the Bar. 87 (Emphasis
supplied)
In the interest of ridding itself of corrupt personnel who encourage in uence
peddling, and in the interest of maintaining the high ethical standards of employees in
the judiciary, this Court did not hesitate in dismissing its own employee from
government service when she peddled influence in the Court of Appeals: 88
What brings our judicial system into disrepute are often the actuations of
a few erring court personnel peddling in uence to party-litigants, creating the
impression that decisions can be bought and sold, ultimately resulting in the
disillusionment of the public. This Court has never wavered in its vigilance in
eradicating the so-called "bad eggs" in the judiciary. And whenever warranted by
the gravity of the offense, the supreme penalty of dismissal in an administrative
case is meted to erring personnel. 89
The Investigating Commissioner found that complainant was "forced to give . . .
Respondent the amount of P1,400,000.00 because of the words of Respondent that he
ha[d] friends in the Of ce of the Ombudsman who c[ould] help with a fee." 90 It is
because of respondent's assurances to complainant that she sent him money over the
course of several months. 91 These assurances are seen from the text messages that
respondent sent complainant:
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Cnbi ko dun sa kontak dati na magbibigay tayo na pera sa allowance lang
muna later na ang bayad pag labas ng reso at kaliwaan pero sbi nya mas
maganda kung isasabay na ang pera pagbgay ng letter mo sa omb.. Parang
dun tayo nagkamali pero ang solusyon ay sana ibalik nila ang pera . . in d
meantime hindi dapat apektado ang kaso at kailangan an Appeal sa CA at may
deadline yun
DATE : 31-05-2010
TIME : 5:24 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

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 SUBJECT :
Gud pm pnro, naLBC n b ang Reso? Kung Jan un pnrmahn . . .
DATE : 21-05-2010
TIME : 5:13 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT:
Pnro sbi ng Dep Omb la png cnabi sa knya ng Omb. Ang CA Reso pnaiwan n
Orly @ studyohn nya (txt kontal)
DATE : 15-04-2010
TIME : 6:07 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Yung blessing pala ni gutierez ang hnhntay ng overall dep omb si orly at dun
din siya subok kuha letter pero nasbhan na si gutierez ng dep omb for Luzon sbi
ko pwwde b nila gawin total alam na ni gutierez. . . Maya tawag ko sayo update
DATE : 15-04-2010
TIME : 12:44 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Gud mrng Tess hindi na svmagot kahapon tnxt ko pero minsan hndi tlga
sumasagot yun nag ttxt lang pagkatapos kaya lang d mo pala naiintindihan
ang txt nya bisaya "istudyahun" ibig sabihn kausapin pa so nasbi na nya sa
omb yung letter at istudzahan pa
DATE : 31-03-2010
TIME : 8:25 am
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Ok panero update ko na lang client pero nag txt tlga kailangan daw nya letter
habang wala pa omb reso., Txt mo lang ko panero, have a nice holidays.. (sagot
ko yan tess)
DATE : 03-03-2010
TIME : 5:03 pm
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 TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Sa dep omb for Luzon na nya follow up ang MR at saka overall dep omb si orly
dun nya kukunin letter
DATE : 30-03-2010
TIME : 5:00 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Gud pm pnro. Ang Dep. Omb. My closd dor mtng pro pnkta s knya ang note q at
sabi rw bumalik aq aftr Holy wk. C Orly nman ay ngsabi n es2dyuhn p rw nya.
DATE : 30-03-2010
TIME : 4:52 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Binigay ko na pera kahapon at kinausap ko para sa letter magkikita pa kami
mamaya las 2 at kukunin nya copy letter natin kay sales at CA reso
DATE : 15-04-2010
TIME : 12:32 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Tess ndpst mo na? Kakausapin ko kasi na qc na lang kami kita at malapit ako
dun maya at hindi na sa crsng. Tnx
DATE : 14-04-2010
TIME : 1:29 pm
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Gud pm pnro. Ok ba ang 15k rep maya 6pm? Thnx (txt ng kontak tess kausapin
ko mbuti sa letter)
DATE : 14-04-2010
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 TIME : 10:25 am
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Pnro ung rep alo n bngay mo 1st Mar 24 ay ok lng pra s 2 falo-ups q Mar 25 @
Mar 30. As usual, magkita tau Apr 14 @ kunin q 20th para sa falo-up Apr 15
thnx
DATE : 08-04-2010
TIME : 10:58 am
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Ok panero kailangan malinaw din ang presentation lp sa client panero at ang
impression nya yun na ang hningi natin... so april 15 panero an balik mo sa MR
at yung letter form omb to dof bhala ka na sa diskarte panero pag nakakuha
tayo nakahanda na 150k dun
DATE : 08-04-2010
TIME : 10:56 am
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Pnero dapat maalala mo n ung purpose ng 400th hindi directly delivery ng Reso
granting d MR pro ung delivery by the Dep Omb ng letr of appeal 2 d Omb at
pgpaliwang nya sa Omb. Re sa hnhngi ng rspondnt n modfcation ng Dcsion.
Nung 1st mtng ntn Mar 24, ngin4m q sau n ngawa n i2 ng Dep Omb pro
kausapn p ng Omb c Orly. Itong huli ang nabtn p, pro yon ay dscrtion n ng
Omb@ wlng control d2 and Dep. Omb.
DATE : 08-04-2010
TIME : 10:55 am
TYPE : Text Message
xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Tess gud mrng, wag mo kalimutan mgdpst 25k today 6pm mtng naming omb
tnx.
DATE : 24-03-2010
TIME : 10:23 am
TYPE : Text Message
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 xxx xxx xxx
FROM : Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>
SUBJECT :
Gud pm uli pnro. Kung subukan q n lkrn ky Orly ung cnabi mong letr adrsd 2
DOF Sec @ synd n Orly ang letr, pktanong s rspndnt kung ok b s knya nab yarn
nya aq ng Atty's fee n 75thou upfront @ another 75thou upon receipt of a DOF
ordr holdng n abyans implmntation of hr dsmsal due 2 Orly's letr? thnx
DATE : 11-03-2010
TIME : 7:03 pm
TYPE : Text Message 92
In response to his alleged text messages, respondent claims that complainant
must have confused him with her other contacts. 93 Respondent found it "mesmerizing"
that complainant was able to save all those alleged text messages from two (2) years
ago. 94 Moreover, assuming these messages were "true, still they [were] not legally
admissible as they [were] covered by the lawyer-client privileged communication as
those supposed texts '[had been] made for the purpose and in the course of
employment, [were] regarded as privileged and the rule of exclusion [was] strictly
enforced.'" 95
In cases involving in uence peddling or bribery, "[t]he transaction is always done
in secret and often only between the two parties concerned." 96 Nevertheless, as found
by the Investigating Commissioner and as shown by the records, we rule that there is
enough proof to hold respondent guilty of influence peddling.
We agree with the penalty recommended by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Board of Governors. We nd respondent's acts of in uence peddling, coupled with
unauthorized practice of law, merit the penalty of suspension of one (1) year from the
practice of law. To be so bold as to peddle in uence before the very institution that is
tasked to prosecute corruption speaks much about respondent's character and his
attitude towards the courts and the bar. AIDSTE

Lawyers who offer no skill other than their acquaintances or relationships with
regulators, investigators, judges, or Justices pervert the system, weaken the rule of law,
and debase themselves even as they claim to be members of a noble profession.
Practicing law should not degenerate to one's ability to have illicit access. Rather, it
should be about making an honest appraisal of the client's situation as seen through
the evidence fairly and fully gathered. It should be about making a discerning and
diligent reading of the applicable law. It is foremost about attaining justice in a fair
manner. Law exists to temper, with its own power, illicit power and unfair advantage. It
should not be conceded as a tool only for those who cheat by unduly in uencing people
or public officials.
It is time that we unequivocally underscore that to even imply to a client that a
lawyer knows who will make a decision is an act worthy of the utmost condemnation. If
we are to preserve the nobility of this profession, its members must live within its
ethical parameters. There is never an excuse for influence peddling.
While this Court is not a collection agency for faltering debtors, 97 this Court has
ordered restitution of amounts to complainants due to the erroneous actions of
lawyers. 98 Respondent is, therefore, required to return to complainant the amount of
P500,000.00 — the amount that respondent allegedly gave his friends connected with
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 the Office of the Ombudsman.
WHEREFORE, Respondent Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez is guilty of violating the Code
of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Of cials and Employees, the Lawyer's
Oath, and the Code of Professional Responsibility. He is SUSPENDED from the
practice of law for one (1) year with a WARNING that a repetition of the same or
similar acts shall be dealt with more severely. Respondent is ORDERED to return the
amount of P500,000.00 with legal interest to complainant Teresita P. Fajardo.
Let copies of this Decision be furnished to the Of ce of the Bar Con dant, to be
appended to respondent's personal record as attorney. Likewise, copies shall be
furnished to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and all courts in the country for their
information and guidance.
SO ORDERED.
Carpio, Brion, Del Castillo and Mendoza, JJ., concur.
Footnotes
1. Rollo, p. 1, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline Report and
Recommendation dated November 14, 2012.

2. Id.
3. Id.

4. Id.
5. Id. at 2.

6. Id.

7. Id.
8. Id.

9. Id.
10. Id.

11. Id. at 9, Comment.

12. Id.
13. Id. at 10-11.

14. Id. at 12.

15. Id.
16. Id.

17. Id.
18. Id.

19. Id.

20. Id. at 12-13. The Of ce of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon promulgated the Decision
dated February 19, 2008 nding Teresita guilty of serious dishonesty and ordered her
dismissal from service (OMB-L-A-04-0254-D[OMB-L-C-04-0376-D] For: Dishonesty). In
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 the Resolution dated February 19, 2008, the same Of ce issued the Resolution
recommending the indictment of Teresita for violation of Rep. Act No. 3019, sec. 3 (e)
(OMB-L-C-04-0376-D [OMB-L-A-04-0254-D] For: Violation of Section 3 (e) of R.A. No.
3019).
21. Id.

22. Id.

23. Id. at 14.

24. Id. at 13-14.

25. Id. at 419, Report and Recommendation.

26. Id.

27. Id.

28. Id.
29. Id. at 419-420.

30. Id. at 1-3.

31. Id. at 8, Resolution dated July 25, 2011.

32. Id. at 282.

33. Id. at 416-423.

34. Id. at 422.

35. Id. at 423.

36. Id. at 422-423.

37. Id. at 420.

38. Id. at 421.

39. Id. at 422.

40. Id. at 421-422.

41. Id. at 415.

42. Id.

43. Id. at 424-433.

44. Id. at 444.

45. Id.

46. Id. at 21.

47. Id.

48. Id.
49. 278 Phil. 235 (1991) [Per J. Paras, En Banc].
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 50. Id. at 241-256, citing Land Title Abstract and Trust Co. v. Dworken, 129 Ohio St. 23, 193
N.E. 650; State ex. rel. Mckittrick v. C.S. Dudley and Co., 102 S.W. 2d 895, 340 Mo.
852; Barr D. Cardell, 155 NW 312; and 111 ALR 23.

51. A.C. No. 5377, June 30, 2014, 727 SCRA 341 [Per J. Leonen, Third Division].

52. Id. at 355.

53. Issued by the Of ce of the President, entitled Revoking Memorandum Circular No. 1025
Dated November 25, 1977.

54. 606 Phil. 200 (2009) [Per J. Carpio, First Division].

55. Id. at 202.

56. Id.
57. Id. at 206-207. Respondent was reprimanded and "warned that a repetition of the same or
similar act in the future shall merit a more severe sanction" (Id. at 208).

58. Rollo, p. 21.

59. Id.

60. G.R. No. 102549, August 10, 1992, 212 SCRA 475 [Per J. Griño-Aquino, En Banc].

61. Id. at 476.

62. Id.

63. Id.

64. Id.
65. Id. at 482.

66. CONST., art. XI, sec. 1.

67. CONST., art. XI, sec. 12.

68. Rep. Act No. 6770, sec. 15 (1). See CONST., art. XI, secs. 12 and 13, which provide:

Section 12. The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act
promptly on complaints led in any form or manner against public of cials or
employees of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in appropriate
cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof.

Section 13. The Of ce of the Ombudsman shall have the following powers, functions, and
duties:

(1) Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public
of cial, employee, of ce or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal,
unjust, improper, or inefficient.
(2) Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public of cial or employee of the
Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as of any
government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to perform and
expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and correct any abuse or
impropriety in the performance of duties.
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 (3) Direct the of cer concerned to take appropriate action against a public of cial or
employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, ne, censure,
or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.
(4) Direct the of cer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such limitations as
may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of documents relating to contracts
or transactions entered into by his of ce involving the disbursement or use of public
funds or properties, and report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit for
appropriate action.
(5) Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the
discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and
documents.

(6) Publicize matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and with
due prudence.
(7) Determine the causes of inef ciency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and
corruption in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and
the observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency.
(8) Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such
functions or duties as may be provided by law.

69. This must be differentiated, however, from the rule governing former government lawyers
acting as counsel for private parties after leaving the service. See Presidential
Commission on Good Government v. Sandiganbayan, 495 Phil. 485 (2005) [Per J.
Puno, En Banc] and Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 6, rule 6.03.
70. CONST., art. XI, sec. 1.

71. Government Service Insurance System v. Mayordomo, 665 Phil. 131, 151-152 (2011) [Per
J. Mendoza, En Banc], citing Civil Service Commission v. Cortez, 474 Phil. 670, 690
(2004) [Per Curiam, En Banc]; and Bautista v. Negado, 108 Phil. 283, 289 (1960) [Per
J. Gutierrez David, En Banc].

72. See Spouses Boyboy v. Yabut, Jr., A.C. No. 5225, April 29, 2003, 401 SCRA 622 [Per J.
Bellosillo, Second Division].
73. 546 Phil. 431 (2007) [Per J. Chico-Nazario, Third Division].

74. Id. at 446.

75. Id. at 447-448.

76. See Heirs of Alilano v. Examen, A.C. No. 10132, March 24, 2015
<http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?
le=/jurisprudence/2015/march2015/10132.pdf> [Per J. Villarama, Jr., En Banc];
Sipin-Nabor v. Baterina y Figueras, 412 Phil. 419, 424 (2001) [Per J. Pardo, En Banc];
Vitriolo v. Dasig, 448 Phil. 199, 209 (2003) [Per Curiam, En Banc].
77. Lawyer's Oath — I, __________, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the
Republic of the Philippines; I will support its Constitution and obey the laws as well
as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein; I will do no falsehood,
nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue
any groundless, false or unlawful suit, nor give aid nor consent to the same; I will
delay no man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to
the best of my knowledge and discretion with all good delity as well to the courts as
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 to my clients; and I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.

78. Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 1, rules 1.01 and 1.02 provide:
CANON 1 — A lawyer shall uphold the constitution, obey the laws of the land and promote
respect for law and for legal processes.

RULE 1.01 A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.

RULE 1.02 A lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed at de ance of the law or at
lessening confidence in the legal system[.]

79. See Phil. Association of Court Employees v. Alibutdan-Diaz, A.C. No. 10134, November 26,
2014 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?
le=/jurisprudence/2014/november2014/10134.pdf> [Per J. Mendoza, Second
Division].
80. Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 7 provides:

CANON 7 — A lawyer shall at all times uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal
profession and support the activities of the integrated bar.
81. Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 13 provides:

CANON 13 — A lawyer shall rely upon they merits of his cause and refrain from any
impropriety which tends to in uence, or gives the appearance of in uencing the
court.
82. Bildner v. Ilusorio, 606 Phil. 369 (2009) [Per J. Velasco, Jr., Second Division].

83. Id. at 389.

84. A.C. No. 8108, July 15, 2014, 730 SCRA 53 [Per C.J. Sereno, En Banc].

85. Id. at 61-62.

86. 700 Phil. 817 (2012) [Per Curiam, En Banc].

87. Id. at 827.

88. Nuez v. Cruz-Apao, 495 Phil. 270 (2005) [Per Curiam, En Banc], citing Mendoza v.
Tiongson, 333 Phil. 508 (1996) [Per Curiam, En Banc].
89. Id. at 272.

90. Rollo, p. 421, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline Report and
Recommendation dated November 14, 2012.
91. Id.

92. Id. at 339-344.

93. I d . at 382, Respondent's Position Paper dated September 28, 2012, paragraph 64.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines Records.

94. Id.

95. Id. at 382-383, citation omitted.

96. Bildner v. Ilusorio, 606 Phil. 369, 390 (2009) [Per J. Velasco, Jr., Second Division].
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 97. See In re: Complaint for Failure to Pay Just Debts Against Esther T. Andres, 493 Phil. 1
(2005) [Per J. Chico-Nazario, En Banc].
98. See Adrimisin v. Javier, 532 Phil. 639 (2006) [Per J. Carpio, En Banc]; Rollon v. Naraval,
493 Phil. 24 (2005) [Per J. Panganiban, En Banc]; Ramos v. Imbang, 557 Phil. 507
(2007) [Per Curiam, En Banc].

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