Law Notes

CHANROBLES PROFESSIONAL REVIEW, INC.
LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS &

PRACTICAL EXERCISES
BY: JUSTICE HECTOR L. HOFILEÑA
WWW.CHANROBLESBAR.COM
e s
ChanRobles Internet Bar Review : ChanRobles Professional Review, Inc.
b l
R o
n
A.PracticeofLaw
a a r
h B
C e s
1. Concept
b l
R o
Practiceoflawisnotanatural,propertyorconstitutionalrightbut
amereprivilegetobeextendedorwithheldintheexerciseofsound
a n
capriciouslytakenfromalawyer,withoutdueprocessoflaw.
a r
judicialdiscretion.Butitisarightinthesensethatitcannotbe
h B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
www.chanroblesbar.com : www.chanroblesbar.com.ph
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
2.Practiceoflawisaprofession
Practiceoflawisaprofession,aformofpublictrust,notabusiness,
R o
usingbargaincountermethodstoreapalargeprofit.Thegainingofa
n r
livelihoodisbutasecondaryconsideration.
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C
3.
s
Theprimarycharacteristicswhichdistinguish
e
l
thelegalprofessionfrombusinessare:
b
o
(1)adutyofpublicserviceofwhichemolutment
Isabyproduct; R
a n
(2)arelationasofficerofthecourttothe
a r
h
admiinistrationofjustice; B
C e s
(3)arelationtoclientinthehighestdegree
fiduciary; b l
R o
(4)arelationtocolleaguescharacterizedby
candorandfairness.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o *
a n a r
4.Practiceoflawgenerally– embracesanyactivityin
h B
oroutofcourt,whichrequirestheapplicationoflaw,
C e s
legalprinciple,practiceorprocedure,andcallsfor
Monsod,201SCRA210). b l
legalknowledge,trainingandexperience( Cayetano v.
R o
Itisnotlimitedtotheconductofcasesincourt.It
a n
includeslegaladviceandcounselling,andthe
a r
h
preparationoflegaldocumentsandcontractsby
B
C
whichlegalrightsaresecured(Ulep v.LegalClinic,
e s
Inc.,223SCRA378
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
5.AppearanceofNonlawyersincourt
a n a r
h B
GeneralRule:Onlylawyersmayappearandhandlecasesincourt.
C a. Student Practice Rule (Rule e138A) s

Exceptions:
b. Nonlawyers authorized l
o b by the Supreme Court –
(1) In Municipal or Metropolitan Trial Courts, a person
may appear Rin a civil case by himself of through a
friend. n r
a B a
C h
(2) In municipalities where no lawyer is available, the MTC
may appoint a person of repute forsintegrity and
e
judge
l
competence to represent a party in a criminal
b
o
proceeding.
(3) In the RTC, a party may appear
R for himself (pro se) in .
(4) Small Claims cases. n r

civil cases.
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
6. Public Officials and the practice of law
a n a r
h B
a) Prohibition or disqualification of former government attorneys
C (1) Under R.A. 6713 – retired
e s government officials are allowed to
retirement, they are not l
practice their profession, but for a period of one year after their
o b allowed to practice in the office where they

had previously been connected.
(2) Under then

R
Code of Professional Responsibility r
not, aftera leaving government service, acceptaengagement or
A lawyer may
h in connection with any matterBin which he had

C while in said service (Rule 6.03; s
employment
intervened
455 SCRA 526 ).
l e PCGG v. Sandiganbayan,
b
(3) Under the Judiciary Retiremento
R Act (R.A. 910) – retired members
a n
of the judiciary cannot appear as counsel in cases, civil, criminal or
administrative, where the government is the adverse party.
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B *
C (1)Prohibitedfrompracticing– s
e President,VicePresident,
(b)RestrictionsonPublicofficials.
b l
R o
Departmentsecretaries,judgesandjustices,prosecutors,
SolicitorGeneralandmembersoftheOSG,membersof
a n
ConstitutionalCommissions,GovernorsandMayors.
a r
h B
(2)Allowedtopracticebutsubjecttorestrictions–
C s
e Sanggunians,.
Senators,membersoftheHouseofRepresentatives,Vice
b
GovernorsandViceMayors,membersofthe l
R o
(3)Approvalofdepartmentheadrequired
employees(Catuv.Rellosa,AC5738,Feb.9,2008)
CivilService
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B *
C e s
7.ThreeconditionsbeforeaGOCCcanhireaprivate
b l
lawyer:(1)privatecounselcanonlybehiredin
o
exceptionalcases;(2)theGOCCmustfirstsecurethe
R
a n
writtenconformityandacquiescenceoftheOSGor
theOGCC,asthecasemaybe;and(3)thewritten a r
h B
C
concurrenceoftheCOAmustalsobesecured.(Vargas
e s
vs.Ignes,623SCRA1).Ifsuchconsentwasnot
b l
obtained,officialswhohiredprivatelawyersshallbe
R o
personallyliable(Laguesma vs.COA. G.R.No.
185544.January13,2015)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h
8.Rightsofalawyer
B
e s
C 2.Thefirstonetosetthemachineryofjusticeinmotion.
1.Topracticelawduringhislifetime.
b l
o
3.Presumptionofregularityinhisactions.
R
n r
st
4.Deemed1 gradeCivilServiceEligibleforallpositions
a
whereknowledgeoflawisrequired,and2
B a nd
gradeeligible
C h
foranyotherposition.
s
l e
5Consideredworthyoftrustandconfidenceofthepublic,a
leaderinthecommunity
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
Dutiesandresponsibilitiesofalawyer
a a r
h B
C e s
1.Sourcesofduties
b l
a.Constitution
R o
b.Statutes
a n a r
c.Jurisprudence
h B
C
d.Lawyer’sOath(Sec.3,Rule138)
e s
e.RulesofCourt
b l
f.CodesofConduct
R o
n
(1)CodeofProfessionalEthics
a a r
h
(2)CodeofProfessionalResponsibility
B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
DUTIESOFALAWYER
a a r
h B
s
C .DutiestoSocietyingeneral:
e
b l
Canon1 Alawyershalluphold theConstitution,
o
obey thelawsoftheland,andpromoterespectforthe
R
n
lawandlegalprocesses(CPR)
a a r
h B
C s
Alawyerassumesresponsibilitieswellbeyondthe
e
b l
basicrequirementsofgoodcitizenship.Asaservantof
thelaw,heshouldmakehimselfanexampleforothers
toemulate.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a
Rule1.01 Alawyershallnotengageinunlawful,r
hdishonest, immoral anddeceitful conduct. B
C e s
a.Unlawfulconduct– conductinviolationofthelaw,penalornot.
b l
b.Dishonestconduct– dispositiontolie,cheat,deceive,defraudorbetray.
o
c.Immoralconduct– conductwhichiswillful,flagrantorshameless,and
R
n r
whichshowsamoralindifferencetotheopinionsofgoodandrespectable
a a
membersofthecommunity.Grosslyimmoralactisonethatissocorruptor
B
h
falseastoconstituteacriminalactorsounprincipledordisgracefulastobe
C
reprehensibletoahighdegree
e s
b l
d.Deceitfulconduct proclivityforfraudulentanddeceptive
misrepresentation,artificeordeviceuseduponanother,tothedamageor
prejudiceofthelatter.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
GabrielaCoronelVs.Atty.NelsonA.Cunanan
a n
A.C.No.6738.August12,2015 a r
h B
C e s
l
Facts:Respondentadvisedclientstoresortto“direct
b
R o
registration”tohaveinheritedpropertiesregisteredintheir
names,andaskedformoneytogivetotheRegisterofDeeds
n
forhiscooperation.Hefailedtorenderserviceandaccount
a a r
B
forthemoney.
C h
Held:Althoughtherespondentoutlinedtothecomplainants
l e
the“ordinaryprocedure”ofanextrajudicialsettlementof
b
estateasameansoftransferringtitle,healsoproposedthe
o
R
optionof“directregistration”despitebeingfullyawarethat
a n
suchoptionwasactuallyashortcutintendedtocircumvent
thelaw,andthuspatentlycontrarytolaw.Thetransfer
a r
underthelatteroption, h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
wouldbypasstheimmediateheirsoftheirgrandparents(i.e.,
s
C thecomplainant’sparentandhercoheirsparents),and
e
b l
consequentlydeprivetheGovernmentofthecorresponding
R o
estatetaxesandtransferfeesasidefromrequiringthe
falsificationofthetransferdocuments.Heassuredthathe
a n a r
couldenablethedirecttransferwiththehelpofhiscontactsin
h B
theOfficeoftheRegisterofDeedsandotherrelevantagencies
C s
oftheGovernment,whichmeantthathewouldbebribing
e
b l
someofficialsandemployeesofthoseoffices.Theproposalof
“directregistration”wasunquestionablyunlawful,immoraland
deceitfulallatonce.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
GabinoV.TolentinoandFlordelizaC.TolentinoVs.Atty.
a n
HenryB.SoandAtty.FerdinandL.Ancheta a r
h
A.C.No.6387.July19,2016 B
C e s
b l
R o
Facts: Atty.Anchetawashiredafterthecomplainants’
appealhadalreadybeendecidedagainstthembytheCourt
a n
ofAppeals.Heassuredthemthathecouldstillfilea
a r
h
“motiontoreopenappealedcase”.Heaskedthemforan
B
C s
acceptancefeeofP40,000.00,andP200,000.00tobepaid
e
b l
toJusticesoftheCourtofAppeals.Theygavehimthesaid
amounts,buttheysubsequentlylearnedthatnomotion
R o
wasfiledintheCourtofAppealswhosedecisionhadalready
becomefinal.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Held:Atty.Ancheta'sdeceitandevasionofdutyismanifest.He
h B
s
acceptedthecasethoughheknewthefutilityofanappeal.
C e
l
DespitereceiptoftheP40,000.00acceptancefee,hedidnot
b
actonhisclient'scase.Moreover,heprevailedupon
o
R
complainantstogivehimP200,000.00purportedlytobeused
n
tobribetheJusticesoftheCourtofAppealsinordertosecure
a a r
h
afavorableruling,palpablyshowingthathehimselfwas
B
C e s
unconvincedofthemeritsofthecase."Alawyershallnot,for
b l
anycorruptmotiveorinterest,encourageanysuitor
proceedingordelayanyman'scause.”
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
ArnoldPacaoVs.Atty.SinamarLimos
a a r
h
A.C.No.11246.June14,2016
B
C e s
l
Facts:Inanactionforqualifiedtheftagainstthe
b
o
complainant’swife,respondentappearedascounselforthe
R
complainingcompany.Respondentconvincedthemto
n r
enterintoanamicablesettlementwithherclient.She
a a
negotiatedwiththemforanagreementwherebytheywill
B
C h
giveheraninitialamountofP200,000.00,andshewillgive
s
themareceiptandamotiontowithdrawthecharges.They
l e
gaveherthesaidamountandshegavethemareceipt,but
o b
toldthemthatshewillfilethemotiontowithdrawincourt.
Later,whentheycheckedwiththecourt,theylearnedthat
R
nomotionhadbeenfiled,thattherespondenthad
n
withdrawnascounselforthecomplainingcompany,andshe
a a r
B
wasnotauthorizedtoenterintoanamicablesettlement
withthem.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Held: Despite her two prior suspensions, still, Atty. Limos is
h B
once again demonstrating to this Court that not only is she
C e s
unfit to stay in the legal profession for her deceitful conduct
l
but is also remiss in following the dictates of the Court, which
b
o
has supervision over her. Atty. Limos‘ unwarranted obstinacy is
R
a great insolence to the Court which cannot be tolerated. The
n
Court does not hesitate to impose the penalty of disbarment
a a r
B
when the guilty party has become a repeat offender.
C h s
Considering the serious nature of the instant offense and in
l e
light of Atty. Limos' prior misconduct which grossly degrades
disbarment is warranted.
o b
the legal profession, the imposition of the ultimate penalty of
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
Rule1.02 Alawyershallnotcounselorabet
b l
activitiesaimedatdefianceofthelaworatlessening
o
confidenceinthelegalsystem.
R
n
Shouldnotpromoteanorganizationknowntobeviolatingthe
a a r
h
laworengaginginadishonestscheme(InReTurrel,2Phil.
B
266),
C e s
2008). b l
SchemetofleeceOFWs(Yuvs.Atty.Palana,A.C.7747,July14,
R o
Lawyerwhoassistedinillegalrecruitmentofoverseasworkers
– Sebastianv.Calis,314SCRA`1
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
Rule1.03 Alawyershallnot,foranycorruptmotive
R o
orinterest,encourageanysuitorproceedingordelayany
n
man’scause(Rule1.03)
a a r
Aimedagainststirringuplitigation,barratryand
h B
C
ambulancechasing.
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule1.04 Alawyershallencouragehisclientsto
s
C avoid,and/orsettleacontroversyifitwilladmitofa
e
fairsettlement.
b l
R o
n r
Heshouldbeamediatorforconcordandaconciliatorfor
a a
h B
compromiseratherthananinstigatorofcontroversyanda
C
predatorofconflict
s
(DeYsasivs.NLRC,231SCRA505).
e
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
*
C h s
Canon2 Alawyershallmakehisservicesavailableinan
l e
efficientandconvenientmannercompatiblewiththe
b
independence,integrityandeffectivenessofthelegalprofession.
o
R
1.Rule2.01– Alawyershallnotreject,exceptforvalidreasons,
n
thecauseofthedefenselessoroppressed.
a a r
h
a.Butheshouldnotacceptmorecasesthanhecanhandle,
B
C
Canoy v. Ortiz, 453 SCRA 410).
e s
l
2.Rule2.02– Insuchcases,evenifthelawyerdoesnotaccepta
b
o
case,heshallnotrefusetorenderlegaladvicetotheperson
R
concernedifonlytotheextentnecessarytosafeguardthelatter’s
rights.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
3.Rule2.03 Alawyershallnotdoorpermittobedoneany
C h s
actdesignedprimarilytosolicitlegalbusiness.
l e
a.Formingapartnershipwithanunauthorizedpersonforthe
o b
solicitationofclients(TanTekBengv.David,126SCRA289; b.
Enticingclientsofanotherlawyertotransfertheircasestohim
R
n r
foraconsideration( Linsanganvs.Tolentino,A.C.6672,Sept.4,
2009)
a B a
C h s
l e
4.Rule2.04– Alawyershallnotchargerateslowerthanthose
b
customarilyprescribedunlessthecircumstancessowarrant.
o
R
(Toavoidcutthroatcompetition,acommercialactivity)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
CommunityLegalAidServiceRule
a
A.M.No.170309SC
B a
h s
C Rationale– lawyersarechargedwiththedutytogive
l e
o b
meaningtotheguaranteeofaccesstoadequatelegal
R
assistanceunderArt.III,Sec.11ofthe1987Constitutionby
n r
makingtheirlegalservicesavailabletothepublicinan
a a
B
efficientandconvenientmannercompatiblewiththe
C h s
independence,integrityandeffectivenessoftheprofession.
l e
b
Coveredlawyers– thosewhohavepassedtheannualBar
o
R
Examinationsstartingwiththe2017Barexamination.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Requirements– coveredlawyersarerequiredtorender120hourofpro
B
bonolegalaidservicestoqualifiedpartieswithinthefirstyearof
C h
admissiontotheBar.
s
l e
o b
Exemptions– (a)lawyerswiththeexecutiveandlegislativebranchesofthe
governmentatleast6monthsbeforeadmisiontotheBar,(b)those
R
employedafteradmissionwiththejudiciary,PublicAttorney’sOffice,
a n
NationalProsecutionOffice,OSG,OGCC,andOmbudsman,©thosewho
a r
havecompletedclinicallegaleducationprogramundertheStudentPractice
h B
Rule,(d)laywerswhohaveworkedforatlest1yearinlawfirmsofferingpro
C e s
bonolegalservicesorregularlyacceptingcounseldeoficioappointments,
b l
(e)thosewhohaveworkedformorethan1yearasstaffinaLawSchool
legalaidofficeorPublicInterestLawGroup,()thosewhohaveworkedwith
interestcases.
R o
lawyersforPublicLawGroupsformorethanoneyearandhavefiledpublic
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
e s
C personsoflimitedmeans,(iii)individuals,groupsofoganizationsrendered
Qualifiedpartiesorlitigants:(i)indigentpartyorpauperlitigant,(ii)other
b l
o
unabletosecurefreelegalassistancebyreasonofconflictofintereston
R
theartofgovernmentprovidedlegalassistancethroughthePAO,and(iv)
n r
publicinterestcasesthathavessocietalimpactthatotherwisewouldnotbe
a a
capableofsecuringlegalassistancebyreasonofinabilityofotherlawyers,
B
h
lawfirms,orgovernmentoffices,includingPAO.
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Canon 3 – A lawyer In making known his legal services, use
h B
only true, honest, fair, dignified and objective information
C a.
e s
Allowable advertisements – calling cards and
b l
announcements in technical journals (ULEP vs. Legal Clinic, Inc.
223 SCRA 376)
R o
n r
Rule 3.01 – A lawyer shall not use any false, fraudulent,
a
misleading, deceptive, undignified, selflaudatory or unfair
B a
C h
statement or claim regarding his qualifications or legal services.
s
e
a. Lawyer advertising himself as a “specialist in annulment of
l
marriage, improper. (Khan v. Simbillo, 409 SCRA 209)
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
Rule 3.02 – In the choice of a firm name, no false, misleading or assumed
C h s
name shall be used. The continued use of the name of deceased partner is
said partner is deceased.

l e
permissible provided that the firm indicates in all its communications that
o b
a. Use of foreign firm name not allowed (Dacanay v. Baker & McKenzie,
R
A.C. Case No. 2131, May 10, 1985)
a n a r
h B
Rule 3.03 – When a partner accepts public office, he shall withdraw from
C s
the firm and his name shall be dripped from the firm name unless is
allowed to practice law concurrently
l e
o b
Rule 3.04 –A lawyer shall not pay or give anything of value to
R
representatives of the mass media in anticipation of or in return for
a n
publicity to attract legal business (Rule 3.04)
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
* Canon 4 A lawyer shall participate in the development
h B
of the legal system by initiating or supporting efforts in law
C e s
reform and in the improvement of the administration of
justice .
b l
R o
* Canon 5 A lawyer shall keep abreast of legal
a n
developments, participate in continuing legal education
a r
h
programs, support efforts to achieve high standards in law
B
C s
schools as well as in the practical training of students and
e
assist in disseminating the law and jurisprudence.
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
MandatoryContinuingLegalEducation a r
h B
C e s
1. Purpose: to ensure thatb
l
law and jurisprudence;o
members of the bar keep abreast with
R of the practice of law.
maintain the ethics of the profession; and
n r
enhance the standards
a B a
C h
2. Requirements:
s
36 hours of MCLE every three years: 6 hours for
legal ethics,
l e in substantive
4 hours to trial and pretrial skills,
alternative dispute resolution, 9 hours to updates
5 hours to
o b
and procedural laws, 4 hours to legal writing
hours to international law and international
and oral advocacy , 2
conventions, 6 hours
to subject as may be prescribed byR the MCLE committee.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
3.Exemptions:
a n
a. President and VicePresident, Secretaries and
a r
h
Undersecretaries of Executive Departments,
B
C e s
b. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives,
b l
c. Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court,
R o
incumbent and retired members of the judiciary, incumbent
members of the Judicial and Bar Council, incumbent court
a n
lawyers covered by the Philippine Judicial Academy,
a r
h
d. Chief State Counsel, Chief State Prosecutor, and Assistant B
C
Secretaries of the Department of Justice,
e s
b l
e. Solicitor General and Assistant Solicitor General,
o
f. Government Corporate Counsel, Deputy and Assistant
R
n r
Government Corporate Counsel,
a
g. Chairmen and Members of Constitutional Commissions.
Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a
h. The Ombudsman, overall Deputy Ombudsman, Deputy r
h B
Ombudsman and Special Prosecutor of the Office of the
C e s
Ombudsman and Special Prosecutor of the Office of the
Ombudsman,
b l
functions,
R o
i. Heads of government agencies exercising quasijudicial
a n
j. Incumbent deans, bar reviewers and professors of law who
a r
h
have teaching experience for a lest ten years in accredited law
B
schools.
C e s
b l
k. The Chancellor, ViceChancellor and members of the Corps
Judicial Academy,
R o
of Professors and Professorial Lecturers of the Philippine
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a nl.Governorsandmayors, a r
h B
C s
m.Thosewhoarenotinlawpractice,privateor
e
public.
b l
R o
n.Thosewhohaveretiredfromlawpractice
approvedbytheIBPBoardofGovernors.
a
o.Goodcause.n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
VirgilioJ.Mapalad,Sr.vs.Atty.AnselmoS.Echanez
a a
h
A.C.10911,June6,2017
B
C e s
l
Facts:Inseveralpleadingsfiledincourt,respondentindicated
b
R o
SeveralMCLEComplianceNo.withoutindictingthedatethereof.
UponinquirywiththeMCLEOffice,itwasdiscoveredthathehas
n
notcompliedwithanyMCLErequirementatall.
a a r
h B
Held:InrepeatedlyusingfalseMCLEnumbersinhispleadings
C s
filedincourt,therespondentactedinmanifestbadfaith,
e
l
dishonestyanddeceit.Hemisledthecourts,litigants,hisown
o b
clientsincluded,professionalcolleaguesandallotherswho
dependedonsuchpleadingsforinformation.Hemademockery
R
ofthisCourt.Hehadalreadybeensanctionedbythecourttwice.
DISBARRED.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon6– Thesecanonsshallapplytolawyersin*
a n a
governmentserviceinthedischargeoftheirofficial r
h
tasks. B
C e s
l
Rule6.01– Theprimarydutyofalawyerengagedinpublic
b
R o
prosecutionisnottoconvictbuttoseetoitthatjusticeis
done.Thesuppressionoffactsortheconcealmentof
n
witnessescapableofestablishingtheinnocence3ofthe
a a r
B
accusedishighlyreprehensibleandiscausefordisciplinary
action
C h s
l e
“Prosecutorsrepresentasovereignwhoseobligationtogovern
o b
impartiallyisascompellingasitsobligationtogovernatall;andwhose
interest,therefore,inacriminalcaseisnotthatitshallwinacase,but
R
thatjusticeshallbedone.”(Suarezvs.Platon,69Phil.556)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
CRule6.02– Alawyerinthegovernmentserviceshall
e
b l
notusehispublicpositiontopromoteoradvancehis
o
privateinterests,norallowthelattertointerferewith
hispublicduties. R
a n a r
B
Appliestolawyersingovernmentservicewhoareallowedby
C h s
lawtoengageinprivatepractice,andtothosewho,though
l e
prohibitedfromengaginginprivatepractice,havefriends,
oflaw.
o b
formerassociates,andrelativeswhoareintheactivepractice
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
l
Rule6.03–Alawyershallnotafterleavinggovernment
b
R o
service,acceptengagementoremploymentinconnection
withanymatterinwhichhehadintervenedwhileinthesaid
service.
a n a r
h B
“Matter”means“anydiscrete,isolatableactaswellasidentifiable
C s
transactionorconductinvolvingaparticularsituationandspecificparty
e
l
andnotmerelynactofdrafting,enforcingorinterpretinggovernmentor
law”.
o b
agencyprocedures,regulationsorlaws,orbriefingabstractpriociplesof

R
“intervene”onlyincludes“anactofapersonwhohasthepowerto
n
influencethesubjectproceedings”(PCGGvs.Sandiganbayan,455SCRA
a a r
B
526)
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
Ma.CeciliaClarissaC.AdvinculaVs.Atty.LeonardoC.
n
Advincula
a a r
h
A.C.No.9226.June14,2016
B
C e s
b l
R o
Facts:Asalastnote,Atty.Advinculamanifestedinhis
compliancedatedFebruary26,2013thathehad
a n
immediatelyacceptedtheresolutionoftheIBPBoardof
a r
h
Governorssuspendinghimfromthepracticeoflawfortwo
B
C
months(forimmoralconductbeforehebecamealawyer,as
e s
b l
finalandexecutory;thathehadthengoneonleavefrom
workintheNBIfortwomonthsstartinginNovemberand
R o
lastinguntiltheendofDecember,2012;andthatsuchleave
aLegalOfficeroftheNBI.
a n
fromworkinvolvedrefrainingfromperforminghisdutiesas
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Held:Aleaveofabsencewillnotsuffice.Thisissoconsidering
s
C thathispositionmandatedhimtobeamemberofthe
e
b l
PhilippineBaringoodstanding.Thesuspensionfromthe
R o
practiceoflawwillnotbeapenaltyifitdoesnotnegatehis
continuanceinofficefortheperiodofthesuspension.Ifthe
a n a r
ruleisdifferent,thisexerciseofreprobationofanerringlawyer
h B
bytheCourtisrenderedinutileandbecomesamockery
C s
becausehecancontinuetoreceivehissalariesandother
e
l
benefitsbysimplygoingonleaveforthedurationofhis
suspensionfromthepracticeoflaw. b
R o
(Suspendedfor3months)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
RonaldoC.FacturanVs.ProsecutorAlfredoL.Barcelona,Jr.
a a
h
A.C.No.11069.June8,2016
B
C e s
l
Facts:Apublicprosecutordelayeddecisionofacaseby
b
hidingtherecords.
R o
Held:Indeed,respondent'sactionsandomissionsinthis
a n
case,i.e.,hisfailuretoresolveLS.No.04211andtoturn
a r
h
overthecaserecordsthereofdespiteorderstodoso,
B
C
appeartohavebeencommittedforthebenefitofandto
e s
b l
safeguardprivateinterests.Asalawyerwhoisalsoapublic
officer,respondentmiserablyfailedtocopewiththestrict
R o
demandsandhighstandardsofthelegalprofession.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
Atty.RutilloB.PasokVs.Atty.FelipeG.Zapatos
a a r
h
A.C.No.7388.October19,2016
B
C e s
l
Facts:AretiredRTCjudgeappearedascounselinacasethat
b
allegedpoverty.
R o
hepresidedoverwhenstillanMCTCjudge.Hepleaded
n
Held:Therespondent,inhiscapacityasthejudgeofthe
a a r
h
MCTCofTangubCity,presidedoverthecasebefore
B
C s
eventuallyinhibitinghimselffromfurtherproceedings.His
e
b l
actofpresidingconstitutedinterventionwithinthemeaning
oftherule(Rule6.03)whosetextdoesnotmentionthe
R o
degreeorlengthoftheinterventionintheparticularcaseor
matter.
a n a r
h B
Suspendedforonemonth.
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
ArthurG.Monaresvs.Atty.LeviS.Munoz
a a r
h
A.C.No.5582,January24,2017
B
C e s
l
Facts:RespondentwasappointedProvincialLegalOfficerof
b
o
Albayin1995.Hewasallowedtocontinuepracticinglawby
R
GovernorBicharaandDILGSecretaryAlunan,subjecttothe
n r
condition,amongothers,thatnogovernmenttimeshallbe
a a
usedinconnectionwithsuchpractice.Theconsentofthe
B
C h
Governorwasrenewedtwice,aftereachreelectionofthe
s
Governor.TheconsentoftheDILGSecretarywasnot
l e
renewed,butassumedtobevaliduntilrevoked.
o b
Complainantschargedhimwithunlawfullyengagingin
privatepracticeoflaw.Hehadpreviouslybeendisciplined
R
bytheOmbudsmanforunlawfulpracticeoflaw,and
n
convictedbytheMunicipalTrialCoourtforviolationof
a a r
B
R.A.6713.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Held.Consideringthatrespondentappearedincourtatleast88
C e s
timesinhandling30casesfromApril1996toAugust2001,itis
b l
obviousthatheusedgovernmenttime{40hoursaweek)inhis
privatepractice.Heshouldhavealsoobtainedrenewalsofthe
R o
consentoftheDILGSecretary.
a n a r
h
(Suspendedforthreeyears)
B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
2.Dutiestothelegalprofession.*
a a
h B
C s
Canon7– Alawyershallatalltimesupholdthe
e
b l
integrityanddignityofthelegalprofessionand
supporttheactivitiesoftheIntegratedBar.
R o
n
IntegratedBarofPhilippines
a a r
h B
C e s
(1)IntegrationoftheBaristheofficialunificationofthe
b l
entirelawyerpopulationordainedbytheSupremeCourton
o
January16,1973.
R
a n
(2)IntegrationoftheBarisconstitutional(InreIntegration,
a r
49SCRA22)
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
(3)ObjectivesoftheIBP:toelevatestandardofthelegal
profession,improvetheadministrationofjustice,enable
o
Bartodischargeitspublicresponsibilitymoreeffectively.
R
a n
(4).PurposesoftheIBPinclude:
a r
h B
C e s
(a)toassistintheadministrationofjustice
b l
(b)fosterandmaintainhighidealsofintegrity,learning,
conduct
R o
professionalcompetence,publicserviceand
amongitsmembers,n r
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C s
(c)tosafeguardtheprofessionalinterestsofitsmembers,
e
b l
(d)Tocultivateamongitsmembersaspiritofcordialityand
brotherhood,
R o
a n a r
B
(e)Toprovideaforumfordiscussionoflaw,jurisprudence,law
h
C s
reform,pleading,practiceandprocedure,andtheBartothe
Benchandthepublic,
e
b l
o
(f)Toencourageandfosterlegaleducation,
R
a n a r
B
(g)Topromoteacontinuingprogramoflegalresearchandmake
h
reportsandrecommendationsthereon.
C s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
(5)MembershipintheIBPisobligatoryonalllawyers.A
C h s
memberingoodstandingwhois75yearsoldorwhohas
e
beenlawyerfor40yearsorisunabletopracticelawdueto
l
b
physicaldisabilityorjudiciallyadjudgedmentalincapacity,
o
mayberetiredfromtheIBPuponpetitiontotheBoardof
R
Governors.
a n
(6)EverymemberoftheIntegratedBar,eventhoseabroad,
shallpayannualduesfixedbytheBoardofGovernors. a r
h
Failuretopayduescanbeagroundforsuspensionand/or B
C
disbarment(InreEdillon,84SCRA554).
e s
b l
(7)Nonpaymentofduesisnotexcusedby“limitedpracticeof
SCRA529)
R o
law”and“seniorcitizen’sdiscount”(Santosvs.Llamas,322
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Rule 7.01 – A lawyer shall be answerable for knowingly making a
a a
h B
false statement or suppressing a material fact in application for
C s
admission to the bar. (In re Lanuevo, 66 SCRA 245, Diao vs.
e
l
Martinez, 7 SCRA 475.
b
Rule 7.02 – A lawyer shall not support the application of any
o
R
person known to be unqualified. In respect to character,
n
education or other relevant attribute.
a a r
B
Rule 7.03 – A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely
C h s
affects his fitness to practice law, nor shall he, whether in
l e
public or private life, behave in a scandalous manner to the
o b
discredit of the legal profession. (Guevarra v. Eala, AC 7136,
August 2007, Nelson Valdez vs. Atty. Antolin Dabon, Jr. A.C. No.
7353, November 16, 2015). R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
IntestateEstateofJoseUyVs.Atty.PacificoM.Maghari
a
A.C.No.10525.September1,2015
B a
h s
C Facts:Inseveralpleadingsfiledinintestateestatecase,respondentfiled
l e
o b
pleadingswithcontactdetails(rollofattorneynumber,IBPnumber,PTR,
R
MCLEcompliance,ofanotherlawyer.
a n a r
Held:Respondentdidnotmerelycommiterrorsingoodfaith.Thetruth
isfarfromit.First,respondentviolatedclearlegalrequirements,and
h B
indicatedpatentlyfalseinformation.Second,thewayhedidso
C s
demonstratesthathedidsoknowingly.Third,hedidsorepeatedly.
e
l
Beforeoureyesisapatternofdeceit.Fourth,theinformationheused
o b
wasshowntohavebeenappropriatedfromanotherlawyer.Notonly
washedeceitful;hewasalsolarcenous.Fifth,hisactnotonlyof
R
usurpinganotherlawyer’sdetailsbutalsoofhisrepeatedlychanging
n
informationfromonepleadingtoanotherdemonstratestheintentto
r
thestandardsoflegalpractice.a a
mockandridiculecourtsandlegalprocesses.Respondenttoyedwith
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Noamountoffeignedignoranceandadhominemattackson
h B
complainantcannegatethegravityofrespondent’sactions.His
C e s
insolentandmockingviolationofstatutoryandregulatory
l
requirementsisaviolationofhisdutiestosocietyandto
b
o
courts.Hisswipingofanotherlawyer’sinformationisa
R
violationofhisdutiestothelegalprofession.Theunnecessary
n
risksthathefoiledonhisclientasapossibleresultof
a a r
B
deficientlysignedpleadingsviolatehisdutiestohisclient.Thus,
C h s
respondentdidnotonlyactinadeceitfulmannerandviolate
thesolemnoathhetooktobeadmittedintothelegal
l e
ProfessionalResponsibility.
o b
profession;healsoviolatedeverysinglechapteroftheCodeof
R
n r
(Suspendedfor2years.)
a Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
CherylE.VascoTamarayvs.Atty.DeborahZ.Daquiz
a n
A.C.No.10868,January26,2016 a r
h B
C e s
b l
Facts:Respondentconvincedcomplainantnottoopposeapetitionfor
annulmentofmarriagetobefiledbyherhusband.Butthepetitionfiled
R
respondentashercounsel.o
bytherespondentwasoneallegedlyfiledbythecomplainant,withthe
n r
Held:ThecourtfindsthatrespondentviolatedCanons1,7,10and17of
a a
B
theCodeofProfessionalResponsibility.
h s
Canon1byfilingacomplaintwithcomplainantastheplaintiffand
C
respondentashercounsel,whichisfalse.
l e
Canon7byallowingaforgedsignaturetobeappliedtoafalsecomplaint
shepreparedandnotarized.
o b
R
Canon10,bybeinguntruthfultothecourt.
a n
Canon17,forappearingascounselforthecomplainantagainstthe
interestofherrealclient,thecomplainant’shusband.
a r
DISBARRED
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Canon8.Alawyershallconducthimselfwithcourtesy,
fairnessandcandortowardsprofessionalcolleagues,and
h B
avoidharassingtacticsagainstopposingcounsel.
C e s
b l
Rule8.01.Alawyershallnotuseabusive,offensiveand
R o
improperlanguage(abogadongpolpol– Noblevs.Aty.Ailes,
n
A.C.No.10628,July1,2015).
a a r
h B
C s
Rule8.02.Alawyershallnot,directlyorindirectly,encroach
e
b l
ontheprofessionalemploymentofanotherlawyer.,however,
itistherightofanylawyer,withoutfearorfavor,togive
R o
properadviceandassistancetothoseseekingreliefagainst
unfaithfulorneglectfulcounsel.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
C a.Alawyershallnotinanywaycommunicateuponthesubject
e
b l
ofcontroversywithapartyrepresentedbycounsel,muchless
R o
shouldheundertaketonegotiateorcompromisethematter
withhim,butshoulddealonlywithhiscounsel(Canon9,
n r
CanonsofProfesionalEthics,CamachovPagulayan,328SCRA
a a
631
h B
C e s
b.Enticingclientsofanotherlawyertotransfertheircasestohis
l
office,forafee(Linsanganv.Tolentino,AC6672,Sep.4,200)–
b
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Canon9– Alawyershallnot,directlyorindirectly,assist.inthe
h
unauthorizedpracticeoflaw.
B
C e s
Rule9.01 Alawyershallnotdelegatetoanyunqualified
b l
persontheperformanceofanytaskwhichbylawmayonlybe
R o
performedamemberofthebaringoodstanding.
a.Lawyermaynotauthorizesecretarytosignpleadings.
a n a r
(Tapayvs.Atty.Bancolo,A.C.No,9804,March20,1013)or
h B
delegatedutyofexaminingdocumentsfornotarization(Angvs.
C
Gupana,A.C.4545,Feb,5,2014)
e s
associate,alawyerundersuspension. b
l
b.Alawyerisprohibitedfromtakinginasapartneror
R o
c.Dutystartswithoneself(InRe:PetitiontoSignontheRoll
a n
ofAttorneys,MichaelA.Medado,Petitioner,B.M.No.2540,
a r
September24,2013.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule9.02– Alawyershallnotdivideorstipulatetodividea
C e s
feeforlegalserviceswithpersonsnotlicensedtopractice
law,except:
b l
o
a.Whenthereisapreexistingagreementwith
R
partnerorassociatethat,uponthelatter’sdeath,money
a n
shallbepaidoverareasonableperiodoftimetohisestate
ortopersonsspecifiedintheagreement. a r
h B
C b.wherethelawyerundertakestocomplete
e s
unfinishedbusinessofdeceasedlawyer.
b l
R o
c.Wherealawyerorlawfirmincludesnonlawyer
employeesinaretirementplanevenifheplanisbasedin
a n
wholeorinpartonaprofitsharingagreement. a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
3.DutiestotheCourt
a n a r
h B
Canon10.Alawyerowescandor,fairnessandgoodfaithto
C thecourt.
e s
b l
Rule10.01– Alawyershallnotdoanyfalsehoodnorconsenttothe
doingofanyincourt;norshallhemisleadthecourtbyanyartificeofallow
o
thecourttobemisled.
R
a.Allegingfalsedateofreceiptofcourtdecision– Pereav.Almado,
n r
399SCA322)
a a
b.Allegingviolationofpatentwhichhasalreadyexpired(Sonic
B
C h
SteelIndustries,Inc.vs.Atty.Chua,A.C.No.6042,July1,2013)
s
e
c.Doesnotincludeobligationtoallegefactsconstitutingadefensefor
l
theadverseparty(Fernandezv.DeRamosVillalon,A.C.7552,Nov.22,
b
2006).
Tamarayvs.Atty.DeborahZ.Daquiz(
A.C.No.10868,January26,2016 R o
d.AppearingascounselforapartywithoutauthorityCherylE.Vasco
a n
e.IntestateEstateofUyvs.Atty,PacificoMaghari,AC.No.10525.
a r
B
September1,2015)
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a
n a r
h B
Rule10.02–Alawyermustmotknowinglymisquoteor
s
C argumentofopposingcounsel,orthetextofadecisionor
misinterpretthecontentsofthepaper,thelanguageorthe
e
b l
authority,orknowinglyciteasalawprovisionalreadyrendered
o
inoperativebyrepealoramendment,orassertasafactthat
R
n r
whichhasnotbeenproved.
a B a
a.“Copywordforword,quotationmarkbyquotationmark”(InsularLife
h s
AssuranceCo.Ltd.EmployeesAssociationvs.InsularLifeAssuranceCo.,Ltd.,
C e
37SCRA244)
b l
Rule10.03.Alawyershallobservetherulesofprocedureand
o
shallnotmisusethemtodefeattheendsofjustice.
R
n r
a.Employingdilatorytacticstopreventenforcementofafinaljudgment
a
(Salabanvs.Atty.Villaruel,A.C.No.8084.August24,2015).
B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
A.C.No.7325.January21,2015
a n a r
Dr.DomicianoF.Villahermosa,Sr.Vs.Atty.IsidroL.
h
Caracol B
C e s
l
Facts:Respondentappearedforlandownerinanagrarian
b
R o
case.Subsequently,heaskedforawritofexecution,
withoutstatingthathisclientalreadydied.
n
Held: However, Atty. Caracol knew that Efren had already
a a r
h
passed away at the time he filed the Motion for Issuance of
B
C
Second Alias Writ of Execution and Demolition. As an
e s
b l
honest, prudent and conscientious lawyer, he should have
informed the Court of his client’s passing and presented
R o
authority that he was retained by the client’s successorsin
a n
interest and thus the parties may have been substituted.
a r
B
(Suspendedfor1year)
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
A.C.No.5116,April13,2015
a a
DavaoImportDistributors,Inc.vs,Atty.JohnnyLandero
B
C h s
l e
o b
Facts:Respondentrepresentedcomplainantinan
R
a n
actionforreplevinintheMTC.Thecomplaintwas
a r
dismissedduetoplaintiff’sfailuretoappearatthe
h B
C s
pretrial.ThedecisionwasaffirmedbytheRTC.
e
b l
Respondentfiledamotionforextensionoftimeto
fileanappealtotheCA,butinhismotion,he
R o
statedalaterdateofreceiptoftheRTCdecision.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Held:Respondentneedslecturingthatsympathy
a n a r
h B
towardsaclientdoesnotjustifyhisactofstatingin
C s
hismotionforextensionthathereceivedtheRTC
e
b l
Decisionatalaterdatetomakeitappearthatthe
filingofthesaidmotioniswellwithintheperiodfor
R o
filinganappeal.Givenhisyearsofexperienceinthe
n
legalprofession,respondentshouldbewellaware
a a r
h
that"[a]lawyerisfirstandforemostanofficerofthe B
C
court.Thus,whileheoweshisentiredevotiontothe
e s
b l
interestandcausesofhisclient,hemustensurethat
R o
heactswithintheboundsofreasonandcommon
sense,alwaysawarethatheisaninstrumentoftruth
andjustice.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
PatrocinaH.SalabaoVs.Atty.AndresC.Villaruel,Jr.
a a
h
A.C.No.8084.August24,2015
B
C e s
b l
R o
Facts:“Inthiscase,thejudgmentinfavorofcomplainanthadbecome
finalandexecutorybyJuly27,2005.Respondenthoweverproceededto
a n
filenolessthantwelve(12)motionsandcasesinvariouscourts
subsequenttotheEntryofJudgment.”
a r
h B
Held:“Itisquiteclearthatrespondenthasmadeamockeryofthe
C e s
judicialprocessbyabusingCourtprocesses,employingdilatorytacticsto
b l
frustratetheexecutionofafinaljudgment,andfeigningignoranceofhis
dutiesasanofficerofthecourt.Hehasbreachedhissworndutyto
R o
assistinthespeedyandefficientadministrationofjustice,andviolated
theLawyer’sOath,Rules10.03and12.04oftheCodeofProfessional
n
Responsibility,andRule138,Sec.20(c)and(g)oftheRulesofCourt.In
a a r
B
sodoing,heisadministrativelyliableforhisactions.”

C h
(Suspendedfor18months)
s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C Canon11 e s
Alawyershallobserveandmaintaintherespect
similarconductbyothers.b
l
duetothecourtsandtojudicialofficersandshouldinsiston
R o
a n a r
Rule11.01Alawyershallappearincourtproperlyattired.
h B
C e s
Rule11.02.Alawyershallpunctuallyappearatcourthearings
b l
a.Alsocoverspromptcompliancetothecourt’sorders.
lateorbeingabsent. R o
b.Judgesmaycitelawyersincontemptofcourtforcoming
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule11.03.Alawyershallabstainfromscandalous,offensive
C 11.03) s
ormenacinglanguageorbehaviorbeforethedcourts.(Rule
e
b l
a.Alawyer’slanguageshouldalwaysupliftthedignityof
o
thelegalprofession.
R
b.Forthefelicityofhisclient,hemaybepardonedfor
n
someinfelicitiesinlanguage.
a a r
B
c.ThereareenoughwordsintheEnglishlanguagewhich
C h
areforcefulbutrespectful.
s
l e
d.UseofimproperlanguageinFacebook(MariaVictoria
G.BeloG.Henaresvs.Atty.Roberto“Argee”Guevarra.A.C.
No.11394.December1,2016)
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Rule11.04– AlawyershallnotattributetoaJudgemotivesnot
a a
h B
supportedbytherecordorhavingnomaterialitytothecase.
C e s
b l
R o
a.GratuitousstatementthatamemberoftheSupreme
Courthasbeenbribed(Inre:SupremeCourtResolution
a n
dated28April2003inG.R.Nos.145817and145822,A.C.
a r
h
No.6332,April17,2012)
B
C e s
b l
b.Allegingthatjudgeissofthearted(EdgardoArreolavs.
o
Atty.MariaVilmaMendoza,A.C.No.10135,Jan.15,2014)
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule11.05.Alawyershallnotcriticizethepersonalorofficial
h B
conductofajudgeinaninsultingorintemperatelanguage.
C e s
a.Itisthecardinalcondtionofallsuchcriticismthatitshall
b l
bebonafideandshallnotspilloverhewallsofdecencyand
o
propriety(InReAlmacen,31SCRA581)
R
a n
Rule11.06.Alawyershallsubmitgrievancesagainstajudgeto
a r
h
theproperauthoritiesonly. B
C e s
a.Acomplaintforfalsificationofacertificateofservice
b l
againstajudgefiledwiththeOmbusdmanshouldbereferred
o
totheSupremeCourt(Macedavs.Ombudsman,24SCRA464)
R
a n
b.Disbarmentcomplaintsfiledagainstjudgesshouldbe
a r
h
referredbytheIBP totheSupremeCourt.
B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon12.Alawyershallexerteveryeffortandconsiderithis
n r
dutytoassistinthespeedyandeffectiveadministrationof
a
justice.
B a
C h s
l e
o b
Rule12.01– Alawyershallnotappearfortrialunlesshehas
adequatelypreparedhimselfwiththelawandthefactsofhiscase,
R
theevidencehewilladduceandtheorderofitsprofference.He
withthecopies. a n
shouldalsobereadywiththeoriginaldocumentsforcomparison
a r
h B
C e s
thesamecause.(Forumshopping)
b l
Rule12.02– Alawyershallnotfilemultipleactionsarisingfrom
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
a.Thereisforumshoppingwhen
a r
h B
C s
i.Asaresultofanadversedecisioninoneforum,aparty
e
seeksafavorableopinioninanotherforum(otherthanan
l
appealorcertiorari)
o b
iiWhenapartyinstitutestwoormoreactionsorproceedings
R
n r
groundedonthesamecause;:
a
iii.Whenacaseisfiledincourtwhileanadministrative
B a
h
proceedingispending.
C s
l e
iv.Whereacasefordamagesisfiledincourtbutreallyforthe
b
purposeofannulinganadverseadministrativedecision.
o
R
v.Wherecaseisfiledinviolationoftherulesonresjudicata
orlitispendentia,
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
BCases: a r
h B
C s
1.Whilethereliefsprayedforintheinitiatorypleadingsof
e
b l
thetwocasesaredifferentinform,arulinginonecasewould
haveresolvedtheother,andviceversa(Anastacio N.Teodoro
o
IIIVs.Atty.RomeoS.Gonzales,.A.C,6760,an.30,2013)
R
a n
2.MotionthatJusticeNachura inhibithimselfbutrestof
divisiontoremain,constitutesforumshopping(InreSupreme a r
h B
s
CourtResolutiondated28April2003inG.R.Nos.145817and
C
145822, A.C.6332,April17,2012)
e
b l
3.Lawyerwrote6complaintswithsamefalsecertifiction
R
A.Z.Nazareno,A.C.No.6677,June10,2014)
o
againstforumshopping(Eufrocina Crisostomovs.Atty.Philip
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements shall not
h B
s
be curable by mere amendment of the complaint or other
C e
initiatory pleading but shall be cause for the dismissal of the
b l
case without prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon
R o
motion and after hearing. The submission of a false
certification or noncompliance with any of the undertakings
a n
therein shall constitute indirect contempt of court, without
a r
h
prejudice to the corresponding administrative and criminal
B
C s
actions . If the acts of the party or his counsel clearly constitute
e
b
ground for summary dismissal with prejudice and shalll
willful and deliberate forum shopping, the same shall be
o
constitute direct contempt, as well as a cause for administrative
R
n r
sanctions. (par. 2, Sec.5, Rule 7, Rules of Court)
a Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
Rule12.03– Alawyershallnot,afterobtainingextensionsof
R o
timetofilepleadings,memorandaorbriefs,lettheperiod
lapsewithoutsubmittingthesameorofferinganexplanation
a n
forhisfailuretodoso.
a r
h B
a.Alawyershouldnotpresumethathismotionforextensionwillbe
granted.
C e s
l
b.Theperiodofextensionstartswheretheoriginalperiodends.
b
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
C theexecutionofajudgmentormisusecourtprocesses.
Rule12.04– Alawyershallnotundulydelayacase,impede
e
b l
o
a.Claimingclient’spropertytobehistosavethemfromexecution(Hegna
R
v.Paderanga,AC5955,Sep.8,2009)
n
Rule12.05– Alawyershallrefrainfromtalkingtohiswitness
a a r
B
duringabreakorrecessinthetrial,whilethewitnessisstill
C h
underexamination.
s
l e
Rule12.06.Alawyershallnotknowinglyassistawitnessto
misrepresenthimselfortoimpersonateanother.
o b
R
Rule12.07Alawyershallnotabuse,browbeatorharassa
n
witnessnorneedlesslyinconveniencehim.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C except: s
Rule12.08Alawyershallavoidtestifyinginbehalfofhisclient,
e
b l
o
i.Onformalmatters,suchasthemailing,authenticationor
R
custodyofaninstrumentandthelike,or
a n a r
ii.Onsubstantialmatters,incasewherehistestimonyis
h B counsel.
essentialtotheendofjustice,inwhicheventhemust,during
C
histestimony,
s
entrust the ttrial of the case to another
e
wherehistestimonyisessential
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon13.Alawyershallrelyuponthemeritsofhis
n r
causeandrefrainfromanyimproprietywhichtendst
a a
B
influence,orgivestheappearanceofinfluencingthe
h
C court.
e s
b l
Rule 13.01 – A lawyer shall not extend extraordinary
attention or hospitality to, nor seek opportunity for cultiating
familiarity with judges.
R o
a n
a. Respondent is dutybound to actively avoid any act that tends
a r
h
to influence, or may be seen to influence, the outcome of an B
C e s
ongoing case, lest the people’s faith in the judicial process is
diluted. (Jimenez
A.C. No. 8108 July 15, 2014J
vs. Atty.
b l Verano,
R o
a n
Rule 13.02 – A lawyer shall not make public statements in the
media tending to arouse public opinion for or against a party. ) a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule13.03 s
C branchofgovernmentinthenormalcourseofjudicial
Shallnotinviteinterferencebyanother
e
b l
proceedings.
R o
a n a r
a.AppealtotheOfficeofthePresidentunconstitutional
(Bumanlagh B
s
vs. Bumanlag. 74 SCRA 92)
C e
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
o
4.Dutiestoaclient
R
n
Canon14– Alawyershallnotrefusehisservicesto
a a r
theneedy.
h B
C e s
a.Lawyerclientrelationshipstrictlypersonal,highly
confidentialandfiduciary.
b l
R o
b.Creationoflawyerclientrelationship– whentheadviceof
alawyerissoughtonaprofessionalmatter,andhegivesit.
a n a r
h
Rule14.01– Alawyershallnotdeclinetorepresentaperson B
C e s
solelyonaccountofthelatter’srace,sex,creedorstatusoflife,
b l
orbecauseofhisownopinionregardingtheguiltofsaidperson.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule14.02=Alawyershallnotdecline,exceptforserious
h B
andsufficientcause,anappointmentascounseldeoficiooras
s
C amicuscuriaeorarequestfromtheIntegratedBarofthe
e
b l
Philippinesoranyofitschaptersforrenditionoffreelegalaid.
o
R lawyerappointedbythecourtto
n r
counseldeoficio–
a B a
representanindigentparty;oppositeofcounselde
C h
parte.
s
l e
amicuscuriae– friendofthecourt;appointedtoadvise
thecourtincomplexcases. b
o
R theentirebarprobono
n r
amicuscuriaeparexcellance–
–
a
legalservicewithoutexpectingpayment
B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule14.03– Alawyermaynotrefusetoacceptrepresentation
h B
C s
ofanindigentclientunless:
l e
a.Heisnotinapositiontocarryouttheworkeffectivelyor
competently;or
o b
R
b.helaborsunderaconflictofinterestbetweenhimandthe
a n
prospectiveclient,orbetweenapresentclientandthe
prospectiveclient. a r
h B
C s
Rule14.04.Alawyerwhoacceptsthecauseofapersonunable
e
b l
topayhisprofessionalfeesshallobservethesamestandardof
conductgoverninghisrelationshipwithapayingclient.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Canon15.Alawyershallobservecandor,fairnessandloyalty
a a
B
inallhisdealingsandtransactionswithhisclient.*
C h s
Rule15.01Alawyer,inconferringwithaprospective
l e
client,shall ascertainassoonaspracticable,whetherthe
b
matterwouldinvolveaconflictwithanotherclientorhisown
o
R
interest,andifso,shallforthwithinformtheprospectiveclient.
n
Rule15.02Alawyershallbeboundbytheruleon
a a r
B
privilegedcommunicationinrespectofmattersdisclosedto
C h
himbyaprospectiveclient.
s
l e
Rule15.03Alawyershallnotrepresentconflicting
afulldisclosureofthefacts. o b
interestsexceptbywrittenconsentofallconcernedgivenafter
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
i.Typesofconflictofinterest:
a a r
h Concurrentormultiplerepresentation
B
C e
Sequentialorsuccessiverepresentations
b l
o
ii.Testsofconflictofinterest:
R
a n
(1)Whetheralawyerisdutyboundtofightforanissueor
claiminbehalfofoneclient,andatthesametime,toopposethat a r
h B
s
claimforanotherclient;
C e
b l
(2)Whethertheacceptanceofanewrelationwould
R o
preventthefulldischargeofhisdutyofundividedloyaltytohis
client.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
:KHWKHUWKHDFFHSWDQFHRIDQHZUHODWLRQZRXOGLQYLWH
VXVSLFLRQRIXQIDLWKIXOQHVVRUGRXEOHGHDOLQJLQWKH
R o
SHUIRUPDQFHRIKLVGXW\RIILGHOLW\DQGOR\DOW\
a n a r
:KHWKHULQWKHDFFHSWDQFHRIWKHQHZUHODWLRQKH
h B
C s
ZRXOGEHFDOOHGXSRQWRLQMXUHKLVIRUPHUFOLHQWRQDPDWWHU
e
b l
WKDWKHKDVKDQGOHGIRUKLPRUUHTXLUHKLPWRUHYHDO
LQIRUPDWLRQWKDWKLVIRUPHUFOLHQWKDVJLYHQWRKLP
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
CasesonConflictofInterest
a a r
h B
s
C 2.Conflictbetweenlawyerandaccountant(Nakpilvs.Valdes,285SCRA
1.Arisesfromlawyerclientrelationship(Hiladovs.David,84Phil.538)
e
748) b l
R o
3.Corporatecounselinaderivativesuit(Hornillavs.Salunat,405SCRA
n r
220).
a
4.Engaginginbusinesstocompetewithclient(Quiambaovs.
B a
h
Bamba,A.C.6708,Aug.25,2005)
C s
e
5.Counselandpartyplaintiffatthesametime(Gamillavs.Mariño,399
l
SCRA108)
o b
6.Acceptingacaseagainstformerclient(Anglovs.Valencia,A.C.No.10587,
Feb.25,2015)
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
SilvestraMedinavs.Atty.RufinoLizardo
a a r
h
A.C.N0.10533,January31,2017
B
C e s
l
Facts:Silvestraandhernephewdeliveredtwotitlesto
b
R o
respondentinconnectionwithacaseforpartitionofthe
landscoveredbythem.Afterthecasewasdecided,
n
respondentrefusedtoreturnthetitlestothem,becausea
a a r
B
certainMartinezaskedhimtokeepthetitles,toprotecthis
C h s
rightsasabuyerofthepropertiescoveredbythesaidtitle
l
andwastheonewhospentforthepartitionproceedings.e
o b
R
Held: Therespondent’srepresentationofMartinezwithout
n
theconsentofSilvestraandhernephew,istantamounttoa
a a r
B
conflictofinterest,whichrequiresthewrittenconsentofall
thepartiesconcerned.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
MABINICOLLEGES,INC.,vs.ATTY.JOSED.PAJARILLO
a n
A.C.10187,July22,2015 a r
h B
C e s
l
Facts:RespondentwascorporatesecretaryofMabini
b
R o
Colleges,andlegalcounselofParacaleRuralBank(PRD).
MabiniborrowedmoneyfromRPB,andfailedtopay.The
n
bank,throughrespondentfiledanactiontoforeclosethe
a a r
B
mortgageexecutedbyMabiniRespondentwaschargedwith
C h s
conflictofinterest.Hearguedthathisroleinthecollege
l e
wasonlycorporatesecretaryandnotlegalcounsel(although
o b
itwasproventhathehadreceivedretainerfeesfromthe
bank.Healsoarguedthathedidnotrevealanything
R
confidentialtothebank,andthatthedirectorswhobrought
a n
thecomplaintswerenotdulyauthorizedbytheBoardof
a r
Directorstofileit.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Held:Theruleprohibitingconflictofinterestappliesto
a a
h B
situationswhereinalawyerwouldberepresentingaclient
C e s
whoseinterestisdirectlyadversetoanyofhispresentor
b l
formerclients.10Italsoapplieswhenthelawyerrepresentsa
clientagainstaformerclientinacontroversythatisrelated,
R o
directlyorindirectly,tothesubjectmatteroftheprevious
a n
litigationinwhichheappearedfortheformerclient.Thisrule
appliesregardlessofthedegreeofadverseinterests.Whata a r
h
lawyeroweshisformerclientistomaintaininviolatethe B
C e s
client’sconfidenceortorefrainfromdoinganythingwhichwill
b l
injuriouslyaffecthiminanymatterinwhichhepreviously
R o
representedhim.Thelawyerclientrelationshipexistsfromthe
momentthatthelawyerisconsulted(Hiladovs,David).A
n
disbarmentproceedingmaybeinitiatedbyanyperson.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
WilfredoAnglovs.Atty.JoseMa.Valencia,etal.
a a r
h
A.C.No.10587,Feb.25,2015
B
C e s
l
Facts:Respondentswerechargedwithconflictofinterests
b
R o
infilingacriminalcaseagainstpartieswhomtheypreviously
representedinlaborcases.Theirdefenseisthattheir
n
associationwasnotaformalpartnershipbuta“special
a a r
B
arrangement”.
C h
Held:AstheCourtobserves,thelawfirm’sunethical s
l e
acceptanceofthecriminalcasearosefromitsfailureto
b
organizeandimplementasystembywhichitwouldhave
o
R
beenabletokeeptrackofallcasesassignedtoitshandling
a n
lawyerstotheendof,amongothers,ensuringthatevery
engagementitacceptsstandsclearofanypotentialconflict
a r
ofinterest. h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
“Assuch,alawyerisprohibitedfromrepresentingnewclients
whoseinterestsopposethoseofaformerclientinanymanner,
h B
whetherofnottheyarepartiesinthesameactionoron
C e s
totallyunrelatedcases.Theprohibitionisfoundedon
b l
principlesofpublicpolicyandgoodtaste.”
R o
Afinalpoint,theCourtclarifiesthatrespondents’pronounced
a n
liabilityisnotalteredbythefactthatthelaborcasesagainst a r
h
thecomplainanthadlongbeenterminated.Verily,the B
C
terminationofthelawyerclientrelationprovidesno
e s
b l
justificationforalawyertorepresentaninterestadversetoor
R o
inconflictwiththatofaformerclient.Theclient’sconfidence
oncereposedshouldnotbedivestedbymereexpirationof
professionalemployment.”
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule15.04Alawyermay,withthewrittenconsentofall
h B
concerned,actasmediator,conciliatororarbitratorinsettling
C disputes.
e s
b l
a.Buehsvs.Bacatan,A.A.6674,June30,2009
R o
a n
Rule15.05.Alawyer,whenadvisinghisclient,shallgivea
candidandhonestopiniononthemeritsandpossibleresultsof a r
h
theclient’scase,neitheroverstatingnorunderstatingthe B
C
prospectsonthecase.
e s
b l
R o
Rule15.06 Alawyershallnotstateorimplythatheisableto
n
influenceanypublicofficial,tribunalorlegislativebody.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
C Rule15.07Alawyershallimpressonhisclient
e
b l
compliancewiththelawsandprinciplesofjustice.
R o
a.Alawyerisnotagunforhire.
n
Rule15.08.Alawyerwhoisengagedinanother
a a r
h B
professionoroccupationconcurrentlywiththe
C s
practiceoflawshallmakecleartohisclientwhether
e
l
heisactingasalawyerorinanothercapacity(Art.
b
15.08)(Nakpilvs.Valdes)
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
FLORDELIZAMADRIAvs.ATTY.CARLOSRIVERA
a a r
h
A.C.11256,March7,2017
B
C e s
l
Facts:Respondentwasretainedtosecureanannulmentof
b
o
thecomplainant’smarriage.Afterreceiptofhisfees,he
R
assuredherthatthecomplainthasbeenfiledandsheneed
n r
notgotocourttofollowupbecausethedecisionwillbesent
a a
toher.Subsequently,hefurnishedherwithacopyofthe
B
C h
decisionandacertificateoffinality.Investigationsdisclosed
thattheywerefake.
s
l e
Held:Simulatingacourtdecisionandcertificateoffinalityis
o b
anoutrightcriminalfalsificationorforgery.Itreflectsahigh
degreeofmoralturpitude.Thedefensethatthelawyerdid
R
soduetotheproddingoftheclient,isnoexcuse.
n r
RespondentDISBARRED. a a
RespondentviolatedRule1.01and15.07oftheCPR.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon 16 A lawyer shall hold in trust all moneys
a n a
and properties of his client that may come into his r
h
possession. * B
C e s
Rule 16.01 A lawyer shall account for all money or
b l
property collected or received for or received from the client
R o
a. Money given for a purpose must be used for such purpose;
n r
otherwise, returned to client immediately.
b.
a
Failure to do so will raise presumption that lawyer
B a
2009)
C h
misappropriated it. (De ChavezBlanco v. Lumasag, Jr., AC 5195, Apr. 10,
s
Rule 16.02 A lawyer shall keep the funds
l e of each client
separate and apart from his own and b
o
those of others kept by
him.
a. Velez vs. De Vera, A.C. 6697,n
R
a
July 25, 2006
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule 16.03. A lawyer shall deliver the funds and property of
client upon demand. However, he shall have a lien over the funds
h B
s
and may apply so much thereof as may be necessary to satisfy his
C e
lawful fees and disbursements, giving notice promptly thereafter
b l
to his client. He shall also have a lien to the same extent on all
R o
judgments and execution as he has secured for his client as
provided for inthe Rules of Court.
a n a r
a.ALawyermaynotapplyclient’sfundstohisfeesifclientisstill
h
objectingtotheamountthereof.(Lemoinev.Balon,414SCRA511).
B

C e s
b.Alawyerwillnotbeorderedtoreturnmoneygiventohimfor
b l
“facilitationfee”.(ArellanoUniversityv.Mijares,AC380,Nov.30.2009)But
seeChuvs.Guico,A.C.No.10573.January13,2015,wherelawyerwasordered
o
torestitutemoneygivenforanunlawfulpurpose.)
R
n r
c.Retaininglienandcharginglien– Section37,Rule138,RevisedRules
ofCourt.
a Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
n
Rule16.04 Alawyershallnotborrowmoneyfromhis
a a r
B
clientunlesstheclient’sinterestsarefullyprotectedbythe
C h s
natureofthecaseorbyindependentadvice.Neithershalla
l e
lawyerlendmoneytohisclientexcept,whenintheinterest
b
ofjustice,hehastoadvancenecessaryexpensesinalegal
o
R
materheishandlingfortheclient.
n
a.Lawyerborrowingfromclient Wongv.Moya,AC
a a r
B
6972,2008,Sps.Concepcionv.Atty.delaRosa,AC10681,
C
Feb.3,2015 h s
l e
ProhibitionunderArticle1491oftheCivilCode.
Conditions: o b
R
(a)Lawyerclientrelationship;
a n
(b)Client’spropertyinvolvedinalitigation; a r
h B
C
(c)Lawyerishandlinglitigationfortheclient;
e s
l
(d)Litigationisstillpending;
(e)Lawyeracquiresthepropertydirectlyorindirectly:
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
ChristopherSantosvs.Atty.JosephA.Arojado
a n
A.C.No.8502,June27,2018 a r
h B
C e s
l
Facts:Complainantwasthedefendantinanunlawful
b
R o
detainercasefiledbyLiliaRodriguez,withtherespondent
washercounsel.Complainantclaimedthatwhilethecase
n
waspending,oneofthepropertiesinvolvedwassoldbyLilia
a a r
B
toJuliusArojado,therespondent’sson.Heclaimedthatthis
C h
wasinviolationofArticle1491oftheNewCivilCode.
s
l e
Held:Respondentlawyerwasnotthepurchaserorbuyerof
b
thepropertyinlitigation.Thereisnoevidencethatthe
o
R
respondentusedhissonasaconduittogainthepropertyin
question.
Complaintdismissed. a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
PaulinaT.YuVs.Atty.BerlinR.DelaCruz
a a r
h
A.C.No.10912.January19,2016
B
C e s
l
Facts:Lawyerborrowedhisclient’sjewelriestobepawned
b
worthP135,000.00.
R o
byhimandreturnedlater.Hefailedtoreturnthejewelries
n
Held:Theruleagainstborrowingofmoneybyalawyerfrom
a a r
h
hisclientisintendedtopreventthelawyerfromtaking
B
C
advantageofhisinfluenceoverhisclient.23Therule
e s
b l
presumesthattheclientisdisadvantagedbythelawyer's
abilitytouseallthelegalmaneuveringstorenegeonhis
R o
obligation.24Sufficeittosay,theborrowingofmoneyor
a n
propertyfromaclientoutsidethelimitslaiddowninthe
CPRisanunethicalactthatwarrantssanction.
a r
h
.(Suspendedfor3years) B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Canon17– Alawyerowesfidelitytothecauseofhis
s
C clientandshallbemindfulofthetrustand
e
confidencereposedinhim.*
b l
R o
a.Dutyoffidelitycarriesthecorollaryobligationofservingthe
a n a r
clientwithcompetenceanddiligence,championinghiscause
withzealwithintheboundsofthelaw,andexertionofutmost
h B
s
learningandability.Totheendthatnothingshallbetakenor
C e
withheldfromtheclientexceptbytherulesoflawlegally
applied.
b l
R o
d.Thedutyoffidelityoutlastseventhedeathoftheclient
(HeirsofFalamevs.Atty.Baguio,A.C.6t876,March7,2008
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon18.Alawyershallservehisclientwith
a n
competenceanddiligence.*
a r
h B
e s
Cshouldknowthatheisnotqualifiedtorender.However,hemayrendersuch
Rule18.01– Alawyershallnotundertakealegalservicewhichheknowsor
b l
o
serviceif,withtheconsentofhisclient,hecanobtainascollaboratingcounsela
R
lawyerwhoiscompetentonthematter.(NenitaD.Sanchezvs.Atty.RomeoG
annulmentofmarriage)n r
Agullos,A.C.No.10543.March16,2016– mistakinglegalseparationfor
a B a
C h
Rule18.02– Alawyershallnothandleanylegalmatterwithout
adequatepreparation..
s
l e
Rule18.03 Alawyershallnotneglectalegalmatterentrustedtohimand
Villaseca,A.C.No.7922,October1,2013)
o b
hisnegligencewillrenderhimliable.(Rule18.03)(Mattusvs.Talentov.
R
n r
Rule18.04– Alawyershallkeeptheclientinformedofthestatusofhis
a
caseandshallrespondwithinreasonabletimetohisclient’srequestfor
B a
h
information.
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
NenitaD.SanchezVs.Atty.RomeoG.Aguilos
a n
A.C.No.10543.March16,2016
a r
B
Facts:Lawyerwasretainedtofileapetitionforannulmentof
h
C s
marriage.Hepreparedapetitionforlegalseparation.Askedto
e
b l
returntheattorney’sfeespaidtohiminadvance,heinsisted
thattheclientreallysoughthisservicesforlegalseparation
o
only,andsheshouldpaymoreifshewantedannulment.
R
a n
Held:Clearly,therespondentmisrepresentedhisprofessional
competenceandskilltothecomplainant.Astheforegoing a r
h B
s
findingsreveal,hedidnotknowthedistinctionbetweenthe
C e
groundsforlegalseparationandforannulmentofmarriage.
b l
Suchknowledgewouldhavebeenbasicandexpectedofhimas
R o
alawyeracceptingaprofessionalengagementforeithercauses
ofaction.Hisexplanationthattheclientinitiallyintendedto
n
pursuetheactionforlegalseparationshouldbedisbelieved.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
o
Therespondentshouldnothaveacceptedtheengagement
R
a n a r
becauseasitwaslaterrevealed,itwaswayabovehisability
andcompetencetohandlethecaseforannulmentofmarriage.
h B
s
Asaconsequence,hehadnobasistoacceptanyamountas
C e
attorney’sfeesfromthecomplainant.Hedidnotevenbeginto
b l
performthecontemplatedtaskheundertookforthe
R o
complainantbecauseitwasimprobablethattheagreement
withherwastobringtheactionforlegalseparation.Hishaving
a n
supposedlypreparedthepetitionforlegalseparationinsteadof
a r
h
thepetitionforannulmentofmarriagewaseitherhiswayof
B
C s
coveringupforhisincompetence,orhismeansofchargingher
e
hadalreadyreceived. b l
more.Eitherwaydidnotentitlehimtoretaintheamounthe
o
(FinedP10,000.00andorderedtoreturnP70,000.00attorney’s
R
fees)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
VicenteM.GimenaVs.Atty.SalvadorT.Sabio
a n
A.C.No.7178.August23,2016 a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
Facts:Respondentfiledanunsignedpositionpaper,and
failedtosignitinspiteofthearbiter’sordertodoso.Asa
a n
result,judgmentwasrenderedagainsthisclient.Hefailed
a r
h
tonotifyhisclientandthejudgmentbecamefinal.
B
C e s
Held:Alawyerispresumedtobepromptanddiligentinthe
b l
performanceofhisobligationsandintheprotectionofhis
R o
client'sinterestandinthedischargeofhisdutiesasan
officerofthecourt.Here,however,thispresumptionis
n
overturnedbyclearandconvincingevidencethat
a a r
B
respondentwasgrosslynegligentascounselofthecompany
C h
andcomplainantinthecase.
s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
n
HEIRSOFNESTORTANSR.vs.ATTY.NESTORBELTRAN
a a r
h
A.C.5819,February1,2017
B
C e s
b l
R o
Facts:Complainantsretainedrespondenttofileacivilsuittoannula
saleofcommercialproperties.Respondentorderedhissecretarytopay
a n
thedocketfeesthencomputedatPP1,722.
a r
Unfortunately,theclerkofcourterredintheassessmentofthedocket
h B
s
fees.Tocorrecttheerror,theRTCorderedthepaymentofadditional
C e
fees.Theorderwasreceivedbytherespondenttwoweeksafterhehad
b l
withdrawnhisappearancewiththeconsentofhisclients.Hedidnot
notifyhisformerclientsoftheorder.Consequently,theadditional
thereof.
R o
docketfeeswerenotpaidandthecomplaintwasdismissedbyreason
a n
Complainantschargedrespondentswithnegligence.
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Held:Atty.Beltranshouldhaveactedwithprudenceby
h B
s
informinghispreviousclientabouthisreceiptoftheorderfor
C e
paymentofadditionalfees.Afterall,lawyersareofficersof
b l
thecourt,andlikethecourt,therespondentisdutyboundto
R o
takestepstoadvancetocauseofjustice.
Lawyersareexpectedtobeacquaintedwiththerudimentsof
lawand
a n a r
h
legalprocedure.Aclientwhodealswithcounselhastheright B
C e s
toexpectnotjustagoodamountofprofessionallearningand
b l
competence,butalsoawholeheartedfealtytotheclient's
cause
R o
SUSPENDEDfor2months. a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
law. *
a r
Canon 19 – A lawyer shall represent his client with zeal within the bounds of the
h B
C e s
b l
Rule 19.01 – A lawyer shall employ only fair reasonable
means to obtain the lawful objectives of his client and shall not
R o
present, participate in presenting, or threatening ro present
a n
unfounded criminal charges to obtain an improper advantage in
any case or proceeding. Briones v. Jimenez, AC 6691, April 17,
a r
h
2007, Peña v. Aparicio, AC 7208, June 25, 2007. Rural Bank of B
C
Calape v. Florido, AC 5736, June 29, 2010)
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule 19.02. A lawyer who has received information that his
C e s
client has, in the course of the representation, perpetuated a
b l
fraud upon a person or tribunal, shall promptly call upon the
client to rectify the same and failing which he shall terminate
R o
the relationship with such client in accordance with the Rules
of Court.
a n a r
B
a. But he may not reveal the client’s fraud because it
C h
might violate the confidentiality of their relationship.
s
l e
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule 19.03 – A lawyer shall not allow his client to
C s
dictate the procedure in handling the case.
e
b l
a. The employment of a lawyer confers upon him general authority to do
o
on behalf of his client such acts necessary or incidental to the prosecution
R
of the suit entrusted to him.
n
b. But the lawyer is more than an agent of the client.
a a r
h B
c. The authority to appear for the client is presumed and lasts until the
C s
termination of the litigation.
l e
d, A lawyer has authority to bind the client in all matters of ordinary
o b
judicial procedure The cause of action,the claimrdemand sued upon, and
the subject matter, is subject the control of the client.
R
e. Notice to the lawyer is notice to the client.
a n
f. Negligence of the lawyer binding on the client. Exception : where the
a r
h
negligence is gross and client is deprived of due procs of law,
B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
CANON20.Alawyershallchargeonlyfairand
n
reasonablefees.*
a r
aa.Alawyerhastherighttohaveandrecoverafairand
h B
s
C b.Thecompensationofalawyershouldbeamereincidentof
reasonablecompensationforhisservices.
e
thepracticeoflaw. b l
R o
c.Alawyerisentitledtojudicialprotectionagainstinjustice,
a n
abuseonthepartofhiscounsel.
a r
impositionorfraudonthepartofhisclientastheclientagainst
h B
s
d.Generally,alawyer’srighttocompensationrequiresthe
C
existenceofalawyerclientrelationshipand
etherenditionof
servicestotheclient.
b l
obligationtopayattorney’sfees. o
e.Awrittenagreementisnotnecessarytoestablishaclient’s
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n a r
af.Anagreementforattorney’sfeesisalwayssubjecttothe
h B
C controlofthecourts.
e s
b l
R o
g.Alawyermayrecoverattorney’sfeesonthebasisof
quantummeruitwhen(1)thereisnoagreementastothefees,
n r
(2)whenthereisanagreementwhichhasbeensetasidebythe
a a
h B
courtorthepartiesthemselves,(3)whentheagreentfor
C s
attorney’sfeeshsbeensetsideduetoformaldefects,(4)when
e
l
thelawyer’sserviceshasbeenterminatedwithjustcause.
b
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Rule20.01– Alawyershallbeguidedbythefollowingfactorsindetermining
h B
hisfees:
C s
a.Thetimespentandextentofservicesrenderedorrequired
e
l
b.Thenoveltyanddifficultyofquestionsinvolved
b
o
c.Theimportanceofsubjectmatter
R
d.Theskilldemanded
n r
e.Theprobabilityoflosingotheremploymentasaresultofacceptanceof
a a
h
thepreferredcase.
B
C e s
f.Thecustomarychargesforsimilarservicesandthescheduleoffeesof
theIBPchaptertowhichhebelongs.
b l
o
g.Theamountinvolvedinthecontroversyandthebenefitsresultingto
theclientfromtheservices.
R
a n
h.Thecontingencyorcertaintyofcompensation
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
i.Thecharacteroftheemployment,whetheroccasionalor
C established,and e
b l
j.Theprofessionalstandingofalawyer.
R o
n r
Rule20.02– Alawyershall,incasesofreferral,withthe
a a
h B
consentoftheclient,beentitledtodivisionoffeesin
C s
proportiontotheworkperformedandtheresponsibility
e
assumed.
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
.
a n a r
h B *
C s
Acceptancefee referstothechargeimposedbythelawyerformerely
e
b l
acceptingacase, becauseoncethelawyeragreestorepresentaclient,he
isprecludedfromhandlingthecaseoftheopposingpartybasedonthe
2015)
R o
prohibitiononconflictofinterest(Dalupanvs.Gacott,A.C.5067,June29,
a n a r
h B
But “Further,restitutionofacceptancefeestocomplainantisproper.….
C s
Thereisnoreasonforrespondenttoretaintheprofessionalfeespaidby
e
l
complainantforhercollectioncaseswhentherewasnoshowingthat
b
respondentperformedanyactinfurtheranceofthesecases.”(Helen
o
Changvs.Atty.JoseR.Hidalgo,A.C.No.6934.April6,2016)
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
.
a n a r
h B
*
s
C wherebythelawyeragreestohandletheclient’scasebuthisfee,usuallya
Contingencyfeearrangements– contractbetweenlawyerandclient
e
b l
proportionofthefundsorpropertythatmayberecovered,shallbe
R o
contingentonhissuccessinhandlingthecase.Becausehetakesariskin
thepaymentofhisfees,alargeramountisallowed.Acontingentfee
agreementisvalid.
a n a r
h B
s
C wherethelawyer’sfeeisalsocontingentonhissuccess
Acontingencyfeearrangementisdifferentfromachampertous
e
l
agreement
b
inachievingthegoalofhisclient,butwiththeadditionalstipulation
o
champertous agreement is invalid. R
thatallexpensesofthelitigationwillbeshoulderedbyhim.A
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
EugenioE.CortezVs.Atty.HernandoP.Costes
a a r
h
A.C.No.9119.March12,2018
B
C e s
l
Complainantretainedtheservicesofrespondenttohandle
b
R o
anillegaldismissalcaseagainsthisformeremployer.The
respondenthandledthecase,whichresultedinanawardof
n
P1milliontocomplainant.Respondentclaimedonehalfof
a a r
B
thatascontingentfee.Complainantinsistedthattheagreed
C h
feewasfor12%only.
s
l
Held:Contingentfeeshouldbebymeansofawritten e
b
retaineragreement.Theclaimfora50%contingentfeeis
o
R
excessive.Ontheotherhand,theclaimforonly10%onthe
a n
basisoftheLaborCodeiserroneous,becausetheLabor
Codereferstotheextraordinaryattorney’sfeesonly.
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
o
.Attorney’sliens:*
R
a n r
Retaining lien – a lawyer is allowed to retain possession of
a
B
the monies properties and documents of his client until he is paid
C h
his fees.
s
l e
Requisites are: (1) lawyer obtained possession by virtue of a
lawyer has not been paid. o b

lawyerclient relationship, (2) lawyer has rendered services, (3)
R
a n
Retaining lien is a passive lien. There is no action required of
the lawyer to take to establish the lien. If the documents are a r
h B
s
needed to be used as evidence, the lawyer may be ordered to
C e
give them to the client, provided the latter posts a bond for the
attorney’s fees.
b l
o
A retaining lien is lost once the lawyer loses possession.
R
a n
A retaining lien is a general lien. It can be exercised to
enforce the payment of the lawyers fees in all the services he has a r
h B
s
rendered to the client.
C e
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Charging lien – the right of a lawyer to charge the judgment and
n
all its executions for the payment of his fees.
a a r
h B
The charging lien is an activeslien. The lawyer is required to
C file a motion in the case helisehandling to charge the judgment
b
client and the adverse o
with his fees. Copies of his motion should be furnished to his
R party, who will be obliged to pay his fees
n
before paying his client.
a a r
h B
C
Necessarily
e s
a charging lien can be established only on a
judgment for a sum of money.
b l
o
RIt can be utilized only for the
n r
A charging lien is a special lien.
a
payment of the lawyer’s services in the case he is handling.
B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
EdmundoNavarezVs.Atty.ManuelAbrogarIII
G.R.No.191641.September2,2015 a r
h B
C e s
b l
o
Theregistrationofthelienshouldalsobe
R
n r
distinguishedfromtheenforcementofthelien.
a
Registrationmerelydeterminesthebirthofthelien.
B a
h
Theenforcementofthelien,ontheotherhand,can
C s
onlytakeplaceonceafinalmoneyjudgmenthas
l e
beensecuredinfavoroftheclient.
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Theenforcementofthelienisaclaimforattorney]sfeesthat
C e s
maybeprosecutedintheveryactionwheretheattorney
b l
renderedhisservicesorinaseparateaction.
R o
However,amotionfortheenforcementofthelienisinthe
natureofofanactioncommencedbyalawyeragainsthisclient
a n
forattorney’sfees.Asineveryactionforasumofmoney,the
a r
h
attorneymovantmustfirstpaytheprescribeddocketfees
B
C e s
beforethetrialcourtcanacquirejurisdictiontoorderthe
paymentofattorney’sfees.
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
o
Feesandcontroversieswithclients.*
R
n a
aRule 20.03. A lawyer shall not, withoutr
h Breward, costs, commission,
the full knowledge and
s
C interest, rebate of forwarding eallowance
consent of the client, accept any fee,
whatsoever related to his b l

professional
or other compensation
employment from anyone
R o
other than the client. (Spouses Rafols vs. Barrios, AC 4973, Mar
n r
15, 2010)
a a
B with clients
h s
Chis compensation and resort to judicial
Rule 20.04. A lawyer should avoid controversies
prevent imposition, injustice of fraud. bl

concerning e action only to
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
JoseAntonioF.BalingitVs.Atty.RenatoM.Cervantes
a n
andAtty.TeodoroB.Delarmente a r
h
A.C.No.11059.November9,2016 B
C e s
l
ComplainantisanaturalizedBritishcitizen.Histwosons
b
o
figuredinamotorcycleincidentinAntipolowhereinoneof
R
hissonsandagrandsondiedandtheotherwashospitalized.
n r
Acriminalcasewasfiledagainsttheotherpartyinthe
a a
incident,aDr.David.Thereafter,complainantretainedthe
B
C h
servicesoftherespondentstofileacivilcasefordamages
s
againstDr.David.Therespondentsmadehimsigna
l e
retainershipagreement,inwhichtheywillbepaidan
o b
acceptancefeeofP45,000.00,appearancefeeofP5,000,00
perappearance,andasuccessfeeof10%ofwhatevermay
R
becollectedfromthedefendant.Theacceptancefeewas
n
paid,buttherespondentsfailedtofileacomplaintfor
a a r
B
damages,allegedlyforfailureofthecomplainanttopaythe
acceptancefeeinfull. h
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
ComplainantisanaturalizedBritishcitizen.Histwosons
a a
h B
figuredinamotorcycleincidentinAntipolowhereinoneofhis
C e s
sonsandagrandsondiedandtheotherwashospitalized.A
b l
criminalcasewasfiledagainsttheotherpartyintheincident,a
Dr.David.Thereafter,complainantretainedtheservicesofthe
R o
respondentstofileacivilcasefordamagesagainstDr.David.
a n
Therespondentsmadehimsignaretainershipagreement,in
whichtheywillbepaidanacceptancefeeofP45,000.00, a r
h
appearancefeeofP5,000,00perappearance,andasuccessfee B
C e s
of10%ofwhatevermaybecollectedfromthedefendant.The
b l
acceptancefeewaspaid,buttherespondentsfailedtofilea
topaytheacceptancefeeinfull.
R o
complaintfordamages,allegedlyforfailureofthecomplainant
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
.Inthemeantime,mediationproceedingswerehadinthe
a n a r
criminalcase,andtheaccusedagreedtopaythecomplainant
h B
P1millioninexchangeforthequashingoftheInformation.
C e s
Uponlearningaboutthis,therespondentsdemanded10%of
l
theP1million,plusP5,000.00appearancefeefromthe
b
o
complainant.Thecomplainantrefused,onthegroundthatthe
R
amountwasreceivedinthecriminalcaseandnotinthecivil
a n
casewhichtherespondentswerehiredtofile.The
respondentsfiledacriminalcaseforestafaagainstthe a r
h B
s
complainantandadeportationchargeagainsthimforbeingan
C e
undesirablealien.Thecomplainantfiledadisbarmentcase
againstthem.
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Concepts of attorney’s fees. *
a n1. Ordinary – the fee that the client pays his

a r
h
counsel for the latter’s services. B
C e s
l
2. Extraordinary attorney’s fees as an item of
b
damages which the court may order a losing party to
o
R
pay to the winning party. As a general rule, attorney’s
n
fees in the concept of damages is not recoverable
a a r
Public policy requires that no penalty be placed on the
h B
C
right to litigate.
e s
b
Exceptions are provided in Article 2208 of the l
Civil Code.
R o
a n
Claim for attorney’s fees must be pleaded.
Reasons for award must be stated in body of decision. a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B*
C e s
Canon 21 – A lawyer shall preserve the confidences or
b l
secrets of his client even after the attorneyclient
relation is terminated.
R o
a. Conditions:
a n a r
h
1.Existence of a lawyerclient relationship or a prospective
B
C
lawyerclient relationship.
e s
2. The client made the communication in confidence.
b l
capacity.
R o
3. The legal advice is sought from the lawyer in his professional
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C a. When authorized by theeclient
b. Exceptions (when allowed):
s ;
b l
R
c. When necessary
o
b. When required by law;
to collect his fees or to defend himself.
His employees andn
a to partners or associates of the a r
associates or by judicial action (Rule 21.01)
h
d. Disclosure B firm, unless
C by the client (Rule 21.04)
prohibited
e s
e. Disclosure of a crime to be or inlthe process of being
committed.
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C Rule21.02– e s
Alawyershallnot,tothedisadvantageofhisclient,use
b l
informationacquiredinthecourseofemployment,nowshallheusethe
sametohisadvantageorthatofathirdperson,unlesstheclientwithfull
o
knowledgeofthecircumstancesconsentsthereto.
R
a n a r
Rule21.03– Alawyershallnot,withoutthewrittenconsentofhisclient,
h B
giveinformationfromhisfilestoanoutsideagencyseekingsuch
C e s
informationforauditing,statistical,bookkeeping,accountingdata
processingoranysimilarpurpose
b l
R o
Rule21.04– Alawyermaydisclosetheaffairsofaclientofthefirmto
n
partnersorassociatesthereofunlessprohibitedbytheclient.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Rule21.05– Alawyershalladoptsuchmeasuresasmaybe
s
C requiredtopreventthosewhoseservicesareutilizedbyhim,
e
b l
fromdisclosingorusingconfidencesorsecretsoftheclient.
R o
n r
Rule21.06– Alawyershallavoidindiscreetconversationabout
a a
B
aclient’saffairsevenwithmembersofhisfamily.
C h s
l e
Rule21.07– Alawyershallnotrevealthathehasbeen
o b
consultedaboutaparticularcaseexcepttoavoidapossible
conflictofinterest.
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Canon22 Alawyershallwithdrawhisservicesonlyforgood
a n a r
causeanduponnoticeappropriateinthecircumstances.
h B
Rule22.01– Alawyermaywithdrawhisservicesinanyofthe
C followingcauses:
e s
b l
(a)Whentheclientpursuesanillegalorimmoralcourseofconductin
R o
connectionwiththematterheishandling;
(b)Whentheclientinsiststhatthelawyerpursueconductviolativeofthese
canonsandrules.
a n a r
h B
©Whenhisinabilitytoworkwithcocounselwillnotpromotethebest
C
interestoftheclient.
e s
forhimtocarryouttheemploymenteffectively.
b l
(d)Whenthementalorphysicalconditionofthelawyerrendersitdifficult
o
(e)Whentheclientdeliberatelyfailstopaythefeesfortheservicesorfails
R
n r
tocomplywiththeretaineragreement.
a
(f)Whenthelawyeriselectedorappointedtoapublicoffice,and
Ba
(g)Othersimilarcases.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
Requisitesforsubstitutionofattorney:
s
C a.Writtenapplicationforsubstitution;
e
b l
b.Writtenconsentoftheclient;
o
c.Writtenconsentoftheattorneytobesubstitutedorat
R
n r
leastnoticeofthemotionforsubstitutionservedon
a a
him.
h B
C
Rule22.02
e s
Alawyerwhowithdrawsorisdischargedshall,
b l
subjecttoaretainerlien,immeditaelyturnoverallpapersand
propertytowhichtheclientisentitled,andshallcooperate
R o
withhissuccessorintheorderlytransferofthematter,
thematter. a n
includingallinformationnecessaryfortheproperhandlingof
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
LIABILITIESOFLAWYERS a r
h B
C e s
A. CivilLiability
b l
R o
1.Maybeheldliabletoclientfornegligenceorfailureto
accountforclient’sfunds.
a n
2.Maynotbeheldliabletothirdpartiesforbringingan
a r
h
actionagainstthem. B
C e s
3.Maynotbeheldliableforlibelinpleadingsaslongas
materialandrelevant.
b l
longasingoodfaith. R o
4.Maynotbeheldliableformistakenadvicetoclientsas
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
B.CriminalLiability
a r
a1.Forwillfullyornegligentlycausingdamageor
h B
s
C client;forconflictofinterest(Art.209RPC)
injurytotheclient;forrevealingthesecretsofthe
e
b l
R o
2.Formisappropriationofclient’sfunds
3.Forsubornationofperjuryorintroductionof
falseevidence. a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
C.ContemptofCourt
a a r
1. DirectorindirectcontemptB
h
s
C 2.Civilorcriminalcontempt
l e
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
D.SUSPENSION,DISBARMENTANDDISCIPLINEOF
a n
LAWYERS a r
h B
C e s *
b l
1.Natureandcharacteristicsofdisciplinaryactionsagainst
lawyers.
R o
n r
(a) sui generis –disciplinary proceedings are a class of their
a
own, neither civil nor criminal, but an investigation into the
B a
C h
character of a lawyer to determine his fitness to continue in the
s
e
practice of law. They involve no private interest and afford no
public welfare. b l
redress for private grievance. They are undertaken solely for
R o
(b) prescription the Statute of Limitations does not apply.
a n
Neither does prescription preclude disbarment proceedings.
However, it may indicate ulterior motive of the part of the a r
h B
s
complainant or innocence of the respondent. But, see Isenhardt
vs. Real. C e
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
2.Grounds:*
n
a (b)Actsofmisconductafteradmission;
6593,Feb.4,2010)
a r
(a)Actsofmisconductbeforeadmission(Garridov.Garrido,AC
h B
C e s
l
(1)Deceit
(2)Malpractice
o b
(3)Grossmisconductinoffice
R
n r
(4)Convictionofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude
a
(5)Grosslyimmoralconduct
B a
h
(6)Violationofthelawyer’soath
C s
e
(7)Willfuldisobedienceofalawfulorderofthe
l
b
court
authority
R o
(8)Corruptlyappearingforapartywithout
n
(9)Solicitationofcases(Sec.27,Rule138)
a a r
B
Ingeneral,lossofgoodmoralcharacter.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
3. Proceedings: *
a n r
(a) initiated by the Supreme court motu propio or by the IBP,
a
h B
or upon verified complaint by any person filed with the
C Supreme Court or an IBP Chapter.
e s
b l
(b) if complaint prima facie meritorious, referred to the IBP,
R o
or the Solicitor General, any officer of the Court or a
n
judge of a lower court.
a a r
h
(c) IBP Board of Governors assigns complaint to Commission
B
C
on Bar Discipline (CBD).
e s
b l
(d) CBD will assign complaint to a Commissioner or group of
Commissioners.
R o
n
(e) If complaint found meritorious, Commissioner(s) will
a a r
h
require respondent to file an answer.
B
C
(f) Commissioner will conduct hearing in which respondent
e s
is accorded due process.
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
(g) a
n a r
h B
After hearing, Commissioner(s) will submit Report and
C s
e dismissal of the case
Recommendation to IBP Board of Governors.
b l
(h) Board of Governors will recommend
o
or suspension or disbarment of the respondent to the
Supreme Court. R
n r
aCourt renders decision, by divisionBifapenalty
h
(i) The Supreme
C
is a fine of P10,000 less and/or suspension fors
eis fine of more
one year or
l
forbmore than one
less, and by the court en banc, if penalty
than 10,000.00 and/or suspensiono
R
year, or disbarment.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h4. Discipline B
of Filipino Lawyers Practice in Foreign
C Jurisdiction: e s
b l
(a) They may likewise be disciplined in the
R o
Philippines if their misconduct in the foreign
n
jurisdiction also constitutes ground for discipline here.
a a r
h
(b) But they are entitled to due process here, and B
C
the decision of the authorities abroad shall only be
e s
considered as prima facie evidence of misconduct.
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
ReadmissiontotheBar*
a n
1.Lawyerswhoweresuspended:
a r
h B
C
Guidelines:
e s
b l
a. After a finding that the respondent lawyer must be suspended
from the practice of law, the Court shall render a decision imposing
the penalty.
R o
n r
b.Unless the Court explicitly states that decision is immediately
a
executory upon receipt thereof, the respondent has 15 days within
B a
C h
which to file a motion for reconsideration thereof. Denial of the
s
motion for reconsideration shall render the decision final and
executory.
l e
o b
c. Upon expiration of the period of suspension, the respondent
R
shall file a Sworn Statement with the Court through the Office of
n r
the Bar Confidant stating therein that he or she has desisted from
a
the practice of law and has not appeared in any court during the
Ba
C h
period of his or her suspension.
s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C s
d. Copies of the sworn statement shall be furnished the Local Chapter
l e
of the IBP and to the Executive Judge of the courts where he or she
o b
has pending cases and/or has appeared as counsel.
e. The Sworn Statement shall be considered as proof of respondent’s
R
a n
compliance with the order of suspension.
f. Any finding or report contrary to the statements made by the lawyer a r
h B
C
under oath shall be ground for imposition of a more severe
e s
l
punishment, or disbarment, as may be warranted. (Maniago vs.
Atty. De Dios, A.C. No. 78472, March 30, 2010)
o b
R
a
period of suspension. He must n
Note: Lawyer is not automatically reinstated
wait for the order of the r
by the expiration of the
a
court
h BNo.
5333, March 13, 2017)C
reinstating him. (Rosa Yap
s
Paras vs. Justo de Jesus Paras, A.C.
e
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
e s
C a.Updatingandpaymentinfulloftheannual
2.Lawyerswhohavebeenrepatriated:
b l
R o
membershipduesintheIBP;
b.Paymentofprofessionaltax;
a n
c.Completionofatleast36credithoursofMCLE;
a r
h B
C s
d.Retakingofthelawyer’soath.(PetitionforLeaveto
e
l
ResumePracticeofLaw,BenjaminM.Dacanay,540
SCRA424)
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
ϯ͘͘͘>ĂǁǇĞƌƐǁŚŽŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶĚŝƐďĂƌƌĞĚ:
a a r
h B
C e s
l
a.Proofofremorseandreformation(certificationsofthe
b
o
IBP,judgesandprominentmembersofthecommunity.
R
b.Lapseofsufficienttimefromimpositionofpenalty.
n
c.Productiveyearsaheadthatcanbeputtogooduse.
a a r
h B
d.Showingofpromise(intellectualaptitude,legal
C s
scholarship)andpotentialforpublicservice.
e
b l
e.Otherrelevantfactorsandcircumstances.
Ofcourse,mustsatisfythecourtthatheisapersonofgood
moralcharacter.
R o
n
FlorenceMacarrubo vs.Atty.EdmundoI.Macarrubo,
a a r
h
A.C.6148,January22,2013.
B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
E.NOTARIALPRACTICE
a a r
h
1. Qualifications of Notary Public: * B
C a. Citizen of the Philippines e s
b. Over 21 years of age b l
R o
b. Resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year
a n
d. Maintains a regular place of work In the city or a r
h B
C
province where the commission is to be issued,
e s
e. Member of the Philippine bar in good standing
b l
o
f. Has not been convicted in the first instance of a
R
crime involving moral turpitude.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
2.Termofoffice:two(2)years,commencingfromthefirst
a a
dayofJanuaryoftheyearinwhichthecommissionwas
B
hissued.*
C 3.Powersandlimitations:*es
b l
o
Powers– Acknowledgments
R
Oathsandaffirmations
a n
Jurats a r
h B
C Copycertifications
Signaturewitnessing
e s
b l
o
AnyotheractauthorizedbytheRules
R
n r
a.Witnessingsigningbythumbmark
a
b.Signingonbehalfofdisabledperson.
B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
4.Jurat– referstoanactinwhichanindividualonasingleoccasionappears
a a
inpersonbeforeanotarypublicandpresentsaninstrumentordocument,is
B
h personallyknowntothenotarypublicofidentifiedthroughcompetent
s
C thenotary,andtakesanoathoraffirmationastosuchinstrumentor
evidenceofidentity,signstheinstrumentordocumentinthepresenceof
l e
document.
o b
R
Acknowledgment– referstoanactinwhichanindividualonasingle
a n a r
occasion,appearsinpersonbeforethennotarypublicandpresentsan
h B
integrallycompleteinstrumentordocument,isattestedtobepersonally
C s
knowntothenotarypublicoridentifiedthroughcompetentevidenceof
e
identity,representstothenotarypublicthatthesignatureonthe
b l
instrumentofdocumentwasvoluntarilyaffixedbyhim,anddeclaresthathe
o
hasexecutedtheinstrumentordocumentashisfreeandvoluntaryactand
R
deed,anifheactsinaparticularrepresentativecapacity,thathehasthe
n r
authoritytosigninthatcapacity.
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
Limitations: *
a n
of the instrument:
a r
a. A notary shall not perform a notarial act if the person involved as signatory
h B
s
(1) is not in the notary’s presence personally at the time of
C e
l
notarization, (Heirs of Villanueva v. Beradio, AC 6270, Jasn 23, 2007)
b
(2) is not personally known to the notary or identified
o
R
through competent document of identity. (Gonzales v. Padiernos, AC
n
6713, Dec. 8, 2008)
a a r
h
b A notary is disqualified from performing a notarial act if he:
B
C s
(1) is a party to the document or instrument to be notarized;
e
l
(2) will receive as a direct or indirect result any advantage,
b
o
right, title, interest, cash, property or other consideration;
R
(3) is a spouse, common law partner, ancestor, descendant or
a n
relative by affinity or consanguinity of the principal within
a r
the fourth civil degree
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
c. A Notary public shall not perform a notarial act if
h B
(1) he knows or has good reason to believe that the
C e s
l
transaction is unlawful or immoral,
b
(2) the signatory shows a demeanor which engenders
o
R
reasonable doubt as to the consequence of the
a n
transaction,
a r
h
(3) The signatory is not acting of his own free will. B
C
d. A Notary Public shall not
e s
b l
(1) execute a certificate containing information known or
believed to be false,
R o
that is incomplete. a n
(2) affix an official signature or seal on a notarial certificate
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
*4.NotarialRegister– apermanentlyboundbookcontaininga
a a
B
chronologicalrecordofnotarialacts,withthefollowing
C h particulars:
s
a.Entrynumber’ l e
o
b.dateandtimeofact, b
R
n r
c.typeofnotarialact,
a
d.typeanddescriptionofinstrument,
B a
C h
e.nameandaddressofeachprincipal,
s
f.nameoraddressofeachwitness,
l e
g.feecharged,
o b
R
h.addresswherenotarizationwasperformedifnotin
regularplaceofwork,
a n a r
h B
s
i.anyothercircumstance.
C e
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o *
n r
5.JurisdictionofNotaryPublicandplaceofnotarization:
a
aa.Jurisdiction– territorialjurisdictionofthecommissioning
h B
C e s
court.(TanTiongBiov.Gonzales,AC6634,Aug.
l
b.Placeofnotarization– b
23,2007)
R o regularplaceofwork,except:
n r
(1)publicoffice,conventionhalls,andsimilarplaces
a
whereoathsofofficemaybeadministered,
B a
h
Cthesigningofdocumentsorinstrumentsrequiring s
(2)publicfunctionareasinhotelsandsimilarplacesfor
l e
notarization,
o b
R
(3)hospitalsandothermedicalinstitutionswherea
a n
partytoaninstrumentisconfinedfortreatment.,
a r
h
(4)anyplacewhereapartytoaninstrumentisunder
B
C
detention.
e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o *
n r
6.RevocationofCommission– Executivejudgemayrevokecommission:
a a
h B
a.Foranygroundforwhichanapplicationforacommissionmaybe
C
denied;
e s
b.Wherethenotarypublic–
b l
(1)failstokeepanotarialregister;
R o
(2)failstomakeaproperentryinhisnotarialregister;
n
(3)failstosendacopyofhisentriestotheExecutive
a a r
h
within10daysofthefollowingmonth;
B
C e s
(4)failstoaffixtoacknowledgmentsdateofexpiration
ofhiscommission;
b l
ExecutiveJudge;
R o
(5)failstosubmithisnotarialregister,whenfilled,tothe
a n
(6)failstomakehisreporttotheExecutiveJudgewithina
a r
h
reasonabletime,concerningtheperformanceofhis
B
C
duties,asmayberequiredbytheJudge
e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
(7) fails to require the presence of a principal at the time
h B
s
of a notarial act;
C e
b l
(8) fails to identify a principal on the basis of personal
knowledge or competent evidence;
R o
(9) executes a false or incomplete certificate;
a n
(10) knowingly perform or fails to perform any other act
a r
h B
s
prohibited or mandated by the Rules;
C e
l
(11) commits any other dereliction or act which in the
b
o
judgment of the Executive Judge constitutes good cause
R
for revocation of commission or imposition of
administrative sanction.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
7.Competentevidenceofidentity–
a r *
h B
a. at least one current identification document issued by
C e s
an official agency bearing the photograph and signature of
the individual; or
b l
R o
b. the oath or affirmation of one credible witness not
privy of the instrument, document or transaction who is
a n
personally known to the notary public, or
a r
h B
s
c. the oath of affirmation of two witnesses neither of
C
whom is privy to the instrument, document or transaction e
b l
who each personally knows the individual and shows to the
notary public documentary identification.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
8.Sanctions:*
a n a
TheExecutiveJudgeshallcausetheprosecutionofanyr
h
personwho: B
C e s
(a)knowinglyactsorimpersonatesanotarypublic;
b l
(b)knowinglyobtains,conceals,defaces,ordestroysthe
o
seal,notarialregister,orofficialrecordsofanotarypublic,and
R
a n
(c)knowinglysolicits,coerces,orinanywayinfluencesa
notarypublictocommitofficialmisconduct. a r
h B
C
TheExecutiveJudgeconcernedshallsubmitsemestral
e s
notariespublic. b l
reportstotheSupremeCourtondisciplineandprosecutionof
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
II.JUDICIALETHICS a r
h B
C e s
A. Sources:
b l
1. Constitution
R o
n r
2. Laws (Civil Code, Penal Code, AntiGraft Code, R.A 6713
3. a
Rules of Court
B a
4.
C h
Canons of Judicial Ethics
s
5. Code of Judicial Conduct (prom. Sept. 5, 1989)
l e
6.
o b
New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary
(prom. April 27, 2004) R
.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a nB.Qualificationsforappointment:
a r
h B
1.ForSupremeCourtandlowercollegiatecourts:
C e s
l
a.NaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines;
b
b.Atleast40yearsofage;
o
R
c.Judgeofalowercourtorpracticedlawfor
a n
atleast15years.(Sec.7[1],Art. VIII,Phil.Const.)
a r
h
2.ForRTCjudges: B
C e s
l
a.NaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines;
b.Atleast35yearsofage;
o b
R
c.Engagedinpracticeoflaworheldpublicoffice
a n
requiringadmissiontopracticeoflawasarequisite
a r
h
foratleast10years.(JudiciaryReorg.Act) B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
a3.ForMTCjudges: a r
h B
C s
a.NaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines
b.Atleast30yearsofage;e
b l
c.Engagedinthepracticeoflaworheldofficerequiring
R o
admissiontothebarasareuisiteforatleast5years.
(JudiciaryReorg.Act)
a n
4.ForallmembersoftheJudiciary
a r
h B
AmemberofheJudiciarymustbeapersonofproven
C e s
competence,integrity,probityandindependence(Sec.7
[3],Art.VIII,Constitution)
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
C.JudicialandBarCouncil(Sec.8,Art.VIII,Const.)
h B
C s
1.Function recommendingappointeestotheJudiciary
e
l
(atleast3foreveryvacancy).
b
o
2.Composition:
R
a.ChiefJusticeasexofficioChairman
a n
b.SecretaryofJustice(exoficiomember)
a r
h
c.Representative(s)ofCongress(exoficiomember) B
C
d.RepresentativeoftheIntegratedBar
e s
e.ProfessorofLaw
b l
o
f.RetiredMemberoftheSupremeCourt
R
n r
c.Representativeoftheprivatepractice
a
(Regularmembersforatermof4years)
Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a
D. Qualities required of judges under the New Code ofr
h B
Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary:
s
C 1. Independence is a prerequisite
e trial. A judge shall therefore
to the rule of law and a
fundamental guarantee of alfair
o b
uphold and exemplify judicial independence in both its individual
R (Canon 1) .
and institutional aspects
a n a r
Sec. h B function
s
1 – Judges shall exercise their judicial
C on the basis of their assessment
independently
e of the law, free
of the facts and in
b l
accordance with a conscientious understanding
R o
of any extraneous influence, inducement,
interference, direct or indirect, from
pressure, threat or
any quarter or for any
reason..
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
Sec. 2 – In performing judicial duties, judges shall be
C h s
independent from judicial colleagues in respect of decisions
e
which the judge is obliged to make independently.
l
o b
Sec. 3 Judges shall refrain from influencing in any manner the
outcome of litigation or dispute pending before anther court or
R
n r
administrative agency.
a
Sabitsana v. Villamor, 202 SCRA 405 – pressuring MTC judge
B a
C h s
In Re Justice Demetria, 355 SCRA 366 – CA justice interfering
with prosecution of drug case;
l e
o b
OCA vs. Judge de Guzman, 26 SCRA 292 – influencing another
RTC judge to cancel notice of lis pendens. R
thers. a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Sec.4 Judgesshallnotallowfamily,socialorother
a a
h B
relationshipstoinfluencejudicialconductorjudgment.The
C s
prestigeofjudicialofficeshallnotbeusedorlenttoadvance
e
b l
theprivateinterestsofothers,norconveyorpermitothersto
conveytheimpressionthattheyareinaspecialpositionto
influencethejudge.
R o
a n a r
B
Sec.5– Judgesshallnotonlybefreefrominappropriate
h
C s
connectionswith,andinfluenceby,theexecutiveand
e
b l
legislativebranchesofgovernment,butmustalsoappearto
befreetherefromtoareasonableobserver.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
2. Integrity is essential not only to the proper discharge
h B
C s
of the judicial office, but also to the personal
e
l
demeanor of judges.
b
Sec. 1 – Judges shall ensure that not only is their conduct
o
R
above reproach , but that it is perceived to be so in the view of
n r
a reasonable observer.
a
In the judiciary, moral integrity is more than a cardinal
B a
C h
virtue. It is a necessity. (Fernandez v. Hamoy, 436 SCRA 186)
s
e
Ignorance of the law is a mark of incompetence, and
l
b
where the law involved is elementary, ignorance thereof is
o
considered an indication of lack of integrity (Macalintal v. Teh,
280 SCRA 623)
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Sec. 2 – The behavior and conduct of judges must reaffirm the
h B
people’s faith in the integrity of the Judiciary. Justice must not
C s
ethe presence of the other party must be
merely be done, but must also be seen to be done.
b l
a. Inchamber meetings without
b. Maliciously kissing o
avoided (Capuno vs. Jaramillo,243 SCRA 213)
SCRA 354, Dawa vs. De R

female subordinates (TalensDbon vs.Arceo, 29
c. Judge musta
n Asa, 292 SCRA 703)
guard against losing his temper (Echano a
r
SCRA 738) h B vs. Sunga, 102
Sec. 3 C e s
measures against lawyers or bcourt l personnel for
Judges should take or initiate appropriate disciplinary
unprofessional conduct of which the

R o judge may have become
n r
aware.
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n r
*Canon3 Impartialityisessentialtotheproper
a
B
dischargeofthejudicialoffice. Itappliesnotonlyto
h
C s
thedecisionsitselfbutalsototheprocessbywhich
e
thedecisionwasmade.
b l
R
favor,biasorprejudice. o
Sec.1– Judgesshallperformtheirjudicialdutieswithout
a n a
Sec.2 Judgesshallensurethathisorherconduct,bothin r
h
andoutofcourt,maintainsandenhancestheconfidence
B of
C e s
thepublic,thelegalprofessionandlitigantsintheimpartiality
ofthejudgeandofthejudiciary.
b l
Paraynov.Meneses,231SCRA807–o
Pimentelv.Salanga,21SCRA160– people’sfaithinthejudiciary
R dutytosit
n
a Dignum.
Datuin,Jr.vs.Soriano,391SCRA2– Regularityispresumed,Notatu
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Sec.3– Judgesshall,sofarasisreasonable,soconduct
h B
themselvesastominimizetheoccasionsonwhichitwillbe
C e s
necessaryforthemtobedisqualified fromhearingordeciding
cases.
b l
R o
a.Fraternizationwithlawyersandlitigantsshouldbevoided.
Sec.4– Judgesshallnotknowingly,whileaproceedingisbefore
a n
orcouldcomebeforethem,makeanycommentthatmightbe
a r
h
reasonablybeexpectedtoaffecttheoutcomeofsuch
B
C e s
proceedingorimpairthemanifestfairnessoftheprocess.Nor
b l
shalljudgesmakeanycommentinpublicorotherwisethat
mightaffectthefairtrialoranypersonorissue..
R o
a.Publicityforpersonalvaingloryshouldbeavoided.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Sec.5– Judgesshalldisqualifythemselvesinanyproceedingsin
a n a r
whichtheyareunabletodecidethematterimpartiallyorinwhich
h B
itmayappeartoareasonableobserverthattheyareunableto
C s
decidethematterimpartially.Suchproceedingsinclude,butarenot
e
l
limitedtoinstanceswhere:
b
i. Taken from Sec. 1, Rule 137 of Revised Rules of Court.
o
R
ii Disqualification distinguished from inhibition
a n a r
B
(a)Thejudgehasactualbiasorprejudiceconcerningapartyor
C h
personalknowledgeofdisputedevidentiaryfacts.
s
l e
(1)Biasandpartialitymuststemfromextrajudicialsource
witnessinthematterincontroversy. o b
(b)Thejudgehaspreviouslyservedasalawyerorwasamaterial
R
n
(1)Thejudge’sobjectivitywillbeimpaired.
a a r
B
(2)Thejudgeisnotprecludedfromtestifyingafterinhibiting
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
B
(c)Thejudgeoramemberofhisfamilyhasaneconomic
C h s
interestintheoutcomeofthematterincontroversy.
l e
(1)Octubrevs.Valano,434SCRA636Judgedidnotdisqualifyhimself
complainant
o b
andissuedawartantorarrestinacriminalcasewhereheisthe
R
n r
(d)Thejudgeservedasexecutor,administrator,guardian,
a a
trusteeorlawyerinthematterincontroversy,oraformer
B
C h
associateofthejudgeservedascounselduringtheir
s
therein. l e
association,orthejudgeorlawyerwasamaterialwitness
o b
(e)Thejudge’srulinginalowercourtisthesubjectofreview.
R partial participation
n r
Sandoval v. CA, 260 SCRA 283 –
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
(f) The judge is related by consanguinity or affinity to a party litigant within
h B
the sixth civil degree or to counsel within the fourth civil degree.
C e s
Villaluz v. Mijares, 288 SCRA 594 – petitioner’ is judge’s daughter
b l
(g) The judge knows that his or her spouse or child has a financial interest
as heir, legatee, creditor, fiduciary, or otherwise, in the subject matter in
R o
controversy, or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could
be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceedings.
a n a r
h B
Sec. 6. If the parties and lawyer, independently of the judge’s participation,
C e s
all agree in writing that the reason for the inhibition is immaterial or
b l
unsubstantial, the judge may then participate in the proceedings. The
agreement, signed by all the parties and lawyers, shall be incorporated in
the record of the proceedings.
R o
“Remittal of disqualification” – Code of Judicial conduct
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Inhibitionondiscretinarygrounds;butdecisionisnotconclusive:
h B
a.Amatterofconscienceandsounddiscretion.
s
C b.Judgeshaveadutytosit,andinhibitionshouldberesorted
e
tosparingly,
b l
R o
c.Vda.DeBonifaciovs.BLTBusCo.,34SCRA618– factthatoneofthe
counselsappearingwasclassmateofthejudgeisnotagroundfor
inhibition.
a n a r
h
d.Paredes,Jr.vs.Sandiganbayn,252SCRA541–
B
meredivergenceof
C
opnionastolawapplicablenotagroundforinhibition.
e s
againstajudgenotagroundfordisqualification. l
e.Mantaringvs.Roman,254SCRA158– filingofanadministrativecase
o b
R
f,BellosilloSaludo,A.M>3297,April6,1989– Memberhipinacollege
fraternityorcivicgroupnotagroundforinhibition.
a n
g.Bautistavs,Causapin,652SCRA442– drinkingspreewithlitigants
a r
groundforinhibition.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Canon 4. Propriety and the appearance of propriety are
h
essential to all activities of a judge.
B prevailing customs and usages
C (American Heritage Dictionary) es
a. Concept of propriety – conformity to
Sec. 1 – Judges shall avoid

b l impropriety and appearance of
a. His behavior notR

o
impropriety in all their activitie s.
only on the bench but also in every day life should
a
be beyond reproach.
n
se improper can be perceived by the largera
r
h
b.. Acts not per
B community as
C of improper conduct: s
such.
i. Judge who heard case while on vacation l

c. Instances
e
shirt (Liwanag v. Lusre, A.M> MTJ08981168, b
and dressed only in a polo
R o April 21, 1999);

ii. tasteless jokes in a wedding ceremony (Hadap v. Lee, 114 SCRA
559);
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
iii. drunken behavior in public (De la Paz v. Inutan, 64 SCRA 540).
h B who did graduate from UP
C (Mane vs, Judge Belen, A.M. RTJ082119,
iv. making insulting statements to a lawyer
e s
l
June 30, 2001)
081712, Aug. 20, 2008)

o b
v. Use of court letterhead for private letter (Ladigonvs. Garong, A.M. MTJ
vi. Immorlity R
vii. Intoxication. n r
a B a
h
viii. Use of guns to terrorize or pistolwhip
Cintemperate language s
ix. Use of
l e
x. Failure to pay debts
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Section2– Asasubjectofconstantpublicscrutiny,judgesmust
h B
C s
acceptpersonalrestrictionsthatmightbeviewedas
e
burdensomebytheordinarycitizenandshoulddosofreely
l
o b
andwillingly.Inparticular,judgesshallconductthemselvesina
waythatisconsistentwiththedignityofthejudicialoffice.
R
a n
a.Useofintemperatelanguageimproper,evenifaddressed a r
h B
C
noone(ReAnonyumous ComplaintagainstJudgeEdmundoT.
e s
l
Acuña,464SCRA250,Cua Shuk Yinvs.Perello,474SCRA472)
b
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
Sec. 3 – R
o
the nlegal profession who practice regularly in r
Judges shall, In their personal relations with individual members of
a might reasonably give rise to the B a their courts, avoid situations
C hwhich
favoritism or partiality.
s
suspicion or appearance of
l
Padilla vs. Zantua, 237 SCRA 670 e – eating with lawyer in public
o b
Sec. 4 – A judge shall not participate in the determination of a case in which
manner with the case. R

any member of their family represents a litigant or is associated in any
Vidal v. Dojillo,n r
a a
Jr., 483 SCRA 264 –moral support for brother
Sec. 5 Judges shall not allow the use of their residence byB
C h s
a member of the
e
legal profession to receive clients of the latter or of other members of the
legal profession.
b l
Sec. 6 – Judges, like any other citizen, are entitled to freedom of expression,
always conduct themselves in such a manner
R o
belief, association and assembly, but in exercising such rights, they shall
as to preserve the dignity of
Macias v. Arula, 115 SCRA 135n r

the judicial office and the impartiality and independence of the Judiciary.
a – participating in a political rally
B a
C
In re Judge Acuña, 464 SCRAh 250 – use of expletives
s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
o
Sec. 7 –RJudges shall inform themselves about their personal
n
a to be informed about he financial
fiduciary
a
and financial interests and shall r make reasonable
hefforts B interests of members
C of their family. e s
b l
office to advance theiro
Sec. 8 – Judges shall not use or lend the prestige of the judicial
of their family, or R
private interests or those of a member
permit othersatonconvey the impression that anyone r
of any one else, nor shall they convey or
improperly to influence B
a is in a
C h
special position
s
them in the
Dionisio v. Escaño, 302 SCRA 411l–eposting notices for

performance of judicial duties..
o
family restaurant business in court bulletinb board
R
n acquired by a judges in their r
a used or disclosed for any otherBa
Sec. 9 – Confidential information
purpose related to their h
judicial capacity shall not be
C judicial duties.
e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Sec. 10 – Subject to the proper performance of judicial duties,
h
judges may: B
C e s
(a) Write, lecture, teach and participate in activities
b l
concerning the law, the legal system, the administration of
R o
justice or related activities.
(b) Appear at a public hearing before an official body
a n
concerned with matters relating to the law, the legal system,
a r
h
the administration of justice or related matters;
B
C e s
(c) Engage in other activities if such activities do not detract
b l
from the dignity of the judicial office or otherwise interfere
with the performance of judicial duties.
R o
In re Designation of Judge Rodolfo Manzano, AM 887861RTC –
a n
consitutional prohibition against designation of judges to agencies
a r
B
performing quasijudicial or administrative functions.
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B the holder of judicial office.
C Carual v. Brusola, 317 SCRA 34 e– smay serve as executor, administrator,
Sec. 11 Judges shall not practice law while
l
member of immediate family,band will not interfere with performance of
trustee, guardian or other fiduciary when estate or trust, or ward, is
judicial duties
R o
a n a r
MTC judges as notaries public ex officio, may not notarize private
are paid to the government’s account. B

documenrts, except (1) when no lawyers available in the municipality, and
h
(2) notarial feees
Sec. 12 –C s
l e
Judges may form or join associations of judges or participate in
b
other organization representing the interests of judges.
R o
Sec. 13 – Judges and members of their families
accept any gift, bequest, loan or favor in relation
shall neither ask for nor
to anything done or to be
judicial duties.
a n
done or entitled to be done by him in connection with the performance of
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Sec. 14. Judges shall not knowingly permit court staff or others subject to
n r
their influence, direction or authority, to ask for or accept any gift, bequest,
a a
B
loan or favor in relation to anything done or to be done or entitled to be
C h s
done in connection with their duties and functions.
e
Sec. 15. Subject to law and to any legal requirements of public disclosure,
l
b
judges may receive a token gift, award or benefit as appropriate to the
o
occasion on which it is made, provided that such gift, award or benefit
R
might not be reasonably perceived as intended to influence the judge in the
n r
performance of official duties or otherwise give rise to an appearance of
partiality.
a B a
C h
Gifts from foreign sources governed by Sec. 7 (d) of R.A. 6713.
s
l e
o b
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a
Canon 5. Ensuring Equality of treatment to all beforer
h B
the courts is essential to the due performance of
C judicial duties.
e s
b l
Sec. 1 – Judges shall be aware of and understand
R o
diversity in society and differences arising from various
sources., including, but not limited to, race., color sex,
n
religion, national origin, caste, disability, age, marital status,
a a r
B
sexual orientation, social and economic status, and other like
causes.
C h s
a. Awareness
l e
of international instruments concerning equality of human
b
beings, and rights of women and children.
R o
b. Gender and Development Mainstreaming
Judicial System adopted on December 9, 2003.
Plan for the Philippine
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Sec. 2 – Judges shall not, in the performance of judicial
a n
towards any person or group on irrelevant grounds.a r
duties, by words or conduct, manifest bias or prejudice
h B
C s
Sec.3 Judges shall carry out judicial duties with
e
appropriate consideration for all persons, such as the parties,
b l
witnesses, lawyers, court staff and judicial colleagues, without
o
differentiation on any irrelevant ground, immaterial to the
R
proper performance of such duties..
n
Sec. 4. Judges shall not knowingly permit court staff or
a a r
B
others subject to his or her influence, direction or control to
h
differentiate between persons concerned in a matter before
C s
the judge on any irrelevant ground.
l e
o b
Sec. 5 – Judges shall require lawyers in proceedings before
the court to refrain from manifesting bias or prejudice based on
R
irrelevant grounds, except such as are legally relevant to an
advocacy.. a n
issue in proceedings and may be the subject of legitimate
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R
Canon 6.
o Competence and diligence are
a n a r
prerequisites to the due performance of judicial office.
h B take precedence over
C all other activities. s
Sec. 1 – The judicial duties of a judge
e
b l
a. The primary duty of judge is to hear and decide cases.
o
Sec. 2 – Judges R
b CA justice dismissed for failure to decide cases and motions on time
n r
shall devote their professional activity to
judicial duties,a which include not only the performance a
h B the making of
C but also other tasks relevant etosthe judicial office

judicial functions and responsibilities in court and
l
of decisions,
or the court’s operations.
o b
R
a. Other tasks of judge – record keeping and supervision of personnel.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
Sec. 3 – Judges shall take reasonable steps to maintain and
h B
enhance their knowledge, skills and personal qualities
C e s
necessary for the proper performance of judicial duties, taking
b l
advantage for this purpose the training and other facilities
judges.
R o
which should be made available under judicial control, to
a n a
Verginesa v. Dilag, 580 SCRA 491 – presumed to have more than r
h
cursory knowledge of rules of procedure.
B
Sec. 4 –C s
e international
Judges shall keep themselves informed about relevant
b l
developments of international law, including
norms.
R o
conventions and other instruments establishing human rights
a n
Two general source of international law – customary and r
a
conventional norms.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
Sec. 5 – Judges shall perform all judicial duties, including the delivery of
a a
reserved decisions, efficiently, fairly and with reasonable promptness.
B
C h s
a. Periods for decision fixed by the Constitution:
l e
24 months for the Supreme Court
o b
12 months for the lower collegiate courts
3 months for lower courts
R
n r
to be counted from submission ( filing of last pleading or
a
memorandum required )
B a
C h s
Sec. 6. Judges shall maintain order and decorum in all proceedings before
e
the court, and be patient, dignified and courteous in relation to litigants,
l
b
witnesses, lawyers and others with whom the judge deals in an official
o
capacity. Judges shall require similar conduct of legal representatives, court
R
staff and others subject to their influence, direction or control.
discharge of judicial duties.

a n
Sec. 7 – Judges shall not engage in conduct incompatible with the diligent
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
E.Powersanddutiesofcourtsandjudicialofficers
a a r
h (Rule135,RevisedRulesofCourt)
B
C e s
1. l
Sec.1– Courtsalwaysopen;justicetobepromptlyand
b
o
impartiallyadministered.
2.
R
Sec.2 Publicityofpleadingsandrecords
a n a r
a.Sittingofeverycourtshallbepublic,butpublicmaybeexcludedin
h B
theinterestofmoralityordecency.
C s
b.Recordsofeverycourtshallbeavailableforinspection,unless
forbiddenintheinterestofmoralityordecency.
e
3.
b l
Sec.3.Processofanysuperiorcourtmaybeenforcedin
4.
anypartofthePhilippines.
R o
Sec.4– Processofinferiorcourtsshallbeenforceable
a n
withintheprovincewherethemunicipalityorcitylies.
a r
h
Shallnotbeenforcedoutsidetheprovinceexceptwiththe
B
approvalof
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n r
thejudgeoftheRTCofsaidprovince,andonlyinthe
a
B
followingcases:
C h s
a.orderfordeliveryofpersonalpropertylyingoutsidetheprovince,
l e
b.attachmentorrealorpersonalpropertylyingoutsidetheprovince,
provinces,
o b
c.actionisagainsttwoormoredefendantsresidingindifferent
R
n r
d.whereplacewherecasehasbeenbroughtIsspecifiedinthecontract
a
Writsofexecutionissuedbyinferiorcourtsmaybeenforced
B a
C h
inanypartofthePhilippines.
s
e
Criminalprocessissuedbyajudgeofaninferiorcourtmay
l
b
beservedoutsidehisprovince whenthedistrictjudgeor
o
provincialfiscalshallcertifythattheinterestsofjusticeso
R
require.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h
5.Inherentpowersofcourts: B
C e s
a.Topreserveandenforceorderinitsimmediate
presence.
b l
o
b.Toenforceorderinproceedingsbeforeitorbefore
R
n r
personsempoweredtoconductjudicialinvestigationunderits
authority.
a B a
h s
c.Tocompelobedienceofitsjudgments,ordersor
Candtolawfulordersofajudgeoutofcourt,ina
processes
l e
casependingtherein.
o b
d.Tocontrolinfurtheranceofjusticetheconductofthe
R
ministerialofficers,andofallotherpersonsinanymanner
a n
connectedwithacasebeforeit,ineverymannerappertaining
a r
therein.
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h
B
C s
e.Tocompelattendanceofpersonstotestifyinacase
e
l
pendingtherein.
b
f.Toadministerorcausetobeadministeredoathsina
o
R
casependingtherein,andinallothercaseswhereitmaybe
a n
necessaryintheexerciseofitspowers,
a r
B
g.Toamendandcontrolitsprocessandorderssoasto
C h
makethemconformabletolawandjustice,
s

l e
h.Toauthorizeacopyofalostordestroyedpleadingor
b
otherpapertobefiledandusedinsteadoftheoriginalandto
o
R
restoreandsupplydeficienciesinitsrecordsandproceedings.
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
C officer,allauxiliarywrits,processesandothermeans
6.Whenbylawjurisdictionisconferredinacourtorjudicial
e
b l
necessarytocarryitintoeffectmaybeemployedbysuch
o
courtorofficer;andiftheproceduretobefollowedisnot
R
n r
specificallypointedoutbylaw,anysuitableprocessormoreof
a a
proceedingmaybeadoptedwhichappearsconformabletothe
B
C h
spiritofsaidlaworrules.
s
l e
o b
7.Alltrialsuponthemeritsshallbeconductedinopencourt
andsofarasconvenientinaregularcourtroom.Allotheracts
R
n r
maybedoneinchambers.
a B a
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
8.AnRTCjudgeshallhavepowertohearanddetermineany
h B
C s
interlocutorymotionwhenwithinthedistrictthough
e
outsidehisprovince,afterduenoticetotheparties.A
l
o b
petitionforhabeascorpus,orforreleaseuponbailor
reductionofbailmaybeheardbyanRTCjudgeatanyplace
R
inhisjudicialdistrict.
a n
9.AnRTCjudgetransferredorreassignedtoanotherprovince
a r
h
maydecideacasetotallyheardbyhimanywhereinthe B
C e s
Philippines.Ifthecasehasonlybeenheardpartiallybyhim,
l
thepartiesmayasktheSupremeCourttoauthorizehimto
b
o
continuehearingandtodecidethecase.
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
F.DisciplineofMembersofthejudiciary*
a a
B byimpeachmentonly.
C h a.MembersoftheSupremeCourt–
s
(1)Grounds:
l e
b
(ii)TreasonRo
(i)CulpableviolationoftheConstitution
a n
(iii)Bribery
a r
h B
C(v)Otherhighcrimes s
(iv)GraftandCorruption
l e
(vi)Betrayalofpublictrust b
R o
(Sec.2,Art.XI,1987Constitution)
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
(2)Procedure:
a r
h B
(i)VerifiedcomplaintbyanymemberoftheHouseof
C e s
Representatives,orbyanycitizenendorsedbyanymemberof
theHouse.
b l
o
(ii)IncludedintheOrderofBusinesswithin10session
days;
R
n
(iii)Referraltoacommitteewithin3sessiondays;
a a r
h
(iv)Afterhearing,CommitteetosubmitReportapproved
B
C
bymajorityofitsmemberswithin60sessiondays;
e s
days.
b l
(v)Reportcalendaredforconsiderationwithin10session
R o
(vi)Affirmationorreversalbyatleast1/3ofallthe
n r
membersoftheHouse.
a Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
s
C (vi)Incaseverifiedcomplaintorresolutionisfiledbyatleast
e
b l
1/3oftheMembersoftheHouse,thesameshallconstitutethe
proceed. R o
ArticlesofImpeachment,andtrialbytheSenateshallforthwith
a n a r
(vii)TheSenateshallhavesolepowertotryanddecideall
h
casesofimpeachment. B
C e s
(3)Sanction:Removalfromofficeanddisqualificationtohold
b l
anyofficeundertheRepublicofthePhilippines,,andliability
o
toprosecutionandpunishmentaccordingtolaw.
R
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n
b.Otherjusticesandjudges
a r
h Grounds:
B
C e s
1. Under Sec. 67 of the Judiciary Act of 1948 – Serious
b
misconduct and inefficiency. l
R
serious and light charges.o
2. Under Sections 8, 9 and 10 of Rule 140: serious, less
Serious:
a n a r
h
1. Bribery, direct or indirect B
C e s
2. Dishonesty and violations of the AntiGraft Law (RA 3019)
b l
3. Gross misconduct constituting violations of the Code
of Judicial Conduct.
R o
n
4. Knowingly rendering an unjust judgment or order.
a a r
B
5. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
6. Willful failure to pay a just debt
a n a r
7. Borrowing from lawyers and litigants in a case pending
h
before the court
B
C 8. Immorality
e s
b l
9. Gross ignorance of the law or procedure
R o
10. Partisan political activities
n
11. Alcoholism and/or vicious habits
a a r
h B
C
Less serious
e s
b l
1. Undue delay in rendering a decision or order. or in
transmitting the records of the court
R o
n r
2. Frequent and unjustified absences without leave or
habitual tardiness
a Ba
C h s
l e
o b
R
n
e s
b l
R o
3. Unauthorized practice of law
a n a r
4. Violation of Supreme Court rules, directives, and circulars
h B
5. Receiving additional or double compensation unless
C specifically authorized by law.
e s
b l
6. Untruthful statements in the certificate of service, and
7. Simple misconduct
R o
Light
a n a r
h
1. Vulgar and unbecoming conduct
B
C
2. Gambling in public
e s
b l
3. Fraternizing with lawyers and litigants with pending cases
in court
R o
n
4. Undue delay in the submission of monthly reports.
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
How R
o
n initiated
ab. upon verified complaint by person with a r
B personal
a. Initiated motu propio by the Supreme Court, o
C h s
knowledge, or
l e
loquitor applicable.
o b
Macalintal v. Teh, 280 vs 623 – verification nor required if res ipsa
R supported by public records of

n r
c. anonymous complaint
a
indubitable integrity.
B a
h
C sufficient in form And substance,erespondent
Procedure:
s required to
l
a. If complaint
comment within 10 days,
b. Reference to OCA for evaluation,
o b
Justice) to CA justice, (if respondentn
R
is RTC judge), RTC judge (if respondent r
c. Reference for investigation retired SC justice (if respondent is CA
a B a
h
is MTC judge).
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C s
d. Hearing by investigating judge or justice,
l e
o b
e. Report submitted by investigating judge or justice.
R
a n
f. Action by Supreme Court.
a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n r
e. Sanctions imposed by the Supreme Court on erring members
a
of the Judiciary.
B a
C h s
l e
1. If the judge is guilty of a serious charge:
b
(a) dismissal from the service,
o
R
(b) forfeiture of all or part of the benefits as the Court may
a n
determine, except accrued leave benefits;
a r
h
(c) disqualification from reinstatement or appointment to B
C e
any public office, including government owned or controlled s
corporation,
b l
R o
(d) Suspension from office without salary and other
benefits for more than 3 but not exceeding 6 months. and
a n
(e) A fine of more than P20,000.00 but not exceeding
a r
P40,000.00. h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
a n r
2.Ifthejudgeisguiltyofalessseriouscharge:
a
h B
s
C notlessthan1normorethan3months,or
(a)Suspension fromofficewithoutsalaryandotherbenefitsfor
e
b l
(b)AfineofmorethanP10,000.00butnorexceeding
o
P20,000.00.
R
n
3.Ifthejudgeisguiltyofalightcharge:
a a r
B
(a)AfineofnotlessthanP1,000.00butnotexceeding
C h
P10,000.00,and/or
s
(b)Censure,
l e
b
(c)Reprimand,
(d)Admonitionwithwarning.
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
n
Civilliabilityofjudges
a a r
h B
1. Generalrule– notpersonallyliablefordamagestoperson
C s
injuredinconsequenceofanactperformedwithinthescope
e
faith.
b l
ofhisofficialauthority,withoutmalice,negligenceorbad
R o
a.Goodfaithisalwayspresumed.
Exceptions:
a n a r
h
a.AdministrativeCodeof1987
B
C
b.Articles27and32oftheNewCivilCode
e s
b l
R o
a n a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n
e s
b l
R o
Criminalliabilityofjudges
1. a
n a r
h UnderRevisedPenalCode.
B
e s
C Unjustjudgmentrenderedthroughnegligence(Art.205)
Knowinglyrenderinganunjustjudgment(Art.204,RPC)
b l
R o
Unjustinterlocutoryorder(Art.206)
Maliciousdelayinadministrationofjustice(Art.207)
a n
Bribery,direct(At.210)orindirect(Art.211)
a r
h B
s
Opendisobedience(Art.231)
C e
l
Falsification(Art.171)
2. UndertheAntiGraftAct(R.A.3019) b
R o
Inducinganotherofficertoviolateduties(Sec.3a)
n
Requestingorreceivingagift,employment(Sec.3b,c,d)
a a r
h B
C e s
b l
R o
n

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CHANROBLES PROFESSIONAL REVIEW, INC.

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL ETHICS &

BY: JUSTICE HECTOR L. HOFILEÑA

C a. Student Practice Rule (Rule e138A) s

(4) Small Claims cases. n r

o b allowed to practice in the office where they

(2) Under then

h in connection with any matterBin which he had

said partner is deceased.

lawyer has not been paid. o b

whatsoever related to his b l

prevent imposition, injustice of fraud. bl

a n1. Ordinary – the fee that the client pays his

SCRA 354, Dawa vs. De R

unprofessional conduct of which the

Sec. 1 – Judges shall avoid

a. His behavior notR

i. Judge who heard case while on vacation l

R o April 21, 1999);

081712, Aug. 20, 2008)

manner with the case. R

Macias v. Arula, 115 SCRA 135n r

Dionisio v. Escaño, 302 SCRA 411l–eposting notices for

are paid to the government’s account. B

C but also other tasks relevant etosthe judicial office

discharge of judicial duties.

R supported by public records of

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