[B. M. No. 1036. June 10, 2003] DONNA MARIE S. AGUIRRE, compl !n n", #$. ED%IN &.

RANA, 'e$pon(en". CARPIO, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty:

Facts: Issue: Held: A.). No. 73.0 Jul9 2, 2010 [8o'me'l9 )BD 06216+1] A21 8INAN)IA& SER3I)ES, IN)., )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. &AARNI N. 3A&ERIO, Re$pon(en". PERALTA, J.: Facts: Issue:

A.). No. *+3, Sep"em-e' 10, 200. RE/ ). SARMIEN0O, ANGE&I0O ). SARMIEN0O, %I&&/ ). SARMIEN0O SARMIEN0O2)O, )ompl !n n"$, #$. A00/. EDE&SON G. O&I3A, Re$pon(en". CORONA, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty:

n( RA1UE& ).

Held: *Penalty: A.). No. 7372 Ap'!l 21, 2010 A&8REDO B. ROA, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. JUAN R. MORENO, Re$pon(en". CARPIO, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty: MANUE& ). /U4I)O, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. 8RED &. GU0IERRE6, Re$pon(en". A.). No. 73.1 [8o'me'l9 )BD ) $e No. 0621631] No#em-e' 23, 2010 PER CURIAM:

A00/. JOSABE04 3. A&ONSO n( S4A&IMAR 5. &A6A0IN, )ompl !n n"$, #$. A00/. IBARO B. RE&AMIDA, JR., Re$pon(en". A.). No. 7+71 [8o'me'l9 B.M. No. 1,2+] Au:u$" 3, 2010 PERALTA, J.: Facts: Issue:

Facts: Held: Issue: *Penalty: Held: A.). No. ,73+ 8e-'u '9 22, 2011 ;<o'me'l9 )BD2012761= 0ERESI0A D. SAN0E)O, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. &UNA B. A3AN)E, Re$pon(en". PER CURIAM: *Penalty: A.). No. *.02 M 'c> 31, 200.

0ORBEN B. O3ERGAARD, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. GOD%IN R. 3A&DE6, Re$pon(en". Issue: PER CURIAM: Held: Facts: *Penalty: Issue: Held: *Penalty: [A.). No. ,,70. June 1,, 200,] SAN JOSE 4OMEO%NERS ASSO)IA0ION IN)., $ 'ep'e$en"e( -9 REBE))A 3. &ABRADOR, compl !n n", #$. A00/. ROBER0O B. ROMANI&&OS, 'e$pon(en". PER CURIAM: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty: A.M. No. 5206221** ;8o'me'l9 A.M. No. 062+22672R0)= Ap'!l 1., 200* RE? RE5OR0 ON 04E 8INAN)IA& AUDI0 )ONDU)0ED ON 04E BOO@S O8 A))OUN0S O8 A00/. RA1UE& G. @4O, )&ER@ O8 )OUR0 I3, REGIONA& 0RIA& )OUR0, ORAS, EAS0ERN SAMAR CORONA, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: PER CURIAM: *Penalty: Facts: A.M. 52062212+ ;8o'me'l9 AM No. 0,2122*+*2R0)= Sep"em-e' 20, 2006 Repo'" on ">e S" "u$ o< ">e 8!n nc! l Au(!" )on(uc"e( !n ">e R0)20 'l c )!"9 Tin a, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty: A.). No. *136 Au:u$" 1, 200* JOSE&ANO GUE3ARRA, compl !n n", #$. A00/. JOSE EMMANUE& EA&A, 'e$pon(en". PER CURIAM: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty: A.M. No. 520*22+03 8e-'u '9 6, 2007 ;<o'me'l9 O)A I5I No. 0*22,.725= RE? REGIDOR R. 0O&EDO, RONA&DO 0O&EDO, AND JOE88RE/ 0O&EDOA #. A00/. JERR/ RADAM 0O&EDO, R0), BRAN)4 2,., 5ARABA1UE )I0/. NACHURA, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty: A.). No. 6*0* M 'c> 2+, 2006 GISE&A 4U/SSEN, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. 8RED &. GU0IERRE6, Re$pon(en".

A.). No. ,*37 8e-'u '9 1., 2007 %I&8REDO M. )A0U, compl !n n", #$. A00/. 3I)EN0E G. RE&&OSA, 'e$pon(en". CORONA, J.: Facts: Issue: Held: *Penalty:

A.M. No. 072623,22R0) Au:u$" 1., 200. 1UER/ O8 A00/. @AREN M. SI&3ERIO2BU88E, 8ORMER )le'C o< )ou'" 2 BRAN)4 71, ROMB&ON, ROMB&ON 2 ON 04E 5RO4IBI0ION 8ROM ENGAGING IN 04E 5RI3A0E 5RA)0I)E O8 &A%. !RION, J.: Facts: Lette"#$ue"y dated Ma"c% &, '(() *+ Atty. ,a"en M. -il.e"i*#!u++e /Atty. !u++e0 add"essed t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*". T%e $ue"y, as *"i inally +"a1ed, "elated t* -ecti*n 2/30/'0 *+ Re4u3lic Act /R.A.0 N*. 5267, as a1ended /*" t%e C*de *+ C*nduct and Et%ical -tanda"ds +*" Pu3lic O++icials and E14l*yees0. T%is 4"*.isi*n 4laces a li1itati*n *n 4u3lic *++icials and e14l*yees du"in t%ei" incu13ency, and t%*se al"eady se4a"ated +"*1 *.e"n1ent e14l*y1ent +*" a 4e"i*d *+ *ne /60 yea" a+te" se4a"ati*n, in en a in in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ t%ei" 4"*+essi*n. In %e" lette"#$ue"y, Atty. !u++e 4*sed t%ese $uesti*ns: 89%y 1ay an incu13ent en a e in 4"i.ate 4"actice unde" /30/'0, assu1in t%e sa1e d*es n*t c*n+lict *" tend t* c*n+lict :it% %is *++icial duties, 3ut a n*n#incu13ent li;e 1ysel+ cann*t, as is a44a"ently 4"*%i3ited 3y t%e last 4a"a "a4% *+ -ec. 2< 9%y is t%e +*"1e" all*:ed, :%* is still *ccu4yin t%e .e"y 4u3lic 4*siti*n t%at %e is lia3le t* e=4l*it, 3ut a n*n#incu13ent li;e 1ysel+ > :%* is n* l*n e" in a 4*siti*n *+ 4*ssi3le a3use?e=4l*itati*n > cann*t<86 T%e $ue"y a"*se 3ecause Atty. !u++e 4"e.i*usly :*";ed as Cle"; *+ C*u"t @I *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t /RTC0, !"anc% )6 *+ R*13l*nA s%e "esi ned +"*1 %e" 4*siti*n e++ecti.e Fe3"ua"y 6, '((). T%e"ea+te" /and :it%in t%e *ne#yea" 4e"i*d *+ 4"*%i3iti*n 1enti*ned in t%e a3*.e#$u*ted 4"*.isi*n0, s%e en a ed in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ la: 3y a44ea"in as 4"i.ate c*unsel in se.e"al cases 3e+*"e RTC#!"anc% )6 *+ R*13l*n. Atty. !u++eBs alle ati*n: o -ecti*n 2/30/'0 *+ R.A. N*. 5267 i.es 4"e+e"ential t"eat1ent t* an incu13ent 4u3lic e14l*yee. o T%e intenti*n *+ t%e 4"*%i3iti*n is t* "e1*.e t%e e=e"cise *+ cl*ut, in+luence *" 4"i.ity t* inside" in+*"1ati*n, :%ic% t%e incu13ent 4u3lic e14l*yee 1ay use in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ %is 4"*+essi*n. o -%e c*uld en a e in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ la: 3e+*"e RTC#!"anc% )6 *+ R*13l*n, s* l*n as %e" a44ea"ance as le al c*unsel s%all n*t c*n+lict *" tend t* c*n+lict :it% %e" +*"1e" duties as +*"1e" Cle"; *+ C*u"t *+ t%at !"anc%. T%en Ce4uty C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" /n*: C*u"t Ad1inist"at*"0 J*se P. Pe"eD *3se".ed: o T%e ene"al intent *+ t%e la:, as de+ined in its title is 8t* u4%*ld t%e ti1e#%*n*"ed 4"inci4le *+ 4u3lic *++ice 3ein a 4u3lic t"ust.8 o -ecti*n & t%e"e*+ 4"*.ides +*" t%e n*"1s *+ c*nduct *+ 4u3lic *++icials and e14l*yees, a1*n *t%e"s: /a0 c*11it1ent t* 4u3lic inte"estA /30 4"*+essi*nalis1A and /c0 Eustness and since"ity. O+ 4a"ticula" si ni+icance is t%e state1ent unde" 4"*+essi*nalis1 t%at 8FtG%ey F4u3lic *++icials and e14l*yeesG s%all endea.*" t* disc*u"a e :"*n 4e"ce4ti*ns *+ t%ei" "*les as dis4ense"s *" 4eddle"s *+ undue 4at"*na e. o T%e 4"*%i3iti*n :as intended t* a.*id any i14"*4"iety *" t%e a44ea"ance *+ i14"*4"iety :%ic% 1ay *ccu" in any t"ansacti*n 3et:een t%e "eti"ed *.e"n1ent e14l*yee and %is +*"1e" c*llea ues, su3*"dinates *" su4e"i*"s 3"*u %t a3*ut 3y +a1ilia"ity, 1*"al ascendancy *" undue in+luence, as t%e case 1ay 3e.

-C "e+e""ed t%e case t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e C%ie+ Att*"ney /OCAT0 :%ic% +*und: o T%e 4"e1ise *+ t%e $ue"y is e""*ne*us. T%e"e is a 1is"eadin *+ t%at 4"*.isi*n *+ la:. o T%e c*n+usi*n a44a"ently lies in t%e use *+ t%e te"1 8suc% 4"actice8 a+te" t%e 4%"ase 84"*.ided t%at.8 H*:e.e", "ead in its enti"ety, 8suc% 4"actice8 1ay *nly "e+e" t* 4"actice 8aut%*"iDed 3y t%e C*nstituti*n *" la:8 *" t%e e=ce4ti*n t* t%e 4"*%i3iti*n a ainst t%e 4"actice *+ 4"*+essi*n. T%e te"1 8la:8 :as intended 3y t%e le islatu"e t* include 8a 1e1*"andu1 *" a ci"cula" *" an ad1inist"ati.e *"de" issued 4u"suant t* t%e aut%*"ity *+ la:.8 o C*nstituti*nal 4*licy *n acc*unta3ility *+ 4u3lic *++ice"s stated in A"ticle HI *+ t%e C*nstituti*n # "e$ui"es 4u3lic *++icials and e14l*yees t* de.*te +ull ti1e 4u3lic se".ice s* t%at in case *+ c*n+lict 3et:een 4e"s*nal and 4u3lic inte"est, t%e latte" s%*uld ta;e 4"ecedence *.e" t%e +*"1e". o 9it% "es4ect t* la:ye"s in t%e Eudicia"y, -ecti*n I, Can*n 7 *+ t%e C*de *+ C*nduct +*" C*u"t Pe"s*nnel *.e"ns /deals :it% *utside e14l*y1ent 3y an incu13ent Eudicial e14l*yee and :%ic% li1its suc% *utside e14l*y1ent t* *ne t%at 8d*es n*t "e$ui"e t%e 4"actice *+ la:0. o T%e 4"*%i3iti*n t* 4"actice la: :it% "es4ect t* any 1atte" :%e"e t%ey %a.e inte".ened :%ile in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice is "eite"ated in Rule 5.(7, Can*n 5 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% *.e"ns t%e c*nduct *+ la:ye"s in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice. -C issued an En !anc Res*luti*n di"ectin : o t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" t* d"a+t and su31it t* t%e C*u"t a ci"cula" *n t%e 4"actice *+ 4"*+essi*n du"in e14l*y1ent and :it%in *ne yea" +"*1 "esi nati*n, "eti"e1ent +"*1 *" cessati*n *+ e14l*y1ent in t%e Judicia"y o t%e E=ecuti.e Jud e *+ t%e RTC *+ R*13l*n t* su31it a "e4*"t .e"i+yin i+ Atty. !u++e %ad a44ea"ed as c*unsel du"in %e" incu13ency as cle"; *+ c*u"t and a+te" %e" "esi nati*n E=ecuti.e Jud e Ra1i"* R. Je"*ni1* *+ RTC#!"anc% )6 *+ R*13l*n "e4*"ted & ci.il cases :%e"ein Atty. !u++e 1ade a44ea"ances a+te" %e" "esi nati*n. Atty. !u++e in+*"1ed t%e C*u"t t%at s%e %ad 4"e.i*usly ta;en Eudicial "e1edies in "e a"d t* t%e $ue"y /' decla"at*"y "elie+s :%ic% %as 3*t% 3een dis1issed and s%e intends t* ele.ate t* t%e -C0. /60 9%et%e" *" n*t Atty. !u++eBs 4*siti*n *n %e" $ue"y s%*uld 3e ad*4ted /'0 9%et%e" *" n*t Atty. !u++e 1ay *3Eect t* t%e -CBs dete"1inati*n *+ %e" .i*lati*ns /'0 9%et%e" *" n*t Atty. !u++e .i*lated RA 5267 and t%e CPR

Issues:

Held: /60 N*. T%e C*u"t d*es n*t i.e inte"4"etati.e *4ini*ns 3ut can issue ci"cula"s and "e ulati*ns "elatin t* 4leadin , 4"actice and 4"*cedu"e in all c*u"ts and in t%e e=e"cise *+ its ad1inist"ati.e su4e".isi*n *.e" all c*u"ts and 4e"s*nnel t%e"e*+. C*nside"in t%e -CBs di"ecti.e t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" t* issue a ci"cula" *n t%e su3Eect *+ t%e $ue"y +*" t%e uidance *+ all 4e"s*nnel in t%e Judicia"y, t%e 4"esent ad1inist"ati.e 1atte" is t* 3e c*nside"ed a +inis%ed tas;. It is n*: su3Eect *nly t* c*n+i"1at*"y cl*su"e :%en t%e OCA "e4*"ts t%e c*14leti*n *+ its unde"ta;in t* t%e -C. /'0 N*. T%e essence *+ due 4"*cess is t%e "ant *+ t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"dA :%at it a3%*"s is t%e lac; *+ t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d.T%e "ec*"ds *+ t%is case s%*: t%at Atty. !u++e %as 3een a14ly %ea"d

:it% "es4ect t* %e" acti*ns. -%e :as n*ti+ied, and s%e e.en "es4*nded t* t%e -CBs N*.e13e" 66, '(() di"ecti.e +*" t%e E=ecuti.e Jud e *+ t%e RTC *+ R*13l*n t* "e4*"t *n Atty. !u++eBs a44ea"ances 3e+*"e !"anc% )6A s%e e=4"essly 1ani+ested t%at t%ese a44ea"ances :e"e 4a"t *+ t%e !"anc% "ec*"ds. He" le al 4*siti*ns *n t%ese a44ea"ances %a.e als* 3een e=4"essed 3e+*"e t%e -CA +i"st, in %e" *"i inal lette"#$ue"y, and su3se$uently, in %e" Mani+estati*n. T%us, n* due 4"*cess c*nside"ati*n needs t* dete" t%e -C +"*1 c*nside"in t%e le al c*nse$uences *+ %e" a44ea"ances in %e" 4"e.i*us !"anc% :it%in a yea" +"*1 %e" "esi nati*n. /70 Kes. Atty. !u++eBs ad1itted a44ea"ance, 3e+*"e t%e .e"y sa1e 3"anc% s%e se".ed and i11ediately a+te" %e" "esi nati*n, is a .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n 2 /30/'0 *+ R.A. N*. 5267. At t%e ti1e s%e +iled %e" lette"#$ue"y /*n Ma"c% &, '(()0, Atty. !u++e %ad al"eady a44ea"ed 3e+*"e !"anc% )6 in at least 7 cases. T%e te"1s *+ -ecti*n 2 /30/'0 *+ R.A. N*. 5267 did n*t dete" %e" in any :ay and %e" 1is i.in s a3*ut t%e +ai"ness *+ t%e la: cann*t e=cuse any "esultin .i*lati*n s%e c*11itted. -%e t**; t%e "is; *+ a44ea"in 3e+*"e %e" *:n !"anc% and s%*uld su++e" t%e c*nse$uences *+ t%e "is; s%e t**;. -%e is a:a"e *+ t%is 4"*.isi*n and *nly *3Eects t* its a44licati*n t* %e" situati*nA s%e 4e"cei.es it t* 3e un+ai" t%at s%e cann*t 4"actice 3e+*"e %e" *ld *++ice > !"anc% )6 > +*" a yea" i11ediately a+te" "esi nati*n. F"*1 Atty. !u++eBs "ec*u"se t* t%e -C and t%e +ilin *+ t%e t:* decla"at*"y 4etiti*ns t%e intent t* s%*4 +*" a +a.*"a3le ans:e" t* %e" $ue"y see1s t* ta;e 4lace. !y actin in a 1anne" t%at R.A. N*. 5267 3"ands as 8unla:+ul,8 Atty. !u++e c*nt"a.ened Rule 6.(6 *+ Can*n 6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. As indicated 3y t%e use *+ t%e 1andat*"y :*"d 8s%all,8 t%is 4"*.isi*n 1ust 3e st"ictly c*14lied :it%. Atty. !u++e +ailed t* d* t%is, 4e"%a4s n*t :it% an e.il intent, c*nside"in t%e 1is i.in s s%e %ad a3*ut -ecti*n 2 /30/'0Bs un+ai"ness. Unla:+ul c*nduct unde" Rule 6.(6 *+ Can*n 6, %*:e.e", d*es n*t necessa"ily "e$ui"e t%e ele1ent *+ c"i1inality, alt%*u % t%e Rule is 3"*ad en*u % t* include it. Li;e:ise, t%e 4"esence *+ e.il intent *n t%e 4a"t *+ t%e la:ye" is n*t essential t* 3"in %is *" %e" act *" *1issi*n :it%in t%e te"1s *+ Rule 6.(6, :%en it s4eci+ically 4"*%i3its la:ye"s +"*1 en a in in unla:+ul c*nduct. Atty. !u++e als* +ailed t* li.e u4 t* %e" la:ye"Bs *at% and t%e"e3y .i*lated Can*n 2 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% states t%at a la:ye" s%all at all ti1es u4%*ld t%e inte "ity and di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and su44*"t t%e acti.ities *+ t%e Inte "ated !a". C*nside"in Atty. !u++eBs "eady ad1issi*n *+ .i*latin -ecti*n 2/30/'0, t%e 4"inci4le *+ "es i4sa l*$uitu" +inds a44licati*n, 1a;in %e" ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le +*" .i*lati*n *+ Rule 6.(6 *+ Can*n 6 and Can*n 2 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. In se.e"al cases, t%e C*u"t %as disci4lined la:ye"s :it%*ut +u"t%e" in$ui"y *" "es*"t t* any +*"1al in.esti ati*n :%e"e t%e +acts *n "ec*"d su++iciently 4"*.ided t%e 3asis +*" t%e dete"1inati*n *+ t%ei" ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility. As "e a"ds -ecti*n 2 *+ R.A. N*. 5267: o It ene"ally 4"*.ides +*" t%e 4"*%i3ited acts and t"ansacti*ns *+ 4u3lic *++icials and e14l*yees. -u3secti*n /30/'0 4"*%i3its t%e1 +"*1 en a in in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ t%ei" 4"*+essi*n du"in t%ei" incu13ency. As an e=ce4ti*n, a 4u3lic *++icial *" e14l*yee can en a e in t%e 4"actice *+ %is *" %e" 4"*+essi*n unde" t%e +*ll*:in c*nditi*ns: +i"st, t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice is aut%*"iDed 3y t%e C*nstituti*n *" 3y t%e la:A and sec*nd, t%e 4"actice :ill n*t c*n+lict, *" tend t* c*n+lict, :it% %is *" %e" *++icial +uncti*ns. o T%e -ecti*n 2 4"*%i3iti*ns c*ntinue t* a44ly +*" a 4e"i*d *+ *ne yea" a+te" t%e 4u3lic *++icial *" e14l*yeeBs "esi nati*n, "eti"e1ent, *" se4a"ati*n +"*1 4u3lic *++ice, e=ce4t +*" t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ 4"*+essi*n unde" su3secti*n /30/'0, :%ic% can al"eady 3e unde"ta;en e.en :it%in t%e *ne#yea" 4"*%i3iti*n 4e"i*d. As an e=ce4ti*n t* t%is

e=ce4ti*n, t%e *ne#yea" 4"*%i3ited 4e"i*d a44lies :it% "es4ect t* any 1atte" 3e+*"e t%e *++ice t%e 4u3lic *++ice" *" e14l*yee used t* :*"; :it%. o T%e -ecti*n 2 4"*%i3iti*ns a"e 4"edicated *n t%e 4"inci4le t%at 4u3lic *++ice is a 4u3lic t"ustA and se".e t* "e1*.e any i14"*4"iety, "eal *" i1a ined, :%ic% 1ay *ccu" in *.e"n1ent t"ansacti*ns 3et:een a +*"1e" *.e"n1ent *++icial *" e14l*yee and %is *" %e" +*"1e" c*llea ues, su3*"dinates *" su4e"i*"s. T%e 4"*%i3iti*ns als* 4"*1*te t%e *3se".ance and t%e e++icient use *+ e.e"y 1*1ent *+ t%e 4"esc"i3ed *++ice %*u"s t* se".e t%e 4u3lic P"actice *+ La:: o In Cayetan* .. M*ns*d, de+ined as any acti.ity, in and *ut *+ c*u"t, t%at "e$ui"es t%e a44licati*n *+ la:, le al 4"*cedu"e, ;n*:led e, t"ainin and e=4e"ience. o T* 4e"+*"1 t%*se acts :%ic% a"e c%a"acte"istics *+ t%e 4"*+essi*nA t* i.e n*tice *" "ende" any ;ind *+ se".ice, :%ic% de.ice *" se".ice "e$ui"es t%e use in any de "ee *+ le al ;n*:led e *" s;ill. -ecti*n I, Can*n 7 *+ t%e C*de *+ C*nduct +*" C*u"t Pe"s*nnel o Ceases a44ly a+te" se4a"ati*n +"*1 se".ice since it a44lies s4eci+ically t* incu13ents. o P"*.ides t%e de+initi.e "ule t%at 8*utside e14l*y1ent8 *+ an incu13ent c*u"t *++icial *" c*u"t e14l*yee 1ay 3e all*:ed 3y t%e %ead *+ *++ice 4"*.ided: /60 is n*t :it% a 4e"s*n *" entity t%at 4"actices la: 3e+*"e t%e c*u"ts *" c*nducts 3usiness :it% t%e Judicia"yA /'0 it can 3e 4e"+*"1ed *utside *+ n*"1al :*";in %*u"s and is n*t inc*14ati3le :it% t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ t%e c*u"t 4e"s*nnelBs duties and "es4*nsi3ilitiesA /70 it d*es n*t "e$ui"e t%e 4"actice *+ la: e=ce4t as 4"*+ess*", lectu"e", *" "es*u"ce 4e"s*n in la: sc%**ls, "e.ie: *" c*ntinuin educati*n cente"s *" si1ila" instituti*nsA /&0 it d*es n*t "e$ui"e *" induce t%e c*u"t 4e"s*nnel t* discl*se c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n ac$ui"ed :%ile 4e"+*"1in *++icials dutiesA /I0 it s%all n*t 3e :it% t%e le islati.e *" e=ecuti.e 3"anc% *+ *.e"n1ent, unless s4eci+ically aut%*"iDed 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"tA and /50 i+ it t%e"e is n* c*n+lict *+ inte"est *" :*uld n*t ad.e"sely "e+lect t%e inte "ity *+ t%e Judicia"y. P*:e" *+ C*nte14t: o T%e 4*:e" t* 4unis% +*" c*nte14t *+ c*u"t d*es n*t e=%aust t%e sc*4e *+ disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *+ t%e C*u"t *.e" la:ye"s. o T%e disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *+ t%e C*u"t *.e" 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" is 3ut c*"*lla"y t* t%e C*u"tLs e=clusi.e 4*:e" *+ ad1issi*n t* t%e !a". o A la:ye" is n*t 1e"ely a 4"*+essi*nal 3ut als* an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t and as suc%, %e is called u4*n t* s%a"e in t%e tas; and "es4*nsi3ility *+ dis4ensin Eustice and "es*l.in dis4utes in s*ciety. Any act *n %is 4a"t :%ic% .isi3ly tends t* *3st"uct, 4e".e"t, *" i14ede and de "ade t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice c*nstitutes 3*t% 4"*+essi*nal 1isc*nduct callin +*" t%e e=e"cise *+ disci4lina"y acti*n a ainst %i1, and c*ntu1aci*us c*nduct :a""antin a44licati*n *+ t%e c*nte14t 4*:e". o T%e a3sence *+ any +*"1al c%a" e a ainst and?*" +*"1al in.esti ati*n *+ an e""ant la:ye" d* n*t 4"eclude t%e C*u"t +"*1 i11ediately e=e"cisin its disci4linin aut%*"ity, as l*n as t%e e""ant la:ye" *" Eud e %as 3een i.en t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d.

ARul!n: o< S)? @i*lati*n *+ Rule 6.(6 *+ Can*n 6 and Can*n 2 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. *5en l"9? Fine *+ P6(,(((.((, :it% ste"n :a"nin

A.). No. 60,* June 2*, 2006 5E0ER 0. DON0ON, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. EMMANUE& O. 0ANSING)O, Re$pon(en". CARPIO, J.: Facts: C*14lainant +iled an esta+a case t%"u +alsi+icati*n *+ a 4u3lic d*cu1ent a ainst -tie" /U- citiDen and *:ne" *+ "eal 4"*4e"ty in MC0, Ma ay, and Atty. Tansin c* /n*ta"y 4u3lic :%* n*ta"iDed t%e Occu4ancy A "ee1ent 3et:een -tie"0. Atty. Tansin c* +iled a c*unte"#c%a" e +*" 4e"Eu"y .s. cc*14lainant. C*14lainant +iled dis3a"1ent c*14laint .s. Atty. Tansin c* +*" se"i*us 1isc*nduct and deli3e"ate .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6, Rules 6.(6 and 6.(' *+ t%e CPR. Alle ati*n *+ c*14lainant: o Res4*ndentBs act *+ 4"e4a"in Occu4ancy A "ee1ent des4ite %is ;n*:led e t%at -tie" is dis$uali+ied t* *:n "eal 4"*4e"ty in %is na1e c*nstitutes se"i*us 1isc*nduct. o Res4*ndent ad.ised -tie" t* d* s*1et%in in .i*lati*n *+ t%e la: and assisted %i1 in ca""yin *ut a dis%*nest sc%e1e. Ans:e" *+ Atty. Tansin c*: o -ince -tie"is dis$uali+ied t* *:n "eal 4"*4e"ty %e a "eed t* t"ans+e" t%e 4"*4e"ty t* C*nt*n /Fili4in*0 su3Eect t* %is undistu"3ed *ccu4ancy t%e"e*+. o Res4*ndent a "eed t* 4"e4a"e and n*ta"iDe Occu4ancy A "ee1ent 3et:een -tie" and C*nt*n :%ic% :as tied u4 :it% a l*an -tie" e=tended t* C*nt*n. o C*14lainant +iled t%e dis3a"1ent case a ainst %i1 u4*n t%e insti ati*n *+ c*14lainantBs c*unsel, Atty. !*ni+aci* A. AlentaEan, 3ecause "es4*ndent "e+used t* act as c*14lainantBs :itness in t%e c"i1inal case a ainst -tie" and Ma ay. Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at %e 84"e4a"ed and n*ta"iDed8 t%e Occu4ancy A "ee1ent and asse"ted its enuineness and due e=ecuti*n. C*u"t "e+e""ed 1atte" t* I!P. I!P t%"*u % C*11issi*ne" Mila "*s @. -an Juan: o "es4*ndent lia3le +*" ta;in 4a"t in a 8sc%e1e t* ci"cu1.ent t%e c*nstituti*nal 4"*%i3iti*n a ainst +*"ei n *:ne"s%i4 *+ land in t%e P%ili44ines8 o sus4ensi*n +*" ' yea"s and t%e cancellati*n *+ %is c*11issi*n as N*ta"y Pu3lic I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s: ad*4ted I!P#C!CBs Res*luti*n :it% 1*di+icati*n *+ sus4ensi*n +*" 5 1*nt%s. I!P !*a"d +*":a"d case t* -C as 4e" Rules *+ C*u"t. Res4*ndent +iled 1*ti*n +*" "ec*n. -tatin %e :as al"eady 25 yea"s *ld and :*uld al"eady "eti"e 3y '((I a+te" t%e te"1inati*n *+ %is 4endin casesA %is 4"actice *+ la: is %is *nly 1eans *+ su44*"t +*" %is +a1ily and %is si= 1in*" c%ild"en. I!P !*a"d denied 1*ti*n 3ecause Eu"isdicti*n al"eady "ests :it% t%e -C. Issue: 9%et%e" *" n*t "es4*ndent is lia3le.

Held: Kes. Res4*ndent is lia3le +*" .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6 and Rule 6.(' *+ t%e CPR. A la:ye" s%*uld n*t "ende" any se".ice *" i.e ad.ice t* any client :%ic% :ill in.*l.e de+iance *+ t%e la:s :%ic% %e is 3*und t* u4%*ld and *3ey. A la:ye" :%* assists a client in a dis%*nest sc%e1e *" :%* c*nni.es in .i*latin t%e la: c*11its an act :%ic% Eusti+ies disci4lina"y acti*n a ainst t%e la:ye". Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at -tie", a U.-. citiDen, :as dis$uali+ied +"*1 *:nin "eal 4"*4e"ty. He +u"t%e" ad1itted t%at %e caused t%e t"ans+e" *+ *:ne"s%i4 t* t%e 4a"cel *+ land t* -tie". Res4*ndent, %*:e.e", a:a"e *+ t%e 4"*%i3iti*n, $uic;ly "ecti+ied %is act and t"ans+e""ed t%e title in c*14lainantBs na1e. !ut "es4*ndent 4"*.ided 8s*1e sa+e ua"ds8 3y 4"e4a"in se.e"al d*cu1ents,includin t%e Occu4ancy A "ee1ent, t%at :*uld ua"antee -tie"Bs "ec* niti*n as t%e actual *:ne" *+ t%e 4"*4e"ty des4ite its t"ans+e" in c*14lainantBs na1e. In e++ect, "es4*ndent ad.ised and aided -tie" in ci"cu1.entin t%e c*nstituti*nal 4"*%i3iti*n a ainst +*"ei n *:ne"s%i4 *+ lands 3y 4"e4a"in said d*cu1ents. Res4*ndent %ad s:*"n t* u4%*ld t%e C*nstituti*n. T%us, %e .i*lated %is *at% and t%e C*de :%en %e 4"e4a"ed and n*ta"iDed t%e Occu4ancy A "ee1ent t* e.ade t%e la: a ainst +*"ei n *:ne"s%i4 *+ lands. Res4*ndent used %is ;n*:led e *+ t%e la: t* ac%ie.e an unla:+ul end. -uc% an act a1*unts t* 1al4"actice in %is *++ice, +*" :%ic% %e 1ay 3e sus4ended. A5en l"9? -us4ensi*n +*" 5 1*nt%s A.). No. 66*2 Sep"em-e' +, 200. 5EDRO &. &INSANGAN, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. NI)OMEDES 0O&EN0INO, Re$pon(en". CORONA, J.: Facts: C*14lainant *+ Linsan an Linsan an N Linsan an La: O++ice +iled dis3a"1ent case a ainst Atty. T*lentin* +*" s*licitati*n *+ clients and enc"*ac%1ent *+ 4"*+essi*nal se".ices. C*14lainant alle es: o Res4*ndent, :it% t%e %el4 *+ 4a"ale al Fe Ma"ie La3ian*, c*n.inced c*14lainantBs clients t* t"ans+e" le al "e4"esentati*n. o Res4*ndent 4"*1ised t%e1 +inancial assistance and e=4editi*us c*llecti*n *n t%ei" clai1s. o T* induce t%e1 t* %i"e %is se".ices, %e 4e"sistently called t%e1 and sent t%e1 te=t 1essa es. o C*14lainant attac%ed t%e s:*"n a++ida.it *+ Ja1es J"e *"i* attestin t%at La3ian* t"ied t* 4"e.ail u4*n %i1 t* se.e" %is la:ye"#client "elati*ns :it% c*14lainant and utiliDe "es4*ndentBs se".ices instead, in e=c%an e +*" a l*an *+ PI(,(((. o C*14lainant als* attac%ed "es4*ndentBs callin ca"d :%ic% stated O:it% +inancial assistanceP Res4*ndent denied ;n*:in La3ian* and aut%*"iDin t%e 4"intin and ci"culati*n *+ t%e callin ca"d. C*14laint "e+e""ed t* I!P#C!C I!P#C!C: o "es4*ndent %ad enc"*ac%ed *n t%e 4"*+essi*nal 4"actice *+ c*14lainant, .i*latin Rule ).(' and *t%e" can*ns *+ t%e CPR o %e c*nt"a.ened t%e "ule a ainst s*licitin cases +*" ain, 4e"s*nally *" t%"*u % 4aid a ents *" 3"*;e"s as stated in -ecti*n '2, Rule 67)6' *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t o "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e "e4"i1anded :it% a ste"n :a"nin

Issue:

9%et%e" *" n*t "es4*ndent .i*lated t%e CPR

Held: Kes.T%e -C ad*4ted t%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P *n t%e unet%ical c*nduct *+ "es4*ndent :it% 1*di+icati*n as t* t%e 4enalty. Can*ns *+ t%e CPR a"e "ules *+ c*nduct all la:ye"s 1ust ad%e"e t*, includin t%e 1anne" 3y :%ic% a la:ye"Bs se".ices a"e t* 3e 1ade ;n*:n. Can*n 7 t%e"e*+ 4"*.ides t%at a la:ye" in 1a;in ;n*:n %is le al se".ices s%all use *nly t"ue, %*nest, +ai", di ni+ied and *3Eecti.e in+*"1ati*n *" state1ent *+ +acts. T%e 4"actice *+ la: is a 4"*+essi*n and n*t a 3usinessA la:ye"s s%*uld n*t ad.e"tise t%ei" talents as 1e"c%ants ad.e"tise t%ei" :a"es. T* all*: a la:ye" t* ad.e"tise %is talent *" s;ill is t* c*11e"cialiDe t%e 4"actice *+ la:, de "ade t%e 4"*+essi*n in t%e 4u3licBs esti1ati*n and i14ai" its a3ility t* e++iciently "ende" t%at %i % c%a"acte" *+ se".ice t* :%ic% e.e"y 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" is called. Rule '.(7 *+ t%e CPR 4"*.ides t%at a la:ye" s%all n*t d* *" 4e"1it t* 3e d*ne any act desi ned 4"i1a"ily t* s*licit le al 3usiness. Hence, la:ye"s a"e 4"*%i3ited +"*1 s*licitin cases +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ ain, eit%e" 4e"s*nally *" t%"*u % 4aid a ents *" 3"*;e"s. -uc% actuati*n c*nstitutes 1al4"actice, a "*und +*" dis3a"1ent. In c*nnecti*n t%e"e:it%, Rule 6.(7 *+ t%e CPR 4"*.ides t%at a la:ye" s%all n*t, +*" any c*""u4t 1*ti.e *" inte"est, enc*u"a e any suit *" 4"*ceedin *" delay any 1anBs cause. T%is "ule 4"*sc"i3es 8a13ulance c%asin 8 /t%e s*licitati*n *+ al1*st any ;ind *+ le al 3usiness 3y an att*"ney, 4e"s*nally *" t%"*u % an a ent in *"de" t* ain e14l*y1ent0 as a 1easu"e t* 4"*tect t%e c*11unity +"*1 3a""at"y and c%a14e"ty. Alt%*u % "es4*ndent initially denied ;n*:in La3ian* in %is ans:e", %e late" ad1itted it du"in t%e 1andat*"y %ea"in . T%"*u % La3ian*Bs acti*ns, "es4*ndentBs la: 4"actice :as 3ene+ited. Ha4less sea1en :e"e enticed t* t"ans+e" "e4"esentati*n *n t%e st"en t% *+ La3ian*Bs :*"d t%at "es4*ndent c*uld 4"*duce a 1*"e +a.*"a3le "esult. !ased *n t%e +*"e *in , "es4*ndent clea"ly s*licited e14l*y1ent .i*latin Rule '.(7, and Rule 6.(7 and Can*n 7 *+ t%e CPR and -ecti*n '2, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. 9it% "e a"d t* "es4*ndentBs .i*lati*n *+ Rule ).(' *+ t%e CPR, settled is t%e "ule t%at a la:ye" s%*uld n*t steal an*t%e" la:ye"Bs client n*" induce t%e latte" t* "etain %i1 3y a 4"*1ise *+ 3ette" se".ice, **d "esult *" "educed +ees +*" %is se".ices. A ain t%e C*u"t n*tes t%at "es4*ndent ne.e" denied %a.in t%ese sea+a"e"s in %is client list n*" "ecei.in 3ene+its +"*1 La3ian*Bs 8"e+e""als.8 Fu"t%e"1*"e, %e ne.e" denied La3ian*Bs c*nnecti*n t* %is *++ice. Res4*ndent c*11itted an unet%ical, 4"edat*"y *.e"ste4 int* an*t%e"Bs le al 4"actice. He cann*t esca4e lia3ility unde" Rule ).(' *+ t%e CPR. M*"e*.e", 3y en a in in a 1*ney#lendin .entu"e :it% %is clients as 3*""*:e"s, "es4*ndent .i*lated Rule 65.(& :%ic% 4"*.ides t%at a la:ye" s%all n*t 3*""*: 1*ney +"*1 %is client unless t%e clientBs inte"ests a"e +ully 4"*tected 3y t%e natu"e *+ t%e case *" 3y inde4endent ad.ice. Neit%e" s%all a la:ye" lend 1*ney t* a client e=ce4t, :%en in t%e inte"est *+ Eustice, %e %as t* ad.ance necessa"y e=4enses in a le al 1atte" %e is %andlin +*" t%e client. T%e "ule is intended t* sa+e ua"d t%e la:ye"Bs inde4endence *+ 1ind s* t%at t%e +"ee e=e"cise *+ %is Eud 1ent 1ay n*t 3e ad.e"sely a++ected. It see;s t* ensu"e %is undi.ided attenti*n t* t%e case %e is %andlin as :ell as %is enti"e de.*ti*n and +idelity t* t%e clientBs cause. I+ t%e la:ye" lends 1*ney t* t%e client in c*nnecti*n :it% t%e clientBs case, t%e la:ye" in e++ect ac$ui"es an inte"est in t%e su3Eect 1atte" *+ t%e case *" an additi*nal sta;e in its *utc*1e. Eit%e" *+ t%ese ci"cu1stances 1ay lead t%e la:ye" t* c*nside" %is *:n "ec*.e"y "at%e" t%an t%at *+ %is client, *" t* acce4t a settle1ent :%ic% 1ay ta;e ca"e *+ %is inte"est in t%e .e"dict t* t%e 4"eEudice *+ t%e client in .i*lati*n *+ %is duty *+ undi.ided +idelity t* t%e clientBs cause. C*nside"in t%e 1y"iad in+"acti*ns *+ "es4*ndent /includin .i*lati*n *+ t%e 4"*%i3iti*n *n lendin 1*ney t* clients0, t%e sancti*n "ec*11ended 3y t%e I!P, a 1e"e "e4"i1and, is "*ssly inc*11ensu"ate t* its +indin s.

As t* t%e callin ca"d, a la:ye"Bs 3est ad.e"tise1ent is a :ell#1e"ited "e4utati*n +*" 4"*+essi*nal ca4acity and +idelity t* t"ust 3ased *n %is c%a"acte" and c*nduct. F*" t%is "eas*n, la:ye"s a"e *nly all*:ed t* ann*unce t%ei" se".ices 3y 4u3licati*n in "e4uta3le la: lists *" use *+ si14le 4"*+essi*nal ca"ds. P"*+essi*nal callin ca"ds 1ay *nly c*ntain t%e +*ll*:in details:/a0 la:ye"Bs na1eA /30 na1e *+ t%e la: +i"1 :it% :%ic% %e is c*nnectedA /c0 add"essA /d0 tele4%*ne nu13e" and /e0 s4ecial 3"anc% *+ la: 4"acticed. A5en l"9? -us4ensi*n +*" 6 yea" and ste"n :a"nin G.R. No. 1061,3 Jul9 1+, 1..* 8&OREN)IO G. BERNARDO, pe"!"!one', #$. 04E 4ON. S5E)IA& SID04 DI3ISION O8 04E )OUR0 O8 A55EA&S n( JIMM/ 0OMAS, 'e$pon(en"$. PANJANI!AN, J.: Facts: P"i.ate Res4*ndent Ji11y T*1as +iled 3e+*"e t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t *+ ,al**;an City a c*14laint +*" "ec*.e"y *+ 4*ssessi*n, $uietin *+ title and da1a es :it% 4"eli1ina"y 1andat*"y inEuncti*n .s. Petiti*ne" Fl*"enci* !e"na"d*, t%e Nati*nal H*usin Aut%*"ity /NHA0, Ray1und* CiD*n, J". and J*se @as$ueD in t%ei" *++icial ca4acities as ene"al 1ana e" and 4"*Eect 1ana e", "es4ecti.ely, *+ NHA. o t%e l*t su3Eect *+ t%e c*14laint :as t%e *3Eect *+ a d*u3le sale 3y t%e NHA t* T*1as and t* !e"na"d* /+*" P56I,5((0 T%e +i"st 4leadin +iled 3y !e"na"d* :as an e= 4a"te 1*ti*n +*" e=tensi*n *+ ti1e t* +ile an ans:e" si ned 3y 8Atty. J*se !. Pue"t*8 as c*unsel. 9%en t%e ans:e" :as su31itted, %is c*unsel 3eca1e 8Pue"t* NuQeD N Ass*ciates,8 3ut :it% t%e sa1e 8J*se !. Pue"t*8 si nin . T%e"ea+te", all 4leadin s *n 3e%al+ *+ !e"na"d* du"in t%e 4"e#t"ial :e"e +iled 3y said la: +i"1, and t%e *t%e" 4a"ties +u"nis%ed %i1 :it% t%ei" *:n 4leadin s t%"*u % t%e sa1e +i"1. On t%e sc%eduled date *+ %ea"in , !e"na"d* n*" %is c*unsel ca1e des4ite due n*tice. Cu"in t%e 4"*ceedin s, t%e c*u"t inte"4"ete" in+*"1ed t%e Eud e t%at an 8ass*ciate *+ Atty. Pue"t*8 alle edly called t* say t%at Atty. Pue"t* %ad died. T%e c*u"t c*ntinued t%e 4"*ceedin s. A+te" Plainti++ T*1as and t%e NHA c*ncluded t%e 4"esentati*n *+ t%ei" "es4ecti.e e.idence, Atty. Ma"cel* J. A3i3as, J". +iled a n*tice *+ a44ea"ance as ne: c*unsel +*" !e"na"d*, 1enti*nin t%e"ein t%e deat% *+ Atty. Pue"t*. T"ial c*u"t "ende"ed Eud 1ent in +a.*" *+ 4lainti++ and a ainst !e"na"d* :it%*ut actin *n t%e n*tice +iled 3y !e"na"d*Ls ne: c*unsel and :it%*ut "ecei.in e.idence +"*1 Ce+endant !e"na"d*. !e"na"d*, t%"*u % %is ne: c*unsel, +iled a nine#4a e O1ni3us M*ti*n see;in /60 "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e a3*.e decisi*n, /'0 "e*4enin *+ t%e case and /70 a ne: t"ial *n t%e "*unds t%at %e %ad 3een denied %is su3stanti.e "i %t t* due 4"*cess, 4a"ticula"ly t%e "i %t t* 3e %ea"d, and t%at said decisi*n :as c*nt"a"y t* la:. T"ial c*u"t denied t%e 1*ti*n. T"ial c*u"t als* denied n*tice *+ a44eal +iled 3y !e"na"d* u4*n *44*siti*n 3y T*1asL c*unsel *n t%e "*und t%at it :as +iled 3ey*nd t%e "e le1enta"y 4e"i*d t* a44eal. !e"na"d* +iled 3e+*"e t%e CA a 4etiti*n +*" ce"ti*"a"i, 1anda1us, 4"*%i3iti*n :it% inEuncti*n and a s4ecial 4"aye" +*" t%e issuance *+ a te14*"a"y "est"ainin *"de". CA /7"d di.isi*n0 4"*1ul ated a Cecisi*n in +a.*" *+ !e"na"d*

o O"de"ed t%e t"ial Eud e t* set t%e case 8+*" %ea"in +*" t%e "ece4ti*n *+ 4etiti*ne"Ls e.idence a+te" :%ic% a decisi*n 3e "ende"ed 3ased *n t%e e.idence and a44lica3le la:.8 o As *+ June 2, 6RR6, Atty. Ma"cel* J. A3i3as, J". 3eca1e t%e 4etiti*ne"Ls ne: c*unsel. T%is 3ein s*, c*4y *+ t%e decisi*n s%*uld %a.e 3een sent t* %i1. -ince t%is :as n*t c*14lied :it%, and :it%*ut 3ein tec%nical a3*ut it, %is "ecei4t *n June '&, 6RR6 *+ t%e decisi*n is c*nside"ed as t%e date +"*1 :%ic% t%e "e le1enta"y 6I#day 4e"i*d t* a44eal s%*uld c*11ence t* "un. T%us, :%en 4etiti*ne" +iled %is O1ni3us M*ti*n *n June 'I, 6RR6, t%is :as :ell :it%in t%e 6I# day 4e"i*d. And :%en t%e 1*ti*n :as denied *n Au ust 2, 6RR6 and "ecei.ed 3y 4etiti*ne" *n Au ust '7, 6RR6, t%e"e :e"e +*u"teen 1*"e days le+t +*" 4etiti*ne" :it%in :%ic% t* 4e"+ect %is a44eal. 9%en %e +iled %is N*tice *+ A44eal *n -e4te13e" &, 6RR6, it :as *nly t%e 67t% day *+ t%e a44eal 4e"i*d. M*ti*n +*" Rec*n.+iled 3y T*1as CA /5t% di.isi*n0 "anted 1*ti*n and a++i"1ed t"ial c*u"tBs decisi*n: o c*nside"ed as c"ucial t%e +ailu"e *+ a 4a"ty t* c*14ly :it% t%e "ules *n su3stituti*n *+ c*unsel o 9%en a 4a"ty is "e4"esented 3y c*unsel *+ "ec*"d, se".ice *+ *"de"s and n*tices 1ust 3e 1ade u4*n t%e said att*"ney and n*tice t* t%e client and t* any *t%e" la:ye", n*t t%e c*unsel *+ "ec*"d, is n*t n*tice in la:. o In *"de" t%at t%e"e 1ay 3e su3stituti*n *+ att*"neys in a i.en case, t%e"e 1ust 3e /60 :"itten a44licati*n +*" su3stituti*nA /'0 a :"itten c*nsent *+ t%e clientA /70 a :"itten c*nsent *+ t%e att*"ney t* 3e su3stitutedA and /&0 in case suc% :"itten c*nsent cann*t 3e 4"*cu"ed, t%e"e 1ust 3e +iled :it% t%e a44licati*n +*" su3stituti*n 4"**+ *+ t%e se".ice *+ n*tice *+ suc% 1*ti*n in a 1anne" "e$ui"ed 3y t%e "ules *n t%e att*"ney t* 3e su3stituted. o 9%e"e t%e 4"*cedu"e +*" su3stituti*n *+ att*"ney is n*t +*ll*:ed, t%e att*"ney :%* a44ea"s *n "ec*"d 3e+*"e t%e +ilin *+ t%e a44licati*n +*" su3stituti*n s%*uld 3e "e a"ded as t%e att*"ney entitled t* 3e se".ed :it% all t%e n*tices and 4leadin s, and t%e client is ans:e"a3le +*" t%e s%*"tc*1in s *+ %is c*unsel *n "ec*"d. o T%e +ilin *+ n*tice *+ a44ea"ance 3y a ne: c*unsel d*es n*t a1*unt t* *++icial su3stituti*n *+ c*unsel *+ "ec*"d. T%e c*u"ts 1ay n*t 4"esu1e t%at t%e c*unsel *+ "ec*"d %ad al"eady 3een su3stituted 3y ne: c*unsel 1e"ely +"*1 t%e +ilin *+ +*"1al a44ea"ance 3y t%e latte". Petiti*ne"Bs a" u1ent: o CA /and t%e t"ial c*u"t0 c*11itted "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n in de4"i.in %i1 *+ due 4"*cess 3y +ailin t* "e*4en t%e t"ial 4"*ceedin s t* ena3le %i1 t* 4"esent e.idence t* su44*"t %is de+enses, c*unte"clai1 and c"*ss#clai1 o CA :ent 3ey*nd "elie+s 4"ayed +*": Res4*ndent T*1as 1e"ely 4"ayed t%at Res4*ndent C*u"tLs *"i inal decisi*n 3e 1*di+ied suc% t%at a ne: t"ial :*uld 3e denied t%e 4etiti*ne" and *nly %is a44eal :*uld 3e i.en due c*u"se. Issue: Cid t%e t"ial c*u"t deny due 4"*cess t* t%e 4etiti*ne" 3y its "e+usal t* "ant ne: t"ial and?*" t* "e*4en t%e case in s4ite *+ t%e +act t%at t%e de+endant :as una3le t* 4a"tici4ate and t* 4"esent %is e.idence du e t* t%e deat% *+ t%e %andlin la:ye" *+ t%e la: +i"1 "e4"esentin %i1 and t%e +ailu"e *+ t%e ne: att*"ney t* +*ll*: t%e "ules *n su3stituti*n *+ c*unsel< Held: *Cla"i+icati*n *+ -C:

Petiti*ne"Bs "e+e"ence t* a 8"es4*ndent Eud e8 and a 8"es4*ndent s%e"i++8 in %is 4etiti*n is an e""*". -aid 8"es4*ndents8 :e"e n*t i14leaded as 4a"ties, *nly 8T%e H*n. -4ecial -i=t% Ci.isi*n *+ t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals and Ji11y T*1as8 as "es4*ndents. P"*4e" "e1edy *+ Petiti*ne" !e"na"d*: o s%*uld %a.e 3een an a44eal unde" Rule &I *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t o a s4ecial ci.il acti*n +*" ce"ti*"a"i unde" Rule 5I lies *nly :%en 8t%e"e is n* a44eal n*" 4lain, s4eedy and ade$uate "e1edy in t%e *"dina"y c*u"se *+ la:.8 o Ce"ti*"a"i is n*t a su3stitute +*" l*st a44eal N*. Clea"ly, 4etiti*ne" +ailed t* c*14ly :it% t%e "e$ui"e1ents +*" t%e su3stituti*n *+ c*unsel. Unde" -ecti*n '5, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t and esta3lis%ed Eu"is4"udence, a .alid su3stituti*n *+ c*unsel %as t%e +*ll*:in "e$ui"e1ents: /60 t%e +ilin *+ a :"itten a44licati*n +*" su3stituti*nA /'0 t%e clientLs :"itten c*nsentA /70 t%e c*nsent *+ t%e su3stituted la:ye" i+ suc% c*nsent can 3e *3tainedA and, in case suc% :"itten c*nsent cann*t 3e 4"*cu"ed, /&0 a 4"**+ *+ se".ice *+ n*tice *+ suc% 1*ti*n *n t%e att*"ney t* 3e su3stituted in t%e 1anne" "e$ui"ed 3y t%e Rules. 9%e"e deat% *+ t%e 4"e.i*us att*"ney is t%e cause *+ su3stituti*n *+ t%e c*unsel, a .e"i+ied 4"**+ *+ t%e deat% *+ suc% att*"ney /usually a deat% ce"ti+icate0 1ust acc*14any t%e n*tice *+ a44ea"ance *+ t%e ne: c*unsel. His ne: c*unselLs n*tice *+ a44ea"ance 1e"ely 1enti*ned t%at Atty. J*se !. Pue"t* 8"ecently died.8 A .e"i+ied ce"ti+icate *+ deat% :as n*t attac%ed t%e"et*. It %as 3een %eld t%at c*u"ts 1ay n*t 4"esu1e t%at t%e c*unsel *+ "ec*"d %as 3een su3stituted 3y a sec*nd c*unsel 1e"ely +"*1 t%e +ilin *+ a +*"1al a44ea"ance 3y t%e latte". In any e.ent, 1e"e 1enti*n *+ t%e deat% *+ Atty. Pue"t* :as *+ n* 1*1ent +*" it :as t%e la: +i"1 *+ Pue"t* NuQeD N Ass*ciates, S n*t 1e"ely Atty. J*se Pue"t* S :%ic% :as t%e le al "e4"esentati.e *+ 4etiti*ne". T%e deat% *+ said att*"ney did n*t e=tin uis% t%e la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 3et:een t%e +i"1 and !e"na"d*. T%e -C is n*t un1ind+ul *+ t%e 3elated attestati*n *+ t%e +*"1e" sec"eta"y *+ said la: *++ice t%at t%e *t%e" 4a"tne", C". C*nstantin* NuQeD, alle edly died e.en 3e+*"e 6R)5A t%at t:* ass*ciates ceased t* 3e c*nnected :it% t%e +i"1 since 6R)RA :%ile a t%i"d ass*ciate, Atty. J*se AceEas 4"edeceased Atty. Pue"t* in Ma"c% 6RR(, t%e"e3y lea.in Atty. Pue"t* as t%e *nly la:ye" in t%e *++ice. !ut, *3.i*usly, it :as 4etiti*ne"Ls +*"1e" c*unsel :%* 1isled t%e t"ial c*u"t int* 3elie.in t%at 8Pue"t* NuQeD and Ass*ciates,8 a la: +i"1 c*nsistin *+ 1*"e t%an *ne la:ye", c*ntinued t* le ally "e4"esent !e"na"d*. C*u"ts 1ay 4"esu1e t%at a la: +i"1 t%at "e4"esented itsel+ as suc%, :it% at least t:* na1e 4a"tne"s and 1*"e t%an *ne ass*ciate is c*14*sed *+ at least t%"ee la:ye"s. It is n*t t%e duty *+ t%e c*u"ts t* in$ui"e du"in t%e 4"* "ess *+ a case :%et%e" t%e 4a"tne"s%i4 c*ntinues t* e=ist la:+ully, *" t%e 4a"tne"s a"e still ali.e *" its ass*ciates a"e still c*nnected :it% t%e +i"1. A client is 3*und 3y t%e c*nduct, ne li ence and 1ista;es *+ %is c*unsel. Only :%en t%e c*unselLs actuati*ns a"e "*ss *" 4al4a3le, "esultin in se"i*us inEustice t* t%e client, t%at t%e c*u"ts s%*uld acc*"d "elie+ t* t%e 4a"ty. A t%*"*u % "e.ie: *+ t%e instant case "e.eals t%at t%e ne li ence *+ t%e la: +i"1 en a ed 3y t%e 4etiti*ne" t* de+end %is cause, and t%e e""*" *+ %is ne: c*unsel in i.in a de+ecti.e su3stituti*n and n*tice *+ t%e deat% *+ %is +*"1e" c*unsel, did n*t "esult in de4"i.ati*n *+ due 4"*cess t* said 4a"ty. Hence, a nulli+icati*n *+ t%e Res4*ndent C*u"tLs A1ended Cecisi*n "*unded *n "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n is n*t :a""anted. 9*"t% 1enti*nin is t%e +act t%at 4etiti*ne" :as li;e:ise n*t enti"ely 3la1eless in %is alle ed de4"i.ati*n *+ %is day in c*u"t. Liti ants, "e4"esented 3y c*unsel, s%*uld n*t e=4ect t%at all t%ey need t* d* is sit 3ac;, "ela= and a:ait t%e *utc*1e *+ t%ei" case. T%ey s%*uld i.e t%e necessa"y assistance t* t%ei" c*unsel +*" :%at is at sta;e is t%ei" inte"est in t%e case. T%e 4a"ty#liti ant s%*uld n*t "ely t*tally *n %is c*unsel t* liti ate %is case e.en i+ t%e latte" e=4"essly assu"es t%at t%e +*"1e"Ls 4"esence in c*u"t :ill n* l*n e" 3e

needed. N* 4"udent 4a"ty :ill lea.e t%e +ate *+ %is case enti"ely t* %is la:ye". A3sence in *ne *" t:* %ea"in s 1ay 3e ne li i3le 3ut :ant *+ in$ui"y *" u4date *n t%e status *+ %is case +*" se.e"al 1*nt%s /+*u", in t%is case0 is ine=cusa3le. It is t%e duty *+ a 4a"ty#liti ant t* 3e in c*ntact :it% %is c*unsel +"*1 ti1e t* ti1e in *"de" t* 3e in+*"1ed *+ t%e 4"* "ess *+ %is case. Petiti*ne" si14ly clai1s t%at %e :as 3usy :it% %is "a.el and sand and t"adin 3usinesses :%ic% in.*l.ed +"e$uent t"a.elin +"*1 Manila t* *utlyin 4"*.inces. !ut t%is :as n*t a Eusti+ia3le e=cuse +*" %i1 t* +ail t* as; a3*ut t%e de.el*41ents in %is case *" t* as; s*1e3*dy t* 1a;e t%e $ue"y +*" %i1. Petiti*ne" +ailed t* act :it% 4"udence and dili ence. T%e a:a"d 3y t%e t"ial c*u"t, a++i"1ed 3y Res4*ndent C*u"t, *+ actual, 1*"al and e=e14la"y da1a es t* P"i.ate Res4*ndent T*1as in t%e su1s *+ P6((,(((.((, P'((,(((.(( and P'((,(((.((, "es4ecti.ely, is %*:e.e" e""*ne*us. !asic is t%e "ule t%at t* "ec*.e" actual da1a es, t%e a1*unt *+ l*ss 1ust n*t *nly 3e ca4a3le *+ 4"**+ 3ut 1ust actually 3e 4"*.en :it% a "eas*na3le de "ee *+ ce"tainty, 4"e1ised u4*n c*14etent 4"**+ *" 3est e.idence *3taina3le. P"i.ate Res4*ndent T*1asL clai1 +*" actual da1a es :as *nly 4"e1ised u4*n %is testi1*ny t%at %e :as de4"i.ed *+ %is 3usiness and %is "elati*n :it% %is +"iends and c*unte"4a"ts in t%e 3usiness %ad 3een cancelled. Neit%e" did 4"i.ate "es4*ndent esta3lis% t%e le al 3asis +*" %is clai1ed 1*"al da1a es. Alt%*u % suc% da1a es a"e inca4a3le *+ e=act esti1ati*n and d* n*t necessitate 4"**+ *+ 4ecunia"y l*ss +*" t%e1 t* 3e a:a"ded S t%e a1*unt *+ inde1nity 3ein le+t t* t%e disc"eti*n *+ t%e c*u"t S it is still essential t* 4"*.e t%at: /60 inEu"y 1ust %a.e 3een su++e"ed 3y t%e clai1ant and /'0 suc% inEu"y 1ust %a.e s4"un +"*1 any *+ t%e cases listed in A"ticles ''6R and '''( *+ t%e Ci.il C*de. It is n*t en*u % t%at *ne 1e"ely says %e su++e"ed 1ental an uis%, se"i*us an=iety, s*cial %u1iliati*n, :*unded +eelin s and t%e li;e as a "esult *+ t%e actuati*ns *+ t%e *t%e" 4a"ty. In.a"ia3ly, suc% acti*ns 1ust 3e s%*:n t* %a.e 3een :ill+ully d*ne in 3ad +ait% *" :it% ill 1*ti.e. !ad +ait% *" ill 1*ti.e unde" t%e la: cann*t 3e 4"esu1ed 3ut 1ust 3e esta3lis%ed :it% clea" and c*n.incin e.idence. A.M. No. 102,2*2S) Decem-e' *, 2010 JO3I0O S. O&A6O, )ompl !n n", #$. JUS0I)E DAN0E O. 0INGA ;Re".=, Re$pon(en".

!RION, J.: Facts: dis3a"1ent case a ainst "eti"ed -u4"e1e C*u"t Ass*ciate Justice Cante O. Tin a +iled 3y M". J*.it* -. OlaD* "es4*ndent is c%a" ed *+ .i*latin Rule 5.(',6 Rule 5.(7' and Rule 6.(67 *+ t%e CPR +*" "e4"esentin c*n+lictin inte"ests c*14lainant +iled a sales a44licati*n c*.e"in a 4a"cel *+ land situated in !a"an ay L*:e" !icutan in t%e Munici4ality *+ Ta ui land :as 4"e.i*usly 4a"t *+ F*"t And"es !*ni+aci* t%at :as se "e ated and decla"ed *4en +*" dis4*siti*n 4u"suant t* P"*cla1ati*n N*. '&25 and P"*cla1ati*n N*. 62' T* i14le1ent P"*cla1ati*n N*. 62', Me1*"andu1 N*. 66R :as issued 3y t%en E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y Catalin* Maca"ai , c"eatin a C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :%*se duty :as t* study, e.aluate, and 1a;e a "ec*11endati*n *n t%e a44licati*ns t* 4u"c%ase t%e lands decla"ed *4en +*" dis4*siti*n. T%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :as %eaded 3y t%e Ci"ect*" *+ Lands and t%e "es4*ndent :as *ne *+ t%e C*11ittee 1e13e"s, in %is *++icial ca4acity as t%e C*n "ess1an *+ Ta ui and Pate"*s /+"*1 6R)2 t* 6RR)0. C*14lainant c%a" es .i*lati*n *+ Rule 5.(' and alle es:

o "es4*ndent a3used %is 4*siti*n as C*n "ess1an and as a 1e13e" *+ t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :%en %e unduly inte"+e"ed :it% t%e c*14lainantBs sales a44licati*n 3ecause *+ %is 4e"s*nal inte"est *.e" t%e su3Eect land o "es4*ndent e=e"ted undue 4"essu"e and in+luence *.e" t%e c*14lainantBs +at%e", Mi uel P. OlaD*, +*" t%e latte" t* c*ntest t%e c*14lainantBs sales a44licati*n and clai1 t%e su3Eect land +*" %i1sel+ o "es4*ndent 4"e.ailed u4*n Mi uel OlaD* t* acce4t, *n .a"i*us dates, su1s *+ 1*ney as 4ay1ent *+ t%e latte"Bs alle ed "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land o "es4*ndent 3"*;e"ed t%e t"ans+e" *+ "i %ts *+ t%e su3Eect land 3et:een Mi uel OlaD* and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD, :%* is t%e ne4%e: *+ t%e "es4*ndentBs deceased :i+e t%e c*14lainantBs sales a44licati*n :as denied c*n.eyance *+ "i %ts t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD and %is sales a44licati*n :e"e su3se$uently i.en due c*u"se 3y t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ En.i"*n1ent and Natu"al Res*u"ces /CENR0 C*14lainant c%a" es .i*lati*n *+ Rule 5.(7 and alle es: o in.*l.es an*t%e" 4a"cel *+ land :it%in t%e 4"*clai1ed a"eas 3el*n in t* Manuel OlaD*, t%e c*14lainantBs 3"*t%e" o "es4*ndent 4e"suaded Mi uel OlaD* t* di"ect Manuel t* c*n.ey %is "i %ts *.e" t%e land t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueDA as a "esult t%e "i %ts t* t%e land :e"e t"ans+e""ed t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD o "es4*ndent 1et :it% Manuel +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ nulli+yin t%e c*n.eyance *+ "i %ts *.e" t%e land t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD o "es4*ndent :anted t%e "i %ts *.e" t%e land t"ans+e""ed t* *ne R*land* OlaD*, t%e !a"an ay C%ai"1an *+ Ha *n*y, Ta ui o "es4*ndent e=ecuted an 8Assu"ance8 :%e"e %e stated t%at %e :as t%e la:ye" *+ Ra1*n Lee and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD C*14lainant c%a" es .i*lati*n *+ Rule 6.(6 and alle es: o "es4*ndent en a ed in unla:+ul c*nduct c*nside"in %is ;n*:led e t%at J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD :as n*t a $uali+ied 3ene+icia"y unde" Me1*"andu1 N*. 66R o J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD is n*t a 3*na +ide "esident *+ t%e 4"*clai1ed a"eas and d*es n*t $uali+y +*" an a:a"d o t%e a44"*.al *+ %is sales a44licati*n 3y t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds a1*unted t* a .i*lati*n *+ t%e *3Eecti.es *+ P"*cla1ati*n N*. 62' and Me1*"andu1 N*. 66R C*14lainant c%a" es .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n 2/30/'0 *+ t%e C*de *+ C*nduct and Et%ical -tanda"ds +*" Pu3lic O++icials and E14l*yees *" R.A. N*. 5267: o Res4*ndent en a ed in t%e 4"actice *+ la:, :it%in t%e *ne#yea" 4"*%i3iti*n 4e"i*d, :%en %e a44ea"ed as a la:ye" +*" Ra1*n Lee and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD 3e+*"e t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds Res4*ndentBs de+ense: o 4"esent c*14laint is t%e t%i"d 1alici*us c%a" e +iled a ainst %i1 3y t%e c*14lainant +i"st *ne :as su31itted 3e+*"e t%e J!C :%en %e :as n*1inated as an Ass*ciate Justice *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t sec*nd c*14laint is n*: 4endin :it% t%e O++ice *+ t%e O13uds1an, +*" alle ed .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n 7/e0 and /i0 *+ R.A. N*. 7(6R, as a1ended o 4"esented di++e"ent .e"si*n *+ e.ents:

 Mi uel OlaD* *:ned t%e "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land and %e late" c*n.eyed t%ese "i %ts t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD Mi uel OlaD*Bs "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land and t%e t"ans+e" *+ %is "i %ts t* J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD :e"e duly "ec* niDed 3y t%e -ec"eta"y *+ t%e CENR 3e+*"e :%*1 t%e c*n+lict *+ "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land /3et:een Mi uel OlaD* and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD, *n *ne %and, and t%e c*14lainant *n t%e *t%e" %and0 :as 3"*u %t t%e CENR +*und J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD a $uali+ied a44licant, and %is a44licati*n *.e" t%e su3Eect land :as i.en due c*u"se t%e CENR decisi*n is n*: +inal and e=ecut*" and :as a++i"1ed 3y t%e O++ice *+ t%e P"esident, 3y t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals and 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t o denied c*14lainantBs alle ati*ns *+ *++e"in c*14lainant PI(,((( +*" t%e land and t%at %e e=e"ted undue in+luence and *"c%est"ated t* et t%e land o t%e"e :as n*t%in :"*n in si nin as a :itness in Mi uel OlaD*Bs a++ida.it :%e"e t%e latte" asse"ted %is "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land /a++ida.it 1e"ely attested t* t%e t"ut%0 o %e and Mi uel OlaD* :e"e c*usins and t%at t%e latte" decided t* sell %is "i %ts *.e" t%e su3Eect land +*" t%e 1edical t"eat1ent *+ %is %ea"t c*nditi*n and t%e illness *+ %is dau %te", F"ancisca OlaD* o "es4*ndent insisted t%at t%e 1*ney %e e=tended t* t%e1 :as a +*"1 *+ l*an. o "es4*ndentBs 4a"tici4ati*n in t%e t"ansacti*n 3et:een Mi uel OlaD* and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD in.*l.ed t%e 4ay1ent *+ t%e l*an t%at t%e "es4*ndent e=tended t* Mi uel OlaD*. o ManuelBs 3elated and sec*nd%and alle ati*n in %is -inu14aan -alaysay, dated Janua"y '(, '(((, "e a"din :%at %is +at%e" t*ld %i1, cann*t 4"e.ail *.e" %is ea"lie" -inu14aan -alaysay :it% F"ancisca OlaD*, dated Au ust ', 6RR2. o denied .i*latin Rule 6.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility: du"in %is t%i"d te"1 as C*n "ess1an +"*1 6RRI t* 6RR2, t%e c*n+lictin a44licati*ns *+ t%e c*14lainants :e"e n*t included in t%e a enda +*" deli3e"ati*n *+ t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds t%ei" c*n+lictin clai1s and t%ei" "es4ecti.e su44*"tin d*cu1ents :e"e 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e Re i*nal Ci"ect*", NCR *+ t%e CENR :%ic% "uled *.e" t%e c*n+lictin clai1s 3ec*1in t%e 3asis *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e -ec"eta"y *+ t%e CENR o cann*t 3e %eld lia3le unde" Rule 5.(', CPR since t%e 4"*.isi*n a44lies t* la:ye"s in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice :%* a"e all*:ed 3y la: t* en a e in 4"i.ate la: 4"actice and t* t%*se :%*, t%*u % 4"*%i3ited +"*1 en a in in t%e 4"actice *+ la:, %a.e +"iends, +*"1e" ass*ciates and "elati.es :%* a"e in t%e acti.e 4"actice *+ la:. # "es4*ndent %ad al"eady c*14leted %is t%i"d te"1 in C*n "ess and %is stint in t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :%en %e "e4"esented R*d"i ueD o cann*t 3e %eld lia3le unde" Rule 5.(7, CPR since %e did n*t inte".ene in t%e dis4*siti*n *+ t%e c*n+lictin a44licati*ns *+ t%e c*14lainant and R*d"i ueD 3ecause t%e a44licati*ns :e"e n*t su31itted t* t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :%en %e :as still a 1e13e" Issue: 9%et%e" t%e "es4*ndentBs acti*ns c*nstitute a 3"eac% *+ t%e standa"d et%ical c*nduct: 6. :%ile "es4*ndent :as still in C*n "ess and a 1e13e" *+ t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds '. :%en %e :as n* l*n e" a 4u3lic *++icial, 3ut a 4"i.ate la:ye" :%* "e4"esented a client 3e+*"e t%e *++ice %e :as 4"e.i*usly c*nnected :it%

Held: N*, t%e case is dis1issed. Jene"ally, a la:ye" :%* %*lds a *.e"n1ent *++ice 1ay n*t 3e disci4lined as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" +*" 1isc*nduct in t%e disc%a" e *+ %is duties as a *.e"n1ent *++icial. He 1ay 3e disci4lined 3y t%e -C as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" *nly :%en %is 1isc*nduct als* c*nstitutes a .i*lati*n *+ %is *at% as a la:ye". Acc*unta3ility *+ a *.e"n1ent la:ye" in 4u3lic *++ice: o Can*n 5, CPR %i %li %ts t%e c*ntinuin standa"d *+ et%ical c*nduct t* 3e *3se".ed 3y *.e"n1ent la:ye"s in t%e disc%a" e *+ t%ei" *++icial tas;s o In additi*n t* t%e standa"d *+ c*nduct laid d*:n unde" R.A. N*. 5267 +*" *.e"n1ent e14l*yees, a la:ye" in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice is *3li ed t* *3se".e t%e standa"d *+ c*nduct unde" t%e CPR o -ince 4u3lic *++ice is a 4u3lic t"ust, t%e et%ical c*nduct de1anded u4*n la:ye"s in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice is 1*"e e=actin t%an t%e standa"ds +*" t%*se in 4"i.ate 4"actice. o La:ye"s in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice a"e su3Eect t* c*nstant 4u3lic sc"utiny unde" n*"1s *+ 4u3lic acc*unta3ility. T%ey als* 3ea" t%e %ea.y 3u"den *+ %a.in t* 4ut aside t%ei" 4"i.ate inte"est in +a.*" *+ t%e inte"est *+ t%e 4u3licA t%ei" 4"i.ate acti.ities s%*uld n*t inte"+e"e :it% t%e disc%a" e *+ t%ei" *++icial +uncti*ns. o Rule 5.(': A la:ye" in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice s%all n*t use %is 4u3lic 4*siti*n t* 4"*1*te *" ad.ance %is 4"i.ate inte"ests, n*" all*: t%e latte" t* inte"+e"e :it% %is 4u3lic duties. Reas*ns: /60 4"*1*te 4"i.ate inte"estsA /'0 ad.ance 4"i.ate inte"estsA *" /70 all*: 4"i.ate inte"est t* inte"+e"e :it% %is *" %e" 4u3lic duties. promotion of private interest: includes s*licitin i+ts *" anyt%in *+ 1*neta"y .alue in any t"ansacti*n "e$ui"in t%e a44"*.al *+ %is *" %e" *++ice, *" 1ay 3e a++ected 3y t%e +uncti*ns *+ %is *" %e" *++ice n*t li1ited t* di"ect inte"est, 3ut e=tends t* ad.ancin t%e inte"est *+ "elati.es :%en t%e "es4*ndent uses t%e *++ice and %is *" %e" ;n*:led e *+ t%e int"icacies *+ t%e la: t* 3ene+it "elati.es o a3sence *+ any c*nc"ete 4"**+ t%at t%e "es4*ndent a3used %is 4*siti*n as a C*n "ess1an and as a 1e13e" *+ t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds in t%e 1anne" de+ined unde" Rule 5.(' o ci"cu1stances d* n*t s%*: t%at t%e "es4*ndent did in any :ay 4"*1*te, ad.ance *" use %is 4"i.ate inte"ests in t%e disc%a" e *+ %is *++icial duties since t%e sales a44licati*n :as n*t 3"*u %t 3e+*"e t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds :%en t%e "es4*ndent :as still a 1e13e" o c*14lainantBs alle ati*n t%at t%e "es4*ndent 8*"c%est"ated8 t%e e++*"ts t* et t%e su3Eect land d*es n*t s4eci+y %*: t%e *"c%est"ati*n :as unde"ta;en o t%e *t%e" d*cu1ents e=ecuted 3y Mi uel OlaD*, t%at t%e c*14lainant 4"esented t* su44*"t %is clai1 t%at t%e "es4*ndent e=e"ted undue 4"essu"e and in+luence *.e" %is +at%e" /na1ely: t%e lette", dated June '', 6RR5, t* t%e CENR Re i*nal Ci"ect*"#NCRA'6 t%e -inu14aan -alaysay dated July 6', 6RR5A'' and t%e -inu14aan -alaysay dated July 62, 6RR5'70, d* n*t c*ntain any "e+e"ence t* t%e alle ed 4"essu"e *" +*"ce e=e"ted 3y t%e "es4*ndent *.e" Mi uel OlaD*. T%e d*cu1ents 1e"ely s%*:ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent %el4ed Mi uel OlaD* in %a.in %is +a"1 l*ts /c*.e"ed 3y t%e 4"*clai1ed a"eas0 su".eyed and acted as a 1e"e :itness.

o "es4*ndent :as a3le t* 4"*.ide a satis+act*"y e=4lanati*n # 3ac;ed 3y c*""*3*"atin e.idence # *+ t%e natu"e *+ t%e t"ansacti*n in :%ic% %e a.e t%e .a"i*us su1s *+ 1*ney t* Mi uel OlaD* and F"ancisca OlaD* in t%e yea" 6RRI a++ida.its *+ F"ancisca OlaD* c*""*3*"ated t%e "es4*ndentBs clai1 t%at t%e su1s *+ 1*ney %e e=tended t* %e" and Mi uel OlaD* :e"e l*ans used +*" t%ei" 1edical t"eat1ent Mi uel OlaD*, in %is -inu14aan -alaysay asse"ted t%at s*1e *+ t%e 1*ney 3*""*:ed +"*1 t%e "es4*ndent :as used +*" %is 1edical t"eat1ent and %*s4italiDati*n e=4enses a++ida.it *+ R*d"i ueD +u"t%e" c*""*3*"ated t%e "es4*ndentBs clai1 t%at t%e latte"Bs in.*l.e1ent :as li1ited t* 3ein 4aid t%e l*ans %e a.e t* Mi uel OlaD* and F"ancisca OlaD* R*d"i ueD and Mi uel OlaD* a "eed t%at a 4*"ti*n *+ t%e l*an :*uld 3e di"ectly 4aid 3y R*d"i ueD t* t%e "es4*ndent and t%e a1*unt 4aid :*uld 3e c*nside"ed as 4a"t *+ t%e 4u"c%ase 4"ice *+ t%e su3Eect land P"i.ate 4"actice *+ la: a+te" se4a"ati*n +"*1 4u3lic *++ice: o practice of law: any acti.ity, in and *ut *+ c*u"t, t%at "e$ui"es t%e a44licati*n *+ la:, le al 4"*cedu"e, ;n*:led e, t"ainin and e=4e"ience t* 4e"+*"1 t%*se acts :%ic% a"e c%a"acte"istics *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n t* i.e n*tice *" "ende" any ;ind *+ se".ice, :%ic% de.ice *" se".ice "e$ui"es t%e use in any de "ee *+ le al ;n*:led e *" s;ill o de+initi*n s%*uld 3e c*""elated :it% R.A. N*. 5267 and Rule 5.(7, CPR :%ic% i14*se ce"tain "est"icti*ns *n *.e"n1ent la:ye"s t* en a e in 4"i.ate 4"actice a+te" t%ei" se4a"ati*n +"*1 t%e se".ice o "ule: *.e"n1ent la:ye"s a"e n*t all*:ed t* en a e in t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ t%ei" 4"*+essi*n du"in t%ei" incu13ency. o E=ce4ti*n: a *.e"n1ent la:ye" can en a e in t%e 4"actice *+ %is *" %e" 4"*+essi*n unde" t%e +*ll*:in c*nditi*ns: +i"st, t%e 4"i.ate 4"actice is aut%*"iDed 3y t%e C*nstituti*n *" 3y t%e la:A and sec*nd, t%e 4"actice :ill n*t c*n+lict *" tend t* c*n+lict :it% %is *" %e" *++icial +uncti*ns. o E=ce4ti*n t* t%e e=ce4ti*n: a *ne#yea" 4"*%i3iti*n is i14*sed t* 4"actice la: in c*nnecti*n :it% any 1atte" 3e+*"e t%e *++ice %e used t* 3e :it% o Rule 5.(7 ec%*es t%is "est"icti*n and 4"*%i3its la:ye"s, a+te" lea.in t%e *.e"n1ent se".ice, t* acce4t en a e1ent *" e14l*y1ent in c*nnecti*n :it% any 1atte" in :%ic% %e %ad inte".ened :%ile in t%e said se".ice > ;ey:*"d T 8inte".ene8 o n* e.idence e=ists s%*:in t%at t%e "es4*ndent 4"e.i*usly inte"+e"ed :it% t%e sales a44licati*n c*.e"in ManuelBs land :%en t%e +*"1e" :as still a 1e13e" *+ t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds o t%e le al se".ice "ende"ed 3y t%e "es4*ndent :as li1ited *nly in t%e 4"e4a"ati*n *+ a sin le d*cu1ent o 4"i.ate 4"actice *+ la: as *ne t%at c*nte14lates a successi*n *+ acts *+ t%e sa1e natu"e %a3itually *" cust*1a"ily %*ldin *neBs sel+ t* t%e 4u3lic as a la:ye".

o e.en "antin t%at "es4*ndentBs act +ell :it%in t%e de+initi*n *+ 4"actice *+ la:, t%e a.aila3le 4ieces *+ e.idence a"e insu++icient t* s%*: t%at t%e le al "e4"esentati*n :as 1ade 3e+*"e t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds, *" t%at t%e Assu"ance :as intended t* 3e 4"esented 3e+*"e it @i*lati*n *+ Rule 6.(6 o "ule 4"*%i3its a la:ye" +"*1 en a in in unla:+ul, i11*"al *" deceit+ul c*nduct o -C al"eady st"uc; d*:n t%e c*14lainantBs alle ati*n t%at "es4*ndent en a ed in an unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la: :%en %e a44ea"ed as a la:ye" +*" Ra1*n Lee and J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD 3e+*"e t%e C*11ittee *n A:a"ds o si1ila" t"eat1ent s%*uld 3e i.en t* t%e c*14lainantBs clai1 t%at t%e "es4*ndent .i*lated 4a"a "a4% &/6077 *+ Me1*"andu1 N*. 66R :%en %e enc*u"a ed t%e sales a44licati*n *+ J*se4% Je++"ey R*d"i ueD des4ite %is ;n*:led e t%at %is ne4%e: :as n*t a $uali+ied a44licant o al"eady "es*l.ed in t%e a++i"1ati.e 3y t%e -ec"eta"y *+ t%e CENR in t%e decisi*n dated A4"il 7, '((&,7& :%en t%e CENR a.e due c*u"se t* %is sales a44licati*n *.e" t%e su3Eect land o t%e CENR decisi*n :as a++i"1ed 3y t%e O++ice *+ t%e P"esident, t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals and, t%e -C 4e" Minute Res*luti*n, dated Oct*3e" 66, '((5, in J.R. N*. 627&I7

c*nside"in t%e se"i*us c*nse$uences *+ t%e 4enalty *+ dis3a"1ent *" sus4ensi*n *+ a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", t%e 3u"den "ests *n t%e c*14lainant t* 4"esent clea", c*n.incin and satis+act*"y 4"**+ +*" t%e C*u"t t* e=e"cise its disci4lina"y 4*:e"s "es4*ndent ene"ally is unde" n* *3li ati*n t* 4"*.e %is?%e" de+ense, until t%e 3u"den s%i+ts t* %i1?%e" 3ecause *+ :%at t%e c*14lainant %as 4"*.en :%e"e n* case %as in t%e +i"st 4lace 3een 4"*.en, n*t%in %as t* 3e "e3utted in de+ense

A.M. No. 520221,,, Ap'!l 1,, 200+ ;8o'me'l9 A.M. No. 02212672R0)= O88I)E O8 04E )OUR0 ADMINIS0RA0OR, compl !n n", #$. A00/. EDGAR A&&AN ). MORAN0E, )le'C o< )ou'", Re:!on l 0'! l )ou'", & $ 5!E $ )!"9, B' nc> 2*,, 'e$pon(en". PER CURIAM: A.). No. ,*07 No#em-e' 11, 200, BERNARDO A. 0AD&I5, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/. 8IDE& 4. BORRES, JR., Re$pon(en". Tin a, J.: E&5IDIO 5. 0IONG, C*14lainant, .s, A00/. GEORGE M. 8&ORENDO, Res4*ndent. A.). No. ++27 Decem-e' 12, 2011 PERLAS-BERNABE, J.: Facts:

 ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent +iled 3y El4idi* P. Ti*n a ainst Atty. Je*" e M. Fl*"end* +*" "*ss i11*"ality and "a.e 1isc*nduct Ti*n , an A1e"ican CitiDen, and %is :i+e, Ma. Elena T. Ti*n , a"e "eal estate less*"s in !a ui* City and en a ed in t%e asse13ly and "e4ai" *+ 1*t*" .e%icles in Paldit, -is*n, Pan asinan t%ey en a ed t%e se".ices *+ "es4*ndent Atty. Je*" e M. Fl*"end* n*t *nly as le al c*unsel 3ut als* as ad1inist"at*" *+ t%ei" 3usinesses :%ene.e" c*14lainant :*uld lea.e +*" t%e U c*14lainant 3e an t* sus4ect t%at "es4*ndent and %is :i+e :e"e %a.in an illicit a++ai" %is sus4ici*n :as c*n+i"1ed :%en, in t%ei" "esidence, %e c%anced u4*n a tele4%*ne c*n.e"sati*n 3et:een t%e t:* and %ea"d "es4*ndent utte" t%e :*"ds 8I l*.e y*u, ILll call y*u late"8 :%en c*n+"*nted, %is :i+e initially denied 3ut e.entually 3"*;e d*:n and c*n+essed t* t%ei" l*.e a++ai" t%at 3e an in 6RR7 "es4*ndent li;e:ise ad1itted t%e "elati*ns%i4 at a 1eetin initiated 3y "es4*ndent and %eld at t%e -ali3a* Restau"ant in !u"n%a1 Pa";, !a ui* City, "es4*ndent and c*14lainantLs :i+e, c*n+essed ane: t* t%ei" illicit a++ai" 3e+*"e t%ei" "es4ecti.e s4*uses t%e 4a"ties 1et a ain at t%e Manda"in Restau"ant in !a ui* City and, in t%e 4"esence *+ a N*ta"y Pu3lic, Atty.Li3e"at* Tade*, "es4*ndent and Ma. Elena e=ecuted and si ned an a++ida.it attestin t* t%ei" illicit "elati*ns%i4 /adulte"y0 and see;in t%ei" "es4ecti.e s4*usesL +*" i.eness c*14lainant instituted t%e 4"esent suit +*" dis3a"1ent "es4*ndent ad1itted t%e 1ate"ial alle ati*ns *+ t%e c*14laint 3ut inte"4*sed t%e de+ense *+ 4a"d*n -C "e+e""ed case t* I!P I!P#C!C t%"*u % C*11issi*ne" A ustinus @. J*nDa a: o C*14laint %as 1e"it o Rec*11ended sus4ensi*n *+ "es4*ndent +*" 6 yea" I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted C!CBs "ec*11endati*n Issue: 9%et%e" t%e 4a"d*n e=tended 3y c*14lainant in t%e A++ida.it dated May 6I, 6RRI is su++icient t* :a""ant t%e dis1issal *+ t%e 4"esent dis3a"1ent case a ainst "es4*ndent +*" "*ss i11*"al c*nduct. Held: N*. T%e -C "es*l.es t* ad*4t t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P#C!C e=ce4t as t* t%e 4enalty i14*sed. Res4*ndent .i*lated Can*n 6, Rule 6.(6, Can*n 2, and Rule 2.(7 *+ t%e CPR. P*ssessi*n *+ **d 1*"al c%a"acte" is n*t *nly a c*nditi*n +*" ad1issi*n t* t%e !a" 3ut is a c*ntinuin "e$ui"e1ent t* 1aintain *neLs **d standin in t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. It is t%e 3*unden duty *+ la: 4"actiti*ne"s t* *3se".e t%e %i %est de "ee *+ 1*"ality in *"de" t* sa+e ua"d t%e inte "ity *+ t%e !a". C*nse$uently, any e""ant 3e%a.i*u" *n t%e 4a"t *+ a la:ye", 3e it in %is 4u3lic *" 4"i.ate acti.ities, :%ic% tends t* s%*: %i1 de+icient in 1*"al c%a"acte", %*nesty, 4"*3ity *" **d de1ean*", is su++icient t* :a""ant %is sus4ensi*n *" dis3a"1ent. Res4*ndent ad1itted %is illicit "elati*ns%i4 :it% a 1a""ied :*1an n*t %is :i+e, and :*"se, t%at *+ %is client. C*nt"a"y t* "es4*ndentLs clai1, t%ei" c*ns*"tiu1 cann*t 3e classi+ied as a 1e"e 81*1ent *+ indisc"eti*nP c*nside"in t%at it lasted +*" ' yea"s and :as *nly a3*"ted :%en c*14lainant *.e"%ea"d t%ei" a1*"*us 4%*ne c*n.e"sati*n *n Ma"c% 67, 6RRI. Res4*ndentLs act *+ %a.in an a++ai" :it% %is clientLs :i+e 1ani+ested %is dis"es4ect +*" t%e la:s *n t%e sanctity *+ 1a""ia e and %is *:n 1a"ital .*: *+ +idelity. It s%*:ed %is ut1*st 1*"al de4"a.ity and l*: "e a"d +*" t%e et%ics *+ %is 4"*+essi*n. Li;e:ise, %e .i*lated t%e t"ust and c*n+idence "e4*sed *n %i1 3y c*14lainant :%ic% in itsel+ is 4"*%i3ited unde" Can*n 62.

-ecti*n '2, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t 4"*.ides t%at an att*"ney 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +"*1 %is *++ice 3y t%e C*u"t +*" any deceit, 1al4"actice, *" *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++ice, :'o$$l9 !mmo' l con(uc", a1*n *t%e"s. A case *+ sus4ensi*n *" dis3a"1ent is sui generis and n*t 1eant t* "ant "elie+ t* a c*14lainant as in a ci.il case 3ut is intended t* cleanse t%e "an;s *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n *+ its undesi"a3le 1e13e"s in *"de" t* 4"*tect t%e 4u3lic and t%e c*u"ts. It is n*t an in.esti ati*n int* t%e acts *+ "es4*ndent as a %us3and 3ut *n %is c*nduct as an *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t and %is +itness t* c*ntinue as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a". Hence, t%e A++ida.it dated Ma"c% 6I, 6RRI, :%ic% is a;in t* an a++ida.it *+ desistance, cann*t %a.e t%e e++ect *+ a3atin t%e instant 4"*ceedin s. A5en l"9? -us4ensi*n +*" 5 1*nt%s +*" J"*ss I1*"ality

MAE&O0ISEA S. GARRIDO, )ompl !n n", #$. A00/S. ANGE& E. GARRIDO 3A&EN)IA, Re$pon(en"$. A.). No. 6,.3 PER CURIAM:

n( ROMANA 5.

Facts: Mael*tisea -i4in Ja""id* +iled a c*14laint#a++ida.it +*" dis3a"1ent a ainst t%e "es4*ndents Atty. An el E. Ja""id* /Att . !arri"o0 and Atty. R*1ana P.@alencia /Att . #alencia0 at t%e I!P C*11ittee *n Cisci4line +*" "*ss i11*"ality. C*14lainant alle es t%at: o -%e is t%e le al :i+e *+ Atty. Ja""id* :it% 5 c%ild"en na1ely, Mat EliDa3et%, A"nel An elit*, Madeleine El*iDa, A"nel An el*, A"nel @ict*"in* and Mad*nna An eline, all su"na1ed Ja""id* o *ne *+ t%ei" dau %te"s, Madeleine t*ld c*14lainant t%at *n 6R)2, an un;n*:n calle" tal;ed :it% %e" clai1in t%at t%e +*"1e" is a c%ild *+ Atty. Ja""id* o an*t%e" dau %te", May EliDa3et%, als* t*ld c*14lainant t%at *n Au ust 6RR(, s%e sa: Atty. Ja""id* st"*llin at t%e R*3ins*nBs Ce4a"t1ent -t*"e at E"1ita, Manila t* et%e" Atty. Ra1*na Pa uida @alencia and An eli Ra1*na @alencia Ja""id* /c%ild0 o c*14lainant :as a3le t* secu"e t%e Ce"ti+icate *+ Li.e !i"t% *+ t%e c%ild, statin a1*n *t%e"s t%at t%e said c%ild is t%ei" dau %te" and t%at Atty. An el Esc*3a" Ja""id* and Atty. R*1ana Pa uida @alencia :e"e 1a""ied at H*n ;*n *n 6R2) o *n June 6RR7, Atty. Ja""id* le+t t%e c*nEu al %*1e and E*ined Atty. Ra1*na Pa uida @alencia at t%ei" "esidence o since t%en, Atty. Ja""id* +ailed t* i.e c*14lainant and +a1ily +inancial su44*"t causin t%e c%ild"en t* st*4 sc%**lin o a dis3a"1ent case is als* +iled a ainst %is 1ist"ess Atty. R*1ana P. @alencia c*nside"in t%at *ut *+ t%ei" i11*"al acts, 1ental an uis% and 3es1i"c%ed "e4utati*n, :*unded +eelin s and slee4less ni %ts :as su++e"ed 3y c*14lainant Atty. Ja""id* denied t%e c%a" es and i14utati*ns: o alle ed t%at Mael*tisea :as n*t %is le al :i+e, as %e :as al"eady 1a""ied t* C*nstancia Ca.id /$onstancia0 :%en %e 1a""ied Mael*tisea o %e 1a""ied Mael*tisea a+te" %e and C*nstancia 4a"ted :ays

o Mael*tisea ;ne: all %is esca4ades and unde"st**d %is O3ad 3*yP i1a e 3e+*"e t%ey 1a""ied o %e and Mael*tisea "e: a4a"t *.e" t%e yea"s due t* +inancial 4"*3le1s o %e 1et Atty. @alencia and t%ey 3eca1e cl*se o denied t%at %e +ailed t* i.e +inancial su44*"t t* %is c%ild"en :it% Mael*tisea, e14%asiDin t%at all %is 5 c%ild"en :e"e educated in 4"i.ate sc%**ls, all "aduated +"*1 c*lle e e=ce4t +*" A"nel @ict*"in*, :%* +inis%ed a s4ecial sec*nda"y c*u"se o alle ed t%at Mael*tisea %ad n*t 3een e14l*yed and %ad n*t 4"acticed %e" 4"*+essi*n +*" t%e 4ast 6( yea"s o e14%asiDed t%at all %is 1a""ia es :e"e c*nt"acted 3e+*"e %e 3eca1e a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" *n 6R2R, :it% t%e t%i"d 1a""ia e c*nt"acted a+te" t%e deat% *+ C*nstancia *n 6R22 o li;e:ise, %is c%ild"en :it% Mael*tisea :e"e 3*"n 3e+*"e %e 3eca1e a la:ye" Atty. @alencia denied t%at s%e :as t%e 1ist"ess *+ Atty. Ja""id*: o e=4lained t%at Mael*tisea :as n*t t%e le al :i+e *+ Atty. Ja""id* since t%e 1a""ia e 3et:een t%e1 :as .*id +"*1 t%e 3e innin due t* t%e t%en e=istin 1a""ia e *+ Atty. Ja""id* :it% C*nstancia o clai1ed t%at Mael*tisea ;ne: *+ t%e "*1antic "elati*ns%i4 3et:een %e" and Atty. Ja""id*, as t%ey 1et in 6R2) o Mael*tisea ;e4t silent a3*ut %e" "elati*ns%i4 :it% Atty. Ja""id* and %ad 1aintained t%is silence :%en s%e /Atty. @alencia0 +inancially %el4ed Atty. Ja""id* 3uild a %*use +*" %is sec*nd +a1ily o alle ed t%at Mael*tisea :as n*t a 4"*4e" 4a"ty t* t%is suit 3ecause *+ %e" silenceA s%e ;e4t silent :%en t%in s :e"e +a.*"a3le and 3ene+icial t* %e" o Mael*tisea %ad n* cause *+ acti*n a ainst %e". t%e 4a"ties +iled 7 1*ti*ns 3e+*"e t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line: o "es4*ndents +iled a M*ti*n +*" -us4ensi*n *+ P"*ceedin s in .ie: *+ t%e c"i1inal c*14laint +*" c*ncu3ina e Mael*tisea +iled a ainst t%e1 and t%e Petiti*n +*" Cecla"ati*n *+ Nullity *+ 1a""ia e Atty. Ja""id* +iled t* nulli+y %is 1a""ia e t* Mael*tisea 1*ti*n denied o "es4*ndents +iled a M*ti*n t* Cis1iss t%e c*14laints a+te" t%e RTC *+ MueD*n City decla"ed t%e 1a""ia e 3et:een Atty. Ja""id* and Mael*tisea Oan a3s*lute nullityP 1*ti*n denied o Mael*tisea +iled a 1*ti*n +*" t%e dis1issal *+ t%e c*14laints s%e +iled a ainst t%e "es4*ndents, a" uin t%at s%e :anted t* 1aintain +"iendly "elati*ns :it% Atty. Ja""id* 1*ti*n denied I!P#C!C "ec*11ended "es4*ndentsB dis3a"1ent /t%"u In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" Mila "*s @. -an Juan0 I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted "ec*11endati*n :it% 1*di+icati*n: o Atty. Ja""id* T DISBARRED +*" "*ss i11*"ality o Atty. @alencia T case DISMISSED +*" lac; *+ 1e"it Atty. Ja""id* a44eals t* -C a" uin : o %e did n*t c*11it any "*ss i11*"ality t%at :*uld :a""ant %is dis3a"1ent o t%e *++enses c%a" ed %a.e 4"esc"i3ed unde" t%e I!P "ules o 4leads t%at %e 3e all*:ed *n %u1anita"ian c*nside"ati*ns t* "etain %is 4"*+essi*n /al"eady *ld0 Atty. Ris*s#@idal /Ci"ect*" *+ t%e C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line0 +iled %e" C*11ent "ec*11endin a 1*di+icati*n *+ t%e 4enalty +"*1 dis3a"1ent t* "e4"i1and *n t%e "*und t%at dis3a"1ent is .e"y %a"s% c*nside"in t%at t%e 22#yea" *ld Atty. Ja""id* t**; "es4*nsi3ility +*" %is acts and t"ied t* 1end %is :ays 3y +ilin a 4etiti*n +*" decla"ati*n *+ nullity *+ %is 3i a1*us 1a""ia eA als* n* *t%e" ad1inist"ati.e case %as e.e" 3een +iled a ainst Atty. Ja""id*

Issue:

9%et%e" Atty. Ja""id* s%*uld 3e dis3a""ed.

Held: Kes. T%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s a ainst Atty. Ja""id* is ad*4ted e=ce4t +*" its "ec*11endati*n :it% "es4ect t* Atty. @alencia. Att . !arri"o la:s dealin :it% d*u3le Ee*4a"dy *" :it% 4"*cedu"e, in t%is case, 4"esc"i4ti*n *+ *++enses *" t%e +ilin *+ a++ida.its *+ desistance 3y t%e c*14lainant d* n*t a44ly in t%e dete"1inati*n *+ a la:ye"Bs $uali+icati*ns and +itness +*" 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la: is a c*14*nent *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and is a 1atte" *+ 4u3lic inte"est 3ecause it in.*l.es se".ice t* t%e 4u3lic ad1issi*n $uali+icati*ns a"e als* $uali+icati*ns +*" t%e c*ntinued enE*y1ent *+ t%e 4"i.ile e t* 4"actice la: c*14lainant in a dis3a"1ent case is n*t a di"ect 4a"ty :%*se inte"est in t%e *utc*1e *+ t%e c%a" e is :%*lly %is *" %e" *:n # %is *" %e" 4a"tici4ati*n is t%at *+ a :itness :%* 3"*u %t t%e 1atte" t* t%e attenti*n *+ t%e C*u"t t%e ti1e t%at ela4sed 3et:een t%e i11*"al acts c%a" ed and t%e +ilin *+ t%e c*14laint is n*t 1ate"ial in c*nside"in t%e $uali+icati*n *+ Atty. Ja""id* :%en %e a44lied +*" ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la:, and %is c*ntinuin $uali+icati*n t* 3e a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n t%e 4*ssessi*n *+ **d 1*"al c%a"acte" is 3*t% a c*nditi*n 4"ecedent and a c*ntinuin "e$ui"e1ent t* :a""ant ad1issi*n t* t%e 3a" and t* "etain 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e le al 4"*+essi*n ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *nly c"eates t%e "e3utta3le 4"esu14ti*n t%at t%e a44licant %as all t%e $uali+icati*ns t* 3ec*1e a la:ye" # 1ay 3e "e+uted 3y clea" and c*n.incin e.idence t* t%e c*nt"a"y e.en a+te" ad1issi*n t* t%e !a" A"ticle @III -ecti*n I/I0 *+ t%e C*nstituti*n "ec* niDes t%e disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *+ t%e C*u"t *.e" t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" t* 3e 1e"ely incidental t* t%e C*u"tLs e=clusi.e 4*:e" t* ad1it a44licants t* t%e 4"actice *+ la: -ecti*n '2, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t e=4"essly states t%at a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +"*1 %is *++ice as att*"ney 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t +*", a1*n *t%e"s, any deceit, "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct, *" .i*lati*n *+ t%e *at% t%at %e is "e$ui"ed t* ta;e 3e+*"e ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la: Mael*tiseaBs a++ida.it *+ desistance cann*t %a.e t%e e++ect *+ disc*ntinuin *" a3atin t%e dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s due t* 4u3lic se".ice c%a"acte" *+ t%e 4"actice *+ la: and t%e natu"e *+ dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s as a 4u3lic inte"est c*nce"n. Mael*tisea is 1*"e *+ a :itness t%an a c*14lainant and s%e +iled %e" a++ida.its *+ :it%d"a:al *nly a+te" s%e %ad 4"esented %e" e.idence 1a;in it a.aila3le +*" t%e C*u"tBs e=a1inati*n Immo' l con(uc" in.*l.es acts t%at a"e :ill+ul, +la "ant, *" s%a1eless, and t%at s%*: a 1*"al indi++e"ence t* t%e *4ini*n *+ t%e u4"i %t and "es4ecta3le 1e13e"s *+ t%e c*11unity. G'o$$ !mmo' l con(uc" is s* c*""u4t as t* c*nstitute a c"i1inal act, *" s* un4"inci4led as t* 3e "e4"e%ensi3le t* a %i % de "ee, *" :%en c*11itted unde" suc% scandal*us *" "e.*ltin ci"cu1stances as t* s%*c; t%e c*11unityBs sense *+ decency t%e su4"e1e 4enalty *+ dis3a"1ent a"isin +"*1 c*nduct "e$ui"es "*ssly i11*"al, n*t si14ly i11*"al c*nduct U +*" la:ye"s :%* c*nt"acted an unla:+ul sec*nd *" 1ulti4le 1a""ia es

 t%e ad1issi*ns *+ Atty. Ja""id* esta3lis%ed a 4atte"n *+ "*ss i11*"al c*nduct t%at :a""ants %is dis3a"1ent %is c*nduct :as n*t *nly c*""u4t *" un4"inci4ledA it :as "e4"e%ensi3le t* t%e %i %est de "ee Ja""id* c*11itted 1ulti4le .i*lati*ns "elatin t* t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, s4eci+ically, .i*lati*ns *+ t%e 3a" ad1issi*n "ules, *+ %is la:ye"Bs *at%, and *+ t%e et%ical "ules *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n: 6. Atty. Ja""id* ad1itted t%at %e le+t C*nstancia t* 4u"sue %is la: studiesA t%e"ea+te" and du"in t%e 1a""ia e, %e %ad "*1antic "elati*ns%i4s :it% *t%e" :*1en. He %ad t%e all t* "e4"esent t* t%is C*u"t t%at t%e study *+ la: :as %is "eas*n +*" lea.in %is :i+eA 1a""ia e and t%e study *+ la: a"e n*t 1utually e=clusi.e. '. %e 1is"e4"esented %i1sel+ t* Mael*tisea as a 3ac%el*", :%en in t"ut% %e :as al"eady 1a""ied t* C*nstancia. T%is :as a 1is"e4"esentati*n i.en as an e=cuse t* lu"e a :*1an int* a 4"*%i3ited "elati*ns%i4. 7. Atty. Ja""id* c*nt"acted %is sec*nd 1a""ia e :it% Mael*tisea n*t:it%standin t%e su3sistence *+ %is +i"st 1a""ia e. T%is :as an *4en ad1issi*n, n*t *nly *+ an ille al liais*n, 3ut *+ t%e c*11issi*n *+ a c"i1e. &. Atty. Ja""id* en a ed in an e=t"a#1a"ital a++ai" :it% Atty. @alencia :%ile %is t:* 1a""ia es :e"e in 4lace and :it%*ut ta;in int* c*nside"ati*n t%e 1*"al and e1*ti*nal i14licati*ns *+ %is acti*ns *n t%e t:* :*1en %e t**; as :i.es and *n %is 5 c%ild"en 3y %is sec*nd 1a""ia e. I. Instead *+ 1a;in le al a1ends t* .alidate %is 1a""ia e :it% Mael*tisea u4*n t%e deat% *+ C*nstancia, Atty. Ja""id* 1a""ied Atty. @alencia :%* 3*"e %i1 a dau %te". 5. Atty. Ja""id* 1isused %is le al ;n*:led e and c*n.inced Atty. @alencia /:%* :as n*t t%en a la:ye"0 t%at %e :as +"ee t* 1a""y, c*nside"in t%at %is 1a""ia e :it% Mael*tisea :as n*t O.alid.P 2. Atty. Ja""id* 1a""ied Atty. @alencia in H*n ;*n in an a44a"ent atte14t t* acc*"d le iti1acy t* a uni*n ente"ed int* :%ile an*t%e" 1a""ia e :as in 4lace. ). A+te" ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la:, Atty. Ja""id* si1ultane*usly c*%a3ited and %ad se=ual "elati*ns :it% t:* /'0 :*1en :%* at *ne 4*int :e"e 3*t% %is :edded :i.es. He als* led a d*u3le li+e :it% t:* /'0 +a1ilies +*" a 4e"i*d *+ 1*"e t%an ten /6(0 yea"s. R. Atty. Ja""id* 4etiti*ned +*" t%e nullity *+ %is 1a""ia e t* Mael*tisea. C*nt"a"y t* t%e 4*siti*n ad.anced 3y Atty. Alicia A. Ris*s#@idal, t%is :as n*t an act *+ +acin u4 t* %is "es4*nsi3ility *" an act *+ 1endin %is :ays. T%is :as an atte14t, usin %is le al ;n*:led e, t* esca4e lia3ility +*" %is 4ast acti*ns 3y %a.in %is sec*nd 1a""ia e decla"ed voi" a+te" t%e 4"esent c*14laint :as +iled a ainst %i1. He did n*t 4*ssess t%e **d 1*"al c%a"acte" "e$ui"ed *+ a la:ye" at t%e ti1e *+ %is ad1issi*n t* t%e !a". He .i*lated %is la:ye"Bs *at%, -ecti*n '(/a0 *+ Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, and Can*n 6 *+ t%e CPR, all *+ :%ic% c*11*nly "e$ui"e %i1 t* *3ey t%e la:s *+ t%e land. In 1a""yin Mael*tisea, %e c*11itted t%e c"i1e *+ 3i a1y, as %e ente"ed t%is sec*nd 1a""ia e :%ile %is +i"st 1a""ia e :it% C*nstancia :as su3sistin . He .i*lated et%ical "ules *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n, s4eci+ically, Rule 6.(6, Can*n 2, and Rule 2.(7, CPR 9%en %e .i*lated t%e la: and dist*"ted it t* cate" t* %is *:n 4e"s*nal needs and sel+is% 1*ti.es, %e disc"edited t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and c"eated t%e 4u3lic i14"essi*n t%at la:s a"e 1e"e t**ls *+ c*n.enience t%at can 3e used, 3ended and a3used t* satis+y 4e"s*nal :%i1s and desi"es. La:ye"s a"e 3*und t* 1aintain n*t *nly a %i % standa"d *+ le al 4"*+iciency, 3ut als* *+ 1*"ality, includin %*nesty, inte "ity and +ai" dealin .

La:ye"s a"e at all ti1es su3Eect t* t%e :atc%+ul 4u3lic eye and c*11unity a44"*3ati*n. Atty. Valencia Atty. @alencia s%*uld 3e ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le unde" t%e ci"cu1stances +*" "*ss i11*"ality. Mo' l c> ' c"e' is n*t a su3Eecti.e te"1 3ut *ne t%at c*""es4*nds t* *3Eecti.e "eality. T* %a.e **d 1*"al c%a"acte", a 4e"s*n 1ust %a.e t%e 4e"s*nal c%a"acte"istics *+ 3ein **d. It is n*t en*u % t%at %e *" s%e %as a **d "e4utati*n. T%e "e$ui"e1ent *+ **d 1*"al c%a"acte" %as +*u" ene"al 4u"4*ses, na1ely: /60 t* 4"*tect t%e 4u3licA /'0 t* 4"*tect t%e 4u3lic i1a e *+ la:ye"sA /70 t* 4"*tect 4"*s4ecti.e clientsA and /&0 t* 4"*tect e""ant la:ye"s +"*1 t%e1sel.es. P"i*" t* 3ec*1in a la:ye", Atty. @alencia al"eady ;ne: t%at Atty. Ja""id* :as a 1a""ied 1an /eit%e" t* C*nstancia *" t* Mael*tisea0, and t%at %e al"eady %ad a +a1ily. As Atty. Ja""id*Bs ad1itted c*n+idante, s%e :as unde" t%e 1*"al duty t* i.e %i1 4"*4e" ad.iceA instead, s%e ente"ed int* a "*1antic "elati*ns%i4 :it% %i1 +*" a3*ut 5 yea"s du"in t%e su3sistence *+ %is t:* 1a""ia es. In 6R2), s%e 1a""ied Atty. Ja""id* :it% t%e ;n*:led e t%at %e %ad an *utstandin sec*nd 1a""ia e. T%ese ci"cu1stances, t* *u" 1ind, su44*"t t%e c*nclusi*n t%at s%e lac;ed **d 1*"al c%a"acte"A e.en :it%*ut 3ein a la:ye", a 4e"s*n 4*ssessed *+ %i % 1*"al .alues, :%*se c*n+idential ad.ice :as s*u %t 3y an*t%e" :it% "es4ect t* t%e latte"Bs +a1ily 4"*3le1s, :*uld n*t a "a.ate t%e situati*n 3y ente"in int* a "*1antic liais*n :it% t%e 4e"s*n see;in ad.ice, t%e"e3y e++ecti.ely alienatin t%e *t%e" 4e"s*nBs +eelin s and a++ecti*n +"*1 %is :i+e and +a1ily. 9%ile Atty. @alencia c*ntends t%at Atty. Ja""id*Bs 1a""ia e :it% Mael*tisea :as null and .*id, t%e +act "e1ains t%at %e t**; a 1an a:ay +"*1 a :*1an :%* 3*"e %i1 si= /50 c%ild"en. O"dina"y decency :*uld %a.e "e$ui"ed %e" t* :a"d *++ Atty. Ja""id*Bs ad.ances, as %e :as a 1a""ied 1an, in +act a t:ice#1a""ied 1an :it% 3*t% 1a""ia es su3sistin at t%at ti1eA s%e s%*uld %a.e said n* t* Atty. Ja""id* +"*1 t%e .e"y sta"t. Instead, s%e c*ntinued %e" liais*n :it% Atty. Ja""id*, d"i.in %i1, u4*n t%e deat% *+ C*nstancia, a:ay +"*1 le iti1iDin %is "elati*ns%i4 :it% Mael*tisea and t%ei" c%ild"en. 9*"se t%an t%is, 3ecause *+ Atty. @alenciaBs 4"esence and :illin ness, Atty. Ja""id* e.en le+t %is sec*nd +a1ily and si= c%ild"en +*" a t%i"d 1a""ia e :it% %e". T%is scena"i* s1ac;s *+ i11*"ality e.en i+ .ie:ed *utside *+ t%e 4"is1 *+ la:. 9e a"e n*t un1ind+ul *+ Atty. @alenciaBs e=4"essed 3elie+ t%at Atty. Ja""id*Bs sec*nd 1a""ia e t* Mael*tisea :as in.alidA %ence, s%e +elt +"ee t* 1a""y Atty. Ja""id*. 9%ile t%is 1ay 3e c*""ect in t%e st"ict le al sense and :as late" *n c*n+i"1ed 3y t%e decla"ati*n *+ t%e nullity *+ Atty. Ja""id*Bs 1a""ia e t* Mael*tisea, :e d* n*t 3elie.e at all in t%e %*nesty *+ t%is e=4"essed 3elie+. T%e "ec*"ds s%*: t%at Atty. @alencia c*nsented t* 3e 1a""ied in H*n ;*n , n*t :it%in t%e c*unt"y. Ji.en t%at t%is 1a""ia e t"ans4i"ed 3e+*"e t%e decla"ati*n *+ t%e nullity *+ Atty. Ja""id*Bs sec*nd 1a""ia e, :e can *nly call t%is H*n ;*n 1a""ia e a clandestine 1a""ia e, c*nt"a"y t* t%e Fili4in* t"aditi*n *+ cele3"atin a 1a""ia e t* et%e" :it% +a1ily. Ces4ite Atty. @alenciaBs clai1 t%at s%e a "eed t* 1a""y Atty. Ja""id* *nly a+te" %e s%*:ed %e" proof of &is capacit to enter into a su'se(uent vali" marriage, t%e cele3"ati*n *+ t%ei" 1a""ia e in H*n ;*n F7RG leads us t* t%e *44*site c*nclusi*nA t%ey :anted t* 1a""y in H*n ;*n +*" t%e added secu"ity *+ a.*idin any c%a" e *+ 3i a1y 3y ente"in int* t%e su3se$uent 1a""ia e *utside P%ili44ine Eu"isdicti*n. In t%is "e a"d, :e cann*t %el4 3ut n*te t%at Atty. @alencia a+te":a"ds *4ted t* "etain and use %e" su"na1e instead *+ usin t%e su"na1e *+ %e" O%us3and.P Atty. @alencia, t**, did n*t

a44ea" t* 1ind t%at %e" %us3and did n*t li.e and c*%a3it :it% %e" unde" *ne "**+, 3ut :it% %is sec*nd :i+e and t%e +a1ily *+ t%is 1a""ia e. A44a"ently, Atty. @alencia did n*t 1ind at all Os%a"in P %e" %us3and :it% an*t%e" :*1an. T%is, t* us, is a clea" de1*nst"ati*n *+ Atty. @alenciaBs 4e".e"se sense *+ 1*"al .alues. Measu"ed a ainst t%e de+initi*n *+ "*ss i11*"ality, :e +ind Atty. @alenciaBs acti*ns "*ssly i11*"al. He" acti*ns :e"e s* c*""u4t as t* a44"*=i1ate a c"i1inal act, +*" s%e 1a""ied a 1an :%*, in all a44ea"ances, :as 1a""ied t* an*t%e" and :it% :%*1 %e %as a +a1ily. He" acti*ns :e"e als* un4"inci4led and "e4"e%ensi3le t* a %i % de "eeA as t%e c*n+idante *+ Atty. Ja""id*, s%e 4"eyed *n %is .ulne"a3ility and en a ed in a "*1antic "elati*ns%i4 :it% %i1 du"in t%e su3sistence *+ %is t:* 4"e.i*us 1a""ia es. As al"eady 1enti*ned, Atty. @alenciaBs c*nduct c*uld n*t 3ut 3e scandal*us and "e.*ltin t* t%e 4*int *+ s%*c;in t%e c*11unityBs sense *+ decencyA :%ile s%e 4"*+essed t* 3e t%e la:+ully :edded :i+e, s%e %el4ed t%e sec*nd +a1ily 3uild a %*use 4"i*" t* %e" 1a""ia e t* Atty. Ja""id*, and did n*t *3Eect t* s%a"in %e" %us3and :it% t%e :*1an *+ %is sec*nd 1a""ia e. 9e +ind t%at Atty. @alencia .i*lated Can*n 2 and Rule 2.(7 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, as %e" 3e%a.i*" de1eaned t%e di nity *+ and disc"edited t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. -%e si14ly +ailed in %e" duty as a la:ye" t* ad%e"e un:a.e"in ly t* t%e %i %est standa"ds *+ 1*"ality.F&(G In Barrientos v. )aarol,F&6G :e %eld t%at la:ye"s, as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t, 1ust n*t *nly 3e *+ **d 1*"al c%a"acte" 3ut 1ust als* 3e seen t* 3e *+ **d 1*"al c%a"acte" and 1ust lead li.es in acc*"dance :it% t%e %i %est 1*"al standa"ds *+ t%e c*11unity. Atty. @alencia +ailed t* li.e u4 t* t%ese standa"ds 3e+*"e s%e :as ad1itted t* t%e 3a" and a+te" s%e 3eca1e a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. Conclusion Me13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" is a 4"i.ile e 3u"dened :it% c*nditi*ns. As a 4"i.ile e 3est*:ed 3y la: t%"*u % t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t, 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" can 3e :it%d"a:n :%e"e ci"cu1stances c*nc"etely s%*: t%e la:ye"Bs lac; *+ t%e essential $uali+icati*ns "e$ui"ed *+ la:ye"s. 9e "es*l.e t* :it%d"a: t%is 4"i.ile e +"*1 Atty. An el E. Ja""id* and Atty. R*:ena P. @alencia +*" t%is "eas*n. In i14*sin t%e 4enalty *+ dis3a"1ent u4*n t%e "es4*ndents, :e a"e a:a"e t%at t%e 4*:e" t* dis3a" is *ne t* 3e e=e"cised :it% "eat cauti*n and *nly in clea" cases *+ 1isc*nduct t%at se"i*usly a++ects t%e standin and c%a"acte" *+ t%e la:ye" as a le al 4"*+essi*nal and as an *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t.F&'G 9e a"e c*n.inced +"*1 t%e t*tality *+ t%e e.idence *n %and t%at t%e 4"esent case is *ne *+ t%e1. T%e "ec*"ds s%*: t%e 4a"tiesB 4atte"n *+ "a.e and i11*"al 1isc*nduct t%at de1*nst"ates t%ei" lac; *+ 1ental and e1*ti*nal +itness and 1*"al c%a"acte" t* $uali+y t%e1 +*" t%e "es4*nsi3ilities and duties i14*sed *n la:ye"s as 4"*+essi*nals and as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t. 9%ile :e a"e ;eenly a:a"e *+ Atty. Ja""id*Bs 4lea +*" c*14assi*n and %is act *+ su44*"tin %is c%ild"en :it% Mael*tisea a+te" t%ei" se4a"ati*n, :e cann*t "ant %is 4lea. T%e e=tent *+ %is de1*nst"ated .i*lati*ns *+ %is *at%, t%e Rules *+ C*u"t and *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility *.e""ides :%at unde" *t%e" ci"cu1stances a"e c*11enda3le t"aits *+ c%a"acte". In li;e 1anne", Atty. @alenciaBs 3e%a.i*" *.e" a l*n 4e"i*d *+ ti1e une$ui.*cally de1*nst"ates a 3asic and se"i*us +la: in %e" c%a"acte", :%ic% :e cann*t si14ly 3"us% aside :it%*ut unde"1inin t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and :it%*ut 4lacin t%e inte "ity *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice int* $uesti*n. -%e :as

n*t an *n#l**;e" .icti1iDed 3y t%e ci"cu1stances, 3ut a :illin and ;n*:in +ull 4a"tici4ant in a l*.e t"ian le :%*se incidents c"*ssed int* t%e illicit. %4ERE8ORE, 4"e1ises c*nside"ed, t%e C*u"t "es*l.es t*: /60 DISBAR Atty. An el E. Ja""id* +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" "*ss i11*"ality, .i*lati*n *+ t%e La:ye"Bs Oat%A and .i*lati*n *+ Rule 6.(6, Can*n 2 and Rule 2.(7 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ilityA and /'0 DISBAR Atty. R*1ana P. @alencia +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" "*ss i11*"ality, .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 2 and Rule 2.(7 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e attac%ed t* t%e 4e"s*nal "ec*"ds *+ Atty. An el E. Ja""id* and Atty. R*1ana P. @alencia in t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant, and an*t%e" c*4y +u"nis%ed t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines. T%e Cle"; *+ C*u"t is di"ected t* st"i;e *ut t%e na1es *+ An:el E. G ''!(o n( RoFen 5. 3 lenc! +"*1 t%e R*ll *+ Att*"neys. SO ORDERED. A.). No. *3.. Au:u$" 2,, 200. AN0ERO J. 5OBRE, )ompl !n n", #$. Sen. MIRIAM DE8ENSOR2SAN0IAGO, Re$pon(en" 3E&AS)O, JR., J.? In %is s:*"n lette"?c*14laint dated Cece13e" '', '((5, :it% encl*su"es, Ante"* J. P*3"e in.ites t%e C*u"tBs attenti*n t* t%e +*ll*:in e=ce"4ts *+ -enat*" Mi"ia1 Ce+ens*"#-antia *Bs s4eec% deli.e"ed *n t%e -enate +l**": = = = I a1 n*t an "y. I a1 i"ate. I a1 +*a1in in t%e 1*ut%. I a1 %*1icidal. I a1 suicidal. I a1 %u1iliated, de3ased, de "aded. And I a1 n*t *nly t%at, I +eel li;e t%"*:in u4 t* 3e li.in 1y 1iddle yea"s in a c*unt"y *+ t%is natu"e. I a1 nauseated. I s4it *n t%e +ace *+ C%ie+ Justice A"te1i* Pan ani3an and %is c*%*"ts in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t, I a1 n* l*n e" inte"ested in t%e 4*siti*n F*+ C%ie+ JusticeG i+ I :as t* 3e su""*unded 3y idi*ts. I :*uld "at%e" 3e in an*t%e" en.i"*n1ent 3ut n*t in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ idi*ts = = =. T* P*3"e, t%e +*"e *in state1ents "e+lected a t*tal dis"es4ect *n t%e 4a"t *+ t%e s4ea;e" t*:a"ds t%en C%ie+ Justice A"te1i* Pan ani3an and t%e *t%e" 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t and c*nstituted di"ect c*nte14t *+ c*u"t. Acc*"din ly, P*3"e as;s t%at dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s *" *t%e" disci4lina"y acti*ns 3e ta;en a ainst t%e lady senat*". In %e" c*11ent *n t%e c*14laint dated A4"il 'I, '((2, -enat*" -antia *, t%"*u % c*unsel, d*es n*t deny 1a;in t%e a+*"e$u*ted state1ents. -%e, %*:e.e", e=4lained t%at t%*se state1ents :e"e c*.e"ed 3y t%e c*nstituti*nal 4"*.isi*n *n 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity, 3ein 4a"t *+ a s4eec% s%e deli.e"ed in t%e disc%a" e *+ %e" duty as 1e13e" *+ C*n "ess *" its c*11ittee. T%e 4u"4*se *+ %e" s4eec%, acc*"din t* %e", :as t* 3"in *ut in t%e *4en c*nt"*.e"sial an*1alies in *.e"nance :it% a .ie: t* +utu"e "e1edial le islati*n. -%e a.e""ed t%at s%e :anted t* e=4*se :%at s%e 3elie.ed Ot* 3e an unEust act *+ t%e Judicial !a" C*uncil

FJ!CG,P :%ic%, a+te" sendin *ut 4u3lic in.itati*ns +*" n*1inati*n t* t%e s**n t*#3e .acated 4*siti*n *+ C%ie+ Justice, :*uld e.entually in+*"1 a44licants t%at *nly incu13ent Eustices *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t :*uld $uali+y +*" n*1inati*n. -%e +elt t%at t%e J!C s%*uld %a.e at least i.en an ad.anced ad.is*"y t%at n*n#sittin 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t, li;e %e", :*uld n*t 3e c*nside"ed +*" t%e 4*siti*n *+ C%ie+ Justice. T%e i11unity -enat*" -antia * clai1s is "**ted 4"i1a"ily *n t%e 4"*.isi*n *+ A"ticle @I, -ecti*n 66 *+ t%e C*nstituti*n, :%ic% 4"*.ides: OA -enat*" *" Me13e" *+ t%e H*use *+ Re4"esentati.e s%all, in all *++enses 4unis%a3le 3y n*t 1*"e t%an si= yea"s i14"is*n1ent, 3e 4"i.ile ed +"*1 a""est :%ile t%e C*n "ess is in sessi*n. No mem-e' $> ll -e Gue$"!one( no' -e >el( l! -le !n n9 o">e' pl ce <o' n9 $peec> o' (e- "e !n ">e )on:'e$$ o' !n n9 comm!""ee ">e'eo< .P E=4lainin t%e i14*"t *+ t%e unde"sc*"ed 4*"ti*n *+ t%e 4"*.isi*n, t%e C*u"t, in *sme+a, Jr. v. Pen"atun, said: Ou" C*nstituti*n ens%"ines 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity :%ic% is a +unda1ental 4"i.ile e c%e"is%ed in e.e"y le islati.e asse13ly *+ t%e de1*c"atic :*"ld. As *ld as t%e En lis% Pa"lia1ent, its 4u"4*se Ois t* ena3le and enc*u"a e a "e4"esentati.e *+ t%e 4u3lic t* disc%a" e %is 4u3lic t"ust :it% +i"1ness and successP +*" Oit is indis4ensa3ly necessa"y t%at %e s%*uld enE*y t%e +ullest li3e"ty *+ s4eec% and t%at %e s%*uld 3e 4"*tected +"*1 "esent1ent *+ e.e"y *ne, %*:e.e", 4*:e"+ul, t* :%*1 t%e e=e"cise *+ t%at li3e"ty 1ay *ccasi*n *++ense.PF6G As A1e"ican Eu"is4"udence 4uts it, t%is le islati.e 4"i.ile e is +*unded u4*n l*n e=4e"ience and a"ises as a 1eans *+ 4e"4etuatin in.i*late t%e +uncti*nin 4"*cess *+ t%e le islati.e de4a"t1ent. 9it%*ut 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity, 4a"lia1ent, *" its e$ui.alent, :*uld de ene"ate int* a 4*lite and ine++ecti.e de3atin +*"u1. Le islat*"s a"e i11une +"*1 dete""ents t* t%e unin%i3ited disc%a" e *+ t%ei" le islati.e duties, n*t +*" t%ei" 4"i.ate indul ence, 3ut +*" t%e 4u3lic **d. T%e 4"i.ile e :*uld 3e *+ little .alue i+ t%ey c*uld 3e su3Eected t* t%e c*st and inc*n.enience and dist"acti*ns *+ a t"ial u4*n a c*nclusi*n *+ t%e 4leade", *" t* t%e %aDa"d *+ a Eud 1ent a ainst t%e1 3ased u4*n a Eud eBs s4eculati*n as t* t%e 1*ti.es.F'G T%is C*u"t is a:a"e *+ t%e need and %as in +act 3een in t%e +*"e+"*nt in u4%*ldin t%e instituti*n *+ 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity and 4"*1*ti*n *+ +"ee s4eec%. Neit%e" %as t%e C*u"t l*st si %t *+ t%e i14*"tance *+ t%e le islati.e and *.e"si %t +uncti*ns *+ t%e C*n "ess t%at ena3le t%is "e4"esentati.e 3*dy t* l**; dili ently int* e.e"y a++ai" *+ *.e"n1ent, in.esti ate and den*unce an*1alies, and tal; a3*ut %*: t%e c*unt"y and its citiDens a"e 3ein se".ed. C*u"ts d* n*t inte"+e"e :it% t%e le islatu"e *" its 1e13e"s in t%e 1anne" t%ey 4e"+*"1 t%ei" +uncti*ns in t%e le islati.e +l**" *" in c*11ittee "**1s. Any clai1 *+ an un:*"t%y 4u"4*se *" *+ t%e +alsity and mala fi"es *+ t%e state1ent utte"ed 3y t%e 1e13e" *+ t%e C*n "ess d*es n*t dest"*y t%e 4"i.ile e.F7G T%e disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *+ t%e asse13ly F&G and t%e .*te"s, n*t t%e c*u"ts, can 4"*4e"ly disc*u"a e *" c*""ect suc% a3uses c*11itted in t%e na1e *+ 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity.FIG F*" t%e a3*.e "eas*ns, t%e 4lea *+ -enat*" -antia * +*" t%e dis1issal *+ t%e c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent *" disci4lina"y acti*n is :ell ta;en. Indeed, %e" 4"i.ile e s4eec% is n*t acti*na3le c"i1inally *" in a disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin unde" t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. It is +elt, %*:e.e", t%at t%is c*uld n*t 3e t%e last :*"d *n t%e 1atte". T%e C*u"t :is%es t* e=4"ess its dee4 c*nce"n a3*ut t%e lan ua e -enat*" -antia *, a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", used in %e" s4eec% and its e++ect *n t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. T* t%e C*u"t, t%e lady senat*" %as und*u3tedly c"*ssed t%e li1its *+ decency and **d 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct. It is at *nce a44a"ent t%at %e" state1ents in $uesti*n :e"e inte14e"ate and %i %ly i14"*4e" in su3stance. T* "eite"ate, s%e :as $u*ted as

statin t%at s%e :anted Ot* s4it *n t%e +ace *+ C%ie+ Justice A"te1i* Pan ani3an and %is c*%*"ts in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t,P and callin t%e C*u"t a O-u4"e1e C*u"t *+ idi*ts.P T%e lady senat*" alluded t* ,n Re: #icente Sotto.F5G 9e d"a: %e" attenti*n t* t%e ensuin 4assa e in Sotto t%at s%e s%*uld %a.e ta;en t* %ea"t in t%e +i"st 4lace: = = = FIG+ t%e 4e*4le l*se t%ei" c*n+idence in t%e %*nesty and inte "ity *+ t%is C*u"t and 3elie.e t%at t%ey cann*t e=4ect Eustice t%e"e+"*1, t%ey 1i %t 3e d"i.en t* ta;e t%e la: int* t%ei" *:n %ands, and dis*"de" and 4e"%a4s c%a*s :*uld 3e t%e "esult. N* la:ye" :%* %as ta;en an *at% t* 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts s%*uld 3e all*:ed t* e"*de t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% in t%e Eudicia"y. In t%is case, t%e lady senat*" clea"ly .i*lated Can*n ), Rule ).(6 and Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% "es4ecti.ely 4"*.ide: Can*n ), Rule ).(6.>>A la:ye" s%all n*t, in %is 4"*+essi*nal dealin s, use lan ua e :%ic% is a3usi.e, *++ensi.e *" *t%e":ise i14"*4e". Can*n 66.>>A la:ye" s%all *3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts and t* t%e Eudicial *++ice"s and s%*uld insist *n si1ila" c*nduct 3y *t%e"s. -enat*"?Atty. -antia * is a cut %i %e" t%an 1*st la:ye"s. He" ac%ie.e1ents s4ea; +*" t%e1sel.es. -%e :as a +*"1e" Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t Eud e, a la: 4"*+ess*", an *+t#cited aut%*"ity *n c*nstituti*nal and inte"nati*nal la:, an aut%*" *+ nu1e"*us la: te=t3**;s, and an elected senat*" *+ t%e land. Needless t* st"ess, -enat*" -antia *, as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" and *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, li;e any *t%e", is duty#3*und t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t and t* 1aintain t%e "es4ect due its 1e13e"s. La:ye"s in 4u3lic se".ice a"e ;ee4e"s *+ 4u3lic +ait% and a"e 3u"dened :it% t%e %i %e" de "ee *+ s*cial "es4*nsi3ility, 4e"%a4s %i %e" t%an t%ei" 3"et%"en in 4"i.ate 4"actice.F2G -enat*" -antia * s%*uld %a.e ;n*:n, as any 4e"ce4ti.e indi.idual, t%e i14act %e" state1ents :*uld 1a;e *n t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e c*u"ts. As -enat*" -antia * alle ed, s%e deli.e"ed %e" 4"i.ile e s4eec% as a 4"elude t* c"a+tin "e1edial le islati*n *n t%e J!C. T%is alle ati*n st"i;es t%e C*u"t as an a+te"t%*u %t in li %t *+ t%e insultin ten*" *+ :%at s%e said. 9e $u*te t%e 4assa e *nce 1*"e: = = = I a1 n*t an "y. I a1 i"ate. I a1 +*a1in in t%e 1*ut%. I a1 %*1icidal. I a1 suicidal. I a1 %u1iliated, de3ased, de "aded. And I a1 n*t *nly t%at, I +eel li;e t%"*:in u4 t* 3e li.in 1y 1iddle yea"s in a c*unt"y *+ t%is natu"e. I a1 nauseated. I s4it *n t%e +ace *+ C%ie+ Justice A"te1i* Pan ani3an and %is c*%*"ts in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t, I a1 n* l*n e" inte"ested in t%e 4*siti*n F*+ C%ie+ JusticeG i+ I :as t* 3e su""*unded 3y idi*ts. I:*uld "at%e" 3e in an*t%e" en.i"*n1ent 3ut n*t in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ idi*ts = = =. /E14%asis *u"s.0 A ca"e+ul "e#"eadin *+ %e" utte"ances :*uld "eadily s%*: t%at %e" state1ents :e"e e=4"essi*ns *+ 4e"s*nal an e" and +"ust"ati*n at n*t 3ein c*nside"ed +*" t%e 4*st *+ C%ie+ Justice. In a sense, t%e"e+*"e, %e" "e1a";s :e"e *utside t%e 4ale *+ %e" *++icial 4a"lia1enta"y +uncti*ns. E.en 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity 1ust n*t 3e all*:ed t* 3e used as a .e%icle t* "idicule, de1ean, and dest"*y t%e "e4utati*n *+ t%e C*u"t and its 1a ist"ates, n*" as a"1*" +*" 4e"s*nal :"at% and dis ust. Aut%*"ities a"e a "eed t%at 4a"lia1enta"y i11unity

is n*t an indi.idual 4"i.ile e acc*"ded t%e indi.idual 1e13e"s *+ t%e Pa"lia1ent *" C*n "ess +*" t%ei" 4e"s*nal 3ene+it, 3ut "at%e" a 4"i.ile e +*" t%e 3ene+it *+ t%e 4e*4le and t%e instituti*n t%at "e4"esents t%e1. T* 3e su"e, -enat*" -antia * c*uld %a.e i.en .ent t* %e" an e" :it%*ut indul in in insultin "%et*"ic and *++ensi.e 4e"s*nalities. Lest it 3e *.e"l**;ed, -enat*" -antia *Bs *ut3u"st :as di"ectly t"acea3le t* :%at s%e c*nside"ed as an OunEust actP t%e J!C %ad ta;en in c*nnecti*n :it% %e" a44licati*n +*" t%e 4*siti*n *+ C%ie+ Justice. !ut :%ile t%e J!C +uncti*ns unde" t%e C*u"tBs su4e".isi*n, its indi.idual 1e13e"s, sa.e 4e"%a4s +*" t%e C%ie+ Justice :%* sits as t%e J!CBs e--officio c%ai"4e"s*n,F)G %a.e n* *++icial duty t* n*1inate candidates +*" a44*int1ent t* t%e 4*siti*n *+ C%ie+ Justice. T%e C*u"t is, t%us, at a l*ss t* unde"stand -enat*" -antia *Bs :%*lesale and indisc"i1inate assault *n t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t and %e" c%*ice *+ c"itical and de+a1at*"y :*"ds a ainst all *+ t%e1. At any e.ent, e$ually i14*"tant as t%e s4eec% and de3ate clause *+ A"t. @I, -ec. 66 *+ t%e C*nstituti*n is -ec. I/I0 *+ A"t. @III *+ t%e C*nstituti*n t%at 4"*.ides: -ecti*n I. T%e -u4"e1e C*u"t s%all %a.e t%e +*ll*:in 4*:e"s: = = = = /I0 P"*1ul ate "ules c*nce"nin t%e 4"*tecti*n and en+*"ce1ent *+ c*nstituti*nal "i %ts, 4leadin , 4"actice, and 4"*cedu"e in all c*u"ts, t%e ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ t%e la:, ">e In"e:' "e( B ', and le al assistance t* t%e unde"4"i.ile ed. /E14%asis *u"s.0 T%e C*u"t, 3esides 3ein aut%*"iDed t* 4"*1ul ate "ules c*nce"nin 4leadin , 4"actice, and 4"*cedu"e in all c*u"ts, e=e"cises s4eci+ic aut%*"ity t* 4"*1ul ate "ules *.e"nin t%e Inte "ated !a" :it% t%e end in .ie: t%at t%e inte "ati*n *+ t%e !a" :ill, a1*n *t%e" t%in s: /&0 -%ield t%e Eudicia"y, :%ic% t"aditi*nally cann*t de+end itsel+ e=ce4t :it%in its *:n +*"u1, +"*1 t%e assaults t%at 4*litics and sel+ inte"est 1ay le.el at it, and assist it t* 1aintain its inte "ity, i14a"tiality and inde4endenceA = = = = /660 En+*"ce "i id et%ical standa"ds = = =.FRG In Re: Letter )ate" ./ 0e'ruar .112 of Att . Noel S. Sorre"a ,F6(G :e "eite"ated *u" 4"*n*unce1ent in R&eem of t&e P&ilippines v. 0errerF66G t%at t%e duty *+ att*"neys t* t%e c*u"ts can *nly 3e 1aintained 3y "ende"in n* se".ice in.*l.in any dis"es4ect t* t%e Eudicial *++ice :%ic% t%ey a"e 3*und t* u4%*ld. T%e C*u"t :"*te in R&eem of t&e P&ilippines: = = = As e=4licit is t%e +i"st can*n *+ le al et%ics :%ic% 4"*n*unces t%at OFiGt is t%e duty *+ a la:ye" t* 1aintain t*:a"ds t%e C*u"ts a "es4ect+ul attitude, n*t +*" t%e sa;e *+ t%e te14*"a"y incu13ent *+ t%e Eudicial *++ice, 3ut +*" t%e 1aintenance *+ its su4"e1e i14*"tance.P T%at sa1e can*n, as a c*"*lla"y, 1a;es it 4eculia"ly incu13ent u4*n la:ye"s t* su44*"t t%e c*u"ts a ainst OunEust c"iticis1 and cla1*".P And 1*"e. T%e att*"neyBs *at% s*le1nly 3inds %i1 t* a c*nduct t%at s%*uld 3e O:it% all **d +idelity = = = t* t%e c*u"ts.P

Als*, in Sorre"a, t%e C*u"t "e.isited its %*ldin $lori'elF6'G t%at:

in Surigao 3ineral Reservation Boar" v.

A la:ye" is an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"tsA %e is, Oli;e t%e c*u"t itsel+, an inst"u1ent *" a ency t* ad.ance t%e ends *+ Eustice.P His duty is t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%e c*u"ts t* :%ic% %e *:es +idelity, On*t t* 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.P Fait% in t%e c*u"ts, a la:ye" s%*uld see; t* 4"ese".e. F*", t* unde"1ine t%e Eudicial edi+ice Ois disast"*us t* t%e c*ntinuity *+ *.e"n1ent and t* t%e attain1ent *+ t%e li3e"ties *+ t%e 4e*4le.P T%us %as it 3een said *+ a la:ye" t%at OFaGs an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, it is %is s:*"n and 1*"al duty t* %el4 3uild and n*t dest"*y unnecessa"ily t%at %i % estee1 and "e a"d t*:a"ds t%e c*u"ts s* essential t* t%e 4"*4e" ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.PF67G T%e lady senat*" 3el*n s t* t%e le al 4"*+essi*n 3*und 3y t%e e=actin inEuncti*n *+ a st"ict C*de. -*ciety %as ent"usted t%at 4"*+essi*n :it% t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ t%e la: and dis4ensati*n *+ Eustice. Jene"ally s4ea;in , a la:ye" %*ldin a *.e"n1ent *++ice 1ay n*t 3e disci4lined as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" +*" 1isc*nduct c*11itted :%ile in t%e disc%a" e *+ *++icial duties, unless said 1isc*nduct als* c*nstitutes a .i*lati*n *+ %is?%e" *at% as a la:ye".F6&G La:ye"s 1ay 3e disci4lined e.en +*" any c*nduct c*11itted in t%ei" 4"i.ate ca4acity, as l*n as t%ei" 1isc*nduct "e+lects t%ei" :ant *+ 4"*3ity *" **d de1ean*", F6IG a **d c%a"acte" 3ein an essential $uali+icati*n +*" t%e ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la: and +*" c*ntinuance *+ suc% 4"i.ile e. 9%en t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility *" t%e Rules *+ C*u"t s4ea;s *+ Oc*nductP *" O1isc*nduct,P t%e "e+e"ence is n*t c*n+ined t* *neBs 3e%a.i*" e=%i3ited in c*nnecti*n :it% t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ la:ye"sB 4"*+essi*nal duties, 3ut als* c*.e"s any 1isc*nduct, :%ic%>>al3eit un"elated t* t%e actual 4"actice *+ t%ei" 4"*+essi*n>>:*uld s%*: t%e1 t* 3e un+it +*" t%e *++ice and un:*"t%y *+ t%e 4"i.ile es :%ic% t%ei" license and t%e la: in.est in t%e1. F65G T%is C*u"t, in its unceasin $uest t* 4"*1*te t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% in c*u"ts and t"ust in t%e "ule *+ la:, %as c*nsistently e=e"cised its disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *n la:ye"s :%*, +*" 1ale.*lent 4u"4*se *" 4e"s*nal 1alice, atte14t t* *3st"uct t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice, t"i+le :it% t%e inte "ity *+ c*u"ts, and e13a""ass *", :*"se, 1ali n t%e 1en and :*1en :%* c*14*se t%e1. 9e %a.e d*ne it in t%e case *+ +*"1e" -enat*" @icente -*tt* in Sotto, in t%e case *+ Atty. N*el -*""eda in Sorre"a, and in t%e case *+ Atty. F"ancisc* !. C"uD in 4acor"an v. AngF62G :%* "e4eatedly insulted and t%"eatened t%e C*u"t in a 1*st ins*lent 1anne". T%e C*u"t is n*t %esitant t* i14*se s*1e +*"1 *+ disci4lina"y sancti*ns *n -enat*"?Atty. -antia * +*" :%at *t%e":ise :*uld %a.e c*nstituted an act *+ utte" dis"es4ect *n %e" 4a"t t*:a"ds t%e C*u"t and its 1e13e"s. T%e +actual and le al ci"cu1stances *+ t%is case, %*:e.e", dete" t%e C*u"t +"*1 d*in s*, e.en :it%*ut any si n *+ "e1*"se +"*1 %e". !asic c*nstituti*nal c*nside"ati*n dictates t%is ;ind *+ dis4*siti*n. 9e, %*:e.e", :*uld 3e "e1iss in *u" duty i+ :e let t%e -enat*"Bs *++ensi.e and dis"es4ect+ul lan ua e t%at de+initely tended t* deni "ate t%e instituti*n 4ass 3y. It is i14e"ati.e *n *u" 4a"t t* "e#instill in -enat*"?Atty. -antia * %e" duty t* "es4ect c*u"ts *+ Eustice, es4ecially t%is T"i3unal, and "e1ind %e" ane: t%at t%e 4a"lia1enta"y n*n#acc*unta3ility t%us "anted t* 1e13e"s *+ C*n "ess is n*t t* 4"*tect t%e1 a ainst 4"*secuti*ns <o' ">e!' oFn -ene<!", 3ut t* ena3le t%e1, as t%e 4e*4leBs "e4"esentati.es, t* 4e"+*"1 t%e +uncti*ns *+ t%ei" *++ice :it%*ut +ea" *+ 3ein 1ade "es4*nsi3le 3e+*"e t%e c*u"ts *" *t%e" +*"u1s *utside t%e

c*n "essi*nal %all.F6)G It is intended t* 4"*tect 1e13e"s *+ C*n "ess a ainst *.e"n1ent 4"essu"e and inti1idati*n ai1ed at in+luencin t%e decisi*n#1a;in 4"e"* ati.es *+ C*n "ess and its 1e13e"s. T%e Rules *+ t%e -enate itsel+ c*ntains a 4"*.isi*n *n 5nparliamentar Acts an" Language t%at enE*ins a -enat*" +"*1 usin , unde" any ci"cu1stance, O*++ensi.e *" i14"*4e" lan ua e a ainst an*t%e" -enat*" *" : !n$" n9 pu-l!c !n$"!"u"!on.PF6RG !ut as t* -enat*" -antia *Bs un4a"lia1enta"y "e1a";s, t%e -enate P"esident %ad n*t a44a"ently called %e" t* *"de", let al*ne "e+e""ed t%e 1atte" t* t%e -enate Et%ics C*11ittee +*" a44"*4"iate disci4lina"y acti*n, as t%e Rules dictates unde" suc% ci"cu1stance. F'(G T%e lady senat*" clea"ly .i*lated t%e "ules *+ %e" *:n c%a13e". It is un+*"tunate t%at %e" 4ee"s 3ent 3ac;:a"ds and a.*ided i14*sin t%ei" *:n "ules *n %e".

C*"de"*Bs :i+e t%us +iled a c*14laint :it% t%e !u"eau *+ F**d and C"u /!FAC0. La3*"at*"y e=a1inati*n c*n+i"1ed t%e 4"esence *+ 4a"asites in t%e Li.e" s4"ead.

Ad1inist"ati*n

Pu"suant t* J*int CTI#COH#CA Ad1inist"ati.e O"de" N*. 6, -e"ies *+ 6RR7, t%e !FAC c*nducted a c*nciliati*n %ea"in *n July '2, '((& du"in :%ic% t%e s4*uses C*"de"* de1anded P6I(,((( as da1a es +"*1 c*14lainant. C*14lainant "e+used t* %eed t%e de1and, %*:e.e", as 3ein in c*nt"a.enti*n *+ c*14any 4*licy and, in any e.ent, O*ut"a e*us.P C*14lainant instead *++e"ed t* "etu"n actual 1edical and incidental e=4enses incu""ed 3y t%e C*"de"*s as l*n as t%ey :e"e su44*"ted 3y "ecei4ts, 3ut t%e *++e" :as tu"ned d*:n. And t%e C*"de"*s t%"eatened t* 3"in t%e 1atte" t* t%e attenti*n *+ t%e 1edia. C*14lainant :as late" "e$ui"ed 3y t%e !FAC t* +ile its Ans:e" t* t%e c*14laint. In t%e 1eanti1e *" *n Au ust 5, '((&, "es4*ndent sent c*14lainant .ia +a= a c*4y *+ t%e +"*nt 4a e *+ t%e :*uld#3e Au ust 6(# 65, '((& issue *+ t%e ta3l*id Balitang Patas BA4AS, @*l. 6, N*. 6'F'G :%ic% c*14lainant +*und t* c*ntain a"ticles 1ali nin , disc"editin and i14utin .ices and de+ects t* it and its 4"*ducts. Res4*ndent t%"eatened t* 4u3lis% t%e a"ticles unless c*14lainant a.e in t* t%e P6I(,((( de1and *+ t%e C*"de"*s. C*14lainant t%e"eu4*n "eite"ated its c*unte"#*++e" ea"lie" c*n.eyed t* t%e C*"de"*s, 3ut "es4*ndent tu"ned it d*:n. Res4*ndent late" 4"*4*sed t* settle t%e 1atte" +*" PI(,(((, P6I,((( *+ :%ic% :*uld * t* t%e C*"de"*s and P7I,((( t* %isBA4AS F*undati*n. And "es4*ndent di"ected c*14lainant t* 4lace 4aid ad.e"tise1ents in t%e ta3l*ids and tele.isi*n 4"* "a1. T%e C*"de"*s e.entually +*" ed a 6AS5N)5ANF7G see;in t%e :it%d"a:al *+ t%ei" c*14laint 3e+*"e t%e !FAC. T%e !FAC t%us dis1issed t%e c*14laint.F&G Res4*ndent, :%* a++i=ed %is si natu"e t* t%e 6AS5N)5AN as a :itness, late" :"*te in *ne *+ %is a"ticles?c*lu1ns in a ta3l*id t%at %e 4"e4a"ed t%e d*cu1ent. On Au ust 66, '((&, "es4*ndent sent c*14lainant an Ad.e"tisin C*nt"act FIG as;in c*14lainant t* ad.e"tise in t%e ta3l*idBalitang Patas BA4AS +*" its ne=t '& :ee;ly issues at P6I,((( 4e" issue *" a t*tal a1*unt *+ P75(,(((, and a P"* "a1 P"*+ile F5G *+ t%e tele.isi*n 4"* "a1 6A6A3P, 3* AN! BA4AS als* as;in c*14lainant t* 4lace s4*t ad.e"tise1ents :it% t%e +*ll*:in "ate ca"ds: /a0 s4*t 3uy 6I#sec*nd T@C at P&,(((A /30 s4*t 3uy 7(#sec*nd T@C at P2,2((A and /c0 seas*n 3uy F67 e4is*des, '5 s4*tsG *+ 7(#sec*nd T@C +*" P67(,(((. As a si n *+ **d:ill, c*14lainant *++e"ed t* 3uy t%"ee +ull#4a e ad.e"tise1ents in t%e ta3l*id a1*untin t* P&I,((( atP6I,((( 4e" ad.e"tise1ent, and t%"ee s4*ts *+ 7(#sec*nd T@C in t%e tele.isi*n 4"* "a1 at P2,2(( eac% *" a t*tal *+ P'7,6((. Actin *n c*14lainantBs *++e", "es4*ndent "elayed t* it t%at %e and %is E=ecuti.e P"*duce" :e"e disa44*inted :it% t%e *++e" and t%"eatened t* 4"*ceed :it% t%e 4u3licati*n *+ t%e a"ticles?c*lu1ns.F2G On Au ust '), '((&, "es4*ndent, in %is "adi* 4"* "a1 C*u3le !# BA4AS N! BA9AN at "adi* stati*n CV!!, ann*unced t%e %*ldin *+ a su44*sed c*ntest s4*ns*"ed 3y said 4"* "a1, :%ic% ann*unce1ent :as t"ansc"i3ed as +*ll*:s:

Finally, t%e lady senat*" $uesti*ns P*3"eBs 1*ti.es in +ilin %is c*14laint, statin t%at disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s 1ust 3e unde"ta;en s*lely +*" t%e 4u3lic :el+a"e. 9e cann*t a "ee :it% %e" 1*"e. 9e cann*t *.e"st"ess t%at t%e senat*"Bs use *+ inte14e"ate lan ua e t* de1ean and deni "ate t%e %i %est c*u"t *+ t%e land is a clea" .i*lati*n *+ t%e duty *+ "es4ect la:ye"s *:e t* t%e c*u"ts.F'6G Finally, t%e -enat*" asse"ts t%at c*14lainant P*3"e %as +ailed t* 4"*.e t%at s%e in +act 1ade t%e state1ents in $uesti*n. -u++ice it t* say in t%is "e a"d t%at, alt%*u % s%e %as n*t cate *"ically denied 1a;in suc% state1ents, s%e %as une$ui.*cally said 1a;in t%e1 as 4a"t *+ %e" 4"i.ile e s4eec%. He" i14lied ad1issi*n is **d en*u % +*" t%e C*u"t. %4ERE8ORE, t%e lette"#c*14laint *+ Ante"* J. P*3"e a ainst -enat*"?Atty. Mi"ia1 Ce+ens*"# -antia * is, c*n+*"1a3ly t* A"t. @I, -ec. 66 *+ t%e C*nstituti*n, DISMISSED. SO ORDERED. A.). No. *1.. FF*"1e"ly C!C (&#67)5G July '', '((R 8OODS54ERE, IN)., $omplainant, .s. A00/. ME&ANIO &. MAURI)IO, JR., Respon"ent. )AR5IO MORA&ES, J.? F**ds4%e"e, Inc. /c*14lainant0, a c*"4*"ati*n en a ed in t%e 3usiness *+ 1eat 4"*cessin and 1anu+actu"e and dist"i3uti*n *+ canned **ds and "*ce"y 4"*ducts unde" t%e 3"and na1e OCCO,P +iled a @e"i+ied C*14laintF6G +*" dis3a"1ent 3e+*"e t%e C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line /C!C0 *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 a ainst Atty. Melani* L. Mau"ici*, J"., 4*4ula"ly ;n*:n as O!atas Mau"ici*P /"es4*ndent0, a :"ite"?c*lu1nist *+ ta3l*ids includin Balitang Patas BA4AS, Bagong 4,64,6, 4*R*and %A4A78, and a %*st *+ a tele.isi*n 4"* "a1 6A6A3P, 3* AN! BA4AS telecast *.e" UNT@ and *+ a "adi* 4"* "a1 )ou'le B-BA4AS N! BA9AN ai"ed *.e" CV!!, +*" /60 "*ssly i11*"al c*nductA /'0 .i*lati*n *+ la:ye"Bs *at% and /70 dis"es4ect t* t%e c*u"ts and t* in.esti atin 4"*secut*"s. T%e +acts t%at s4a:ned t%e +ilin *+ t%e c*14laint a"e as +*ll*:s: On June '', '((&, a ce"tain Al3e"t* C*"de"* /C*"de"*0 4u"4*"tedly 3*u %t +"*1 a "*ce"y in @alenDuela City canned **ds includin a can *+ CCO Li.e" s4"ead. On June '2, '((&, as C*"de"* and %is "elati.es :e"e eatin 3"ead :it% t%e CCO Li.e" s4"ead, t%ey +*und t%e s4"ead t* 3e s*u" and s**n disc*.e"ed a c*l*ny *+ :*"1s inside t%e can.

:*6, at meron a;ong pa-contest, total magpapas;o na o &a, meron pacontest si Batas 3auricio ang Batas ng Ba an. ,to ung ating pa-contest, &ulaan nin o, tatawag ;a o sa telepono, <==->2<? at <==->22=. Ang mga prem o 'a'anggitin po natin sa susuno" pero ito muna ang contest, o, @aling liver spread ang may uodAB 9an ;ita nin o an, a an malalaman nin o an. Pag;a-na&ulaan an a&, at sasagot ;a o sa a;in, aling liver spread ang may uod at anong companya ang gumagawa nyan ,tawag po nin o sa <==->2<? st <==->22=. *pen po anCgD contest na ito sa la&at ng ating tagapa;inig. Pipiliin natin ang mananalo, ;ung tama ang in ong sagot. Ang tanong! aling liver spread sa Pilipinas an"g# may uod F)G /E14%asis and italics in t%e *"i inalA unde"sc*"in su44lied0 And "es4*ndent :"*te in %is c*lu1ns in t%e ta3l*ids a"ticles :%ic% 4ut c*14lainant in 3ad li %t. T%us, in t%e Au ust 76# -e4te13e" 5, '((& issue *+ Balitang Patas BA4AS, %e :"*te an a"ticle ca4ti*ned :6A),R, AN! $)* L,#ER SPREA) WP In an*t%e" a"ticle, %e :"*te :,BA PAN! PR*)564* N! $)* S,L,P,N8E FRG :%ic% a44ea"ed in t%e sa1e 4u3licati*n in its -e4te13e" 2#67, '((& issue. And still in t%e sa1e 4u3licati*n, its -e4te13e" 6&#'(, '((& issue, %e :"*te an*t%e" a"ticle entitled O)APA4 BAN! P,!,L,N AN! $)*.PF6(G Res4*ndent c*ntinued %is ti"ade a ainst c*14lainant in %is c*lu1n LA!,N! %AN)A 4u3lis%ed in an*t%e" ta3l*id, BA!*N! 4,64,6, :it% t%e +*ll*:in a"ticles:F66G /a0 :5o" sa liver sprea",E Set em're F, .11< G4aon >, Blg..>FHIF6'G /30 :5o", itinanggi ng $)*,E Set em're >, .11< G4aon >, Blg..>>HI F67G /c0 :Pagpapatigil sa $)*,E Set em're J, .11< G4aon >, Blg..>JHI F6&G /d0:5o" sa liver sprea" ;umpirma"o,E Set em're ?, .11< G4aon >, Blg..>?HAF6IG /e0 :Sala sa ng na;a;ain ng uo",E Set em're /1, .11< G4aon >, Blg..J1HIF65G /+0 :6aso #S. $)* itinulo ,E Set em're //, .11< G4aon >, Blg..J/HI F62G / 0 O6asong 6i"napping la'an sa $)* guar"s,E Set em're /<, .11< G4aon >, Blg..J<HIF6)G /%0 :Brutali"a" ng $)* guar"s,E Set em're /2, .11< G4aon >, Blg..J2HIF6RG /i0 :$)* guar"s pina'a'anatan sa PNP,E Set em're />, .11< G4aon >, Blg..J>HIF'(G /E0:3a uo" na $)* liver sprea" sa Puregol" 'inili,E Set em're /J, .11< G4aon >, Blg..JJHIF'6G /;0 :)espera"o na ang $)*,ESet em're .1, .11< G4aon >, Blg..?1HIF''G /l0 :Att . Rufus Ro"rigueK puma"rino sa $)*,E Set em're ./, .11< G4aon >,Blg. .?/HIF'7G /10 :6asun"uan ng $)* at Pamil a $or"ero,E Set em're .., .11< G4aon >,Blg. .?.HIF'&G /n0 :Ba;it nag'a a" ng P21 li'o ang $)*,E Set em're .=, .11< G4aon >,Blg. .?=H.F'IG In %is -e4te13e" ), '((& c*lu1n :Anggulo ng BatasE 4u3lis%ed in %ataw8, "es4*ndent :"*te an a"ticle :Rea;s on pa sa uo" ng $)* Liver Sprea".EF'5G And "es4*ndent, in se.e"al e4is*des in -e4te13e" '((& *+ %is tele.isi*n 4"* "a1 6a;ampi 3o ang Batas ai"ed *.e" UNT@, "e4eatedly c*14lained *+ :%at c*14lainant clai1ed t* 3e t%e Osa1e 3aseless and 1alici*us alle ati*ns?issuesP a ainst it.F'2G C*14lainant t%us +iled c"i1inal c*14laints a ainst "es4*ndent and se.e"al *t%e"s +*" Li3el and T%"eatenin t* Pu3lis% Li3el unde" A"ticles 7I7 and 7I5 *+ t%e Re.ised Penal C*de 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ MueD*n City and @alenDuela City. T%e c*14laints :e"e 4endin at %e ti1e *+ t%e +ilin *+ t%e 4"esent ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint.F')G In t%e c"i1inal c*14laints 4endin 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ @alenDuela City, d*c;eted as I.-. N*s. @#(&#'R62#'R77, "es4*ndent +iled %is Entr of Appearance wit& %ig&l 5rgent 3otion to Elevate 4&ese $ases to t&e )epartment of Justice,F'RG alle in : = = = =

'.N. T%e $uesti*n %e"e is t%is: 9%at i.es, H*n*"a3le /<<<0 P"*secut*"s *+ t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ @alenDuela City< = = = = '.R. Can an *"dina"y 4e"s*n li;e @illa"eD si14ly 3e t*ssed a"*und, :aitin +*" 1i"acles t* %a44en< '.-. 9%y< H*: 1uc% 1i"acle is needed t* %a44en %e"e 3e+*"e t%is O++ice :*uld e.e" act *n %is c*14laint< = = = = ). 9it% a City P"*secut*" actin t%e :ay %e did in t%e case +iled 3y @illa"eD, and :it% an in.esti atin 4"*secut*" .i"tually ;*:t*:in t* t%e :is%es *+ %is 3*ss, t%e C%ie+ P"*secut*", can Res4*ndents e=4ect Eustice t* 3e 1eted t* t%e1< R. 9it% ut1*st due "es4ect, Res4*ndents %a.e "eas*n t* 3elie.e t%at Eustice :*uld elude t%e1 in t%is O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ @alenDuela City, n*t 3ecause *+ t%e inEustice *+ t%ei" cause, 3ut, 1*"e i14*"tantly, 3ecause *+ t%e inEustice *+ t%e syste1A 6(. C*u4le all *+ t%ese :it% "e4*"ts t%at 1any a *.e"n1ent *++ice in @alenDuela City %ad 3een t%e :illin "eci4ient *+ t** 1any ene"*sities in t%e 4ast *+ t%e C*14lainant, and als* :it% "e4*"ts t%at a t*4 *++icial *+ t%e City %ad ca14ai ned +*" %is 1uc% c*.eted 4*siti*n in t%e 4ast dist"i3utin 4"*ducts *+ t%e C*14lainant, :%at :*uld *ne e=4ect t%e Res4*ndents t* t%in;< 66. O+ c*u"se, n*t t* 3e l*st si %t *+ %e"e is t%e attitude and 3e%a.i*" dis4layed e.en 3y 1e"e sta++ and unde"lin s *+ t%is O++ice t* 4e*4le :%* da"e c*14lain a ainst t%e C*14lainant in t%ei" "es4ecti.e tu"+s. Pe"%a4s, t*4 *++icials *+ t%is O++ice s%*uld in.esti ate and as; t%ei" ass*ciates and "elati.es inc* nit* t* +ile, e.en i+ *n a 4a;un:a"i 3asis *nly, c*14laints a ainst t%e C*14lainant, and t%ey :*uld su"ely 3e i.en t%e sa1e "*u % and insultin t"eat1ent t%at Res4*ndent @illa"eD *t :%en %e +iled %is ;idna44in c%a" e %e"eAF7(G And in a M*ti*n t* Cis1iss Ft%e caseG +*" Lac; *+ Ju"isdicti*n F76G :%ic% "es4*ndent +iled, as c*unsel +*" %is t%e"ein c*#"es4*ndents#sta++e"s *+ t%e ne:s4a4e" %ataw8, 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ @alenDuela City, "es4*ndent alle ed: = = = = I. I+ t%e C*14lainant *" its la:ye" me'el9 u$e( e#en l!""le o< F> "e#e' !$ !n$!(e ">e!' ">!cC $Cull$, t%ey :*uld %a.e clea"ly deduced t%at t%is O++ice %as n* Eu"isdicti*n *.e" t%is acti*n.F7'G /E14%asis su44lied0 = = = = Mean:%ile, *n Oct*3e" '5, '((&, c*14lainant +iled a ci.il case a ainst "es4*ndent and se.e"al *t%e"s, d*c;eted as Ci.il Case N*. '&R#@#(&, F77G 3e+*"e t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t, @alenDuela City and "a++led t* !"anc% 2I t%e"e*+. T%e 4endin cases a ainst %i1 and t%e issuance *+ a status (uo *"de" n*t:it%standin , "es4*ndent c*ntinued t* 4u3lis% a"ticles a ainst c*14lainantF7&G and t* 1ali n c*14lainant t%"*u % %is tele.isi*n s%*:s.

Actin *n t%e 4"esent ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint, t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 ca1e u4 :it% t%e +*ll*:in +indin s in %is Oct*3e" I, '((I Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n:F7IG I. ====

U" ent M*ti*n t* Ele.ate T%ese Cases T* t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ JusticeP. In said 4leadin , "es4*ndent 1ade t%e +*ll*:in state1ents: = = = = T%e a3*.e lan ua e e14l*yed 3y "es4*ndent und*u3tedly casts as4e"si*ns *n t%e inte "ity *+ t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" and all t%e P"*secut*"s c*nnected :it% said O++ice. Res4*ndent clea"ly assailed t%e i14a"tiality and +ai"ness *+ t%e said O++ice in %andlin cases +iled 3e+*"e it and did n*t e.en desi n t* su31it any e.idence t* su3stantiate said :ild alle ati*ns. T%e use 3y "es4*ndent *+ t%e a3*.e#$u*ted lan ua e in %is 4leadin s is 1ani+estly .i*lati.e *+ Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% 4"*.ides: OA la:ye" FsG%all F*G3se".e and F1Gaintain FtG%e F"eGs4ect FdGue FtG* FtG%e FcG*u"ts FaGnd FtG* FEGudicial F*G++ice"s FaGnd FsG%*uld FiGnsist F*Gn FsGi1ila" FcG*nduct F3Gy F*Gt%e"s.P

In Ci.il Case N*. '&R#@#(& entitled OF**ds4%e"e, Inc. .s. Atty. FMelani*G Mau"ici*, et al.P, t%e O"de" dated 6( Cece13e" '((& /Anne= O *+ t%e C*14laint0 :as issued 3y P"esidin Jud e Ci*nisi* C. -is*n :%ic% in 4a"t "eads: OAnent t%e 4lainti++Bs 4"aye" +*" t%e issuance *+ a te14*"a"y "est"ainin *"de" included in t%e instant 4lainti++Bs 1*ti*n, t%is C*u"t, inas1uc% as t%e de+endants +ailed t* a44ea" in c*u"t *" +ile an *44*siti*n t%e"et*, is c*nst"ained t* JRANT t%e said 4lainti++Bs 4"ate", as it is JRANTEC, in *"de" t* 1aintain -TATU- MUO, and t%at all t%e de+endants, t%ei" a ents, "e4"esentati.es *" any 4e"s*n actin +*" and in 3e%al+ a"e %e"e3y "est"ained?enE*ined +"*1 +u"t%e" 4u3lis%in , tele.isin and?*" 3"*adcastin any 1atte" su3Eect *+ t%e C*14laint in t%e instant case 1*"e s4eci+ically t%e i14utati*n *+ .ices and?*" de+ects *n 4lainti++ and its 4"*ducts.P C*14lainant alle ed t%at t%e a3*.e#$u*ted O"de" :as se".ed *n "es4*ndent 3y t%e !"anc% -%e"i++ *n 67 Cece13e" '((&. Res4*ndent %as n*t denied t%e issuance *+ t%e O"de" dated 6( Cece13e" '((& *" %is "ecei4t *+ a c*4y t%e"e*+ *n 67 Cece13e" '((&. Ces4ite %is "ecei4t *+ t%e O"de" dated 6( Cece13e" '((&, and t%e clea" di"ecti.e t%e"ein add"essed t* %i1 t* desists F sicG +"*1 O+u"t%e" 4u3lis%in , tele.isin and?*" 3"*adcastin any 1atte" su3Eect *+ t%e C*14laint in t%e instant case 1*"e s4eci+ically t%e i14utati*n *+ .ices and?*" de+ects *n 4lainti++ and its 4"*ductsP, "es4*ndent in clea" de+iance *+ t%is O"de" ca1e *ut :it% a"ticles *n t%e 4"*%i3ited su3Eect 1atte" in %is c*lu1n OAtty. !atasP, '((& in t%e Cece13e" 65 and 62, '((& issues *+ t%e ta3l*id O!alitan !ayan >T*"*P /Anne=es M and M#6 *+ t%e C*14laint0. T%e a3*.e actuati*ns *+ "es4*ndent a"e als* in .i*lati*n *+ Rule 67.(7 *+ t%e Can*n *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% "eads: OA la:ye" s%all n*t 1a;e 4u3lic state1ents in t%e 1edia "e a"din a 4endin case tendin t* a"*use 4u3lic *4ini*n +*" *" a ainst a 4a"ty.P II. ====

III.

T%e O,asunduanP ente"ed int* 3y t%e -4*uses C*"de"* and %e"ein c*14lainant /Anne= C *+ t%e C*14laint0 :as ad1ittedly 4"e4a"ed, :itnessed and si ned 3y %e"ein "es4*ndent. X = = = =

In its O"de" dated 65 Au ust '((&, t%e !u"eau *+ F**d and C"u s "ec* niDed t%at t%e said O,asunduanP :as n*t c*nt"a"y t* la:, 1*"als, **d cust*1s, 4u3lic *"de" and 4*licy, and t%is acc*"din ly dis1issed t%e c*14laint +iled 3y t%e -4*uses C*"de"* a ainst %e"ein c*14lainant. H*:e.e", e.en a+te" t%e e=ecuti*n *+ t%e O,asunduanP and t%e c*nse$uent dis1issal *+ t%e c*14laint *+ %is clients a ainst %e"ein c*14lainant, "es4*ndent ine=4lica3ly launc%ed a 1edia *++ensi.e intended t* dis4a"a e and 4ut t* "idicule %e"ein c*14lainant. On "ec*"d a"e t%e nu1e"*us a"ticles *+ "es4*ndent 4u3lis%ed in 7 ta3l*ids c*11encin +"*1 76 Au ust t* 62 Cece13e" '((& /Anne=es J t* M#60. As al"eady a3*.e#stated, "es4*ndent c*ntinued t* c*1e *ut :it% t%ese a"ticles a ainst c*14lainant in %is ta3l*id c*lu1ns des4ite a te14*"a"y "est"ainin *"de" issued a ainst %i1 e=4"essly 4"*%i3itin suc% acti*ns. Res4*ndent did n*t deny t%at %e indeed :"*te said a"ticles and su31itted t%e1 +*" 4u3licati*n in t%e ta3l*ids. Res4*ndent clai1s t%at %e :as 4"*14ted 3y %is sense *+ 4u3lic se".ice, t%at is, t* e=4*se t%e de+ects *+ c*14lainantBs 4"*ducts t* t%e c*nsu1in 4u3lic. C*14lainant clai1s t%at t%e"e is a 3ase" 1*ti.e t* t%e acti*ns *+ "es4*ndent. C*14lainant a.e"s t%at "es4*ndent "etaliated +*" c*14lainantBs +ailu"e t* i.e in t* "es4*ndentBs O"e$uestP t%at c*14lainant ad.e"tise in t%e ta3l*ids and tele.isi*n 4"* "a1s *+ "es4*ndent. C*14lainantBs e=4lanati*n is 1*"e c"edi3le. Ne.e"t%eless, :%ate.e" t%e t"ue 1*ti.e *+ "es4*ndent +*" %is 3a""a e *+ a"ticles a ainst c*14lainant d*es n*t det"act +"*1 t%e +act t%at "es4*ndent c*nsci*usly .i*lated t%e s4i"it 3e%ind t%e O,asunduanP :%ic% %e %i1sel+ 4"e4a"ed and si ned and su31itted t* t%e !FAC +*" a44"*.al. Res4*ndent :as less t%an +*"t%"i %t :%en %e 4"e4a"ed said O,asunduanP and t%en tu"ned a"*und and 4"*ceeded t* la13aste c*14lainant +*" :%at :as su44*sedly al"eady settled in said a "ee1ent. C*14lainant :*uld %a.e 3een 3ette" *+ :it% t%e !FAC case 4"*ceedin as it c*uld %a.e de+ended itsel+ a ainst t%e c%a" es *+ t%e -4*uses C*"de"*. C*14lainant

In I.-. N*. @.(&#'R62#'R77, t%en 4endin 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" *+ @alenDuela City, "es4*ndent +iled %is OEnt"y *+ A44ea"ance :it% Hi %ly

:as %el4less a ainst t%e attac;s *+ "es4*ndent, a 1edia 4e"s*nality. T%e actuati*ns *+ "es4*ndent c*nstituted, t* say t%e least, deceit+ul c*nduct c*nte14lated unde" Rule 6.(6 *+ Can*n 6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.F75G /Unde"sc*"in su44lied0 T%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s, 3y Res*luti*n N*. H@III#'((5#66& dated Ma"c% '(, '((5, ad*4ted t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" t* sus4end "es4*ndent +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" t:* yea"s. T%e C*u"t +inds t%e +indin s?e.aluati*n *+ t%e I!P :ell#ta;en. T%e C*u"t, *nce a ain, ta;es t%is *ccasi*n t* e14%asiDe t%e necessity +*" e.e"y la:ye" t* act and c*14*"t %i1sel+ in a 1anne" t%at 4"*1*tes 4u3lic c*n+idence in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, F72G :%ic% c*n+idence 1ay 3e e"*ded 3y t%e i""es4*nsi3le and i14"*4e" c*nduct *+ a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a". !y t%e a3*.e#"ecited acts, "es4*ndent .i*lated Rule 6.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% 1andates la:ye"s t* "e+"ain +"*1 en a in in unla:+ul, dis%*nest, i11*"al *" deceit+ul c*nduct. F*", as t%e I!P +*und, %e en a ed in deceit+ul c*nduct 3y, inter alia, ta;in ad.anta e *+ t%e c*14laint a ainst CCO t* ad.ance %is inte"est > t* *3tain +unds +*" %is BA4AS F*undati*n and see; s4*ns*"s%i4s and ad.e"tise1ents +*" t%e ta3l*ids and %is tele.isi*n 4"* "a1. He als* .i*lated Rule 67.(' *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% 1andates: A la:ye" s%all n*t 1a;e 4u3lic state1ents in t%e 1edia "e a"din a 4endin case tendin t* a"*use 4u3lic *4ini*n +*" *" a ainst a 4a"ty. F*" des4ite t%e 4endency *+ t%e ci.il case a ainst %i1 and t%e issuance *+ a status (uo *"de" "est"ainin ?enE*inin +u"t%e" 4u3lis%in , tele.isin and 3"*adcastin *+ any 1atte" "elati.e t* t%e c*14laint *+ CCO, "es4*ndent c*ntinued :it% %is attac;s a ainst c*14lainant and its 4"*ducts. At t%e sa1e ti1e, "es4*ndent .i*lated Can*n 6 als* *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% 1andates la:ye"s t* Ou4%*ld t%e C*nstituti*n, *3ey t%e la:s *+ t%e land and 4"*1*te "es4ect +*" la: and le al 4"*cesses.P F*" %e de+ied said status (uo *"de", des4ite %is /"es4*ndentBs0 *at% as a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n t* O*3ey t%e la:s as :ell as t%e le al *"de"s *+ t%e duly c*nstituted aut%*"ities.P Fu"t%e", "es4*ndent .i*lated Can*n ) and Rule ).(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% 1andate, viK: CANON ) # A la:ye" s%all c*nduct %i1sel+ :it% c*u"tesy, +ai"ness and cand*" t*:a"d %is 4"*+essi*nal c*llea ues, and s%all a.*id %a"assin tactics a ainst *44*sin c*unsel. Rule ).(6 > A la:ye" s%all n*t, in %is 4"*+essi*nal dealin s, use lan ua e :%ic% is a3usi.e, *++ensi.e *" *t%e":ise i14"*4e", 3y usin inte14e"ate lan ua e. Apropos is t%e +*ll*:in "e1inde" in Sa'eron v. Larong:F7)G

T* 3e su"e, t%e ad.e"sa"ial natu"e *+ *u" le al syste1 %as te14ted 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a" t* use st"*n lan ua e in 4u"suit *+ t%ei" duty t* ad.ance t%e inte"ests *+ t%ei" clients. H*:e.e", :%ile a la:ye" is entitled t* 4"esent %is case :it% .i *" and c*u"a e, suc% ent%usias1 d*es n*t Eusti+y t%e use *+ *++ensi.e and a3usi.e lan ua e. Lan ua e a3*unds :it% c*untless 4*ssi3ilities +*" *ne t* 3e e14%atic 3ut "es4ect+ul, c*n.incin 3ut n*t de"* at*"y, illu1inatin 3ut n*t *++ensi.e. On 1any *ccasi*ns, t%e C*u"t %as "e1inded 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" t* a3stain +"*1 all *++ensi.e 4e"s*nality and t* ad.ance n* +act 4"eEudicial t* t%e %*n*" and "e4utati*n *+ a 4a"ty *" :itness, unless "e$ui"ed 3y t%e Eustice *+ t%e cause :it% :%ic% %e is c%a" ed. In ;ee4in :it% t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, a la:ye"Bs lan ua e e.en in %is 4leadin s 1ust 3e di ni+ied.F7RG /Unde"sc*"in su44lied0 !y +ailin t* li.e u4 t* %is *at% and t* c*14ly :it% t%e e=actin standa"ds *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, "es4*ndent als* .i*lated Can*n 2 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% di"ects a la:ye" t* Oat all ti1es u4%*ld t%e inte "ity and t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n.PF&(G T%e 4*:e" *+ t%e 1edia t* +*"1 *" in+luence 4u3lic *4ini*n cann*t 3e unde"esti1ated. In )alisa v. 3auricio, Jr.,F&6G t%e t%e"ein c*14lainant en a ed t%e"ein#%e"ein "es4*ndentBs se".ices as Os%e :as i14"essed 3y t%e 4"*#4**" and 4"*#Eustice ad.*cacy *+ "es4*ndent, a 1edia 4e"s*nality,P F&'G *nly t* late" +ind *ut t%at a+te" %e de1anded and t%e t%e"ein c*14lainant 4aid an e=*"3itant +ee, n* acti*n :as ta;en n*" any 4leadin s 4"e4a"ed 3y %i1. Res4*ndent :as sus4ended +*" si= 1*nt%s. On "eadin t%e a"ticles "es4*ndent 4u3lis%ed, n*t t* 1enti*n listenin t* %i1 *.e" t%e "adi* and :atc%in %i1 *n tele.isi*n, it cann*t 3e ainsaid t%at t%e sa1e c*uld, t* a ce"tain e=tent, %a.e a++ected t%e sales *+ c*14lainant. !ac; t* )alisa , t%is C*u"t, in denyin t%e"ein#%e"ein "es4*ndentBs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n, t**; n*te *+ t%e +act t%at "es4*ndent :as 1*ti.ated 3y .indicti.eness :%en %e +iled +alsi+icati*n c%a" es a ainst t%e t%e"ein c*14lainant.F&7G T* t%e C*u"t, sus4ensi*n *+ "es4*ndent +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" t%"ee yea"s is, in t%e 4"e1ises, su++icient. %4ERE8ORE, Atty. Melani* Mau"ici* is, +*" .i*lati*n *+ t%e la:ye"Bs *at% and 3"eac% *+ et%ics *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n as e13*died in t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" t%"ee yea"s e++ecti.e u4*n %is "ecei4t *+ t%is Cecisi*n. He is 9ARNEC t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" acts :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e attac%ed t* %is 4e"s*nal "ec*"d and c*4ies +u"nis%ed t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines and t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" +*" disse1inati*n t* all c*u"ts. -O ORCEREC. [A.). No. *26., No#em-e' 23, 2011]

A00/. EDI0A NOE2&A)SAMANA, )OM5&AINAN0, 3S. A00/. /O&ANDO 8. BUSMEN0E, RES5ONDEN0. 0>e ) $e !e+*"e t%e C*u"t is a c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent +iled 3y Atty. Edita N*e#Lacsa1ana /N*e#Lacsa1ana0 a ainst Atty. K*land* F. !us1ente /!us1ente0 3e+*"e t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0. 0>e An"ece(en" 8 c"$ N*e#Lacsa1ana alle ed in %e" c*14laint t%at s%e :as t%e c*unsel +*" I"ene !ides, t%e 4lainti++ in Ci.il Case N*. -CA#'&)6 3e+*"e t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t *+ Pasi City, !"anc% 652, :%ile !us1ente :as t%e c*unsel +*" t%e de+endant I1elda !. Ulas* /Ulas*0. N*e#Lacsa1ana alle ed t%at Ulas*Bs deed *+ sale *.e" t%e 4"*4e"ty su3Eect *+ Ci.il Case N*. -CA#'&)6 :as annulled, :%ic% "esulted in t%e +ilin *+ an eEect1ent case 3e+*"e t%e Met"*4*litan T"ial C*u"t /MTC0, -an Juan, d*c;eted as Ci.il Case N*. R')&, :%e"e !us1ente a44ea"ed as c*unsel. An*t%e" case +*" +alsi+icati*n :as +iled a ainst Ulas* :%e"e !us1ente als* a44ea"ed as c*unsel. N*e#Lacsa1ana alle ed t%at *ne Atty. EliDa3et% Cela R*sa *" Atty. LiDa Cela R*sa /Cela R*sa0 :*uld acc*14any Ulas* in c*u"t, 4"*Eectin %e"sel+ as !us1enteBs c*lla3*"atin c*unsel. Cela R*sa si ned t%e 1inutes *+ t%e c*u"t 4"*ceedin s in Ci.il Case N*. R')& nine ti1es +"*1 'I N*.e13e" '((7 t* ) Fe3"ua"y '((I. N*e#Lacsa1ana +u"t%e" alle ed t%at t%e c*u"t *"de"s and n*tices s4eci+ied Cela R*sa as !us1enteBs c*lla3*"atin c*unsel. N*e#Lacsa1ana alle ed t%at u4*n .e"i+icati*n :it% t%is C*u"t and t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines, s%e disc*.e"ed t%at Cela R*sa :as n*t a la:ye". !us1ente alle ed t%at Cela R*sa :as a la: "aduate and :as %is 4a"ale al assistant +*" a +e: yea"s. !us1ente alle ed t%at Cela R*saBs e14l*y1ent :it% %i1 ended in '((( 3ut Cela R*sa :as a3le t* c*ntinue 1is"e4"esentin %e"sel+ as a la:ye" :it% t%e %el4 *+ Re ine Macasie3 /Macasie30, !us1enteBs +*"1e" sec"eta"y. !us1ente alle ed t%at %e did n*t "e4"esent Ulas* in Ci.il Case N*. R')& and t%at %is si natu"e in t%e Ans:e"F6G 4"esented as 4"**+ 3y N*e#Lacsa1ana :as +*" ed. 0>e Dec!$!on o< ">e )omm!$$!on on B ' D!$c!pl!ne In its Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n, F'G t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line /I!P#C!C0 +*und t%at Cela R*sa :as n*t a la:ye" and t%at s%e "e4"esented Ulas* as !us1enteBs c*lla3*"atin c*unsel in Ci.il Case N*. R')&. T%e I!P#C!C n*ted t%at :%ile !us1ente clai1ed t%at Cela R*sa n* l*n e" :*";ed +*" %i1 since '(((, t%e"e :as n* 4"**+ *+ %e" se4a"ati*n +"*1 e14l*y1ent. T%e I!P#C!C +*und t%at n*tices +"*1 t%e MTC -an Juan, as :ell as t%e 4leadin s *+ t%e case, :e"e all sent t* !us1enteBs desi nated *++ice add"ess. T%e I!P# C!C stated t%at !us1enteBs *nly e=cuse :as t%at Cela R*sa c*nni.ed :it% %is +*"1e" sec"eta"y Macasie3 s* t%at t%e n*tices and 4leadin s :*uld n*t "eac% %i1. T%e I!P#C!C "eEected t%e a++ida.it su31itted 3y Judy M. O"taleD /O"taleD0, !us1enteBs sta++, alle in Macasie3Bs +ailu"e t* end*"se 4leadin s and n*tices *+ Ci.il Case N*. R')& t* !us1ente. T%e I!P#C!C n*ted t%at O"taleD did n*t e=actly "e+e" t* Ulas*Bs case in %e" a++ida.it and t%at t%e"e :as n* 1enti*n t%at s%e actually :itnessed Macasie3 :it%%*ldin 4leadin s and n*tices +"*1 !us1ente. T%e I!P#C!C als* n*ted t%at Macasie3 :as still :*";in at !us1enteBs *++ice in N*.e13e" '((7 as s%*:n 3y t%e a++ida.it attac%ed t* a M*ti*n t* Li+t O"de" *+ Ce+ault t%at s%e si ned. H*:e.e", e.en i+ Macasie3 "esi ned in N*.e13e" '((7, Cela R*sa c*ntinued t* "e4"esent Ulas* until '((I, :%ic% 3elied !us1enteBs alle ati*n t%at Cela R*sa :as a3le t*

ille ally 4"actice la: usin %is *++ice add"ess :it%*ut %is ;n*:led e and *nly due t* Cela R*saBs c*nni.ance :it% Macasie3. As "e a"ds !us1enteBs alle ati*n t%at %is si natu"e *n t%e Ans:e" :as +*" ed, t%e I!P#C!C a.e !us1ente t%e *44*"tunity t* c**"dinate :it% t%e Nati*nal !u"eau *+ In.esti ati*n /N!I0 t* 4"*.e t%at %is si natu"e :as +*" ed 3ut %e +ailed t* su31it any "e4*"t +"*1 t%e N!I des4ite t%e la4se *+ +*u" 1*nt%s +"*1 t%e ti1e %e "ese".ed %is "i %t t* su31it t%e "e4*"t. T%e I!P#C!C "ec*11ended !us1enteBs sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" n*t less t%an +i.e yea"s. On '5 May '((5, in its Res*luti*n N*. H@II#'((5#'26,F7G t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted and a44"*.ed t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P#C!C, :it% 1*di+icati*n 3y "educin t%e 4e"i*d *+ !us1enteBs sus4ensi*n t* si= 1*nt%s. !us1ente +iled a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n and su31itted a "e4*"tF&G +"*1 t%e N!I statin t%at t%e si natu"e in t%e Ans:e", :%en c*14a"ed :it% standa"d?sa14le si natu"es su31itted t* its *++ice, s%*:ed t%at t%ey :e"e n*t :"itten 3y *ne and t%e sa1e 4e"s*n. In its 6& May '(66 Res*luti*n N*. HIH#'(66#65), t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s denied !us1enteBs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n. 0>e I$$ue T%e issue in t%is case is :%et%e" !us1ente is uilty *+ di"ectly *" indi"ectly assistin Cela R*sa in %e" ille al 4"actice *+ la: t%at :a""ants %is sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:. 0>e Rul!n: o< ">!$ )ou'" 9e a "ee :it% t%e I!P. Can*n R *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility states: Can*n R. A la:ye" s%all n*t, di"ectly *" indi"ectly, assist in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:. T%e C*u"t "uled t%at t%e te"1 O4"actice *+ la:P i14lies cust*1a"ily *" %a3itually %*ldin *nesel+ *ut t* t%e 4u3lic as a la:ye" +*" c*14ensati*n as a s*u"ce *+ li.eli%**d *" in c*nside"ati*n *+ %is se".ices. FIG T%e C*u"t +u"t%e" "uled t%at %*ldin *neBs sel+ *ut as a la:ye" 1ay 3e s%*:n 3y acts indicati.e *+ t%at 4u"4*se, suc% as identi+yin *nesel+ as att*"ney, a44ea"in in c*u"t in "e4"esentati*n *+ a client, *" ass*ciatin *nesel+ as a 4a"tne" *+ a la: *++ice +*" t%e ene"al 4"actice *+ la:. F5G T%e C*u"t e=4lained: T%e la:ye"Bs duty t* 4"e.ent, *" at t%e .e"y least n*t t* assist in, t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la: is +*unded *n 4u3lic inte"est and 4*licy. Pu3lic 4*licy "e$ui"es t%at t%e 4"actice *+ la: 3e li1ited t* t%*se indi.iduals +*und duly $uali+ied in educati*n and c%a"acte". T%e 4e"1issi.e "i %t c*n+e""ed *n t%e la:ye" is an indi.idual and li1ited 4"i.ile e su3Eect t* :it%d"a:al i+ %e +ails t* 1aintain 4"*4e" standa"ds *+ 1*"al and 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct. T%e 4u"4*se is t* 4"*tect t%e 4u3lic, t%e c*u"t, t%e client, and t%e 3a" +"*1 t%e inc*14etence *" dis%*nesty *+ t%*se unlicensed t* 4"actice la: and n*t su3Eect t* t%e disci4lina"y c*nt"*l *+ t%e C*u"t. It de.*l.es u4*n a la:ye" t* see t%at t%is 4u"4*se is attained. T%us, t%e can*ns and et%ics *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n enE*in %i1 n*t t* 4e"1it %is 4"*+essi*nal se".ices *" %is na1e t* 3e used in aid *+, *" t* 1a;e 4*ssi3le t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la: 3y, any a ency, 4e"s*nal *" c*"4*"ate. And, t%e la: 1a;es it a 1is3e%a.i*" *n %is 4a"t, su3Eect t* disci4lina"y acti*n, t* aid a lay1an in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:.F2G In t%is case, it %as 3een esta3lis%ed t%at Cela R*sa, :%* is n*t a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", 1is"e4"esented %e"sel+

as !us1enteBs c*lla3*"atin c*unsel in Ci.il Case N*. R')&. T%e *nly $uesti*n is :%et%e" !us1ente indi"ectly *" di"ectly assisted Cela R*sa in %e" ille al 4"actice *+ la:. !us1ente alle ed t%at Cela R*saBs e14l*y1ent in %is *++ice ended in '((( and t%at Cela R*sa :as a3le t* c*ntinue :it% %e" ille al 4"actice *+ la: t%"*u % c*nni.ance :it% Macasie3, an*t%e" 1e13e" *+ !us1enteBs sta++. As 4*inted *ut 3y t%e I!P#C!C, !us1ente clai1ed t%at Macasie3 "esi ned +"*1 %is *++ice in '((7. Ket, Cela R*sa c*ntinued t* "e4"esent Ulas* until '((I. Pleadin s and c*u"t n*tices :e"e still sent t* !us1enteBs *++ice until '((I. T%e I!P#C!C n*ted t%at Cela R*saBs 4"actice s%*uld %a.e ended in '((7 :%en Macasie3 le+t. 9e a "ee. !us1enteBs *++ice c*ntinued t* "ecei.e all t%e n*tices *+ Ci.il Case N*. R')&. T%e 2 Cece13e" '((& O"de"F)G *+ Jud e El.i"a CC. Pan ani3an /Jud e Pan ani3an0 in Ci.il Case N*. R')& s%*:ed t%at Atty. EliDa3et% Cela R*sa :as still "e4"esentin Ulas* in t%e case. In t%at O"de", Jud e Pan ani3an set t%e 4"eli1ina"y c*n+e"ence *+ Ci.il Case N*. R')& *n ) Fe3"ua"y '((I. It :*uld %a.e 3een i14*ssi3le +*" Cela R*sa t* c*ntinue "e4"esentin Ulas* in t%e case, c*nside"in !us1enteBs clai1 t%at Macasie3 al"eady "esi ned, i+ Cela R*sa %ad n* access t* t%e +iles in !us1enteBs *++ice. !us1ente, in %is 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ Res*luti*n N*. H@II#'((5#'26, su31itted a c*4y *+ t%e N!I "e4*"t statin t%at t%e si natu"e *n t%e Ans:e" su31itted in Ci.il Case N*. R')& and t%e s4eci1en si natu"es su31itted 3y !us1ente :e"e n*t :"itten 3y *ne and t%e sa1e 4e"s*n. T%e "e4*"t s%*:s t%at !us1ente *nly su31itted t* t%e N!I t%e $uesti*ned si natu"e in t%e Ans:e". T%e I!P#C!C "e4*"t, %*:e.e", s%*:ed t%at t%e"e :e"e *t%e" d*cu1ents si ned 3y !us1ente, includin t%e P"e#T"ial !"ie+ dated 6& N*.e13e" '((7 and M*ti*n t* Li+t O"de" *+ Ce+ault dated '' N*.e13e" '((7. N*e#Lacsa1ana als* su31itted a lette" dated 6& Au ust '((7 add"essed t* %e" as :ell as t%"ee lette"s dated 'R Au ust '((7 add"essed t* t%e *ccu4ants *+ t%e dis4uted 4"*4e"ty, all si ned 3y !us1ente. !us1ente +ailed t* i14u n %is si natu"es in t%ese *t%e" d*cu1ents. Finally, !us1ente clai1ed t%at %e :as t*tally una:a"e *+ Ci.il Case N*. R')& and %e *nly ca1e t* ;n*: a3*ut t%e case :%en Ulas* :ent t* %is *++ice t* in$ui"e a3*ut its status. !us1enteBs alle ati*n c*nt"adicted t%e J*int C*unte"#A++ida.itFRG su31itted 3y Ulas* and Eddie !. !ides statin t%at: a. 0> " ou' le: l coun$el !$ A""9. /O&ANDO 8. BUSMEN0E *+ t%e KOLANCO F. !U-MENTE ANC A--OCIATE- LA9 OFFICE- :it% add"ess at suite 26) !PI O++ice C*nd. PlaDa Ce".antes, !in*nd* Manila. 3. T%at ELIVA!ETH CELA RO-A is n*t *u" le al c*unsel in t%e case :%ic% %a.e 3een +iled 3y IRENE !ICEand LILIA @ALERA in "e4"esentati*n *+ %e" siste" AMELIA !ICE- +*" EEect1ent d*c;eted as Ci.il Case N*. R')& 3e+*"e !"anc% I) *+ t%e Met"*4*litan T"ial C*u"t *+ -an Juan, Met"* Manila. c. T%at :e ne.e" stated in any *+ t%e 4leadin s +iled in t%e cases 1enti*ned in t%e C*14laint#A++ida.it t%at ELIVA!ETH CELA RO-A :as *u" la:ye"A

e. T%at :e ;n*: +*" t%e +act t%at ELIVA!ETH CELA RO-A did n*t si n any 4leadin :%ic% s%e +iled in c*u"t in c*nnecti*n :it% *u" cases at all *+ t%*se :e"e si ned 3y Atty. KOLANCO !U-MENTE as *u" le al c*unselA s%e Eust acc*14anied us t* t%e c*u"t "**1s and?*" %ea"in sA +. T%at :e cann*t 3e 1ade lia3le +*" .i*lati*n *+ A"ticle 626 /+*" and in "elati*n t* A"ticle 62' *+ t%e Re.ised Penal C*de0 +*" t%e "eas*n t%at t%e +*ll*:in ele1ents *+ t%e *++ense a"e n*t 4"esent, t* :it: 6. T%at *++ende" %as a le al *3li ati*n t* discl*se t%e t"ut% *+ t%e +acts na""atedA '. T%e"e 1ust 3e :"*n +ul intent t* inEu"e a 7"d 4a"tyA 7. ,n*:led e t%at t%e +acts na""ated 3y %i1 a"e a3s*lutely +alseA &. T%at t%e *++ende" 1a;es in a d*cu1ent unt"ut%+ul state1ents in t%e na""ati*n *+ +acts. And +u"t%e"1*"e t%e unt"ut%+ul na""ati*ns *+ +acts 1ust a++ect t%e inte "ity :%ic% is n*t s* in t%e instant case. . T%at +"*1 t%e sta"t *+ *u" ac$uaintance :it% ELIVA!ETH CELA RO-A :e ne.e" as; %e" :%et%e" s%e :as a "eal la:ye" and all*:ed t* 4"actice la: in t%e P%ili44inesA it :*uld %a.e 3een unet%ical and s%a1e+ul *n *u" 4a"t t* as; %e" $uali+icati*nA Fe Hu$" p'e$ume( "> " $>e > $ le: l Gu l!<!c "!on$ "o 'ep'e$en" u$ !n ou' c $e$ -ec u$e A""9. /O&ANDO 8. BUSMEN0E lloFe( >e' "o ccomp n9 u$ n( ""en( ou' >e '!n:$ !n $>o'", $>e : #e u$ p ' le: l $$!$" nce[.]/E14%asis su44lied0 T%e c*unte"#a++ida.it clea"ly s%*:ed t%at !us1ente :as t%e le al c*unsel in Ci.il Case N*. R')& and t%at %e all*:ed Cela R*sa t* i.e le al assistance t* Ulas*. Hence, :e a "ee :it% t%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P#C!C t%at t%e"e :as su++icient e.idence t* 4"*.e t%at !us1ente :as uilty *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n R *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. 9e a "ee :it% t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P, 1*di+yin t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P#C!C, t%at !us1ente s%*uld 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" si= 1*nt%s. %4ERE8ORE, :e SUS5END Atty. K*land* F. !us1ente +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" -IH MONTH-. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e attac%ed t* Atty. !us1enteBs 4e"s*nal "ec*"d in t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e als* +u"nis%ed t* all c%a4te"s *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines and t* all c*u"ts in t%e land. SO ORDERED. A(m. ) $e No. 62.0 July 6&, '((& ANA MARIE )AMBA&I6A, C*14lainant, .s, A00/. ANA &U6 B. )RIS0A&20ENORIO, Res4*ndent. DA3IDE, JR., C.J.: In a .e"i+ied c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent +iled :it% t%e C*11ittee *n !a" Cisci4line *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 *n 7( May '(((, c*14lainant Ana Ma"ie Ca13aliDa, a +*"1e" e14l*yee *+ "es4*ndent Atty. Ana LuD !. C"istal#Ten*"i* in %e" la: *++ice, c%a" ed t%e latte" :it% deceit, "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct, and 1al4"actice *" *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++ice. On deceit, t%e c*14lainant alle ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent %as 3een +alsely "e4"esentin %e"sel+ t* 3e 1a""ied t* Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., :%* %as a 4"i*" and su3sistin 1a""ia e :it% an*t%e" :*1an. H*:e.e", t%"*u % s4u"i*us 1eans, t%e "es4*ndent and Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., :e"e a3le t*

d. T%at i+ e.e" ELIVA!ETH CELA RO-A %ad a++i=ed %e" si natu"e in t%e n*tices *" *t%e" c*u"t "ec*"ds as *u" le al c*unsel t%e sa1e c*uld n*t 3e ta;en a ainst us +*", :e 3elie.ed in **d +ait% t%at s%e :as a la:ye"A and :e a"e 1ade t* 3elie.e t%at it :as s* since %ad "e+e""ed %e" t* us /sic0, s%e :as %andlin s*1e cases *+ H*"taleDa and client *+ Atty. K*land* F. !us1enteA

*3tain a +alse 1a""ia e c*nt"act,F6G :%ic% states t%at t%ey :e"e 1a""ied *n 6( Fe3"ua"y 6R)( in Manila. Ce"ti+icati*ns +"*1 t%e Ci.il Re ist"y *+ Manila F'G and t%e Nati*nal -tatistics O++ice /N-O0 F7G 4"*.e t%at n* "ec*"d *+ 1a""ia e e=ists 3et:een t%e1. T%e +alse date and 4lace *+ 1a""ia e 3et:een t%e t:* a"e stated in t%e 3i"t% ce"ti+icates *+ t%ei" t:* c%ild"en, C*nna3el Ten*"i*F&G and Felicisi1* Ten*"i* III.FIG !ut in t%e 3i"t% ce"ti+icates *+ t%ei" t:* *t%e" c%ild"en, Oli.e" Ten*"i* F5G and J*%n Ced"ic Ten*"i*,F2G an*t%e" date and 4lace *+ 1a""ia e a"e indicated, na1ely, 6' Fe3"ua"y 6R)( in Malay3alay, !u;idn*n. As t* "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct, t%e c*14lainant alle ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent caused t%e disse1inati*n t* t%e 4u3lic *+ a li3el*us a++ida.it de"* at*"y t* Ma;ati City C*uncil*" Ci.ina Al*"a Jac*1e. T%e "es4*ndent :*uld *+ten *4enly and sa"castically decla"e t* t%e c*14lainant and %e" c*# e14l*yees t%e alle ed i11*"ality *+ C*uncil*" Jac*1e. On 1al4"actice *" *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++ice, t%e c*14lainant alle ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent /60 c**4e"ated in t%e ille al 4"actice *+ la: 3y %e" %us3and, :%* is n*t a 1e13e" *+ t%e P%ili44ine !a"A /'0 c*n.e"ted %e" clientBs 1*ney t* %e" *:n use and 3ene+it, :%ic% led t* t%e +ilin *+ an esta+a case a ainst %e"A and /70 t%"eatened t%e c*14lainant and %e" +a1ily *n '& Janua"y '((( :it% t%e state1ent O ,sang 'ala ;a langP t* dete" t%e1 +"*1 di.ul in "es4*ndentBs ille al acti.ities and t"ansacti*ns. In %e" ans:e", t%e "es4*ndent denied all t%e alle ati*ns a ainst %e". As t* t%e c%a" e *+ deceit, s%e decla"ed t%at s%e is le ally 1a""ied t* Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J". T%ey :e"e 1a""ied *n 6' Fe3"ua"y 6R)( as s%*:n 3y t%ei" Ce"ti+icate *+ Ma""ia e, Re ist"y N*. '(((#R6() *+ t%e Ci.il Re ist"y *+ MueD*n City. F)G He" %us3and %as n* 4"i*" and su3sistin 1a""ia e :it% an*t%e" :*1an. As t* t%e c%a" e *+ "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct, t%e "es4*ndent denied t%at s%e caused t%e disse1inati*n *+ a li3el*us and de+a1at*"y a++ida.it a ainst C*uncil*" Jac*1e. On t%e c*nt"a"y, it :as C*uncil*" Jac*1e :%* caused t%e e=ecuti*n *+ said d*cu1ent. Additi*nally, t%e c*14lainant and %e" c*%*"ts a"e t%e "u1*"1*n e"s :%* :ent a"*und t%e city *+ Ma;ati *n t%e 4"ete=t *+ c*nductin a su".ey 3ut did s* t* 3es1i"c% "es4*ndentBs **d na1e and "e4utati*n. T%e c%a" e *+ 1al4"actice *" *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++ice :as li;e:ise denied 3y t%e "es4*ndent. -%e clai1ed t%at %e"$ristal-4enorio Law *ffice is "e iste"ed :it% t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ T"ade and Indust"y as a sin le 4"*4"iet*"s%i4, as s%*:n 3y its Ce"ti+icate *+ Re ist"ati*n *+ !usiness Na1e.FRG Hence, s%e %as n* 4a"tne"s in %e" la: *++ice. As t* t%e esta+a case, t%e sa1e %ad al"eady 3een d"*44ed 4u"suant t* t%e O"de" *+ 6& June 6RR5 issued 3y !"anc% 6(7 *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t *+ MueD*n City. F6(G T%e "es4*ndent li;e:ise denied t%at s%e t%"eatened t%e c*14lainant :it% t%e :*"ds O ,sang 'ala ;a langP *n '& Janua"y '(((. Fu"t%e", t%e "es4*ndent a.e""ed t%at t%is dis3a"1ent c*14laint :as +iled 3y t%e c*14lainant t* et e.en :it% %e". -%e te"1inated c*14lainantBs e14l*y1ent a+te" "ecei.in nu1e"*us c*14laints t%at t%e c*14lainant e=t*"ted 1*ney +"*1 di++e"ent 4e*4le :it% t%e 4"*1ise *+ 4"*cessin t%ei" 4ass4*"ts and 1a""ia es t* +*"ei ne"s, 3ut s%e "ene ed *n %e" 4"*1ise. Li;e:ise, t%is dis3a"1ent c*14laint is 4*litically 1*ti.ated: s*1e 4*liticians *++e"ed t* "e#%i"e t%e c*14lainant and %e" c*%*"ts s%*uld t%ey initiate t%is c*14laint, :%ic% t%ey did and +*" :%ic% t%ey :e"e "e#%i"ed. T%e "es4*ndent als* +launted t%e +act t%at s%e %ad "ecei.ed nu1e"*us a:a"ds and citati*ns +*" ci.ic :*";s and e=e14la"y se".ice t* t%e c*11unity. -%e t%en 4"ayed +*" t%e dis1issal *+ t%e dis3a"1ent case +*" 3ein 3aseless.

T%e I!P "e+e""ed t%is case t* In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" Atty. ,enny H. Tantuic*. Cu"in t%e %ea"in *n 7( Au ust '(((, t%e 4a"ties a "eed t%at t%e c*14lainant :*uld su31it a Re4ly t* "es4*ndentBs Ans:e", :%ile t%e "es4*ndent :*uld su31it a ReE*inde" t* t%e Re4ly. T%e 4a"ties als* a "eed t%at t%e C*14laint, Ans:e", and t%e attac%ed a++ida.its :*uld c*nstitute as t%e "es4ecti.e di"ect testi1*nies *+ t%e 4a"ties and t%e a++iants.F66G In %e" Re4ly, t%e c*14lainant 3*lste"ed %e" clai1 t%at t%e "es4*ndent c**4e"ated in t%e ille al 4"actice *+ la: 3y %e" %us3and 3y su31ittin /60 t%e lette"%ead *+ $ristal-4enorio Law *fficeF6'G :%e"e t%e na1e *+ Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., is listed as a seni*" 4a"tne"A and /'0 a -a i4 C*11unicati*n Radi* J"*u4 identi+icati*n ca"dF67G si ned 3y t%e "es4*ndent as C%ai"4e"s*n :%e"e %e" %us3and is identi+ied as OAtty. Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J".P -%e added t%at "es4*ndentBs %us3and e.en a44ea"ed in c*u"t %ea"in s. In %e" ReE*inde", "es4*ndent a.e""ed t%at s%e neit%e" +*"1ed a la: 4a"tne"s%i4 :it% %e" %us3and n*" all*:ed %e" %us3and t* a44ea" in c*u"t *n %e" 3e%al+. I+ t%e"e :as an instance t%at %e" %us3and a44ea"ed in c*u"t, %e did s* as a "e4"esentati.e *+ %e" la: +i"1. T%e lette"%ead su31itted 3y t%e c*14lainant :as a +alse "e4"*ducti*n t* s%*: t%at %e" %us3and is *ne *+ %e" la: 4a"tne"s. !ut u4*n c"*ss# e=a1inati*n, :%en c*n+"*nted :it% t%e lette"%ead *+ $ristal-4enorio Law *ffice 3ea"in %e" si natu"e, s%e ad1itted t%at Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., is n*t a la:ye", 3ut %e and a ce"tain Je"a"d* A. Pan %ulan, :%* is als* n*t a la:ye", a"e na1ed as seni*" 4a"tne"s 3ecause t%ey %a.e in.est1ents in %e" la: *++ice.F6&G T%e "es4*ndent +u"t%e" decla"ed t%at s%e 1a""ied Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., *n 6' Fe3"ua"y 6R)( in MueD*n City, 3ut :%en s%e late" disc*.e"ed t%at t%ei" 1a""ia e c*nt"act :as n*t "e iste"ed s%e a44lied +*" late "e ist"ati*n *n I A4"il '(((. -%e t%en 4"esented as e.idence a ce"ti+ied c*4y *+ t%e 1a""ia e c*nt"act issued 3y t%e O++ice *+ t%e Ci.il Re ist"a" Jene"al and aut%enticated 3y t%e N-O. T%e e""*ne*us ent"ies in t%e 3i"t% ce"ti+icates *+ %e" c%ild"en as t* t%e 4lace and date *+ %e" 1a""ia e :e"e 1e"ely an *.e"si %t.F6IG -*1eti1e a+te" t%e 4a"ties su31itted t%ei" "es4ecti.e O++e" *+ E.idence and Me1*"anda, t%e c*14lainant +iled a M*ti*n t* 9it%d"a: C*14laint *n 67 N*.e13e" '((' a+te" alle edly "ealiDin t%at t%is dis3a"1ent c*14laint a"*se *ut *+ a 1isunde"standin and 1isa44"eciati*n *+ +acts. T%us, s%e is n* l*n e" inte"ested in 4u"suin t%e case. T%is 1*ti*n :as n*t acted u4*n 3y t%e I!P. In %e" Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n dated 7( -e4te13e" '((7, I!P C*11issi*ne" *n !a" Cisci4line Mila "*s @. -an Juan +*und t%at t%e c*14lainant +ailed t* su3stantiate t%e c%a" es *+ deceit and "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct. H*:e.e", s%e +*und t%e "es4*ndent uilty *+ t%e c%a" e *+ c**4e"atin in t%e ille al 4"actice *+ la: 3y Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., in .i*lati*n *+ Can*n R and Rule R.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 3ased *n t%e +*ll*:in e.idence: /60 t%e lette"%ead *+ $ristal-4enorio Law *ffice, :%ic% lists Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., as a seni*" 4a"tne"A /'0 t%e -a i4 C*11unicati*n Radi* J"*u4 identi+icati*n ca"d *+ OAtty. Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J".,P si ned 3y "es4*ndent as C%ai"4e"s*nA /70 and t%e O"de" dated 6) June 6RR2 issued 3y t%e Met"*4*litan T"ial C*u"t in C"i1inal Cases N*s. '(2'R > '(27&, :%e"ein Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., ente"ed %is a44ea"ance as c*unsel and e.en 1*.ed +*" t%e 4"*.isi*nal dis1issal *+ t%e cases +*" +ailu"e *+ t%e 4"i.ate c*14lainants t* a44ea" and +*" lac; *+ inte"est t* 4"*secute t%e said cases. T%us, C*11issi*ne" -an Juan "ec*11ended t%at t%e "es4*ndent 3e "e4"i1anded. In its Res*luti*n N*. H@I#'((7#'') dated 'I Oct*3e" '((7, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted and a44"*.ed :it% 1*di+icati*n t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ C*11issi*ne" -an Juan. T%e

1*di+icati*n c*nsisted in inc"easin t%e 4enalty +"*1 "e4"i1and t* sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" si= 1*nt%s :it% a :a"nin t%at a si1ila" *++ense in t%e +utu"e :*uld 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. 9e a "ee :it% t%e +indin s and c*nclusi*n *+ C*11issi*ne" -an Juan as a44"*.ed and ad*4ted :it% 1*di+icati*n 3y t%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s *+ t%e I!P. At t%e *utset, :e +ind t%at t%e I!P :as c*""ect in n*t actin *n t%e M*ti*n t* 9it%d"a: C*14laint +iled 3y c*14lainant Ca13aliDa. In Ra os-*m'ac vs. Ra os,F65G :e decla"ed: T%e a++ida.it *+ :it%d"a:al *+ t%e dis3a"1ent case alle edly e=ecuted 3y c*14lainant d*es n*t, in any :ay, e=*ne"ate t%e "es4*ndent. A case *+ sus4ensi*n *" dis3a"1ent 1ay 4"*ceed "e a"dless *+ inte"est *" lac; *+ inte"est *+ t%e c*14lainant. 9%at 1atte"s is :%et%e", *n t%e 3asis *+ t%e +acts 3*"ne *ut 3y t%e "ec*"d, t%e c%a" e *+ deceit and "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct %as 3een duly 4"*.en. T%is "ule is 4"e1ised *n t%e natu"e *+ disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s. A 4"*ceedin +*" sus4ensi*n *" dis3a"1ent is n*t in any sense a ci.il acti*n :%e"e t%e c*14lainant is a 4lainti++ and t%e "es4*ndent la:ye" is a de+endant. Cisci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s in.*l.e n* 4"i.ate inte"est and a++*"d n* "ed"ess +*" 4"i.ate "ie.ance. T%ey a"e unde"ta;en and 4"*secuted s*lely +*" t%e 4u3lic :el+a"e. T%ey a"e unde"ta;en +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ 4"ese".in c*u"ts *+ Eustice +"*1 t%e *++icial 1inist"ati*n *+ 4e"s*ns un+it t* 4"actice in t%e1. T%e att*"ney is called t* ans:e" t* t%e c*u"t +*" %is c*nduct as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t. T%e c*14lainant *" t%e 4e"s*n :%* called t%e attenti*n *+ t%e c*u"t t* t%e att*"neyLs alle ed 1isc*nduct is in n* sense a 4a"ty, and %as ene"ally n* inte"est in t%e *utc*1e e=ce4t as all **d citiDens 1ay %a.e in t%e 4"*4e" ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. Hence, i+ t%e e.idence *n "ec*"d :a""ants, t%e "es4*ndent 1ay 3e sus4ended *" dis3a""ed des4ite t%e desistance *+ c*14lainant *" %is :it%d"a:al *+ t%e c%a" es. Hence, n*t:it%standin acc*"din ly. t%e M*ti*n t* 9it%d"a: C*14laint, t%is dis3a"1ent case s%*uld 4"*ceed

Rule R.(6 > A la:ye" s%all n*t dele ate t* any un$uali+ied 4e"s*n t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ any tas; :%ic% 3y la: 1ay *nly 3e 4e"+*"1ed 3y a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" in **d standin . T%e te"1 O4"actice *+ la:P i14lies cust*1a"ily *" %a3itually %*ldin *nesel+ *ut t* t%e 4u3lic as a la:ye" +*" c*14ensati*n as a s*u"ce *+ li.eli%**d *" in c*nside"ati*n *+ %is se".ices. H*ldin *neBs sel+ *ut as a la:ye" 1ay 3e s%*:n 3y acts indicati.e *+ t%at 4u"4*se li;e identi+yin *nesel+ as att*"ney, a44ea"in in c*u"t in "e4"esentati*n *+ a client, *" ass*ciatin *nesel+ as a 4a"tne" *+ a la: *++ice +*" t%e ene"al 4"actice *+ la:.F6RG -uc% acts c*nstitute unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:. In t%is case, Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., is n*t a la:ye", 3ut %e %*lds %i1sel+ *ut as *ne. His :i+e, t%e "es4*ndent %e"ein, a3etted and aided %i1 in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. At t%e %ea"in , t%e "es4*ndent ad1itted t%at t%e lette"%ead *+ $ristal-4enorio Law *ffice listed Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., Je"a"d* A. Pan %ulan, and Ma"ic"is C. !attun as seni*" 4a"tne"s. -%e ad1itted t%at t%e +i"st t:* a"e n*t la:ye"s 3ut 4a"ale als. T%ey a"e listed in t%e lette"%ead *+ %e" la: *++ice as seni*" 4a"tne"s 3ecause t%ey %a.e in.est1ents in %e" la: *++ice.F'(G T%at is a 3latant 1is"e4"esentati*n. T%e -a i4 C*11unicati*n Radi* J"*u4 identi+icati*n ca"d is an*t%e" 4"**+ t%at t%e "es4*ndent assisted Felicisi1* R. Ten*"i*, J"., in 1is"e4"esentin t* t%e 4u3lic t%at %e is a la:ye". N*ta3ly, t%e identi+icati*n ca"d statin t%at %e is OAtty. Felicisi1* Ten*"i*, J".,P 3ea"s t%e si natu"e *+ t%e "es4*ndent as C%ai"4e"s*n *+ t%e J"*u4. T%e la:ye"Bs duty t* 4"e.ent, *" at t%e .e"y least n*t t* assist in, t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la: is +*unded *n 4u3lic inte"est and 4*licy. Pu3lic 4*licy "e$ui"es t%at t%e 4"actice *+ la: 3e li1ited t* t%*se indi.iduals +*und duly $uali+ied in educati*n and c%a"acte". T%e 4e"1issi.e "i %t c*n+e""ed *n t%e la:ye" is an indi.idual and li1ited 4"i.ile e su3Eect t* :it%d"a:al i+ %e +ails t* 1aintain 4"*4e" standa"ds *+ 1*"al and 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct. T%e 4u"4*se is t* 4"*tect t%e 4u3lic, t%e c*u"t, t%e client, and t%e 3a" +"*1 t%e inc*14etence *" dis%*nesty *+ t%*se unlicensed t* 4"actice la: and n*t su3Eect t* t%e disci4lina"y c*nt"*l *+ t%e C*u"t. It de.*l.es u4*n a la:ye" t* see t%at t%is 4u"4*se is attained. T%us, t%e can*ns and et%ics *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n enE*in %i1 n*t t* 4e"1it %is 4"*+essi*nal se".ices *" %is na1e t* 3e used in aid *+, *" t* 1a;e 4*ssi3le t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la: 3y, any a ency, 4e"s*nal *" c*"4*"ate. And, t%e la: 1a;es it a 1is3e%a.i*" *n %is 4a"t, su3Eect t* disci4lina"y acti*n, t* aid a lay1an in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:. F'6G %4ERE8ORE, +*" cul4a3le .i*lati*n *+ Can*n R and Rule R.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, "es4*ndent Atty. Ana LuD !. C"istal#Ten*"i* is %e"e3y SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" a 4e"i*d *+ si= /50 1*nt%s e++ecti.e i11ediately, :it% a :a"nin t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" act in t%e +utu"e :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let c*4ies *+ t%is Res*luti*n 3e attac%ed t* "es4*ndent C"istal#Ten*"i*Bs "ec*"d as att*"ney in t%is C*u"t and +u"nis%ed t* t%e I!P and t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" +*" ci"culati*n t* all c*u"ts. SO ORDERED.

T%e I!P c*""ectly +*und t%at t%e c%a" es *+ deceit and "*ssly i11*"al c*nduct :e"e n*t su3stantiated. In dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s, t%e c*14lainant %as t%e 3u"den *+ 4"*.in %is case 3y c*n.incin e.idence.F62G 9it% "es4ect t* t%e esta+a case :%ic% is t%e 3asis +*" t%e c%a" e *+ 1al4"actice *" *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++ice, t%e "es4*ndent is n*t yet c*n.icted t%e"e*+. In !erona vs. )atingaling,F6)G :e %eld t%at :%en t%e c"i1inal 4"*secuti*n 3ased *n t%e sa1e act c%a" ed is still 4endin in c*u"t, any ad1inist"ati.e disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s +*" t%e sa1e act 1ust a:ait t%e *utc*1e *+ t%e c"i1inal case t* a.*id c*nt"adict*"y +indin s. 9e, %*:e.e", a++i"1 t%e I!PBs +indin t%at t%e "es4*ndent is uilty *+ assistin in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:. A la:ye" :%* all*:s a n*n#1e13e" *+ t%e !a" t* 1is"e4"esent %i1sel+ as a la:ye" and t* 4"actice la: is uilty *+ .i*latin Can*n R and Rule R.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :%ic% "ead as +*ll*:s: Can*n R > A la:ye" s%all n*t di"ectly *" indi"ectly assist in t%e unaut%*"iDed 4"actice *+ la:.

A.). No. ,3,,

Decem-e' 13, 2011

O88I)E O8 04E )OUR0 ADMINIS0RA0OR, Petiti*ne", .s. A00/. DANIE& B. &IANG)O, Res4*ndent. Per Curiam: T%e Case T%is is an ad1inist"ati.e C*14laint +*" Cis3a"1ent +iled 3y t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" /OCA0 a ainst "es4*ndent Atty. Caniel !. Lian c*. In a 4e" cu"ia1 En !anc Res*luti*n in J*Dun .. H*n. Lian c*, 6 dated 7( Au ust '(((, t%is C*u"t *"de"ed t%e dis1issal +"*1 se".ice *+ "es4*ndent as Eud e *+ t%e Munici4al T"ial C*u"t /MTC0 *+ -an Fe"nand*, Pa14an a and as actin Eud e *+ t%e Munici4al Ci"cuit T"ial C*u"t /MCTC0 *+ Me=ic*#-an Luis, Pa14an a. His dis1issal :as :it% +*"+eitu"e *+ all %is "eti"e1ent 3ene+its and accu1ulated lea.e c"editsA and :it% 4"eEudice t* %is "einstate1ent *" "ee14l*y1ent in any 3"anc%, inst"u1entality *" a ency *+ t%e *.e"n1ent, includin *.e"n1ent#*:ned *" #c*nt"*lled c*"4*"ati*ns. T%e C*u"t +u"t%e" di"ected t%e OCA t* initiate dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s a ainst %i1 +*" 1isc*nduct as a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a". Hence, t%is 4"esent case +*" "es*luti*n 3y t%e C*u"t. T%e Facts 9e $u*te t%e +acts as stated in A. M. N*. MTJ#R2#6675,' as +*ll*:s: C*14lainant He"1* enes T. J*Dun /%e"eina+te" "e+e""ed t* as 8J*Dun80 :as in *4en and ad.e"se 4*ssessi*n *+ su3Eect land +*" a 4e"i*d *+ 1*"e t%an t%i"ty yea"s. His +a1ilyBs %*use :as e"ected *n t%e land. T%e %*use :as 1ade *+ *ld .inta e lu13e", ce1ent, %*ll*: 3l*c;s, J. I. s%eet "**+in and *t%e" st"*n 1ate"ials. J*Dun in%e"ited t%e %*use and l*t +"*1 %is 4a"ents. T%e 1unici4ality *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a clai1ed t* *:n t%e sa1e l*t. On Janua"y 6', 6RR5, t%e -an unian !ayan *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a issued Res*luti*n N*. '5#R5, statin : 8RE-OL@EC A- IT I- HERE!K RE-OL@EC t%at t%e -an unian !ayan *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a d* %e"e3y c*nside" /sic0 t%e l*t unde" Ta= Cec. N*. 66& *:ned 3y t%e Munici4al J*.e"n1ent *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, s4eci+ically t%e l*t :%e"e M". He"1* enes J*Dun and +a1ily :e"e s$uattin /sic0 as t%e ne: site *+ t%e Ru"al Healt% Cente" :ill "ise /sic0. On May 62, 6RR5, t%e -an unian !ayan issued Res*luti*n N*. 7&#R5 t* a1end t%e c*""ect Res*luti*n N*. '5#R5. On May '&, 6RR5, R*1ul* M. !atu, @ice May*", *n 3e%al+ *+ t%e -an unian !ayan, +iled :it% t%e MTC, -an Luis, Pa14an a, a 4etiti*n +*" decla"at*"y "elie+. 9e $u*te t%e 4etiti*n: 8PETITION FOR CECLARATORK RELIEF 8THE HONORA!LE JUCJE CANIEL LIANJCO 8In 3e%al+ *+ t%e -an unian !ayan *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, 9e :*uld li;e t* 4etiti*n y*u" **d *++ice t* "ende" le al *4ini*n *n t%e +*ll*:in 1atte"s, t* :it: 86. T%e .alidity *+ t%e attac%ed Res*luti*n. 8'. T%e 4*:e"s *+ t%e Munici4al May*" t* en+*"ce said Res*luti*n. 87. T* issue an *"de" t* t%e PNP t* assist t%e Munici4al May*" in i14le1entin said Res*luti*n. 8T%ese "e$uest a"e /sic0 in c*nnecti*n :it% *u" 4lan t* c*nst"uct a ne: site +*" t%e Ru"al Healt% Cente" *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a. H*:e.e", t%e desi nated 4lace t%e"e*+ is 4"esently 3ein s$uatted /sic0 3y a ce"tain M". He"1* enes J*Dun and ins4ite *+ t%e *++icial n*tice *+ Atty. !enl+"e -. Jalan , *u" P"*.incial Le al O++ice",

and 4e"s*nal "e$uest *+ *u" Munici4al May*" J*.it* C. !*nd*c t* M". J*Dun t* .acate %is /sic0 4"e1ises, %e c*ntinues t* de+y suc% n*tices and "e$uest t* t%e det"i1ent *+ t%e 4"*4*sed 4"*Eect. 89HEREFORE, it is "es4ect+ully 4"ayed t%at t%is 4etiti*n :ill 1e"it y*u" +a.*"a3le c*nside"ati*n and a44"*4"iate acti*n +*" t%e sa;e *+ 4u3lic inte"est.8 On t%e .e"y sa1e day, May '&, 6RR5, "es4*ndent Eud e issued a "es*luti*n, "eas*nin : Fi"st, t%e 1unici4ality *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a t%"*u % its -an unian !ayan 1ay enact "es*luti*ns and *"dinances t* "e ulate t%e use *+ 4"*4e"ty :it%in its Eu"isdicti*n. -ec*nd, Res*luti*n N*. 7&#R5 is n*t c*nt"a"y t* la:, 1*"als and 4u3lic 4*licy. T%i"d, t%e 1unici4al 1ay*" t%"*u % an e=ecuti.e *"de" 1ay *"de" t%e P%ili44ine Nati*nal P*lice *" any *.e"n1ent la: en+*"ce1ent a ency t* en+*"ce *" i14le1ent t%e "es*luti*n, usin "eas*na3le +*"ce i+ necessa"y and Eusti+ied.F*u"t%, s$uattin in *.e"n1ent 4"*4e"ty is c*nside"ed a 8nuisance 4e" se8. Res4*ndent Eud e "uled: 89it% t%e issuance 3y t%e Munici4al May*" *+ an e=ecuti.e *"de", t%e 1unici4ality *+ -an Luis 1ay *"de" t%e P%ili44ine Nati*nal P*lice /PNP0 stati*ned in -an Luis, Pa14an a t* e++ect t%e e.icti*n *+ He"1* enes J*Dun and all *t%e" 4e"s*ns :%* 1ay 3e clai1in any "i %t unde" %i1 +"*1 L*t N*. 66& c*.e"ed 3y ta= Cecla"ati*n N*. 5(7( /unde"sc*"in *u"s0.8 A ain, *n t%e sa1e day, Ma"c% '&, 6RR5, t%e 1unici4al 1ay*", J*.it* C. !*nd*c, 4u"suant t* t%e a+*"e$u*ted "es*luti*n, issued E=ecuti.e O"de" N*. 6, se"ies *+ 6RR5, *"de"in t%e PNP t* i14le1ent Res*luti*n N*. 7&# R5. N*te t%at c*14lainant J*Dun :as n*t se".ed :it% su11*ns *" i.en n*tice *+ t%e 4etiti*n +*" decla"at*"y "elie+. On June ', 6RR5, c*14lainant J*Dun lea"ned a3*ut t%e "es*luti*n. On June 7, 6RR5, c*14lainant J*DunBs :i+e t* et%e" :it% *t%e" 4u3lic sc%**l teac%e"s :ent t* t%e *++ice *+ t%e "es4*ndent Eud e. 9%en as;ed a3*ut t%e "es*luti*n, "es4*ndent Eud e ans:e"ed, 8In A4un Juinu yu y May*" !*nd*c at ;aya ;* 1a;isa3i8 /8K*u" J*d is May*" !*nd*c and y*u s%*uld tal; t* %i180. On Au ust ), 6RR5, a ents *+ t%e 1unici4al *.e"n1ent de1*lis%ed c*14lainant J*DunBs %*use, usin "es4*ndent Eud eBs "es*luti*n and t%e 1ay*"Bs e=ecuti.e *"de" as 3asis. On Cece13e" 6), 6RR5, c*14lainant J*Dun +iled t%is ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint :it% t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*". He a.e""ed t%at "es4*ndent Eud eBs issuance *+ t%e "es*luti*n a1*unts t* 8 "*ss 1isc*nduct, "*ss ine++iciency and inc*14etence.8 C*14lainant J*Dun +u"t%e" accused t%e 1unici4al 1ay*" *+ %a.in 3"i3ed "es4*ndent Eud e. May*" !*nd*c t*ld c*14lainant J*Dun t%at 8t%e "es4*ndent Eud e is in %is 4*c;etX 3ecause %e /May*" !*nd*c0 %as i.en %i1 /"es4*ndent Eud e0 a l*t *+ t%in s /8dacal na;u a "e al* ;aya80. On Janua"y '(, 6RR2, t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" su31itted t%e 4etiti*n t* t%is C*u"t +*" its c*nside"ati*n, "ec*11endin t%at t%e c*14laint 3e i.en due c*u"se. On Ma"c% '6, 6RR2, t%e C*u"t "es*l.ed t* "e$ui"e "es4*ndent Eud e t* c*11ent t%e"e*n, :it%in ten /6(0 days +"*1 n*tice. On May 6I, 6RR2, "es4*ndent Eud e su31itted %is c*11ent, denyin t%e c%a" es and u" in t%at t%e case 3e dis1issed. On June '7, 6RR2, :e "e+e""ed t%e case 3ac; t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" +*" e.aluati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n. On A4"il 67, '(((, a+te" in.esti ati*n, C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" Al+"ed* L. !eni4ay* su31itted a 1e1*"andu1, "ec*11endin t%e dis1issal +"*1 *++ice *+ "es4*ndent Eud e.7 A.M. N*. MTJ#R2#6675 Cis1issal *+ Res4*ndent +"*1 t%e !enc%

T%e OCA Res*luti*n :as +*":a"ded t* t%is C*u"t +*" e.aluati*n and acti*n and d*c;eted as A.M. N*. MTJ# R2#6675. On 7( Au ust, '(((, t%e C*u"t En !anc 4"*1ul ated a 4e" cu"ia1 Res*luti*n ad*4tin t%e "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*". It "uled t%at "es4*ndent %ad 3latantly i n*"ed t%e 3asic "ules *+ +ai" 4lay, in additi*n t* actin :it%*ut Eu"isdicti*n in ente"tainin a Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ des4ite %is 3ein a Eud e *+ a +i"st#le.el c*u"t.& T%e C*u"t als* 4*inted *ut t%at %is "ulin *n t%e said Petiti*n "esulted in t%e de1*liti*n *+ t%e %*use *+ c*14lainant J*Dun, t%us "ende"in %is +a1ily %*1eless. I It desc"i3ed "es4*ndentBs acts as 3iased and 81ale+icent8 and "uled t%at t%*se acts 1e"ited t%e 4unis%1ent *+ dis1issal +"*1 t%e se".ice,5 .iD: IN @IE9 9HEREOF, t%e C*u"t %e"e3y *"de"s t%e CI-MI--AL *+ "es4*ndent Jud e Caniel !. Lian c*, Munici4al T"ial Jud e, Munici4al T"ial C*u"t, -an Fe"nand*, Pa14an a, and Actin Jud e Munici4al Ci"cuit T"ial C*u"t /MCTC0, Me=ic*#-an Luis, Pa14an a, +"*1 t%e se".ice, :it% +*"+eitu"e *+ all "eti"e1ent 3ene+its and accu1ulated lea.e c"edits, i+ any, and :it% 4"eEudice t* "einstate1ent *" "ee14l*y1ent in any 3"anc%, inst"u1entality *" a ency *+ t%e J*.e"n1ent, includin *.e"n1ent#*:ned *" c*nt"*lled c*"4*"ati*ns. T%e C*u"t di"ects t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" t* initiate dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s a ainst "es4*ndent Jud e +*" 1isc*nduct as a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" :it%in t%i"ty /7(0 days +"*1 +inality *+ %is decisi*n. T%is decisi*n is i11ediately e=ecut*"y. -O ORCEREC. 2 A.C. N*. I7II Cis3a"1ent On 6( N*.e13e" '(((, t%e OCA +iled a C*14laint +*" Cis3a"1ent a ainst "es4*ndent.) In its C*14laint dated (5 N*.e13e" '(((, d*c;eted as Ad1inist"ati.e Case N*. /A.C.0 I7II, t%e OCA c%a" ed %i1 :it% "*ss 1isc*nduct +*" actin :it% 1ani+est 3ias and 4a"tiality t*:a"ds a 4a"ty, as :ell as +*" ine=cusa3le i n*"ance *+ :ell#esta3lis%ed "ules *+ 4"*cedu"e t%at c%allen ed %is c*14etence t* "e1ain a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. T%us, it 4"ayed t%at %e 3e dis3a""ed, and t%at %is na1e 3e st"ic;en *++ t%e R*ll *+ Att*"neys. R On ') N*.e13e" '(((, t%e C*u"t En !anc 4"*1ul ated a Res*luti*n "e$ui"in "es4*ndent t* +ile %is C*11ent *n t%e C*14laint +*" Cis3a"1ent a ainst %i1. 6( On (6 June '((6, %e +iled %is C*11ent *n?Ans:e" t* C*14laint +*" Cis3a"1ent,66 a44ealin +*" unde"standin and as;in t%at t%e C*u"t all*: %i1 t* c*ntinue 4"acticin as a la:ye". He "eas*ned t%at :%en %e acted *n t%e Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ +iled 3y t%e -an unian !ayan *+ t%e Munici4ality *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, %e :as 1e"ely "ende"in a le al *4ini*n 8%*nestly and in **d +ait%8A6' and t%at %is acti*ns :e"e n*t attended 3y 1alice, 3ad +ait% *" any *t%e" ulte"i*" 1*ti.e.67 He +u"t%e" 4leads +*" c*14assi*n +"*1 t%is C*u"t and +*" 4e"1issi*n t* "e1ain a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a", 3ecause t%e 4"actice *+ la: is %is *nly 1eans *+ li.eli%**d t* su44*"t %is +a1ily.6& On (2 Au ust '((6, t%e C*u"t En !anc n*ted t%e su31issi*n *+ "es4*ndent and "e+e""ed t%e case t* t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 +*" in.esti ati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n :it%in ninety /R(0 days +"*1 "ecei4t *+ t%e "ec*"ds *+ t%e case.6I I!PBs Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n T%e I!P %eld a se"ies *+ %ea"in s *n t%e dis3a"1ent case :it% "es4*ndentBs 4a"tici4ati*n. On (7 Oct*3e" '((7, t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" issued %e" Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n 65 +indin Eusti+icati*n +*" t%e dis3a"1ent *+ "es4*ndent and "ec*11endin t%at %is na1e 3e st"uc; *++ t%e R*ll *+ Att*"neys. T%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" +*und t%at, 3ased *n t%e +acts *+ t%e case, t%e"e :as clea", c*n.incin and satis+act*"y e.idence t* :a""ant t%e dis3a"1ent *+ "es4*ndent. 62 -%e *3se".ed t%at %e %ad e=%i3ited la4ses, as :ell as i n*"ance *+ :ell#esta3lis%ed "ules and 4"*cedu"es. -%e als* *3se".ed t%at t%e 4"esent C*14laint :as n*t t%e +i"st *+ its ;ind t* 3e +iled a ainst %i1. -%e +u"t%e" n*ted t%at 3e+*"e %is dis1issal +"*1 t%e Eudicia"y, "es4*ndent :as sus4ended +*" si= /50 1*nt%s :%en %e assi ned t* %is c*u"t, :it%*ut a "a++le, +i+ty# +*u" /I&0 cases +*" .i*lati*n *+ P"esidential Cec"ee N*. 65(' > a .i*lati*n *+ -u4"e1e C*u"t Ci"cula" N*. 2

dated '7 -e4te13e" 6R2&. Als*, 4endin :it% t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t :e"e t%"ee /70 ad1inist"ati.e cases +iled a ainst %i1 +*" dis%*nesty, "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la:, and di"ect 3"i3e"y. In t%e 3"i3e"y case, %e :as cau %t 3y t%e Nati*nal !u"eau *+ In.esti ati*n in an ent"a41ent *4e"ati*n.6) On 7( Janua"y '((R, "es4*ndent +iled a M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n 6R *+ t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P. He alle ed t%at t%e e.idence 4"esented in t%e 4"*ceedin s +*" %is dis1issal as Eud e :as t%e sa1e as t%at :%ic% :as used in t%e dis3a"1ent case a ainst %i1. T%us, 3ecause %e did n*t %a.e t%e c%ance t* c"*ss#e=a1ine t%e :itnesses, %e clai1ed t* %a.e 3een de4"i.ed *+ due 4"*cess. '( In additi*n, "es4*ndent e14%asiDed t%e su31issi*n 3y J*Dun *+ an A++ida.it *+ Cesistance +"*1 t%e C*14laint t%e latte" %ad *"i inally +iled a ainst %i1 and c*ntended t%at t%e case s%*uld %a.e 3een dis1issed. '6 Lastly, "es4*ndent a.e""ed t%at %e %ad endea.*"ed t* i14"*.e %i1sel+ as a de.*ut Cat%*lic 3y E*inin "eli i*us *" aniDati*ns. He als* i14"essed u4*n t%e I!P %is e++*"t t* i14"*.e *n %is ;n*:led e *+ t%e la: 3y attendin Mandat*"y C*ntinuin Le al Educati*n /MCLE0.'' On 6' May '((R, "es4*ndent +iled a -u44le1ental M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n '7 :%e"ein %e i14l*"ed t%e I!P t* ta;e a sec*nd l**; at %is case. He e14%asiDed t%e su31issi*n 3y J*Dun *+ an A++ida.it *+ Cesistance and t%e +act t%at t%e +*"1e" %ad al"eady su++e"ed t%e su4"e1e 4enalty *+ dis1issal as MTC Eud e. '& Res4*ndent als* "eite"ated t%e "*unds al"eady stated in %is +i"st M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n. On (R Oct*3e" '((), t%e I!P 3*a"d *+ *.e"n*"s 4assed Res*luti*n N*. H@III#'(()#I'I, 'I :%ic% ad*4ted t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne", :%* +*und t%at "es4*ndent %ad acted :it% 1ani+est 3ias and 4a"tiality in +a.*" *+ a 4a"ty#liti ant and s%*:n ine=cusa3le i n*"ance *+ t%e Rules *+ P"*cedu"e. T%e Res*luti*n li;e:ise ad*4ted t%e "ec*11endati*n t* dis3a" "es4*ndent. On 7( June '(66, t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line t"ans1itted t%e case "ec*"ds *+ A. C. N*. I7II t* t%is C*u"t, :%ic% n*ted it *n 65 Au ust '(66.'5 T%e C*u"tBs Rulin T%e C*u"t a++i"1s in t*t* t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*ns *+ t%e I!P. T%e e.idence *n "ec*"d *.e":%el1in ly su44*"ts t%e +indin t%at "es4*ndent is uilty *+ "*ss 1isc*nduct and ine=cusa3le i n*"ance *+ :ell#esta3lis%ed "ules *+ 4"*cedu"es. J"*ss Misc*nduct In -4s. C*nat* .. Atty. Asunci*n, J". '2 citin Ka4 .. Jud e A$uilin* A. In*4i$ueD, J"., ') t%is C*u"t e=4lained t%e c*nce4t *+ "*ss 1isc*nduct as any ine=cusa3le, s%a1e+ul *" +la "ant unla:+ul c*nduct *n t%e 4a"t *+ a 4e"s*n c*nce"ned :it% t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ EusticeA i.e., c*nduct 4"eEudicial t* t%e "i %ts *+ t%e 4a"ties *" t* t%e "i %t dete"1inati*n *+ t%e cause. T%e 1*ti.e 3e%ind t%is c*nduct is ene"ally a 4"e1editated, *3stinate *" intenti*nal 4u"4*se. In t%e case at 3a", "es4*ndent acted u4*n t%e Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ +iled 3y t%e -an unian !ayan *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, :it%*ut t%e 1andat*"y n*tice t* J*Dun :%* :*uld 3e a++ected 3y t%e acti*n. T%e "ec*"ds s%*: t%at "es4*ndent, u4*n "ecei4t *+ t%e Petiti*n, %ad it d*c;eted in %is c*u"t, desi nated J*Dun as "es4*ndent in t%e case title, and $uic;ly dis4*sed *+ t%e 1atte" 3y issuin a Res*luti*n > all *n t%e sa1e day t%at t%e Petiti*n :as +iled :it%*ut n*tice and %ea"in . Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at, t* %is 1ind, %e :as 1e"ely "ende"in a le al *4ini*n at t%e l*cal *.e"n1entBs 3e%est, :%ic% %e ladly and e=4editi*usly *3li ed. 9it%*ut denyin t%is +act in %is C*11ent, %e ad1itted t%at %e %ad e""ed in actin u4*n t%e Petiti*n, 3ut e14%asiDed t%at %is acti*ns :e"e n*t attended 3y 1alice *" 3ad +ait%.'R 9e +ind %is state1ents %a"d t* 3elie.e. T%e undue %aste :it% :%ic% "es4*ndent acted *n t%e Petiti*n ne ates **d +ait% *n %is 4a"t. M*"e*.e", t%e testi1*nial e.idence *n "ec*"d indicates t%at %e 1aintained cl*se "elati*ns :it% t%e 1unici4al .ice#1ay*" *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, a 4a"ty#liti ant :%* %ad an *3.i*us inte"est in t%e *utc*1e *+ t%e case. T%e testi1*ny

*+ R*1ul* A. !atu, +*"1e" .ice#1ay*" *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a, s%*:ed t%at "es4*ndent deni "ated %is i14a"tiality as a Eud e is as +*ll*:s: COMM. -AN-ANO: K*u d*nBt "e1e13e" t%e"e+*"e t%at at any ti1e at all y*u :e"e :it% t%e 1ay*" in *in t* see t%e "es4*ndent< 9ITNE--: /M". !atu0 I d* n*t ;n*: any instance t%at t%e 1ay*" .isited t%e "es4*ndent, K*u" H*n*". I d* n*t ;n*: any instance t%at I :as :it% %i1. COMM. -AN-ANO: !ut *t%e" t%an t%e *ccasi*n *+ t%e +ilin *+ t%is "e$uest t%e"e :e"e ti1es :%en y*u :ent t* see t%e "es4*ndent als* in %is *++ice< 9ITNE--: T%e"e :as n* *t%e" .isit, K*u" H*n*". COMM. -AN-ANO: -* May '&, 6RR5 :as t%e +i"st ti1e y*u :ent t* see %i1 in %is *++ice< 9ITNE--: !e+*"e t%at, K*u" H*n*", na 4u4unta na ;a1i d**n ;un 1insan 1ay na 4a4atul*n na 1 a 1ay ;as*. COMM. -AN-ANO: K*n an tan*n ;* ;anina sa iy* ;un 3a * May '& 4u1u4unta ;a na sa *4isina niyan dati%an< 9ITNE--: Kes, K*u" H*n*". 7( T%e testi1*ny *+ "es4*ndentBs *:n :itness clea"ly s%*:ed %is :ant*n dis"e a"d *+ Can*n 6, -ecti*ns & and I *+ t%e Ne: C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct +*" t%e P%ili44ine Judicia"y, :%ic% "e$ui"es t%e *3se".ance *+ Eudicial inde4endence and its 4"*tecti*n +"*1 undue in+luence, :%et%e" +"*1 4"i.ate *" +"*1 4u3lic inte"ests.76 In EdaQ* .. Jud e Asdala,7' :e e=4lained t%e "ati*nale 3e%ind t%is i14*siti*n: As t%e .isi3le "e4"esentati*n *+ t%e la: and Eustice, Eud es, suc% as t%e "es4*ndent, a"e e=4ected t* c*nduct t%e1sel.es in a 1anne" t%at :*uld en%ance t%e "es4ect and c*n+idence *+ t%e 4e*4le in t%e Eudicial syste1. T%e Ne: C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct +*" t%e P%ili44ine Judicia"y 1andates t%at Eud es 1ust n*t *nly 1aintain t%ei" inde4endence, inte "ity and i14a"tialityA 3ut t%ey 1ust als* a.*id any a44ea"ance *+ i14"*4"iety *" 4a"tiality, :%ic% 1ay e"*de t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% in t%e Eudicia"y. Inte "ity and i14a"tiality, as :ell as t%e a44ea"ance t%e"e*+, a"e dee1ed essential n*t Eust in t%e 4"*4e" disc%a" e *+ Eudicial *++ice, 3ut als* t* t%e 4e"s*nal de1ean*" *+ Eud es. T%is standa"d a44lies n*t *nly t* t%e decisi*n itsel+, 3ut als* t* t%e 4"*cess 3y :%ic% t%e decisi*n is 1ade. -ecti*n 6, Can*n ', s4eci+ically 1andates Eud es t* 8ensu"e t%at n*t *nly is t%ei" c*nduct a3*.e "e4"*ac%, 3ut t%at it is 4e"cei.ed t* 3e s* in t%e .ie: *+ "eas*na3le *3se".e"s.8 Clea"ly, it is *+ .ital i14*"tance n*t *nly t%at inde4endence, inte "ity and i14a"tiality %a.e 3een *3se".ed 3y Eud es and "e+lected in t%ei" decisi*ns, 3ut t%at t%ese 1ust als* a44ea" t* %a.e 3een s* *3se".ed in t%e eyes *+ t%e 4e*4le, s* as t* a.*id any e"*si*n *+ +ait% in t%e Eustice syste1. T%us, Eud es 1ust 3e ci"cu1s4ect in t%ei" acti*ns in *"de" t* a.*id d*u3t and sus4ici*n in t%e dis4ensati*n *+ Eustice. T* +u"t%e" e14%asiDe its i14*"tance, -ecti*n ', Can*n ' states: -ec. '. T%e 3e%a.i*" and c*nduct *+ Eud es 1ust "ea++i"1 t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e Eudicia"y. Justice 1ust n*t 1e"ely 3e d*ne 3ut 1ust als* 3e seen t* 3e d*ne. As ea"ly as June 5, '((7, OCA Ci"cula" N*. 2(#'((7 %as di"ected Eud es as +*ll*:s: In .ie: *+ t%e inc"easin nu13e" *+ "e4*"ts "eac%in t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" t%at Eud es %a.e 3een 1eetin :it% 4a"ty liti ants inside t%ei" c%a13e"s, Eud es a"e %e"e3y cauti*ned t* a.*id in#c%a13e"s sessi*ns :it%*ut t%e *t%e" 4a"ty and %is c*unsel 4"esent, and t* *3se".e 4"udence at all ti1es in t%ei" c*nduct t* t%e end t%at t%ey *nly act i14a"tially and :it% 4"*4"iety 3ut a"e als* 4e"cei.ed t* 3e i14a"tial and 4"*4e".

I14a"tiality is essential t* t%e 4"*4e" disc%a" e *+ t%e Eudicial *++ice. It a44lies n*t *nly t* 8t%e decisi*n itsel+ 3ut als* t* t%e 4"*cess 3y :%ic% t%e decisi*n is 1ade.8 As suc%, Eud es 1ust ensu"e t%at t%ei" 8c*nduct, 3*t% in and *ut *+ t%e c*u"t, 1aintains and en%ances t%e c*n+idence *+ t%e 4u3lic, t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and liti ants in t%e i14a"tiality *+ t%e Eud e and *+ t%e Eudicia"y.8 In t%e sa1e .ein, t%e C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct 3e%**.es all Eud es t* a.*id i14"*4"iety and t%e a44ea"ance *+ i14"*4"iety in all t%ei" acti.ities, as suc% is essential t* t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ all t%e acti.ities *+ a Eud e in *"de" t* 1aintain t%e t"ust and "es4ect *+ t%e 4e*4le in t%e Eudicia"y. Als* "ele.ant is Can*n 7, 4a"ticula"ly -ecti*n ' *+ t%e ne: c*de, :%ic% e=%*"ts Eud es n*t *nly t* 3e i14a"tial in decidin t%e cases 3e+*"e t%e1, 3ut als* t* 4"*Eect t%e i1a e *+ i14a"tiality. 77 Un+*"tunately, as s%*:n 3y t%e +acts *+ t%e case, t%ese "ules :e"e n*t 4"*4e"ly *3se".ed 3y "es4*ndent as a Eud e *+ a +i"st#le.el c*u"t. Ine=cusa3le I n*"ance *+ t%e La: 9e a"e a44alled 3y "es4*ndentBs i n*"ance *+ t%e 3asic "ules *+ 4"*cedu"e. His :ant*n use *+ c*u"t 4"*cesses in t%is case :it%*ut "e a"d +*" t%e "e4e"cussi*ns *n t%e "i %ts and 4"*4e"ty *+ *t%e"s clea"ly s%*:s %is un+itness t* "e1ain a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a". A cu"s*"y l**; at t%e Res*luti*n dated '& May 6RR5 issued 3y "es4*ndent :*uld 4"*14t an *"dina"y 4e"s*n t* c*nclude t%at an acti*n in t%e +*"1 *+ a Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ :as indeed +iled, 3ecause it 3ea"s t%e na1e and t%e 3"anc% *+ t%e c*u"t *+ la: t%at issued it. It %ad a d*c;et nu13e" and t%e na1es *+ t%e 4a"ties in.*l.ed. T%e Res*luti*n e.en states t%e Eusticia3le $uesti*n t* 3e "es*l.ed and acc*"din ly 1a;es a Eudicial dete"1inati*n t%e"e*+. In "eality, t%*u %, t%e"e :as n* n*tice sent t* J*Dun, t%e na1ed "es4*ndent in t%e Petiti*nA n*" :as a %ea"in %eld t* t%"es% *ut t%e issues in.*l.ed. As +a" as "es4*ndent :as c*nce"ned, %e si14ly issued a 8le al *4ini*n,8 3ut *ne :it% all t%e %all1a";s *+ a .alid issuance 3y a c*u"t *+ la:, des4ite t%e a3sence *+ 1andat*"y 4"*cesses suc% as n*tice > es4ecially t* J*Dun > and %ea"in . E.en t%is e=cuse is unacce4ta3le. Jud es d* n*t, and a"e n*t all*:ed, t* issue le al *4ini*ns. T%ei" *4ini*ns a"e al:ays in t%e c*nte=t *+ Eudicial decisi*ns, *" c*ncu""in and dissentin *4ini*ns in t%e case *+ c*lle iate c*u"ts, and al:ays in t%e c*nte=t *+ c*ntested 4"*ceedin s. 9%at is 1*st un+*"tunate is t%at t%e -an unian !ayan, "elyin *n t%e Res*luti*n "es4*ndent issued, caused t%e de1*liti*n *+ t%e %*use *+ J*Dun and %is +a1ily, :%* :e"e t%us eEected +"*1 t%e 4"*4e"ty t%ey %ad 3een *ccu4yin +*" decades. In e++ect, J*Dun :as de4"i.ed *+ %is 4"*4e"ty :it%*ut due 4"*cess. T* us, t%is is 4"ecisely t%e inEustice t%at 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3enc% and t%e 3a" a"e s:*"n t* ua"d a ainst. Re "etta3ly, "es4*ndent as Eud e :as e.en inst"u1ental in its c*11issi*n. 9%en %is lia3ility +*" %is act :as in.*;ed, %e casually Eusti+ies t%e1 as %*nest 1ista;es n*t attended 3y 1alice *" 3ad +ait%. His Eusti+icati*n is unacce4ta3le t* us. As a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" and +*"1e" Eud e, "es4*ndent is e=4ected t* 3e :ell#.e"sed in t%e Rules *+ P"*cedu"e. T%is e=4ectati*n is i14*sed u4*n 1e13e"s *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, 3ecause 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e 3a" is in t%e cate *"y *+ a 1andate +*" 4u3lic se".ice *+ t%e %i %est *"de". La:ye"s a"e *at%#3*und se".ants *+ s*ciety :%*se c*nduct is clea"ly ci"cu1sc"i3ed 3y in+le=i3le n*"1s *+ la: and et%ics, and :%*se 4"i1a"y duty is t%e ad.ance1ent *+ t%e $uest +*" t"ut% and Eustice, +*" :%ic% t%ey %a.e s:*"n t* 3e +ea"less c"usade"s.7& As Eud e *+ a +i"st#le.el c*u"t, "es4*ndent is e=4ected t* ;n*: t%at %e %as n* Eu"isdicti*n t* ente"tain a 4etiti*n +*" decla"at*"y "elie+. M*"e*.e", %e is 4"esu1ed t* ;n*: t%at in %is ca4acity as Eud e, %e cann*t "ende" a le al *4ini*n in t%e a3sence *+ a Eusticia3le $uesti*n. Cis4layin an utte" lac; *+ +a1ilia"ity :it% t%e "ules, %e in e++ect e"*des t%e 4u3licBs c*n+idence in t%e c*14etence *+ *u" c*u"ts. M*"e*.e", %e de1*nst"ates %is i n*"ance *+ t%e 4*:e" and "es4*nsi3ility t%at attac% t* t%e 4"*cesses and issuances *+ a Eud e, and t%at %e as a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" s%*uld ;n*:.

Can*n 6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 1andates t%at a la:ye" 1ust u4%*ld t%e C*nstituti*n and 4"*1*te "es4ect +*" t%e le al 4"*cesses.7I C*nt"a"y t* t%is edict, "es4*ndent 1ale.*lently .i*lated t%e 3asic c*nstituti*nal "i %t *+ J*Dun n*t t* 3e de4"i.ed *+ a "i %t *" 4"*4e"ty :it%*ut due 4"*cess *+ la:. Unde" Can*n 6(, Rule 6(.(7, "es4*ndent as la:ye" is 1andated t* *3se".e t%e Rules *+ P"*cedu"e and n*t t* 1isuse t%e1 t* de+eat t%e ends *+ Eustice. 75 In t%is case, %*:e.e", t%e *44*site %a44ened. Res4*ndent "ec;lessly used t%e 4*:e"s *+ t%e c*u"t t* in+lict inEustice. -%*uld t%e 1isc*nduct *+ "es4*ndent as Eud e als* :a""ant %is dis3a"1ent +"*1 t%e le al 4"*+essi*n< 9e ans:e" in t%e a++i"1ati.e. In C*llantes .. Ren*1e"*n,72 :e "uled t%e"ein t%at t%e 1isc*nduct *+ t%e "es4*ndent t%e"ein as a 4u3lic *++icial als* c*nstituted a .i*lati*n *+ %is *at% as a la:ye": As t%e late C%ie+ Justice F"ed RuiD Cast"* said: 8A 4e"s*n ta;es an *at% :%en %e is ad1itted t* t%e !a" :%ic% is desi ned t* i14"ess u4*n %i1 %is "es4*nsi3ilities. He t%e"e3y 3ec*1es an Y*++ice" *+ t%e c*u"tB *n :%*se s%*ulde"s "est t%e "a.e "es4*nsi3ility *+ assistin t%e c*u"ts in t%e 4"*4e", +ai", s4eedy and e++icient ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. As an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t %e is su3Eect t* a "i id disci4line t%at de1ands t%at in %is e.e"y e=e"ti*n t%e *nly c"ite"i*n 3e t%at t"ut% and Eustice t"iu14%. T%is disci4line is :%at %as i.en t%e la: 4"*+essi*n its n*3ility, its 4"esti e, its e=alted 4lace. F"*1 a la:ye", t* 4a"a4%"ase Justice Feli= F"an;+u"te", a"e e=4ected t%*se $ualities *+ t"ut%#s4ea;in , a %i % sense *+ %*n*", +ull cand*", intellectual %*nesty, and t%e st"ictest *3se".ance *+ +iducia"y "es4*nsi3ility # all *+ :%ic%, t%"*u %*ut t%e centu"ies, %a.e 3een c*14endi*usly desc"i3ed as L1*"al c%a"acte".L === === === 8A la:ye" s%all n*t en a e in c*nduct t%at ad.e"sely "e+lects *n %is +itness t* 4"actice la:, n*" s%all %e, :%et%e" in 4u3lic *" 4"i.ate li+e, 3e%a.e in a scandal*us 1anne" t* t%e disc"edit *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n.8 /Rule 2.(7, C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.0 T%is C*u"t %as *"de"ed t%at *nly t%*se :%* a"e 8c*14etent, %*n*"a3le, and "elia3le8 1ay 4"actice t%e 4"*+essi*n *+ la: /N*"ie a .s. -is*n, 6'I -CRA 'R70 +*" e.e"y la:ye" 1ust 4u"sue 8*nly t%e %i %est standa"ds in t%e 4"actice *+ %is callin 8 /C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" .s. He"1*s*, 6I( -CRA '5R, '2)0. Recently, in -a1s*n .. Jud e Ca3alle"*,7) :e "uled t%at 3ecause 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e 3a" is an inte "al $uali+icati*n +*" 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e 3enc%, t%e 1*"al +itness *+ a Eud e als* "e+lects t%e latte"Bs 1*"al +itness as a la:ye". A Eud e :%* dis*3eys t%e 3asic "ules *+ Eudicial c*nduct als* .i*lates t%e la:ye"Bs *at%. 9e n*te t%at *n 'I Au ust '(66, "es4*ndent +iled a Petiti*n +*" Re.ie: *n Ce"ti*"a"i assailin Res*luti*n N*. H@III#'(()#I'I dated (R Oct*3e" '(() 4"*1ul ated 3y t%e I!P 3*a"d *+ *.e"n*"s, :%ic% ad*4ted and a44"*.ed t%e +indin s *+ t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" "ec*11endin %is dis3a"1ent. Res4*ndent alle ed t%e"ein t%at %e %ad se".ed as assistant 4"*.incial 4"*secut*" in t%e O++ice *+ t%e P"*.incial P"*secut*" *+ Pa14an a +*" t%i"teen /670 yea"s 4"i*" t* %is dis1issal as MTC Eud e *+ -an Luis, Pa14an a and as actin MCTC Eud e *+ Me=ic*#-an Luis, Pa14an a. He als* c*14lains t%at %e :as de4"i.ed *+ due 4"*cess 3y t%e I!P 3*a"d *+ *.e"n*"s :%en it a44"*.ed and ad*4ted t%e +indin s *+ t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" "ec*11endin %is dis3a"1entA and %e 4"ays +*" a sec*nd l**; at %is case, c*nside"in t%e :it%d"a:al *+ t%e C*14laint *"i inally +iled 3y J*Dun. In t%e li %t *+ *u" "ulin in t%is case, :e can n* l*n e" c*nside" t%e und*c;eted Petiti*n +*" Re.ie: *n Ce"ti*"a"i +iled 3y "es4*ndent. In t%e +i"st 4lace, suc% ;ind *+ 4etiti*n is n*t a.aila3le t* assail t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e I!P in an ad1inist"ati.e case. His "e1edies +"*1 an ad.e"se "es*luti*n is t* see; a "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e sa1e, and :%en denied, t* "aise t%e sa1e de+enses a ainst ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility 3e+*"e t%is C*u"t. He %as a.ailed *+ 3*t% "e1edies in t%is case. Cis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s a"e sui ene"is. As suc%, t%ey "ende" t%e unde"lyin 1*ti.es *+ c*14lainant uni14*"tant and *+ little "ele.ance. T%e 4u"4*se *+ dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s is 1ainly t* dete"1ine t%e +itness *+ a la:ye" t* c*ntinue actin as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t and as 4a"tici4ant in t%e dis4ensati*n *+ Eustice > an

issue :%ic% t%e c*14lainantBs 4e"s*nal 1*ti.es %a.e little "ele.ance. F*" t%is "eas*n, u4*n in+*"1ati*n *+ an alle ed :"*n d*in , t%e C*u"t 1ay initiate t%e dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s 1*tu 4"*4"i*.7Rlavvp&il Recently in Ja""id* .. Atty. Ja""id*,&( :e "eite"ated t%e uni$ue c%a"acte"istic *+ dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin s and t%ei" 4u"4*se in t%is :ise: La:s dealin :it% d*u3le Ee*4a"dy *" :it% 4"*cedu"e > suc% as t%e .e"i+icati*n *+ 4leadin s and 4"eEudicial $uesti*ns, *" in t%is case, 4"esc"i4ti*n *+ *++enses *" t%e +ilin *+ a++ida.its *+ desistance 3y t%e c*14lainant > d* n*t a44ly in t%e dete"1inati*n *+ a la:ye"Bs $uali+icati*ns and +itness +*" 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a". 9e %a.e s* "uled in t%e 4ast and :e see n* "eas*n t* de4a"t +"*1 t%is "ulin . Fi"st, ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la: is a c*14*nent *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and is a 1atte" *+ 4u3lic inte"est 3ecause it in.*l.es se".ice t* t%e 4u3lic. T%e ad1issi*n $uali+icati*ns a"e als* $uali+icati*ns +*" t%e c*ntinued enE*y1ent *+ t%e 4"i.ile e t* 4"actice la:. -ec*nd, lac; *+ $uali+icati*ns *" t%e .i*lati*n *+ t%e standa"ds +*" t%e 4"actice *+ la:, li;e c"i1inal cases, is a 1atte" *+ 4u3lic c*nce"n t%at t%e -tate 1ay in$ui"e int* t%"*u % t%is C*u"t. In t%is sense, t%e c*14lainant in a dis3a"1ent case is n*t a di"ect 4a"ty :%*se inte"est in t%e *utc*1e *+ t%e c%a" e is :%*lly %is *" %e" *:nA e++ecti.ely, %is *" %e" 4a"tici4ati*n is t%at *+ a :itness :%* 3"*u %t t%e 1atte" t* t%e attenti*n *+ t%e C*u"t.lawp&i/ T%us, des4ite J*DunBs desistance in A.M. N*. MTJ#R2#6675, +"*1 :%ence t%is case *"i inated, "es4*ndent is n*t e=*ne"ated. 9HEREFORE, t%is C*u"t "es*l.es t* CI-!AR Atty. Caniel !. Lian c* +*" t%e +*ll*:in *++enses: 6. JRO-- MI-CONCUCT in .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6, -ecti*ns & and I *+ t%e Ne: C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct +*" t%e P%ili44ine Judicia"y '. INEHCU-A!LE IJNORANCE OF THE LA9 in .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6 and 6(, Rule 6(.(7 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e attac%ed t* t%e 4e"s*nal "ec*"ds *+ Atty. Caniel !. Lian c* in t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant and an*t%e" c*4y +u"nis%ed t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines. T%e !a" C*n+idant is %e"e3y di"ected t* st"i;e *ut t%e na1e *+ Caniel !. Lian c* +"*1 t%e R*ll *+ Att*"neys. -O ORCEREC. A.). No. +.,, Sep"em-e' 12, 2011 AN0ONIO )ON&U, C*14lainant, .s. A00/. IRENEO AREDONIA, JR., Res4*ndent. 3E&AS)O, JR., J.: !e+*"e t%e C*u"t is a c*14laint6 +*" dis3a"1ent :it% a 4"aye" +*" da1a es instituted 3y Ant*ni* C*nlu /Ant*ni*0 a ainst Atty. I"ene* A"ed*nia, J". /Atty. I"ene*0 *n "*unds *+ "*ss ne li ence and de"elicti*n *+ s:*"n duty. Ant*ni* :as t%e de+endant in Ci.il Case N*. 6(&), a suit +*" Muietin *+ Title and Rec*.e"y *+ a Pa"cel *+ Land c*11enced 3e+*"e t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t /RTC0 in -ilay City, Ne "*s Occidental. ' He en a ed t%e se".ices *+ Atty. I"ene* t* "e4"esent %i1 in t%e case. On Ma"c% 65, 6RRI, t%e RTC "ende"ed Eud 1ent7 ad.e"se t* Ant*ni*. T%e"e+"*1, Atty. I"ene*, +*" Ant*ni*, a44ealed t* t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals /CA0 :%e"eat t%e "ec*u"se :as d*c;eted as CA#J.R. C@ N*. I((2I. T%e CA, 4e" its Res*luti*n *+ Fe3"ua"y 6(, 6RR2, e.entually dis1issed t%e a44eal +*" n*n#+ilin *+ t%e a44ellantBs 3"ie+ :it%in t%e "e le1enta"y 4e"i*d. Ant*ni* *t :ind *+ t%e dis1issal +"*1 %is :i+e :%* .e"i+ied t%e status *+ t%e case :%en s%e %a44ened t* 3e in Manila. 9%en c*n+"*nted a3*ut t%e dis1issal acti*n, Atty. I"ene* 4"*1ised t* see; "ec*nside"ati*n, :%ic% %e did, 3ut :%ic% t%e a44ellate c*u"t late" denied +*" 3elated +ilin *+ t%e 1*ti*n.

In t%at 1*ti*n& %e 4"e4a"ed and +iled, Atty. I"ene* a.e""ed "ecei.in t%e ad.e"ted Fe3"ua"y 6(, 6RR2 CA Res*luti*nI *nly *n A4"il 'I, 6RR2, addin in t%is "e a"d t%at t%e 4e"s*n in t%e la: *++ice :%* initially "ecei.ed a c*4y *+ said "es*luti*n :as n*t s* aut%*"iDed. H*:e.e", t%e CA denied t%e 1*ti*n +*" %a.in 3een +iled *ut *+ ti1e. As t%e CA :*uld decla"e in a su3se$uent "es*luti*n dated Cece13e" 7, 6RR2, t%e"e :as a .alid "ecei4t 3y Atty. I"ene*, as s%*:n 3y t%e "e ist"y "etu"n ca"d :it% %is si natu"e, *+ a c*4y *+ t%e CABs Fe3"ua"y 6(, 6RR2 Res*luti*n. Acc*"din ly, as t%e CA :"*te, t%e 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e Fe3"ua"y "es*luti*n :%ic% 3*"e t%e 1ailin date May ), 6RR2 cann*t 3ut 3e c*nside"ed as +iled :ay *ut *+ ti1e. In li %t *+ t%ese successi.e set3ac;s, a dis usted Ant*ni* *t t%e case "ec*"ds 3ac; +"*1 Atty. I"ene* and 4e"s*nally +iled *n Oct*3e" 67, 6RR2 an*t%e" 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n. !y Res*luti*n *+ Cece13e" 7, 6RR2, t%e CA a ain denied5 t%is 1*ti*n +*" t%e "eas*n t%at t%e 4"eEudicial i14act *+ t%e 3elated +ilin 3y %is +*"1e" c*unsel *+ t%e +i"st 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n 3inds Ant*ni*. F*"t%:it%, Ant*ni* ele.ated %is case t* t%e C*u"t *n a 4etiti*n +*" ce"ti*"a"i 3ut t%e C*u"t :*uld late" dis1iss t%e 4etiti*n and %is su3se$uent 1*ti*n t* "ec*nside" t%e denial. -uc% :as t%e state *+ t%in s :%en Ant*ni* l*d ed t%is instant ad1inist"ati.e case +*" dis3a"1ent :it% a 4"aye" +*" da1a es. T* su44*"t %is clai1 +*" da1a es, Ant*ni* asse"ts %a.in su++e"ed slee4less ni %ts, 1ental t*"tu"e and an uis% as a "esult *+ Atty. I"ene*Bs e""in :ays, 3esides :%ic% Ant*ni* als* l*st a .alua3le "eal 4"*4e"ty su3Eect *+ Ci.il Case N*. 6(&). F*ll*:in Atty. I"ene*Bs "e4eated +ailu"e t* su31it, as *"de"ed, %is c*11ent, a nu13e" *+ e=tensi*ns *+ ti1e i.en n*t:it%standin ,2 t%e C*u"t "e+e""ed t%e instant case, d*c;eted as Ad1inist"ati.e Case N*. &RII, t* its O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant /O!C0 +*" e.aluati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n. Actin *n O!CBs Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n ) dated N*.e13e" '7, '(((, t%e C*u"t, 3y Res*luti*n *+ Janua"y 76, '((6, di"ected Atty. I"ene* t* s%*: cause :it%in ten /6(0 days +"*1 n*ticeSlate" successi.ely e=tended .ia Res*luti*ns dated July 65 and 'R, '(('S:%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lina"ily dealt :it% *" %eld in c*nte14t +*" +ailin t* +ile %is c*11ent and t* c*14ly :it% t%e +ilin *+ it. In se4a"ate "es*luti*ns, t%e C*u"t /a0 i14*sed *n Atty. I"ene* a +ine *+ P%P ',(((A R /30 *"de"ed %is a""est 3ut :%ic% t%e Nati*nal !u"eau *+ In.esti ati*n /N!I0 cann*t e++ect +*" t%e "eas*n: 8:%e"ea3*uts un;n*:n8A6( /c0 c*nside"ed %i1 as %a.in :ai.ed %is "i %t t* +ile c*11entA and /d0 "e+e""ed t%e ad1inist"ati.e case t* t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 +*" "e4*"t, in.esti ati*n and "ec*11endati*n. 66 At t%e I!P, Atty. I"ene* desisted +"*1 add"essin %is ad1inist"ati.e case, %is desistance e=4"essed 3y n*t attendin t%e 1andat*"y c*n+e"ence *" +ilin t%e "e$ui"ed 4*siti*n 4a4e". On t%e 3asis *+ t%e 4leadin s, t%e I!P#C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line /C!C0 +*und I"ene* lia3le +*" .i*latin Can*n 6, Rules 6.(6 and 6.(7 and Can*n 6), Rule 6).(7 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility and "ec*11ended %is sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" a 4e"i*d *+ si= /50 1*nt%s, :it% :a"nin . T%e salient 4*"ti*ns *+ t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne"Bs Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n6' "ead as +*ll*:s: Unc*nt"*.e"ted and unc*ntested a"e "es4*ndentBs ina3ility t* +ile a44ellantBs !"ie+, %is +utile atte14ts t* 1islead t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals t%at %e did n*t 4e"s*nally "ecei.ed FsicG t%e "es*luti*n *+ dis1issal. His +ilin *+ t%e M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n +i.e /I0 1*nt%s late. FsicG A "a.ated 3y %is +ailu"e t* +ile %is c*11ent in t%e instant ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint des4ite %is nu1e"*us 1*ti*ns +*" e=tensi*n t* +ile t%e sa1e. FsicG He is e.en ada1ant t* c*14ly :it% t%e s%*: cause *"de" *+ t%e 3a" c*n+idant. T%e se"ies *+ sn*33is% actuati*ns in se.e"al "es*luti*n *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t enE*inin %i1 t* 1a;e t%e necessa"y 4leadin . FsicG !y Res*luti*n N*. H@III#'(()#I'7, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted and a44"*.ed said "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e C!C.67 9e a "ee :it% t%e incul4at*"y +indin s *+ t%e I!P 3ut n*t as t* t%e le.el *+ t%e 4enalty it "ec*11ended. Res i4sa l*$uitu". Atty. I"ene* %ad d*u3tless 3een lan uid in t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ %is duty as Ant*ni*Bs c*unsel. He ne lected, :it%*ut "eas*n, t* +ile t%e a44ellantBs 3"ie+ 3e+*"e t%e CA. He +ailed, in s%*"t, t* e=e"t

%is ut1*st a3ility and t* i.e %is +ull c*11it1ent t* 1aintain and de+end Ant*ni*Bs "i %t. Ant*ni*, 3y c%**sin Atty. I"ene* t* "e4"esent %i1, "elied u4*n and "e4*sed %is t"ust and c*n+idence *n t%e latte", as %is c*unsel, t* d* :%ats*e.e" :as le ally necessa"y t* 4"*tect Ant*ni*Bs inte"est, i+ n*t t* secu"e a +a.*"a3le Eud 1ent. Once t%ey a "ee t* ta;e u4 t%e cause *+ a client, la:ye"s, "e a"dless *+ t%e i14*"tance *+ t%e su3Eect 1atte" liti ated *" +inancial a""an e1ents a "eed u4*n, *:e +idelity t* suc% cause and s%*uld al:ays 3e 1ind+ul *+ t%e t"ust and c*n+idence "e4*sed *n t%e1. 6& And t* add insult t* inEu"y, Atty. I"ene* a44ea"ed n*t t* %a.e ta;en any e++*"t t* 4e"s*nally a44"ise Ant*ni* *+ t%e dis1issal *+ t%e a44eal, %*:e.e" 4e"s*nally e13a""assin t%e cause +*" t%e dis1issal 1i %t %a.e 3een. As 1enti*ned ea"lie", Ant*ni* ca1e t* ;n*: a3*ut t%e *utc*1e *+ %is a44eal *nly a+te" %is :i+e t**; t%e t"*u3le *+ .e"i+yin t%e case status :%en s%e ca1e t* Manila. !y t%en, all "e1edies %ad 3een l*st. It 1ust 3e "e1e13e"ed t%at a "etained c*unsel is e=4ected t* se".e t%e client :it% c*14etence and dili ence. T%is duty includes n*t 1e"ely "e.ie:in t%e cases ent"usted t* t%e c*unselBs ca"e and i.in t%e client s*und le al ad.ice, 3ut als* 4"*4e"ly "e4"esentin t%e client in c*u"t, attendin sc%eduled %ea"in s, 4"e4a"in and +ilin "e$ui"ed 4leadin s, 4"*secutin t%e %andled cases :it% "eas*na3le dis4atc%, and u" in t%ei" te"1inati*n :it%*ut :aitin +*" t%e client *" t%e c*u"t t* 4"*d %i1 *" %e" t* d* s*. T%e la:ye" s%*uld n*t 3e sittin idly 3y and lea.e t%e "i %ts *+ t%e client in a state *+ unce"tainty. 6I T%e +ailu"e t* +ile a 3"ie+ "esultin in t%e dis1issal *+ an a44eal c*nstitutes ine=cusa3le ne li ence. 65 T%is de+ault t"anslates t* a .i*lati*n *+ t%e inEuncti*n *+ Can*n 6), Rules 6).(7 and 6).(& *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, "es4ecti.ely 4"*.idin : CANON 6) S A LA9KER -HALL -ER@E HI- CLIENT 9ITH COMPETENCE ANC CILIJENCE. ==== Rule 6).(7 S A la:ye" s%all n*t ne lect a 1atte" ent"usted t* %i1, and %is ne li ence in c*nnecti*n t%e"e:it% s%all "ende" %i1 lia3le. Rule 6).(& S A la:ye" s%all ;ee4 t%e client in+*"1ed *+ t%e status *+ %is case and s%all "es4*nd :it%in a "eas*na3le ti1e t* t%e clientBs "e$uest +*" in+*"1ati*n. As i+ %is lac; *+ cand*" in %is 4"*+essi*nal "elati*ns%i4 :it% Ant*ni* :as n*t a3%*""ent en*u %, Atty. I"ene* t"ied t* 1islead t%e a44ellate c*u"t a3*ut t%e "ecei4t *+ a c*4y *+ its Fe3"ua"y 6(, 6RR2 Res*luti*n dis1issin t%e a44eal in CA#J.R. C@ N*. I((2I. He denied 4e"s*nally "ecei.in suc% c*4y, 3ut t%e CA +*und and decla"ed t%at %e %i1sel+ "ecei.ed said c*4y. T%e CA a""i.ed at t%is c*nclusi*n t%"u t%e 4"*cess *+ c*14a"in Atty. I"ene*Bs si natu"e a44ea"in in t%e 4leadin s :it% t%at in t%e "e ist"y "etu"n ca"d. !*t% si natu"es 3el*n t* *ne and t%e sa1e 4e"s*n. Needless t* st"ess, Atty. I"ene* %ad unde" t%e 4"e1ises indul ed in deli3e"ate +alse%**d, c*nt"a"y t* t%e sel+#e=4lanat*"y 4"esc"i4ti*ns *+ Can*n 6, Rule 6.(6 and Can*n 6(, Rule 6(.(6, :%ic% 4"*.ide: CANON 6 S A LA9KER -HALL UPHOLC THE CON-TITUTION, O!EK THE LA9- OF THE LANC ANC PROMOTE RE-PECT FOR LA9 ANC LEJAL PROCECURE-. Rule 6.(6 S A la:ye" s%all n*t en a e in unla:+ul, dis%*nest, i11*"al *" deceit+ul c*nduct. ==== CANON 6( S A LA9KER O9E- CANCOR, FAIRNE-- ANC JOOC FAITH TO THE COURT. Rule 6(.(6 S A la:ye" s%all n*t d* any +alse%**d, n*" c*nsent t* t%e d*in *+ any in c*u"tA n*" s%all %e 1islead, *" all*: t%e C*u"t t* 3e 1isled 3y any a"ti+ice. /E14%asis su44lied.0 9e cann*t :"ite +inis t* t%is case :it%*ut del.in int* and add"essin Atty. I"ene*Bs de+iant stance a ainst t%e C*u"t as de1*nst"ated 3y %is "e4etiti.e dis"e a"d *+ its "es*luti*n t* +ile %is c*11ent *n t%e 3asic c*14laint. A+te" "e$uestin and secu"in n* less t%an t%"ee /70 e=tensi*ns *+ ti1e t* +ile %is c*11ent, %e si14ly cl*sed, s* t* s4ea;, c*11unicati*n lines. And :%en *"de"ed t* i.e an e=4lanati*n t%"*u % a s%*:#cause di"ecti.e +*" n*t c*14lyin , %e as;ed +*" and :as "anted a 7(#day e=tensi*n. !ut t%e "e$ui"ed c*11ent ne.e" ca1e.

9%en t%e C*u"t e.entually di"ected t%e N!I t* a""est %i1, %e Eust le+t %is last ;n*:n add"ess and c*uld n*t 3e l*cated. T%e C*u"tBs 4atience %as 3een tested t* t%e li1it 3y :%at in %indsi %t a1*unts t* a la:ye"Bs i14udence and dis"es4ect+ul 3ent. At t%e 1ini1u1, 1e13e"s *+ t%e le al +"ate"nity *:e c*u"ts *+ Eustice "es4ect, c*u"tesy and suc% *t%e" 3ec*1in c*nduct s* essential in t%e 4"*1*ti*n *+ *"de"ly, i14a"tial and s4eedy Eustice. 9%at Atty. I"ene* %as d*ne :as t%e e=act *44*site. 9%at is clea" t* t%e C*u"t 3y n*: is t%at I"ene* :as dete"1ined all al*n n*t t* su31it a c*11ent and, in t%e 4"*cess, delay t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e instant case. !y as;in se.e"al e=tensi*ns *+ ti1e t* su31it *ne, 3ut :it%*ut t%e intenti*n t* s* su31it, I"ene* %as e++ecti.ely t"i+led :it% t%e C*u"tBs 4"*cesses, i+ n*t its li3e"ality. T%is cann*t 3e t*le"ated. It cann*t 3e all*:ed t* * un4unis%ed, i+ t%e inte "ity and *"de"ly +uncti*nin *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice is t* 3e 1aintained. And t* 3e su"e, Atty. I"ene* can neit%e" de+eat t%is C*u"tBs Eu"isdicti*n *.e" %i1 as a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" n*" e.ade ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility 3y t%e 1e"e "use *+ c*ncealin %is :%e"ea3*uts. 62 Mani+estly, %e %as +allen s%*"t *+ t%e dili ence "e$ui"ed *+ e.e"y 1e13e" *+ t%e !a". T%e 4e"tinent Can*n *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 4"*.ides: CANON 6' S A LA9KER -HALL EHERT E@ERK EFFORT ANC CON-ICER HI- CUTK TO A--I-T IN THE -PEECK ANC EFFICIENT ACMINI-TRATION OF JU-TICE. ==== Rule 6'.(7 S A la:ye" s%all n*t, a+te" *3tainin e=tensi*ns *+ ti1e t* +ile 4leadin s, 1e1*"anda *" 3"ie+s, let t%e 4e"i*d la4se :it%*ut su31ittin t%e sa1e *" *++e"in an e=4lanati*n +*" %is +ailu"e t* d* s*. Rule 6'.(& S A la:ye" s%all n*t unduly delay a case, i14ede t%e e=ecuti*n *+ a Eud 1ent *" 1isuse C*u"t 4"*cesses. /E14%asis su44lied.0/avvp&il A la:ye" 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +*" "*ss 1isc*nduct *" +*" t"ans "essi*ns de+ined 3y t%e "ules as "*unds t* st"i4 a la:ye" *+ 4"*+essi*nal license. 6) C*nside"in , %*:e.e", t%e se"i*us c*nse$uences *+ eit%e" 4enalty, t%e C*u"t :ill e=e"cise its 4*:e" t* dis3a" *" sus4end *nly u4*n a clea", c*n.incin , and satis+act*"y 4"**+ *+ 1isc*nduct t%at se"i*usly a++ects t%e standin *+ a la:ye" as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t and as 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a". In %eirs of 4i'urcio 0. Ballesteros, Sr. v. Apiag,6R t%e C*u"t 4enaliDed a la:ye" :%* +ailed t* +ile a 4"e#t"ial 3"ie+ and *t%e" 4leadin s, suc% as 4*siti*n 4a4e"s, leadin t* t%e dis1issal *+ t%e case :it% si= 1*nt%s sus4ensi*n. In -*"ian* .. Reyes,'( 9e 1eted a *ne#yea" sus4ensi*n *n a la:ye" +*" ine=cusa3le ne li ence, t%e latte" %a.in +ailed t* +ile a 4"e#t"ial 3"ie+ leadin t* t%e dis1issal *+ t%e case and +ailu"e t* 4"*secute in an*t%e" case, and *1ittin t* a44"ise c*14lainant *+ t%e status *+ t%e t:* cases :it% assu"ance *+ %is dili ent attenti*n t* t%e1. In t%is case, Atty. I"ene* s%*uld 3e called t* tas; +*" t%e inte"4lay *+ t%e +*ll*:in : %is ine=cusa3le ne li ence t%at "esulted in t%e dis1issal *+ Ant*ni*Bs a44eal, c*u4led 3y %is lac; *+ cand*" in n*t a44"isin Ant*ni* *+ t%e status *+ %is a44ealed caseA %is atte14t t* 1islead t%e CA in a .ain 3id t* e.ade t%e c*nse$uence *+ t%e 3elated +ilin *+ a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*nA and, last 3ut n*t least, %is ca.alie" dis"e a"d *+ t%e C*u"tBs di"ecti.es 4"i1a"ily issued t* "es*l.e t%e c%a" es 3"*u %t a ainst %i1 3y Ant*ni*. 9e dee1 it +ittin t%at Atty. I"ene* 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" a 4e"i*d *+ *ne yea", u4 +"*1 t%e 4enalty "ec*11ended 3y t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s. T%is s%*uld se".e as a c*nstant "e1inde" *+ %is duty t* "es4ect c*u"ts *+ Eustice and t* *3se".e t%at de "ee *+ dili ence "e$ui"ed 3y t%e 4"actice *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. His 3ein a +i"st *++ende" dictates t* la" e de "ee t%is leniency. T%e 4"aye" +*" da1a es cann*t 3e "anted. Let al*ne t%e +act t%at Ant*ni* c%*se n*t t* +ile %is 4*siti*n 4a4e" 3e+*"e t%e I!P#C!C and, t%e"e+*"e, :as una3le t* satis+act*"ily 4"*.e %is clai1 +*" da1a es, a 4"*ceedin +*" dis3a"1ent *" sus4ensi*n is n*t in any sense a ci.il acti*nA it is unde"ta;en and 4"*secuted +*" 4u3lic :el+a"e. It d*es n*t in.*l.e 4"i.ate inte"est and a++*"ds n* "ed"ess +*" 4"i.ate "ie.ance. '6

9HEREFORE, "es4*ndent Atty. I"ene* A"ed*nia, J". is decla"ed JUILTK *+ ine=cusa3le ne li ence, atte14tin t* 1islead t%e a44ellate c*u"t, 1isuse *+ C*u"t 4"*cesses, and :ill+ul dis*3edience t* la:+ul *"de"s *+ t%e C*u"t. He is %e"e3y -U-PENCEC +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" a 4e"i*d *+ *ne /60 yea" e++ecti.e u4*n %is "ecei4t *+ t%is Res*luti*n, :it% 9ARNINJ t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" acts :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant, t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines, and all c*u"ts t%"*u %*ut t%e c*unt"y. -O ORCEREC. A.). No. 61.7 Sep"em-e' 1,, 2006 RENA0O M. MA&IGA/A, c*14lainant, .s. A00/. AN0ONIO G. DORONI&&A, JR., "es4*ndent. )ORONA, J.? Atty. Ant*ni* J. C*"*nilla, J". *+ t%e Jud e Ad.*cate Jene"alLs -e".ice is 3e+*"e us *n a c%a" e *+ unet%ical c*nduct +*" %a.in utte"ed a +alse%**d in *4en c*u"t du"in a %ea"in *+ Ci.il Case N*. M#RR#7)22).6 Ci.il Case N*. M#RR#7)22) :as an acti*n +*" da1a es +iled 3y c*14lainant Renat* M. Mali aya, a d*ct*" and "eti"ed c*l*nel *+ t%e A"1ed F*"ces *+ t%e P%ili44ines, a ainst se.e"al 1ilita"y *++ice"s +*" :%*1 Atty. C*"*nilla st**d as c*unsel. At *ne 4*int du"in t%e Fe3"ua"y 6R, '((' %ea"in *+ t%e case, Atty. C*"*nilla said: And an*t%e" 1atte", K*u" H*n*". I :as a44ea"in in *t%e" cases %e Fc*14lainant Mali ayaG +iled 3e+*"e a ainst t%e sa1e de+endants. %e > ( n :'eemen" "> " !< Fe F!">(' F ">e c $e : !n$" >!m, >e F!ll l$o F!">(' F ll ">e c $e$. So, F!"> "> " un(e'$" n(!n:, >e e#en 'e"!'e( n( >e !$ noF 'ece!#!n: pen$!on.' /e14%asis su44lied0 C*nside"in t%is t* 3e *+ s*1e c*nse$uence, 4"esidin Jud e Reynald* !. Ca:ay as;ed a nu13e" *+ cla"i+icat*"y $uesti*ns and t%e"ea+te" *"de"ed Atty. C*"*nilla t* 4ut %is state1ents in :"itin and 8+ile t%e a44"*4"iate 4leadin .87 9ee;s 4assed 3ut Atty. C*"*nilla su31itted n* suc% 4leadin *" anyt%in else t* su3stantiate %is a.e"1ents. On A4"il 'R, '((', Mali aya +iled a c*14laint a ainst Atty. C*"*nilla in t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line.& T%e c*14laint, :%ic% c%a" ed Atty. C*"*nilla :it% 81isleadin t%e c*u"t t%"*u % 1is"e4"esentati*n *+ +acts "esultin FinG *3st"ucti*n *+ Eustice,8I :as "e+e""ed t* a c*11issi*ne"5 +*" in.esti ati*n. C*14lainant s:*"e 3e+*"e t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" t%at %e %ad ne.e" ente"ed int* any a "ee1ent t* :it%d"a: %is la:suits.2 Atty. C*"*nilla, :%* t**; u4 t%e la" e" 4a"t *+ t:* %ea"in s t* 4"esent e.idence and e=4lain %is side, ad1itted se.e"al ti1es t%at t%e"e :as, in +act, n* suc% a "ee1ent. ) Late" %e e=4lained in %is 1e1*"andu1 t%at %is 1ain c*nce"n :as 8t* settle t%e case a1ica3ly a1*n c*1"ades in a"1s :it%*ut *in t* t"ial8R and insisted t%at t%e"e :as n* 4"**+ *+ %is %a.in .i*lated t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility *" t%e la:ye"Ls *at%. 6( He 4*inted *ut, in additi*n, t%at %is +alse state1ent /*", as %e 4ut it, %is 8alle ed acts *+ +alsity80 %ad n* e++ect *n t%e c*ntinuance *+ t%e case and t%e"e+*"e caused n* actual 4"eEudice t* c*14lainant.66 In due ti1e, in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" Lydia A. Na.a""* su31itted a "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n +indin Atty. C*"*nilla uilty *+ 4u"4*sely statin a +alse%**d in .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6(, Rule 6(.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility6' and "ec*11endin t%at %e 3e 8sus4ended +"*1 t%e *.e"n1ent 1ilita"y se".ice as le al *++ice" +*" a 4e"i*d *+ t%"ee 1*nt%s.867 T%is :as ad*4ted and a44"*.ed in toto 3y t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s *n Au ust 7(, '((7.6& T%e"e is a st"*n 4u3lic inte"est in.*l.ed in "e$ui"in la:ye"s :%*, as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t, 4a"tici4ate in t%e dis4ensati*n *+ Eustice, t* 3e%a.e at all ti1es in a 1anne" c*nsistent :it% t"ut% and %*n*". 6I T%e c*11*n ca"icatu"e t%at la:ye"s 3y and la" e d* n*t +eel c*14elled t* s4ea; t%e t"ut% and t* act %*nestly s%*uld n*t

3ec*1e a c*11*n "eality.65 T* t%is end, Can*n 6( and Rule 6(.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility state: CANON 6( > A LA9KER O9E- CANCOR, FAIRNE--, ANC JOOC FAITH TO THE COURT. Rule 6(.(6 > A la:ye" s%all n*t d* any +alse%**d, n*" c*nsent t* t%e d*in *+ any in c*u"tA n*" s%all %e 1islead, *" all*: t%e C*u"t t* 3e 1isled 3y any a"ti+ice. !y statin unt"ut%+ully in *4en c*u"t t%at c*14lainant %ad a "eed t* :it%d"a: %is la:suits, Atty. C*"*nilla 3"eac%ed t%ese 4e"e14t*"y tenets *+ et%ical c*nduct. N*t *nly t%at, %e .i*lated t%e la:ye"Ls *at% t* 8d* n* +alse%**d, n*" c*nsent t* t%e d*in *+ any in c*u"t,8 *+ :%ic% Can*n 6( and Rule 6(.(6 a"e 3ut "estate1ents. His act in+"in ed *n e.e"y la:ye"Ls duty t* 8ne.e" see; t* 1islead t%e Eud e *" any Eudicial *++ice" 3y an a"ti+ice *" +alse state1ent *+ +act *" la:.862 Atty. C*"*nillaLs unet%ical c*nduct :as c*14*unded, 1*"e*.e", 3y %is *3stinate "e+usal t* ac;n*:led e t%e i14"*4"iety *+ :%at %e %ad d*ne. F"*1 t%e .e"y 3e innin *+ t%is ad1inist"ati.e case, Atty. C*"*nilla 1aintained t%e untena3le 4*siti*n t%at %e %ad d*ne n*t%in :"*n in t%e %ea"in *+ Ci.il Case N*. M#RR# 7)22). He 4e"sisted in d*in s* e.en a+te" %a.in ad1itted t%at %e %ad, in t%at %ea"in , s4*;en *+ an a "ee1ent t%at did n*t in t"ut% e=ist. Rat%e" t%an e=4"ess "e1*"se +*" t%at "e "etta3le incident, Atty. C*"*nilla "es*"ted t* an ill#c*ncei.ed atte14t t* e.ade "es4*nsi3ility, 4"*+essin t%at t%e +alse%**d %ad n*t 3een 1eant +*" t%e in+*"1ati*n *+ Jud e Ca:ay 3ut *nly as 8a s*"t *+ $uesti*n8 t* c*14lainant "e a"din a 84endin 4"*4*sal8 t* settle t%e case.6) T%e e=4lanati*n su31itted 3y Atty. C*"*nilla, "e1a";a3le *nly +*" its s4eci*usness, 6R cann*t a3s*l.e %i1. I+ anyt%in , it leads us t* sus4ect an unsee1ly "eadiness *n %is 4a"t t* *3+uscate 4lain +acts +*" t%e un:*"t%y 4u"4*se *+ esca4in %is Eust dese"ts. T%e"e is in %is +a.*", t%*u %, a 4"esu14ti*n *+ **d +ait% '( :%ic% ;ee4s us +"*1 t"eatin t%e inc*n "uity *+ %is 4"*++e"ed e=cuse as an indicati*n *+ 1endacity. !esides, in t%e li %t *+ %is a.*:al t%at %is *nly ai1 :as 8t* settle t%e case a1ica3ly a1*n c*1"ades in a"1s :it%*ut *in t* t"ial,8'64e"%a4s it is n*t un"eas*na3le t* assu1e t%at :%at %e "eally 1eant t* say :as t%at %e %ad intended t%e 1is"e4"esentati*n as a a13it t* et t%e 4"*4*sed a "ee1ent *n t%e ta3le, as it :e"e. !ut e.en i+ t%at %ad 3een s*, it :*uld %a.e 3een n* Eusti+icati*n +*" s4ea;in +alsely in c*u"t. T%e"e is n*t%in in t%e duty *+ a la:ye" t* +*ste" 4eace a1*n dis4utants t%at, in any :ay, 1a;es it necessa"y unde" any ci"cu1stances +*" c*unsel t* state as a +act t%at :%ic% is n*t t"ue. A la:ye"Ls duty t* t%e c*u"t t* e14l*y *nly suc% 1eans as a"e c*nsistent :it% t"ut% and %*n*"'' +*"3ids "ec*u"se t* suc% a tactic. T%us, e.en as :e i.e Atty. C*"*nilla t%e 3ene+it *+ t%e d*u3t and acce4t as t"ue %is a.*:ed *3Eecti.e *+ ettin t%e 4a"ties t* settle t%e case a1ica3ly, :e 1ust call %i1 t* acc*unt +*" "es*"tin t* +alse%**d as a 1eans t* t%at end. Atty. C*"*nillaLs *++ense is :it%in t%e a13it *+ -ecti*n '2, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, :%ic% in 4a"t decla"es: A 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +"*1 %is *++ice as att*"ney 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t +*" any deceit = = = *" +*" any .i*lati*n *+ t%e *at% :%ic% %e is "e$ui"ed t* ta;e 3e+*"e ad1issi*n t* 4"actice = = =. T%e sus4ensi*n "e+e""ed t* in t%e +*"e *in 4"*.isi*n 1eans *nly sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:. F*" t%is "eas*n, :e disa "ee :it% t%e I!PLs "ec*11endati*n +*" Atty. C*"*nillaLs sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e *.e"n1ent 1ilita"y se".ice. A+te" all, t%e *nly 4u"4*se *+ t%is ad1inist"ati.e case is t* dete"1ine Atty. C*"*nillaLs lia3ility as a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, n*t %is lia3ility as a le al *++ice" in t%e 1ilita"y se".ice. T%us, it :*uld 3e i14"*4e" +*" us t* *"de", as a 4enalty +*" %is 3"eac% *+ le al et%ics and t%e la:ye"Ls *at%, %is sus4ensi*n +"*1 e14l*y1ent in t%e Jud e Ad.*cate Jene"alLs -e".ice. O+ c*u"se, sus4ensi*n +"*1 e14l*y1ent as a 1ilita"y le al *++ice" 1ay :ell +*ll*: $ con$eGuence *+ %is sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: 3ut t%at s%*uld n*t 3e "eas*n +*" us t* i14*se it $ pen l"9 +*" %is 4"*+essi*nal 1isc*nduct. 9e :*uld 3e *in 3ey*nd t%e 4u"4*se *+ t%is 4"*ceedin :e"e :e t* d* s*. T%e"e+*"e, :e s%all t"eat t%e I!PLs "ec*11endati*n as *ne +*" sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:.

At any "ate, :e a"e n*t inclined t* ad*4t t%e I!PLs "ec*11endati*n *n t%e du"ati*n *+ Atty. C*"*nillaLs sus4ensi*n. 9e need t* c*nside" a +e: ci"cu1stances t%at 1iti ate %is lia3ility s*1e:%at. Fi"st, :e i.e %i1 c"edit +*" e=%i3itin en*u % cand*" t* ad1it, du"in t%e in.esti ati*n, t%e +alsity *+ t%e state1ent %e %ad 1ade in Jud e Ca:ayLs c*u"t"**1. -ec*nd, t%e a3sence *+ 1ate"ial da1a e t* c*14lainant 1ay als* 3e c*nside"ed as a 1iti atin ci"cu1stance. '7 And +inally, since t%is is Atty. C*"*nillaLs +i"st *++ense, %e is entitled t* s*1e 1easu"e *+ +*"3ea"ance.'& N*net%eless, %is un"e4entant attitude t%"*u %*ut t%e c*nduct *+ t%is ad1inist"ati.e case tells us t%at a 1e"e sla4 *n t%e :"ist is de+initely n*t en*u %. Atty. C*"*nilla, it see1s, needs ti1e a:ay +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: t* "ec* niDe %is e""*" and t* 4u" e %i1sel+ *+ t%e 1is3e *tten n*ti*n t%at an e++*"t t* c*14"*1ise Eusti+ies t%e sac"i+ice *+ t"ut%+ulness in c*u"t. %4ERE8ORE, Atty. Ant*ni* J. C*"*nilla, J". is %e"e3y SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" 0%O MON04S.He is %ARNED t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" 1isc*nduct s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Res*luti*n 3e attac%ed t* %is 4e"s*nal "ec*"d and c*4ies +u"nis%ed t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines, t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*", t%e C%ie+#*+#-ta++ *+ t%e A"1ed F*"ces *+ t%e P%ili44ines and t%e C*11andin Jene"al *+ t%e AFP Jud e Ad.*cate Jene"alLs -e".ice. SO ORDERED. A.M. No. R0J20.2220+ Oc"o-e' 26, 200. ;<o'me'l9 A.M. O)A I5I No. 0+2213*2R0J= JUAN 5AB&O 5. BONDO), C*14lainant, .s. Ju(:e DI3INA &U6 5. A1UINO2SIMBU&AN, Re:!on l 0'! l )ou'", B' nc> +1, S n 8e'n n(o )!"9, 5 mp n: , Res4*ndent. BRION, J.: 9e "ule *n t%e c*14laint dated N*.e13e" 66, '((& 6 *+ +*"1e" Re4"esentati.e Juan Pa3l* P. !*nd*c /complainant0 *+ Pa14an a, c%a" in Jud e Ci.ina LuD P. A$uin*#-i13ulan / respon"ent0, *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t, !"anc% &6, -an Fe"nand* City, Pa14an a, :it% 4a"tiality, "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la: and "*ss 1isc*nduct in t%e %andlin *+ C"i1inal Case N*s. 6'2'5 t* 6'2') entitled 8 People of t&e P&ilippines v. Salva"or 4otaan an" 0lor"eliK 4otaan /+*": @i*lati*n *+ R.A. 7(6R and Falsi+icati*n *+ Pu3lic C*cu1ents0.8 0>e )ompl !n" T%e c*14lainant alle ed t%at du"in t%e initial 4"e#t"ial c*n+e"ence *n June 65, '((7, t%e "es4*ndent as;ed t%e la:ye"s *+ t%e 4a"ties 8t* a44"*ac% t%e 3enc% and su ested t%at t%e cases 3e settled 3ecause s%e did n*t :ant t%e accused /t%e spouses 4otaan0 t* 3e ad1inist"ati.ely sus4ended.8' T%e "es4*ndentBs acti*n ca1e a+te" s%e %ad issued an *"de" /dated June R, '((70 ad1inist"ati.ely sus4endin t%e accused pen"ente lite. T%e c*14lainant +u"t%e" alle ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent st"*n ly "e$uested t%e c*14lainantBs c*unsel, Atty. -te4%en Ca.id, t* e=e"t all e++*"ts t* c*n.ince t%e c*14lainant and %is +a1ily t* settle t%e cases. At t%e c*ntinuati*n *+ t%e 4"e#t"ial, t%e "es4*ndent t*ld t%e c*unsel +*" t%e accused, 8I :ill i.e y*u t%e *4ti*n t* c%**se y*u" date. C* y*u :ant a s4eedy t"ial *+ t%e cases 3ecause *+ t%e sus4ensi*n< I+ y*u :ant it :ee;ly, t%e c*u"t can acc*11*date y*u.8 At t%e sa1e %ea"in , t%e 8C*u"t di"ected Atty. Cui#Ca.id t* 3e 4"e4a"ed +*" t%e %ea"in *+ t%ese cases c*nside"in t%at t%e accused %a.e F sicG 3een sus4ended u4*n 1*ti*n *+ t%e P"i.ate P"*secut*".87 Atty. Lanee Cui#Ca.id /Att . Lanee )avi"0, :i+e *+ P"i.ate P"*secut*" -te4%en Ca.id, :as c*#c*unsel +*" c*14lainant in t%e c"i1inal cases. T%ei" la: +i"1, Ca.id Ta1ay* N Cui#Ca.id La: O++ices, ente"ed its a44ea"ance as c*unsel +*" t%e c*14lainant *n Cece13e" 6&, '((&.& T%e c*14lainant als* alle ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent %ad 3een ta;in t%e cud els +*" t%e accused :it% %e" c*nstant "e1inde" a3*ut %e" desi"e t* 8+ast t"ac; t%e cases,8 cauti*nin t%at t%e accused %ad 3een

sus4ended at t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"sB instanceA s%e *nly ceased tal;in a3*ut t%e sus4ensi*n *+ t%e accused :%en Atty. Lanee Ca.id called attenti*n t* t%e +act t%at t%e O"de" *+ June R, '((7 sus4endin t%e accused %ad n*t 3een i14le1ented as *+ t%e Janua"y ), '((& %ea"in A t%e "es4*ndent t%en ans:e"ed t%at it :as +*" t%e 4"*secuti*n t* c%ec; t%e "ec*"d t* see :%et%e" t%e sus4ensi*n *"de" %ad 3een se".ed and i14le1ented.I T%e c*14lainant 3e:ailed t%e "es4*ndentBs inacti*n *n t%e sus4ensi*n *"de" des4ite t%e c*unselBs "e1inde"s, in c*nt"ast :it% %e" 4e"sistence in "e$ui"in Ma. HaDelina Militante / Att . 3ilitante0, t%e O13uds1an In.esti at*" /:%* "ec*11ended t%e +ilin *+ c%a" es *" in+*"1ati*n a ainst t%e accused0, t* a44ea" in c*u"t e.en a+te" Atty. Militante %ad as;ed t* 3e e=cused +"*1 testi+yin since t%e su3stance *+ %e" testi1*ny c*uld .e"y :ell 3e c*.e"ed 3y *++icial d*cu1ents. T%e "es4*ndent i n*"ed Atty. MilitanteBs e=4lanati*n and instead di"ected Atty. Lanee Ca.id t* +u"nis% Atty. Militante a c*4y *+ %e" O"de" dated Cece13e" 65, '((7 "e$ui"in Atty. Militante t* e=4lain :%y s%e s%*uld n*t 3e cited in c*nte14t +*" +ailu"e t* +*ll*: la:+ul *"de"s *+ t%e c*u"t. Als*, t%e c*14lainant clai1ed t%at aside +"*1 s%*:in 4a"tiality, 3ias, c*nce"n, sy14at%y and inclinati*n in +a.*" *+ t%e accused, t%e "es4*ndent %u1iliated Atty. Lanee Ca.id in *4en c*u"tA s4eci+ically, *n N*.e13e" 7, '((7, t%e "es4*ndent a.e t%e 4a"tiesB la:ye"s t%e *4ti*n t* c%**se t%e dateA a+te" Atty. Juanit* @elasc*, c*unsel +*" accused, a.e %is c%*sen date /Cece13e" 65, '((70, t%e "es4*ndent t*ld Atty. Lanee Ca.id t* 1a;e %e"sel+ a.aila3le *n t%is date des4ite any sc%eduled %ea"in in *t%e" cases. Finally, t%e c*14lainant alle ed t%at t%e 3ias, 4a"tiality, 4"eEudice and inclinati*n *+ t%e "es4*ndent +*" t%e accused cul1inated in %e" *"de" *n t%e de1u""e" t* e.idence dated -e4te13e" 6(, '((& 5 dis1issin t%e c%a" es a ainst t%e accused des4ite t%e +act t%at t%e 4"*secuti*n :as a3le t* 4"*.e 3y testi1*nial and d*cu1enta"y e.idence t%e i""e ula"ities c*11itted 3y t%e accused, Munici4al A "a"ian Re+*"1 O++ice" -al.ad*" T*taan and -eni*" A "a"ian Re+*"1 Tec%n*l* ist Fl*"deliD T*taanA t%ey 4"*cessed and a44"*.ed t%e a44licati*ns *+ at least t%i"teen /670 4e"s*ns :%* :e"e n*t $uali+ied t* 3ec*1e +a"1e"#3ene+icia"ies as t%ey :e"e neit%e" +a"1e"s n*" "esidents *+ t%e 'aranga *" t%e 1unici4ality :%e"e t%e su3Eect 4"*4e"ty is l*cated, in .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n '7 *+ Re4u3lic Act N*. 55I2 /t%e C*14"e%ensi.e A "a"ian Re+*"1 La:0. T%e c*14lainant su31itted t* t%e C*u"t t%e *"de" *n t%e de1u""e" t* e.idence and 4e"tinent "ec*"ds *+ t%e case as t%e res unde" t%e 4"inci4le *+ res ipsa lo(uitur and as;ed t%e C*u"t t* disci4line t%e "es4*ndent e.en :it%*ut +*"1al in.esti ati*n, in line :it% t%e C*u"tBs "ulin in $onsoli"ate" Ban; an" 4rust $ompan v. $apistrano.2 0>e Re$pon(en"I$ )ommen" T%e "es4*ndent su31itted %e" c*11ent *n Cece13e" '7, '((&) in c*14liance :it% t%e di"ecti.e *+ t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" /*$A0 dated N*.e13e" 7(, '((&. T%e "es4*ndent 4*inted *ut t%at an e=a1inati*n *+ t%e c*14laint :*uld "eadily s%*: t%at it :as 4"e4a"ed 3y t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"s, Attys. -te4%en Ca.id and Lanee Ca.id, :%* :*.e a tale *+ lies and dist*"ti*ns "e a"din t%e 4"*ceedin s t* c*.e" u4 t%ei" *:n s%*"tc*1in s as la:ye"sA %ad t%ey 4e"+*"1ed t%ei" duty as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t and 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a", t%ey :*uld %a.e in+*"1ed t%e c*14lainant t%at t%ey l*st 3ecause *+ t%ei" 3lunde"s in t%e 4"*secuti*n *+ t%e cases. 9%ile s%e ad1itted %a.in as;ed 3*t% 4"i.ate 4"*secut*" -te4%en Ca.id and de+ense c*unsel Juanit* @elasc* t* a44"*ac% t%e 3enc% at t%e 4"e#t"ial *+ t%e cases, s%e clai1ed t%at t%e c*n+e"ence :it% 3*t% c*unsels :as t* sa.e Atty. -te4%en Ca.id +"*1 e13a""ass1ent, as %e c*uld n*t ans:e" t%e c*u"tBs $ue"ies *n t%e ci.il as4ects *+ t%e case. -%e denied 3"*;e"in a settle1ent *+ t%e casesA %ad s%e d*ne s*, s%e :*uld n*t %a.e issued t%e sus4ensi*n *"de". -%e als* denied +ast#t"ac;in t%e %ea"in *+ t%e cases in +a.*" *+ t%e accusedA %e" *nly *3Eecti.e :as t* %a.e a :ee;ly %ea"in and +*" t%is 4u"4*se, s%e inst"ucted Atty. Lanee Ca.id t* 3e 4"e4a"edA it :as %e" %a3it t* act +ast *n all cases 3e+*"e %e" sala. T%e "es4*ndent li;e:ise denied t%e c%a" e *+ 4a"tiality +*" %e" +ailu"e t* act *n t%e sus4ensi*n *+ t%e accused, c*ntendin t%at it :as t%e duty *+ t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"s t* +ile a 1*ti*n t* cite t%e "es4*nsi3le

%eads *+ t%e *.e"n1ent a encies +*" indi"ect c*nte14t +*" t%ei" +ailu"e t* i14le1ent la:+ul *"de"s *+ t%e c*u"t. -%e clai1ed t%at in t%e a3sence *+ suc% 1*ti*n, s%e assu1ed t%at t%e accused %ad al"eady 3een 4"e.enti.ely sus4ended. In Atty. MilitanteBs case, t%e "es4*ndent e=4lained t%at t%e"e :as a 1isunde"standin 3et:een t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"s and t%e O13uds1an In.esti at*"A s%e t%e"e+*"e s*u %t Atty. MilitanteBs a44ea"ance t* +ind *ut t%e t"ut%. -%e desisted +"*1 issuin an*t%e" su34*ena t* Atty. Militante in .ie: *+ t%e 4lea *+ Atty. Lanee Ca.id t%at Atty. Militante :*uld n* l*n e" 3e called as a :itnessA s%e als* :anted t* a.*id an *4en c*n+"*ntati*n 3et:een t%e t:* la:ye"s. Lastly, and in "e4ly t* t%e c%a" e *+ un+ai" t"eat1ent, t%e "es4*ndent 1aintained t%at i+ e.e" s%e called t%e attenti*n *+ and 1i %t %a.e sli %ted Atty. Lanee Ca.id, t%e "eas*n +*" %e" acti*n :as t%e latte"Bs a44ea"ance in c*u"t :it%*ut 4"e4a"ati*n, t* t%e 4"eEudice *+ t%e accused and t%e *.e"n1ent. Rel "e( Inc!(en"$ In a su44le1ental c*14laint dated Cece13e" 6&, '((2, R t%e c*14lainant c%a" ed t%e "es4*ndent :it% c*nduct un3ec*1in a Eud e +*" %e" denial *+ t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"sB 1*ti*n +*" %e" in%i3iti*n *n t%e "*und t%at t%e 1*ti*n did n*t c*14ly :it% -ecti*ns &, I, and 5 /t%"ee#day n*tice "ule, ten#day n*tice *+ %ea"in , and 4"**+ *+ se".ice0 *+ Rule 6I *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. T%e c*14lainant clai1ed t%at t%e 1*ti*n is n*n#liti a3le in natu"e and is an e=ce4ti*n t* t%e t%"ee#day n*tice "ule. T%e"ea+te", t%e 4a"ties +iled additi*nal 4leadin s > t%e O44*siti*n /dated Janua"y 6(, '((I0 t* t%e C*11ent *+ t%e "es4*ndent dated Cece13e" '6, '((&, 6( and a ReE*inde" t* t%e C*14lainantBs O44*siti*n dated Janua"y '6, '((I.66 T%e c*14lainant %a"4ed *n t%e "es4*ndentBs "e+usal t* ans:e" t%e se"i*us c%a" es *+ 4a"tiality, a3use *+ aut%*"ity, and c*nduct un3ec*1in *+ a Eud e le.eled a ainst %e". 9%ile t%e 4leadin s :e"e essentially "eite"ati.e *+ 4"e.i*us alle ati*ns, t%ey a"e si ni+icant 3ecause *+ t%e "es4*ndentBs "eE*inde" :%e"e s%e "e$uested t%at t%e c*14lainant 3e 1ade t* s%*: cause :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e %eld in c*nte14t *+ c*u"t, and Attys. -te4%en Ca.id and Lanee Ca.id 3e "e$ui"ed t* s%*: cause :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e ad1inist"ati.ely sancti*ned as 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a" and as *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t 4u"suant t* A.M. N*. (7#6(# (6#-C.6' In its Re4*"t dated June ', '((I,67 t%e OCA discl*sed t%at t%e c*14lainant %ad +iled a s4ecial ci.il acti*n +*"certiorari :it% t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals /$A0 "aisin t%e sa1e issues in t%e c*14laint $uesti*nin t%e .alidity *+ t%e *"de" "antin t%e de1u""e" t* e.idence *+ t%e accused T*taans.6& At t%e OCABs "ec*11endati*n, t%e C*u"t /T%i"d Ci.isi*n0 issued a Res*luti*n *n July 66, '((I6I 4"*.isi*nally dis1issin t%e c*14laint +*" 3ein 4"e1atu"e, :it%*ut 4"eEudice t* t%e +inal *utc*1e *+ t%e case :it% t%e CA /CA#J.R. -P N*. )R660, and de+e""in acti*n *n t%e c*14laint *+ t%e "es4*ndent a ainst Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id until a decisi*n is "ende"ed in t%e CA case. T%e C*u"t denied t%e c*14lainantBs 4a"tial 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n in a Res*luti*n dated -e4te13e" 6', '((I.65 On July I, '((2, t%e "es4*ndent +iled a 1ani+estati*n :it% t%e in+*"1ati*n t%at t%e CA %ad "ende"ed a decisi*n in CA#J.R. -P N*. )R66 denyin t%e c*14lainantBs 4etiti*n. 62 On July '7, '((2, s%e "ecei.ed a c*4y *+ t%e CA "es*luti*n denyin t%e c*14lainantBs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n. T%e "es4*ndent "eite"ated %e" 4"aye" t%at Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id 3e sancti*ned as 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a". In a Res*luti*n dated June ', '((), t%e C*u"t /-ec*nd Ci.isi*n0 "e$ui"ed Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id t* s%*: cause :%y n* disci4lina"y acti*n s%*uld 3e ta;en a ainst t%e1 +*" .i*lati*n *+ A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C and t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.6) On June '2, '((), t%e "es4*ndent +iled a 1ani+estati*n and 1*ti*n statin t%at t%e C*u"t, in a Res*luti*n dated Janua"y 65, '((), denied t%e c*14lainantBs 4etiti*n +*" "e.ie: *n certiorari in J.R. N*. 62)2(7 assailin t%e CA decisi*n in CA#J.R. -P N*. )R66. 6R Acc*"din ly, t%e "es4*ndent 4"ayed +*" t%e 4e"1anent

dis1issal *+ t%e 4"esent ad1inist"ati.e 1atte" and "e$uested t%at %e" c*14laint a ainst Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id 3e acted u4*n and i.en due c*u"se. On July 62, '((), Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id su31itted t%ei" e=4lanati*n. '( T%e t:* la:ye"s dis4uted t%e "es4*ndentBs clai1 t%at t%ey *"c%est"ated t%e +ilin *+ t%e c*14laint. T%ey st"essed t%at it :as t%e c*14lainantBs decisi*n t* +ile t%e case a ainst t%e "es4*ndent, in t%e sa1e 1anne" t%at it :as %is decisi*n t* 4"*secute t%e accused des4ite t%e "es4*ndentBs "e$uest t%at t%e c*14lainant :it%d"a: t%e cases a ainst t%e1. T%ey c*ntended t%at since t%e 1atte" 3"*u %t 3e+*"e t%e c*u"t in.*l.es c*nduct .i*latin t%e Can*ns *+ Judicial Et%ics, t%e +inal *utc*1e *n t%e 1e"its *+ t%e case +iled 3e+*"e t%e CA and t%is C*u"t s%*uld n*t 3e dete"1inati.e *+ t%e inn*cence *" uilt *+ t%e "es4*ndent *n t%e ad1inist"ati.e c%a" es a ainst %e". Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id insisted t%at t%e "eas*n t%e c*14lainant +iled t%e ad1inist"ati.e case a ainst t%e "es4*ndent is t%e "es4*ndentBs 3ias and +a.*"itis1 t*:a"ds t%e accused T*taans, s%*:n 3y t%e "es4*ndentBs "e$uest +*" Atty. -te4%en Ca.id t* as; %is client /t%e c*14lainant0 t* :it%d"a: t%e case a ainst t%e accusedA a+te" t%e "es4*ndent :as in+*"1ed *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e c*14lainant t* 4"*ceed :it% t%e cases, t%e attitude *+ t%e "es4*ndent t*:a"d t%e1 c%an ed and %e" actuati*ns 3eca1e %a"s%. !ecause *+ t%e "es4*ndentBs 3ias and +a.*"itis1 t*:a"ds t%e accused, t%ey :e"e c*14elled t* 1*.e +*" t%e "es4*ndentBs in%i3iti*n +"*1 t%e case a ainst t%e accused T*taans. Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id +u"t%e" e=4lained t%at t%e "es4*ndentBs c*14laint a ainst t%e1 1ay 3e att"i3uted t* t%ei" Deal and ent%usias1 in 4"*secutin t%ei" clientBs caseA t%is n*t:it%standin , t%ey endea.*"ed t* *3se".e disci4line and sel+#"est"aint, and t* 1aintain t%ei" %i % "es4ect +*" t%e c*u"t and +*" t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. On July 'R, '((), t%e "es4*ndent +iled %e" c*11ent t* t%e e=4lanati*n *+ Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id.'6 -%e 4*inted *ut t%at t%e c*11ent :as a 1e"e "e%as% *+ t%e alle ati*ns in t%e c*14laint a ainst %e", +*" :%ic% "eas*n s%e :as "e4leadin all %e" state1ents in %e" 4"e.i*us su31issi*ns '' c*nt"*.e"tin t%e t:* la:ye"sB 3aseless and 1alici*us a.e"1ents. On Cece13e" 62, '((), t%e C*u"t /-ec*nd Ci.isi*n0 "es*l.ed t* dis1iss t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint a ainst t%e "es4*ndent and t* "e$ui"e Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id t* s%*: cause :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined *" %eld in c*nte14t +*" .i*latin A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C.'7/avvp&i/ In a Res*luti*n dated June '', '((R,'& t%e C*u"t t**; n*te *+ t%e +*ll*:in : 6. t%e 1ani+estati*n +iled 3y Attys. -te4%en Ca.id and Lanee Ca.id t%at t%ey :e"e ad*4tin t%e e=4lanati*n t%ey su31itted 4u"suant t* t%e C*u"tBs Res*luti*n *+ June ', '((), as c*14liance :it% t%e Res*luti*n dated Cece13e" 62, '(()A and '. t%e 1ani+estati*n and 1*ti*n *+ t%e "es4*ndent t%at %e" c*14laint a ainst t%e la:ye"s Ca.id 3e dee1ed su31itted +*" "es*luti*n. On t%e sa1e day, t%e C*u"t "e+e""ed t%e 1atte" t* t%e OCA +*" e.aluati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n. 'I 0>e O)A Repo'" On Au ust 67, '((R, t%e OCA su31itted its "e4*"t :it% t%e "ec*11endati*n t%at Attys. -te4%en Ca.id and Lanee Ca.id 3e +*und uilty *+ indi"ect c*nte14t +*" .i*latin A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C and 3e +ined P6,(((.(( eac%. T%e OCA +*und t%at t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint a ainst t%e "es4*ndent c*uld n*t %a.e 3een +iled :it%*ut t%e acti.e 4"*ddin and insti ati*n *+ t%e t:* la:ye"s. T%e OCA n*ted t%at t%e c*14lainant ne.e" 4e"s*nally a44ea"ed du"in t%e %ea"in s *+ C"i1inal Case N*s. 6'2'5 t* 6'2') :%e"e Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id "e4"esented %i1. T%e OCA c*ncluded t%at Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id :e"e t%e 4"i1a"y s*u"ces *+ t%e alle ati*ns in t%e c*14laint :%ic% in.*l.ed int"icate c*u"t"**1 4"*ceedin s t%at t%e c*14lainant did n*t 4e"s*nally :itness. T%e OCA +aulted t%e t:* la:ye"s +*" t%ei" c*ntinued e14%asis in t%ei" July 62, '(() e=4lanati*n *n t%e "es4*ndentBs alle ed 8$uesti*na3le 3e%a.i*" and c*nduct8 des4ite t%e CA decisi*n *+ May

76, '((2 in CA#J.R. -P N*. )R66 a++i"1in t%e "es4*ndentBs +indin s in %e" *"de" *+ -e4te13e" 6(, '((& in C"i1inal Case N*s. 6'2'5 t* 6'2'). 0>e )ou'"I$ Rul!n: In .ie: *+ *u" dis1issal *+ t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint +iled 3y c*14lainant a ainst t%e "es4*ndent, '5 *nly t%e issue *+ t%e lia3ility unde" A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C *+ Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id "e1ains t* 3e "es*l.ed. %e <!n( ">e 'ecommen( "!on o< ">e O)A "o -e !n o'(e'J Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id c"*ssed t%e line *+ acce4ted and 4"*tected c*nduct as 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a" and as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t in t%e +ilin *+ t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint a ainst t%e "es4*ndent. As t%e OCA n*ted, :%ile t%e c*14laint :as +iled in t%e na1e *+ +*"1e" Re4"esentati.e Juan Pa3l* P. !*nd*c, %e ne.e" "eally a44ea"ed in c*u"t and c*uld n*t %a.e :*.en t%e tale *+ un+ai" t"eat1ent in t%e c*14laint :%ic% s4*;e *+ int"icate c*u"t"**1 4"*ceedin s. T%e c*14lainant t%us "elied 4"i1a"ily *n t%e in+*"1ati*n "elayed t* %i1 3y %is la:ye"s +*" t%e 4a"ticula"s *+ t%e c*14laint. M*"e t* t%e 4*int, t%e t:* la:ye"s can "eas*na3ly 3e c*nside"ed t* %a.e aut%*"ed t%e alle ati*ns in t%ei" clientBs c*14laint. N*t%in is in%e"ently :"*n :it% t%e c*14lainantBs de4endence *n Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id +*" t%e su3stance *+ t%e c*14laint. T%ey :e"e %is la:ye"s and t%e"e+*"e %ad t%e duty t* "e4*"t t* %i1 *n t%e 4"*ceedin s in c*u"t and t%e 4"* "ess *+ t%e cases t%ey :e"e %andlin . N*net%eless, as *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t, c*unsels a"e e=4ected t* 3e as t"ut%+ul and as *3Eecti.e as 4*ssi3le in 4"*.idin in+*"1ati*n t* t%ei" client "e a"din de.el*41ents in t%e c*u"t"**1. Needless t* say, t%ey *:e cand*", +ai"ness and **d +ait% t* t%e c*u"t.'2 In t%ese "e a"ds, Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id 4"*.ed t* 3e :antin . A cl*se and ca"e+ul "eadin *+ t%e case "ec*"d s%*:s t%at t%e t:* la:ye"s 1ade it a44ea" in t%ei" "e4*"t t* t%ei" client t%at t%e "es4*ndent unduly 1ade it di++icult +*" Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id t* 4"*secute t%e c"i1inal cases and e=%i3ited 3ias and 4a"tiality +*" t%e accused. T%e c*14lainant 3e:ailed: /60 t%e "es4*ndentBs atte14t t* %a.e t%e cases settled in an 8*++#t%e#"ec*"d8 %uddle :it% t%e 4a"tiesB la:ye"s 3ecause s%e did n*t :ant t%e accused t* 3e ad1inist"ati.ely sus4ended,') and /'0 t%e "es4*ndentBs *"de" t* 8+ast t"ac;8 t%e cases 3ecause t%e accused %ad 3een sus4ended u4*n 1*ti*n *+ t%e 4"i.ate 4"*secut*"s. T%e c*14lainant t%en na""ated t%e instances :%en %is la:ye"s :e"e alle edly i.en a %a"d ti1e and su3Eected t* indi nities 3y t%e "es4*ndent in %e" desi"e t* +ast t"ac; t%e c"i1inal cases. 9%at :e see +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds, %*:e.e", is a di++e"ent situati*n t%at 3elied t%e c*14lainantBs c%a" es a ainst t%e "es4*ndent. F"*1 t%e 4"e#t"ial "ec*"ds $u*ted 3el*:, :e +ind su++icient Eusti+icati*n +*" t%e c*nclusi*n t%at t%e in+*"1ati*n Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id su44lied t%ei" client :as 4atently 1isleadin and slanted 8t* c*.e" u4 t%ei" "*ss s%*"tc*1in s as la:ye"s,8 as t%e "es4*ndent a4tly 4ut it. 'R T* $u*te +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds *+ t%e 4"e#t"ial *+ N*.e13e" 7, '((7: COURT: N* su"4"ise in 1y c*u"t. K*u 3ette" tell t%e na1e, :%* :ill 3e y*u" :itness. K*u" cases a"e .e"y se"i*us in natu"e, t%e"e :*uld 3e n* su"4"ise. Re.eal y*u" :itnesses n*:. ATTK. CA@IC: !ecause I a1 *nly a c*lla3*"atin c*unsel in t%ese cases. COURT: A"e y*u n*t 4"e4a"ed< ATTK. CA@IC: 9e :ill 4"esent *ne 1*"e :itness, y*u" H*n*", 3ecause I a1 *in t* as; t%e c*14lainant :itness i+ %e is "eady t* testi+y. COURT: 9%y did y*u n*t as; %i1 3e+*"e t%e 4"e#t"ial c*n+e"ence t*day< ATTK. CA@IC: Actually 1y c*lla3*"atin c*unsel, Atty. Ca.id, :%* is 1y %us3and, :as t%e *ne :%* tal;ed :it% t%e c*14lainant, y*u" H*n*". COURT: -* y*u a"e n*t 4"e4a"ed +*" t%e 4"e#t"ial c*n+e"ence t*day< ATTK. CA@IC: I a1 s*""y +*" t%at, y*u" H*n*". May :e Eust "e$uest +*" t%e c*ntinuati*n *+ t%e 4"e# t"ial ne=t ti1e.

=== COURT: 9%e"e is y*u" %us3and< ATTK. CA@IC: He is n*t actually +eelin :ell, y*u" H*n*", t%at is :%y I a1 %e"e. COURT: K*u a"e su44*sed t* 3e 4"e4a"ed :%en y*u a44ea" in 1y C*u"t. ATTK. CA@IC: I a1 s*""y +*" t%at, y*u" H*n*". COURT: U4*n y*u" 1*ti*n, t%ese cases %ad 3een sus4ended. T%e delay is att"i3uta3le t* y*u" n*n#4"e4a"ati*n. === COURT: K*u ;n*: t%e C*u"t ets 4ee.ed :it% t%is ;ind *+ 1ani+estati*ns +"*1 la:ye"s. I su44*sed y*u t* 3e 4"e4a"ed, t* 3e +ai" t* all. ATTK. CA@IC: IBll 4"*1ise I :ill 3e 4"e4a"ed ne=t ti1e, y*u" H*n*". COURT: And tell y*u" %us3and t%at %e s%*uld 3e 4"e4a"ed. I :ill n*t t*le"ate 4*st4*ne1ents.7( T%e %ea"in *n Cece13e" 65, '((7 +u"t%e" discl*sed: COURT: I :ill :a"n t%e 4"*secuti*n t%at i+ y*u +ail t* 4"esent y*u" :itness *n Janua"y ), '((&, I %a.e n* $ual1s in dis1issin t%e cases :it% 4"eEudice. I "e$uest t%at t%e su34*ena 3e se".ed 4e"s*nally t* t%ese 4e*4le as an *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t. ATTK. CA@IC: 9e :ill d* t%at y*u" H*n*". === COURT: Atty. @elasc*, d* y*u %a.e any 1ani+estati*n< ATTK. @ELA-CO: C*nside"in t%e c*n+essi*n *+ t%e 4"*secuti*n t%at s%e is n*t "eady t* 4"esent any *+ %e" :itnesses t%is a+te"n**n, 1ay :e 1*.e t* /ZZZZ0 76 t%e cases in.*;in t%e "i %t *+ t%e accused t* a s4eedy t"ial. COURT: I i.e t%e 4"*secuti*n *ne last *44*"tunity e.en :it%*ut y*u" 1*ti*n = = = I %*4e t%is :ill n*t %a44en a ain.7' !ased *n t%ese 4"*ceedin s, :e +ind n* e.idence su44*"tin t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint a ainst t%e "es4*ndent. T%e alle ati*ns in t%e c*14laint :e"e un+*unded and 3aseless and s%*uld 3e dis1issed, as t%e C*u"t did in t%e Res*luti*n dated Cece13e" 62, '(().77 Ot%e" t%an t%e 3a"e alle ati*ns *+ t%e c*14lainant, n* 4"**+ :as 4"esented t* c*""*3*"ate t%e c%a" e t%at t%e "es4*ndent s*u %t t* %a.e t%e c"i1inal cases settledA neit%e" :as t%e"e a s%*:in t%at t%e "es4*ndent +ast t"ac;ed t%e cases t* +a.*" t%e accused. As :e al"eady stated a3*.e, i.en t%at t%e c*14lainant ne.e" a44ea"ed in c*u"t, it is "eas*na3le t* c*nclude t%at t%e t:* la:ye"s c"a+ted t%e c*14laint and inc*"4*"ated t%e"ein all t%e un+*unded accusati*ns a ainst t%e "es4*ndent in *"de" t* c*nceal t%ei" inade$uacies in t%e %andlin *+ t%ei" clientBs cases. T* say t%e least, t%e c*14laint :as 1*st un+ai" t* t%e "es4*ndent :%*, as t%e "ec*"d s%*:s, :as si14ly ;ee4in +ait% :it% %e" a.*:ed *3Eecti.e *+ e=4editin t%e 4"*ceedin s in %e" c*u"t 3y, a1*n *t%e" 1easu"es, "e$ui"in la:ye"s t* 3e 4"e4a"ed at all ti1es and t* 3e +ai" and candid in t%ei" dealin s :it% t%e c*u"t. T%e de+ense *+ Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id t%at :%at t%ey did 8is Eust a c*nse$uence *+ t%ei" c*11it1ent t* t%ei" client = = =8 can %a"dly e=cul4ate t%e1. 7& As t%e C*u"t %eld in Racines v. Ju"ge 3orallos, et al.,7I 8a clientBs cause d*es n*t 4e"1it an att*"ney t* c"*ss t%e line 3et:een li3e"ty and license. La:ye"s 1ust al:ays ;ee4 in 4e"s4ecti.e t%at since t%ey a"e ad1inist"at*"s *+ Eustice, *at%#3*und se".ants *+ s*ciety, t%ei" +i"st duty is n*t t* t%ei" clients, as 1any su44*se, 3ut t* t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. As a la:ye", %e is an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t :it% t%e duty t* u4%*ld its di nity and aut%*"ity and n*t 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.8 In Alfonso L. )ela #ictoria v. 3aria 0e *rig-3alolo -on,75 :e %ad *ccasi*n t* state: 8La:ye"s a"e "e$ui"ed t* act :it% t%e %i %est standa"d *+ t"ut%+ulness, +ai" 4lay and n*3ility in t%e c*nduct *+ t%ei" liti ati*n and t%ei" "elati*ns :it% t%ei" clients, t%e *44*sin 4a"ties, t%e *t%e" c*unsel and t%e c*u"ts.8

Attys. -te4%en and Lanee Ca.id 1ise"a3ly +ailed t* c*1e u4 t* t%e standa"ds *+ t%ese "ulin s. Acc*"din ly, t%ey a"e lia3le unde" A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C and s%*uld 3e %eld in indi"ect c*nte14t unde" -ecti*n 7, Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. C*nside"in t%at t%ey %a.e n* 4"e.i*us de"* at*"y "ec*"d, :e dee1 a +ine *+ P',I((.(( eac% t* 3e t%e a44"*4"iate 4enalty +*" t%ei" in+"acti*n. %4ERE8ORE, 4"e1ises c*nside"ed, :e %e"e3y decla"e Attys. -te4%en L. Ca.id and Lanee -. Cui# Ca.id GUI&0/ *+ Indi"ect C*nte14t +*" .i*lati*n *+ A.M. N*. (7#6(#(6#-C, and acc*"din ly i14*se *n eac% *+ t%e1 t%e FINE *+ T:* T%*usand Fi.e Hund"ed Pes*s /P',I((.((0 :it% t%e S0ERN %ARNING t%at a c*11issi*n *+ a si1ila" *++ense s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. SO ORDERED. A.M. No. 102102+2S) M 'c> 7, 2011 RE? &E00ER O8 04E U5 &A% 8A)U&0/ EN0I0&ED KRES0ORING IN0EGRI0/? A S0A0EMEN0 B/ 04E 8A)U&0/ O8 04E UNI3ERSI0/ O8 04E 54I&I55INES )O&&EGE O8 &A% ON 04E A&&EGA0IONS O8 5&AGIARISM AND MISRE5RESEN0A0ION IN 04E SU5REME )OUR0K &EONARDO2DE )AS0RO, J.: F*" dis4*siti*n *+ t%e C*u"t a"e t%e .a"i*us su31issi*ns *+ t%e 72 "es4*ndent la: 4"*+ess*"s 6 in "es4*nse t* t%e Res*luti*n dated Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( /t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n0, di"ectin t%e1 t* s%*: cause :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined as 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" +*" .i*lati*n *+ s4eci+ic 4"*.isi*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility enu1e"ated t%e"ein. At t%e *utset, it 1ust 3e st"essed t%at t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n clea"ly d*c;ets t%is as an ad1inist"ati.e 1atte", n*t a s4ecial ci.il acti*n +*" indi"ect c*nte14t unde" Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, c*nt"a"y t* t%e dissentin *4ini*n *+ Ass*ciate Justice Ma"ia L*u"des P. A. -e"en* /Justice -e"en*0 t* t%e said Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( -%*: Cause Res*luti*n. Neit%e" is t%is a disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin "*unded *n an alle edly i""e ula"ly c*ncluded +indin *+ indi"ect c*nte14t as inti1ated 3y Ass*ciate Justice C*nc%ita Ca"4i* M*"ales /Justice M*"ales0 in %e" dissentin *4ini*ns t* 3*t% t%e Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( -%*: Cause Res*luti*n and t%e 4"esent decisi*n. 9it% t%e natu"e *+ t%is case as 4u"ely a 3a" disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin +i"1ly in 1ind, t%e C*u"t +inds t%at :it% t%e e=ce4ti*n *+ *ne "es4*ndent :%*se c*14liance :as ade$uate and an*t%e" :%* 1ani+ested %e :as n*t a 1e13e" *+ t%e P%ili44ine !a", t%e su31itted e=4lanati*ns, 3ein 1e"e denials and?*" tan ential t* t%e issues at %and, a"e decidedly unsatis+act*"y. T%e 4"*++e"ed de+enses e.en 1*"e u" ently 3e%**.e t%is C*u"t t* call t%e attenti*n *+ "es4*ndent la: 4"*+ess*"s, :%* a"e 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a", t* t%e "elati*ns%i4 *+ t%ei" duties as suc% unde" t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility t* t%ei" ci.il "i %ts as citiDens and acade1ics in *u" +"ee and de1*c"atic "e4u3lic. T%e 4"*.isi*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility in.*l.ed in t%is case a"e as +*ll*:s: CANON 6 S A la:ye" s%all u4%*ld t%e c*nstituti*n, *3ey t%e la:s *+ t%e land and 4"*1*te "es4ect +*" la: and le al 4"*cesses. RULE 6.(' # A la:ye" s%all n*t c*unsel *" a3et acti.ities ai1ed at de+iance *+ t%e la: *" at lessenin c*n+idence in t%e le al syste1. CANON 6( # A la:ye" *:es cand*", +ai"ness and **d +ait% t* t%e c*u"t. Rule 6(.(6 # A la:ye" s%all n*t d* any +alse%**d, n*" c*nsent t* t%e d*in *+ any in c*u"tA n*" s%all %e 1islead, *" all*: t%e C*u"t t* 3e 1isled 3y any a"ti+ice. Rule 6(.(' # A la:ye" s%all n*t ;n*:in ly 1is$u*te *" 1is"e4"esent t%e c*ntents *+ 4a4e", t%e lan ua e *" t%e a" u1ent *+ *44*sin c*unsel, *" t%e te=t *+ a decisi*n *" aut%*"ity, *" ;n*:in ly cite as la: a 4"*.isi*n al"eady "ende"ed in*4e"ati.e 3y "e4eal *" a1end1ent, *" asse"t as a +act t%at :%ic% %as n*t 3een 4"*.ed.

Rule 6(.(7 # A la:ye" s%all *3se".e t%e "ules *+ 4"*cedu"e and s%all n*t 1isuse t%e1 t* de+eat t%e ends *+ Eustice. CANON 66 S A la:ye" s%all *3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts and t* Eudicial *++ice"s and s%*uld insist *n si1ila" c*nduct 3y *t%e"s. RULE 66.(I A la:ye" s%all su31it "ie.ances a ainst a Jud e t* t%e 4"*4e" aut%*"ities *nly. CANON 67 S A la:ye" s%all "ely u4*n t%e 1e"its *+ %is cause and "e+"ain +"*1 any i14"*4"iety :%ic% tends t* in+luence, *" i.es t%e a44ea"ance *+ in+luencin t%e c*u"t. Esta3lis%ed Eu"is4"udence :ill undenia3ly su44*"t *u" .ie: t%at :%en la:ye"s s4ea; t%ei" 1inds, t%ey 1ust e.e" 3e 1ind+ul *+ t%ei" s:*"n *at% t* *3se".e et%ical standa"ds *+ t%ei" 4"*+essi*n, and in 4a"ticula", a.*id +*ul and a3usi.e lan ua e t* c*nde1n t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t, *" any c*u"t +*" t%at 1atte", +*" a decisi*n it %as "ende"ed, es4ecially du"in t%e 4endency *+ a 1*ti*n +*" suc% decisi*nBs "ec*nside"ati*n. T%e accusati*n *+ 4la ia"is1 a ainst a 1e13e" *+ t%is C*u"t is n*t t%e "eal issue %e"e 3ut "at%e" t%is 4la ia"is1 issue %as 3een used t* de+lect e.e"y*neBs attenti*n +"*1 t%e actual c*nce"n *+ t%is C*u"t t* dete"1ine 3y "es4*ndentsB e=4lanati*ns :%et%e" *" n*t "es4*ndent 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" %a.e c"*ssed t%e line *+ decency and acce4ta3le 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct and s4eec% and .i*lated t%e Rules *+ C*u"t t%"*u % i14"*4e" inte".enti*n *" inte"+e"ence as t%i"d 4a"ties t* a 4endin case. P"eli1ina"ily, it s%*uld 3e st"essed t%at it :as "es4*ndents t%e1sel.es :%* called u4*n t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t t* act *n t%ei" -tate1ent, ' :%ic% t%ey +*"1ally su31itted, t%"*u % Cean Ma".ic M.@.F. Le*nen /Cean Le*nen0, +*" t%e C*u"tBs 4"*4e" dis4*siti*n. C*nside"in t%e de+enses *+ +"eed*1 *+ s4eec% and acade1ic +"eed*1 in.*;ed 3y t%e "es4*ndents, it is :*"t% discussin %e"e t%at t%e le al "eas*nin used in t%e 4ast 3y t%is C*u"t t* "ule t%at +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n is n*t a de+ense in ad1inist"ati.e cases a ainst la:ye"s +*" usin inte14e"ate s4eec% in *4en c*u"t *" in c*u"t su31issi*ns can si1ila"ly 3e a44lied t* "es4*ndentsB in.*cati*n *+ acade1ic +"eed*1. Indeed, it is 4"ecisely 3ecause "es4*ndents a"e n*t 1e"ely la:ye"s 3ut la:ye"s :%* teac% la: and 1*uld t%e 1inds *+ y*un as4i"in att*"neys t%at "es4*ndentsB *:n n*n#*3se".ance *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, e.en i+ 4u"4*"tedly 1*ti.ated 3y t%e 4u"est *+ intenti*ns, cann*t 3e i n*"ed n*" l*ssed *.e" 3y t%is C*u"t. T* +ully a44"eciate t%e "a.e "e4e"cussi*ns *+ "es4*ndentsB actuati*ns, it is a4"*4*s t* "e.isit t%e +actual antecedents *+ t%is case. Antecedent Facts and P"*ceedin s On A4"il '), '(6(, t%e 4*nencia *+ Ass*ciate Justice Ma"ian* del Castill* /Justice Cel Castill*0 in @inuya, et al. .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y /J.R. N*. 65''7(0 :as 4"*1ul ated. On May 76, '(6(, t%e c*unsel 7 +*" @inuya, et al. /t%e 8Malaya L*las80, +iled a M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e @inuya decisi*n, "aisin s*lely t%e +*ll*:in "*unds: I. Ou" *:n c*nstituti*nal and Eu"is4"udential %ist*"ies "eEect t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"tsB /sic0 asse"ti*n t%at t%e E=ecuti.eBs +*"ei n 4*licy 4"e"* ati.es a"e .i"tually unli1itedA 4"ecisely, unde" t%e "ele.ant Eu"is4"udence and c*nstituti*nal 4"*.isi*ns, suc% 4"e"* ati.es a"e 4"*sc"i3ed 3y inte"nati*nal %u1an "i %ts and %u1anita"ian standa"ds, includin t%*se 4"*.ided +*" in t%e "ele.ant inte"nati*nal c*n.enti*ns *+ :%ic% t%e P%ili44ines is a 4a"ty.& II. T%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t %as c*n+used di4l*1atic 4"*tecti*n :it% t%e 3"*ade", i+ +unda1ental, "es4*nsi3ility *+ states t* 4"*tect t%e %u1an "i %ts *+ its citiDens > es4ecially :%e"e t%e "i %ts asse"ted a"e su3Eect *+ e" a *1nes *3li ati*ns and 4e"tain t* Eus c* ens n*"1s.I On July 6R, '(6(,5 c*unsel +*" t%e Malaya L*las, Attys. H. Ha""y L. R*$ue, J". /Atty. R*$ue0 and R*1el Re alad* !a a"es /Atty. !a a"es0, +iled a -u44le1ental M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n in J.R. N*. 65''7(, :%e"e t%ey 4*sited +*" t%e +i"st ti1e t%ei" c%a" e *+ 4la ia"is1 as *ne *+ t%e "*unds +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e @inuya decisi*n. A1*n *t%e" a" u1ents, Attys. R*$ue and !a a"es asse"ted t%at:

IN THE FIR-T PLACE, IT I- HIJHLK IMPROPER FOR THI- HONORA!LE COURTBJUCJMENT OF APRIL '), '(6( TO PLAJIARIVE AT LEA-T THREE -OURCE- > AN ARTICLE PU!LI-HEC IN '((R IN THE KALE LA9 JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LA9, A !OO, PU!LI-HEC !K THE CAM!RICJE UNI@ER-ITK PRE-- IN '((I ANC AN ARTICLE PU!LI-HEC IN '((5 IN THE CA-E 9E-TERN RE-ER@E JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LA9 > ANC MA,E IT APPEAR THAT THE-E -OURCE- -UPPORT THE JUCJMENTB- ARJUMENT- FOR CI-MI--INJ THE IN-TANT PETITION 9HEN IN TRUTH, THE PLAJIARIVEC -OURCE- E@EN MA,E A -TRONJ CA-E FOR THE PETITIONB- CLAIM-.2 T%ey als* clai1ed t%at 8FiGn t%is c*nt"*.e"sy, t%e e.idence 3ea"s *ut t%e +act n*t *nly *+ e=tensi.e 4la ia"is1 3ut *+ /sic0 als* *+ t:istin t%e t"ue intents *+ t%e 4la ia"iDed s*u"ces 3y t%e 4*nencia t* suit t%e a" u1ents *+ t%e assailed Jud 1ent +*" denyin t%e Petiti*n.8) Acc*"din t* Attys. R*$ue and !a a"es, t%e :*";s alle edly 4la ia"iDed in t%e @inuya decisi*n :e"e na1ely: /60 E.an J. C"iddle and E.an F*=#CecentBs a"ticle 8A Fiducia"y T%e*"y *+ Jus C* ensA8 R /'0 C%"istian J. Ta1sB 3**; En+*"cin E" a O1nes O3li ati*ns in Inte"nati*nal La:A 6( and /70 Ma"; EllisB a"ticle 8!"ea;in t%e -ilence: On Ra4e as an Inte"nati*nal C"i1e.866 On t%e sa1e day as t%e +ilin *+ t%e -u44le1ental M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n *n July 6R, '(6(, E*u"nalists A"ies C. Ru+* and Pu"4le -. R*1e"* 4*sted an a"ticle, entitled 8-C Eustice 4la ia"iDed 4a"ts *+ "ulin *n c*1+*"t :*1en,8 *n t%e Ne:s3"ea; :e3site.6' T%e sa1e a"ticle a44ea"ed *n t%e JMA Ne:s T@ :e3site als* *n July 6R, '(6(.67 On July '', '(6(, Atty. R*$ueBs c*lu1n, entitled 8Pla ia"iDed and T:isted,8 a44ea"ed in t%e Manila -tanda"d T*day.6& In t%e said c*lu1n, Atty. R*$ue clai1ed t%at P"*+. E.an C"iddle, *ne *+ t%e aut%*"s 4u"4*"tedly n*t 4"*4e"ly ac;n*:led ed in t%e @inuya decisi*n, c*n+i"1ed t%at %is :*";, c*#aut%*"ed :it% P"*+. E.an F*=# Cecent, %ad 3een 4la ia"iDed. Atty. R*$ue $u*ted P"*+. C"iddleBs "es4*nse t* t%e 4*st 3y Julian ,u "e a"din t%e ne:s "e4*"t6I *n t%e alle ed 4la ia"is1 in t%e inte"nati*nal la: 3l* , O4ini* Ju"is. P"*+. C"iddle "es4*nded t* ,uBs 3l* ent"y in t%is :ise: T%e ne:s4a4e"Bs65 F4la ia"is1G clai1s a"e 3ased *n a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n +iled yeste"day :it% t%e P%ili44ine -u4"e1e C*u"t yeste"day. T%e 1*ti*n is a.aila3le %e"e: %tt4:??%a""y"*$ue.c*1?'(6(?(2?6)?su44le1ental#1*ti*n#alle in #4la ia"is1#in#t%e#su4"e1e#c*u"t? T%e 1*ti*n su ests t%at t%e C*u"tBs decisi*n c*ntains t%i"ty#+*u" sentences and citati*ns t%at a"e identical t* sentences and citati*ns in 1y '((R KJIL a"ticle /c*#aut%*"ed :it% E.an F*=#Cecent0. P"*+ess*" F*=#Cecent and I :e"e una:a"e *+ t%e 4etiti*ne"sB F4la ia"is1G alle ati*ns until a+te" t%e 1*ti*n :as +iled t*day. -4ea;in +*" 1ysel+, t%e 1*st t"*u3lin as4ect *+ t%e c*u"tBs Eus c* ens discussi*n is t%at it i14lies t%at t%e 4"*%i3iti*ns a ainst c"i1es a ainst %u1anity, se=ual sla.e"y, and t*"tu"e a"e n*t Eus c* ens n*"1s. Ou" a"ticle e14%atically asse"ts t%e *44*site. T%e -u4"e1e C*u"tBs decisi*n is a.aila3le %e"e:%tt4:??sc.Eudicia"y. *..4%?Eu"is4"udence?'(6(?a4"il'(6(?65''7(.%t162 On e.en date, July '', '(6(, Justice Cel Castill* :"*te t* %is c*llea ues *n t%e C*u"t in "e4ly t* t%e c%a" e *+ 4la ia"is1 c*ntained in t%e -u44le1ental M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n.6) In a lette" dated July '7, '(6(, an*t%e" 4u"4*"tedly 4la ia"iDed aut%*" in t%e @inuya decisi*n, C". Ma"; Ellis, :"*te t%e C*u"t, t* :it: K*u" H*n*u"s: I :"ite c*nce"nin a 1*st delicate issue t%at %as c*1e t* 1y attenti*n in t%e last +e: days. Muc% as I "e "et t* "aise t%is 1atte" 3e+*"e y*u" estee1ed C*u"t, I a1 c*14elled, as a $uesti*n *+ t%e inte "ity *+ 1y :*"; as an acade1ic and as an ad.*cate *+ %u1an "i %ts and %u1anita"ian la:, t* ta;e e=ce4ti*n t* t%e 4*ssi3le unaut%*"iDed use *+ 1y la: "e.ie: a"ticle *n "a4e as an inte"nati*nal c"i1e in y*u"

I.

estee1ed C*u"tBs Jud 1ent in t%e case *+ @inuya et al. .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y et al. /J.R. N*. 65''7(, Jud 1ent *+ ') A4"il '(6(0. My attenti*n :as called t* t%e Jud 1ent and t%e issue *+ 4*ssi3le 4la ia"is1 3y t%e P%ili44ine c%a4te" *+ t%e -*ut%east Asia Media Le al Ce+ence Initiati.e /-EAMLCI0, 6R an a++iliate *+ t%e L*nd*n#3ased Media Le al Ce+ence Initiati.e /MLCI0, :%e"e I sit as t"ustee. In 4a"ticula", I a1 c*nce"ned a3*ut a la" e 4a"t *+ t%e e=tensi.e discussi*n in +**tn*te 5I, 44. '2#'), *+ t%e said Jud 1ent *+ y*u" estee1ed C*u"t. I a1 als* c*nce"ned t%at y*u" estee1ed C*u"t 1ay %a.e 1is"ead t%e a" u1ents I 1ade in t%e a"ticle and e14l*yed t%e1 +*" c"*ss 4u"4*ses. T%is :*uld 3e i"*nic since t%e a"ticle :as :"itten 4"ecisely t* a" ue +*" t%e a44"*4"iate le al "e1edy +*" .icti1s *+ :a" c"i1es, en*cide, and c"i1es a ainst %u1anity. I 3elie.e a +ull c*4y *+ 1y a"ticle as 4u3lis%ed in t%e Case 9este"n Rese".e J*u"nal *+ Inte"nati*nal La: in '((5 %as 3een 1ade a.aila3le t* y*u" estee1ed C*u"t. I t"ust t%at y*u" estee1ed C*u"t :ill ta;e t%e ti1e t* ca"e+ully study t%e a" u1ents I 1ade in t%e a"ticle. I :*uld a44"eciate "ecei.in a "es4*nse +"*1 y*u" estee1ed C*u"t as t* t%e issues "aised 3y t%is lette". 9it% "es4ect, /- d.0 C". Ma"; Ellis'( In Me1*"andu1 O"de" N*. 7I#'(6( issued *n July '2, '(6(, t%e C*u"t +*"1ed t%e C*11ittee *n Et%ics and Et%ical -tanda"ds /t%e Et%ics C*11ittee0 4u"suant t* -ecti*n 67, Rule ' *+ t%e Inte"nal Rules *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t. In an En !anc Res*luti*n als* dated July '2, '(6(, t%e C*u"t "e+e""ed t%e July '', '(6( lette" *+ Justice Cel Castill* t* t%e Et%ics C*11ittee. T%e 1atte" :as su3se$uently d*c;eted as A.M. N*. 6(#2#62# -C. On Au ust ', '(6(, t%e Et%ics C*11ittee "e$ui"ed Attys. R*$ue and !a a"es t* c*11ent *n t%e lette" *+ Justice Cel Castill*.'6 On Au ust R, '(6(, a state1ent dated July '2, '(6(, entitled 8Rest*"in Inte "ity: A -tate1ent 3y t%e Faculty *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C*lle e *+ La: *n t%e Alle ati*ns *+ Pla ia"is1 and Mis"e4"esentati*n in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t8 /t%e -tate1ent0, :as 4*sted in Ne:s3"ea;Bs :e3site '' and *n Atty. R*$ueBs 3l* .'7 A "e4*"t "e a"din t%e state1ent als* a44ea"ed *n .a"i*us *n#line ne:s sites, suc% as t%e JMA Ne:s T@ '& and t%e -un -ta"'I sites, *n t%e sa1e date. T%e state1ent :as li;e:ise 4*sted at t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C*lle e *+ La:Bs 3ulletin 3*a"d alle edly *n Au ust 6(, '(6('5 and at said c*lle eBs :e3site.'2 On Au ust 66, '(6(, Cean Le*nen su31itted a c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C*lle e *+ La: Faculty /UP La: +aculty0 t* t%e C*u"t, t%"*u % C%ie+ Justice Renat* C. C*"*na /C%ie+ Justice C*"*na0. T%e c*.e" lette" dated Au ust 6(, '(6( *+ Cean Le*nen "ead: T%e H*n*"a3le -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ t%e Re4u3lic *+ t%e P%ili44ines T%"*u %: -u3Eect: H*n. Renat* C%ie+ Justice C. C*"*na

Res4ect+ully, /- d.0 Ma".ic Cean and P"*+ess*" *+ La: /E14%ases su44lied.0

M.@.F.

Le*nen

T%e c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent attac%ed t* t%e a3*.e#$u*ted lette" did n*t c*ntain t%e actual si natu"es *+ t%e alle ed si nat*"ies 3ut *nly stated t%e na1es *+ 72 UP La: 4"*+ess*"s :it% t%e n*tati*n /-JC.0 a44ea"in 3eside eac% na1e. F*" c*n.enient "e+e"ence, t%e te=t *+ t%e UP La: +aculty -tate1ent is "e4"*duced %e"e: RES0ORING IN0EGRI0/ A -TATEMENT !K THE FACULTK OF THE UNI@ER-ITK OF THE PHILIPPINE- COLLEJE OF LA9 ON THE ALLEJATION- OF PLAJIARI-M ANC MI-REPRE-ENTATION IN THE -UPREME COURT An e=t"a*"dina"y act *+ inEustice %as a ain 3een c*11itted a ainst t%e 3"a.e Fili4inas :%* %ad su++e"ed a3use du"in a ti1e *+ :a". A+te" t%ey c*u"a e*usly ca1e *ut :it% t%ei" .e"y 4e"s*nal st*"ies *+ a3use and su++e"in as 8c*1+*"t :*1en8, :aited +*" al1*st t:* decades +*" any 1eanin +ul "elie+ +"*1 t%ei" *:n *.e"n1ent as :ell as +"*1 t%e *.e"n1ent *+ Ja4an, *t t%ei" %*4es u4 +*" a se13lance *+ Eudicial "ec*u"se in t%e case *+ @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y, J.R. N*. 65''7( /') A4"il '(6(0, t%ey *nly %ad t%ese %*4es c"us%ed 3y a sin ula"ly "e4"e%ensi3le act *+ dis%*nesty and 1is"e4"esentati*n 3y t%e Hi %est C*u"t *+ t%e land. It is :it%in t%is +"a1e t%at t%e Faculty *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C*lle e *+ La: .ie:s t%e c%a" e t%at an Ass*ciate Justice *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t c*11itted 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n in @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y. T%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n a"e n*t *nly a++"*nts t* t%e indi.idual sc%*la"s :%*se :*"; %a.e 3een a44"*4"iated :it%*ut c*""ect att"i3uti*n, 3ut als* a se"i*us t%"eat t* t%e inte "ity and c"edi3ility *+ t%e P%ili44ine Judicial -yste1. In c*11*n 4a"lance, Y4la ia"is1B is t%e a44"*4"iati*n and 1is"e4"esentati*n *+ an*t%e" 4e"s*nBs :*"; as *neBs *:n. In t%e +ield *+ :"itin , it is c%eatin at 3est, and stealin at :*"st. It c*nstitutes a ta;in *+ s*1e*ne elseBs ideas and e=4"essi*ns, includin all t%e e++*"t and c"eati.ity t%at :ent int* c*11ittin suc% ideas and e=4"essi*ns int* :"itin , and t%en 1a;in it a44ea" t%at suc% ideas and e=4"essi*ns :e"e *"i inally c"eated 3y t%e ta;e". It is dis%*nesty, 4u"e and si14le. A Eudicial syste1 t%at all*:s 4la ia"is1 in any +*"1 is *ne t%at all*:s dis%*nesty. -ince all Eudicial decisi*ns +*"1 4a"t *+ t%e la: *+ t%e land, t* all*: 4la ia"is1 in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t is t* all*: t%e 4"*ducti*n *+ la:s 3y dis%*nest 1eans. E.idently, t%is is a c*14lete 4e".e"si*n and +alsi+icati*n *+ t%e ends *+ Eustice. A c*14a"is*n *+ t%e @inuya decisi*n and t%e *"i inal s*u"ce 1ate"ial s%*:s t%at t%e 4*nente 1e"ely c*4ied select 4*"ti*ns *+ *t%e" le al :"ite"sB :*";s and inte"s4e"sed t%e1 int* t%e decisi*n as i+ t%ey :e"e %is *:n, *"i inal :*";. Unde" t%e ci"cu1stances, %*:e.e", 3ecause t%e Cecisi*n %as 3een 4"*1ul ated 3y t%e C*u"t, t%e Cecisi*n n*: 3ec*1es t%e C*u"tBs and n* l*n e" Eust t%e 4*nenteBs. T%us t%e C*u"t als* 3ea"s t%e "es4*nsi3ility +*" t%e Cecisi*n. In t%e a3sence *+ any 1enti*n *+ t%e *"i inal :"ite"sB na1es and t%e 4u3licati*ns +"*1 :%ic% t%ey ca1e, t%e t%in s4ea;s +*" itsel+. -* +a" t%e"e %a.e 3een unsatis+act*"y "es4*nses +"*1 t%e 4*nente *+ t%is case and t%e s4*;es1an *+ t%e C*u"t. It is a" ued, +*" e=a14le, t%at t%e inclusi*n *+ t%e +**tn*tes +"*1 t%e *"i inal a"ticles is a "e+e"ence t* t%e Y4"i1a"yB s*u"ces "elied u4*n. T%is cu"s*"y e=4lanati*n is n*t acce4ta3le, 3ecause t%e *"i inal aut%*"sB :"itin s and t%e e++*"t t%ey 4ut int* +indin and su11a"iDin t%*se 4"i1a"y s*u"ces a"e 4"ecisely t%e su3Eect *+ 4la ia"is1. T%e inclusi*n *+ t%e +**tn*tes t* et%e" :it% 4*"ti*ns *+ t%ei" :"itin s in +act a "a.ates, instead

-tate1ent *+ +aculty +"*1 t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: *n t%e Pla ia"is1 in t%e case *+ @inuya . E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y

K*u" H*n*"s: 9e attac% +*" y*u" in+*"1ati*n and 4"*4e" dis4*siti*n a state1ent si ned 3y t%i"tyF#Gei %t /7)0 ')1e13e"s *+ t%e +aculty *+ t%e UP C*lle e *+ La:. 9e %*4e t%at its 4*ints c*uld 3e c*nside"ed 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t en 3anc.

*+ 1iti ates, t%e 4la ia"is1 since it 4"*.ides additi*nal e.idence *+ a deli3e"ate intenti*n t* a44"*4"iate t%e *"i inal aut%*"sB :*"; *+ *" aniDin and analyDin t%*se 4"i1a"y s*u"ces. It is als* a" ued t%at t%e Me13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t cann*t 3e e=4ected t* 3e +a1ilia" :it% all le al and sc%*la"ly E*u"nals. T%is is als* n*t acce4ta3le, 3ecause 4e"s*nal un+a1ilia"ity :it% s*u"ces all t%e 1*"e de1ands c*""ect and ca"e+ul att"i3uti*n and citati*n *+ t%e 1ate"ial "elied u4*n. It is a 1atte" *+ dili ence and c*14etence e=4ected *+ all Ma ist"ates *+ t%e Hi %est C*u"t *+ t%e Land. !ut a +a" 1*"e se"i*us 1atte" is t%e *3Eecti*n *+ t%e *"i inal :"ite"s, P"*+ess*"s E.an C"iddle and E.an F*=# Cescent, t%at t%e Hi % C*u"t actually 1is"e4"esents t%e c*nclusi*ns *+ t%ei" :*"; entitled 8A Fiducia"y T%e*"y *+ Jus C* ens,8 t%e 1ain s*u"ce *+ t%e 4la ia"iDed te=t. In t%is a"ticle t%ey a" ue t%at t%e classi+icati*n *+ t%e c"i1es *+ "a4e, t*"tu"e, and se=ual sla.e"y as c"i1es a ainst %u1anity %a.e attained t%e status *+ Eus c* ens, 1a;in it *3li at*"y u4*n t%e -tate t* see; "e1edies *n 3e%al+ *+ its a "ie.ed citiDens. Ket, t%e @inuya decisi*n uses 4a"ts *+ t%e sa1e a"ticle t* a""i.e at t%e c*nt"a"y c*nclusi*n. T%is e=ace"3ates t%e intellectual dis%*nesty *+ c*4yin :*";s :it%*ut att"i3uti*n 3yt"ans+*"1in it int* an act *+ intellectual +"aud 3y c*4yin :*";s in *"de" t* 1islead and decei.e. T%e case is a 4*tential land1a"; decisi*n in Inte"nati*nal La:, 3ecause it deals :it% -tate lia3ility and "es4*nsi3ility +*" 4e"s*nal inEu"y and da1a e su++e"ed in a ti1e *+ :a", and t%e "*le *+ t%e inEu"ed 4a"tiesB %*1e -tates in t%e 4u"suit *+ "e1edies a ainst suc% inEu"y *" da1a e. Nati*nal c*u"ts "a"ely %a.e suc% *44*"tunities t* 1a;e an inte"nati*nal i14act. T%at t%e 4etiti*ne"s :e"e Fili4in* 8c*1+*"t :*1en8 :%* su++e"ed +"*1 %*""i+ic a3use du"in t%e -ec*nd 9*"ld 9a" 1ade it incu13ent *n t%e C*u"t *+ last "es*"t t* a++*"d t%e1 e.e"y s*licitude. !ut instead *+ actin :it% u" ency *n t%is case, t%e C*u"t delayed its "es*luti*n +*" al1*st se.en yea"s, *3li.i*us t* t%e deat%s *+ 1any *+ t%e 4etiti*ne"s see;in Eustice +"*1 t%e C*u"t. 9%en it dis1issed t%e #inu a 4etiti*n 3ased *n 1is"e4"esented and 4la ia"iDed 1ate"ials, t%e C*u"t decided t%is case 3ased *n 4*lluted s*u"ces. !y s* d*in , t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t added insult t* inEu"y 3y +ailin t* actually e=e"cise its 84*:e" t* u" e and e=%*"t t%e E=ecuti.e Ce4a"t1ent t* ta;e u4 t%e clai1s *+ t%e #inu a 4etiti*ne"s. Its call*us dis4*siti*n, c*u4led :it% +alse sy14at%y and n*nc%alance, 3elies a 1*"e ala"1in lac; *+ c*nce"n +*" e.en t%e 1*st 3asic .alues *+ decency and "es4ect. T%e "e4utati*n *+ t%e P%ili44ine -u4"e1e C*u"t and t%e standin *+ t%e P%ili44ine le al 4"*+essi*n 3e+*"e *t%e" Judicia"ies and le al syste1s a"e t"uly at sta;e. T%e Hi % C*u"t cann*t acc*11*date less t%an a3s*lute %*nesty in its decisi*ns and cann*t acce4t e=cuses +*" +ailu"e t* attain t%e %i %est standa"ds *+ c*nduct i14*sed u4*n all 1e13e"s *+ t%e !enc% and !a" 3ecause t%ese unde"1ine t%e .e"y +*undati*n *+ its aut%*"ity and 4*:e" in a de1*c"atic s*ciety. Ji.en t%e C*u"tBs "ecent %ist*"y and t%e c*nt"*.e"sy t%at su""*unded it, it cann*t all*: t%e c%a" es *+ suc% clea" and *3.i*us 4la ia"is1 t* 4ass :it%*ut sancti*n as t%is :*uld *nly +u"t%e" e"*de +ait% and c*n+idence in t%e Eudicial syste1. And in li %t *+ t%e si ni+icance *+ t%is decisi*n t* t%e $uest +*" Eustice n*t *nly *+ Fili4in* :*1en, 3ut *+ :*1en else:%e"e in t%e :*"ld :%* %a.e su++e"ed t%e %*""*"s *+ se=ual a3use and e=4l*itati*n in ti1es *+ :a", t%e C*u"t cann*t c*ldly deny "elie+ and Eustice t* t%e 4etiti*ne"s *n t%e 3asis *+ 4il+e"ed and 1isinte"4"eted te=ts. T%e C*u"t cann*t "e ain its c"edi3ility and 1aintain its 1*"al aut%*"ity :it%*ut ensu"in t%at its *:n c*nduct, :%et%e" c*llecti.ely *" t%"*u % its Me13e"s, is 3ey*nd "e4"*ac%. T%is necessa"ily includes ensu"in t%at n*t *nly t%e c*ntent, 3ut als* t%e 4"*cesses *+ 4"e4a"in and :"itin its *:n decisi*ns, a"e c"edi3le and 3ey*nd $uesti*n. T%e @inuya Cecisi*n 1ust 3e c*nscienti*usly "e.ie:ed and n*t casually cast aside, i+ n*t +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ sancti*n, t%en at least +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ "e+lecti*n and uidance. It is an a3s*lutely essential ste4 t*:a"d t%e esta3lis%1ent *+ a %i %e" standa"d *+ 4"*+essi*nal ca"e and 4"actical sc%*la"s%i4 in t%e !enc% and !a", :%ic% a"e c"itical t* i14"*.in t%e syste1 *+ ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice in t%e P%ili44ines. It is als* a .e"y c"ucial ste4 in ensu"in t%e 4*siti*n *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t as t%e Final A"3ite" *+ all c*nt"*.e"sies: a 4*siti*n

t%at "e$ui"es c*14etence and inte "ity c*14letely a3*.e any and all "e4"*ac%, in acc*"dance :it% t%e e=actin de1ands *+ Eudicial and 4"*+essi*nal et%ics. 9it% t%ese c*nside"ati*ns, and 3ea"in in 1ind t%e s*le1n duties and t"ust "e4*sed u4*n t%e1 as teac%e"s in t%e 4"*+essi*n *+ La:, it is t%e *4ini*n *+ t%e Faculty *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ine C*lle e *+ La: t%at: /60 T%e 4la ia"is1 c*11itted in t%e case *+ #inu a v. E-ecutive Secretar is unacce4ta3le, unet%ical and in 3"eac% *+ t%e %i % standa"ds *+ 1*"al c*nduct and Eudicial and 4"*+essi*nal c*14etence e=4ected *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"tA /'0 -uc% a +unda1ental 3"eac% endan e"s t%e inte "ity and c"edi3ility *+ t%e enti"e -u4"e1e C*u"t and unde"1ines t%e +*undati*ns *+ t%e P%ili44ine Eudicial syste1 3y all*:in i14licitly t%e decisi*n *+ cases and t%e esta3lis%1ent *+ le al 4"ecedents t%"*u % du3i*us 1eansA /70 T%e sa1e 3"eac% and c*nse$uent dis4*siti*n *+ t%e #inu a case d*es .i*lence t* t%e 4"i1*"dial +uncti*n *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t as t%e ulti1ate dis4ense" *+ Eustice t* all t%*se :%* %a.e 3een le+t :it%*ut le al *" e$uita3le "ec*u"se, suc% as t%e 4etiti*ne"s t%e"einA /&0 In li %t *+ t%e e=t"e1ely se"i*us and +a"#"eac%in natu"e *+ t%e dis%*nesty and t* sa.e t%e %*n*" and di nity *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t as an instituti*n, it is necessa"y +*" t%e ponente *+ @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y t* "esi n %is 4*siti*n, :it%*ut 4"eEudice t* any *t%e" sancti*ns t%at t%e C*u"t 1ay c*nside" a44"*4"iateA /I0 T%e -u4"e1e C*u"t 1ust ta;e t%is *44*"tunity t* "e.ie: t%e 1anne" 3y :%ic% it c*nducts "esea"c%, 4"e4a"es d"a+ts, "eac%es and +inaliDes decisi*ns in *"de" t* 4"e.ent a "ecu""ence *+ si1ila" acts, and t* 4"*.ide clea" and c*ncise uidance t* t%e !enc% and !a" t* ensu"e *nly t%e %i %est $uality *+ le al "esea"c% and :"itin in 4leadin s, 4"actice, and adEudicati*n. Malc*l1 Hall, Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C*lle e *+ La:, MueD*n City, '2 July '(6(. ;SGD.= MAR3I) M.3.8. &EONEN Cean and P"*+ess*" *+ La: ;SGD.= 8ROI&AN Cean /6R2)#6R)70 ;SGD.= MER&IN Cean /6RRI#6RRR0 REGU&AR 8A)U&0/ ;SGD.= P"*+ess*" )ARME&O 3. SISON ;SGD.= JA/ &. Assistant P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= E3E&/N Assistant P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= G%EN Assistant P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= ;&EO= BA0ONGBA)A& M. BA)UNGAN ;SGD.= 5A)I8I)O Cean /6R)R#6RRI0 A. AGABIN

M.

MAGA&&ONA

;SGD.= SA&3ADOR 0. )AR&O0A Cean /'((I#'(()0 and P"*+ess*" *+ La:

;SGD.= 5A0RI)IA R.5. SA&3ADOR DA%A/ Ass*ciate Cean and Ass*ciate P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= DAN0E Ass*ciate P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= B. GA0MA/0AN

D.

BA00AD

G.

DE

3ERA

04EODORE

O.

0E

SO&OMON

8.

&UMBA

Assistant P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= 8&ORIN Assistant P"*+ess*" &E)0URERS 0. 4I&BA/

Assistant P"*+ess*" ;SGD.= ROMME& Assistant P"*+ess*" J. )ASIS

On 3*t% as4ects, I :*uld a44"eciate a 4"*14t "es4*nse +"*1 y*u" H*n*u"a3le C*u"t. I "e1ain -ince"ely y*u"s /- d.0 C%"istian J. Ta1s76 In t%e c*u"se *+ t%e su31issi*n *+ Atty. R*$ue and Atty. !a a"esB e=%i3its du"in t%e Au ust '5, '(6( %ea"in in t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*, t%e Et%ics C*11ittee n*ted t%at E=%i3it 8J8 /a c*4y *+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent0 :as n*t si ned 3ut 1e"ely "e+lected t%e na1es *+ ce"tain +aculty 1e13e"s :it% t%e lette"s /-JC.0 3eside t%e na1es. T%us, t%e Et%ics C*11ittee di"ected Atty. R*$ue t* 4"esent t%e si ned c*4y *+ t%e said -tate1ent :it%in t%"ee days +"*1 t%e Au ust '5 %ea"in .7' It :as u4*n c*14liance :it% t%is di"ecti.e t%at t%e Et%ics C*11ittee :as i.en a c*4y *+ t%e si ned UP La: Faculty -tate1ent t%at s%*:ed *n t%e si natu"e 4a es t%e na1es *+ t%e +ull "*ste" *+ t%e UP La: Faculty, )6 +aculty 1e13e"s in all. Indu3ita3le +"*1 t%e actual si ned c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent :as t%at *nly 72 *+ t%e )6 +aculty 1e13e"s a44ea"ed t* %a.e si ned t%e sa1e. H*:e.e", t%e 72 actual si nat*"ies t* t%e -tate1ent did n*t include +*"1e" -u4"e1e C*u"t Ass*ciate Justice @icente @. Mend*Da /Justice Mend*Da0 as "e4"esented in t%e 4"e.i*us c*4ies *+ t%e -tate1ent su31itted 3y Cean Le*nen and Atty. R*$ue. It als* a44ea"ed t%at Atty. Mi uel R. A"1*.it /Atty. A"1*.it0 si ned t%e -tate1ent alt%*u % %is na1e :as n*t included a1*n t%e si nat*"ies in t%e 4"e.i*us c*4ies su31itted t* t%e C*u"t. T%us, t%e t*tal nu13e" *+ *stensi3le si nat*"ies t* t%e -tate1ent "e1ained at 72. T%e Et%ics C*11ittee "e+e""ed t%is 1atte" t* t%e C*u"t en 3anc since t%e sa1e -tate1ent, %a.in 3een +*"1ally su31itted 3y Cean Le*nen *n Au ust 66, '(6(, :as al"eady unde" c*nside"ati*n 3y t%e C*u"t.77 In a Res*luti*n dated Oct*3e" 6R, '(6(, t%e C*u"t en 3anc 1ade t%e +*ll*:in *3se".ati*ns "e a"din t%e UP La: Faculty -tate1ent: N*ta3ly, :%ile t%e state1ent :as 1eant t* "e+lect t%e educat*"sB *4ini*n *n t%e alle ati*ns *+ 4la ia"is1 a ainst Justice Cel Castill*, t%ey t"eated suc% alle ati*n n*t *nly as an esta3lis%ed +act, 3ut a t"ut%. In 4a"ticula", t%ey e=4"essed dissatis+acti*n *.e" Justice Cel Castill*Bs e=4lanati*n *n %*: %e cited t%e 4"i1a"y s*u"ces *+ t%e $u*ted 4*"ti*ns and yet a""i.ed at a c*nt"a"y c*nclusi*n t* t%*se *+ t%e aut%*"s *+ t%e a"ticles su44*sedly 4la ia"iDed. !ey*nd t%is, %*:e.e", t%e state1ent 3*"e ce"tain "e1a";s :%ic% "aise c*nce"n +*" t%e C*u"t. T%e *4enin sentence al*ne is a "i1 4"ea13le t* t%e instituti*nal attac; t%at lay a%ead. It "eads: An e=t"a*"dina"y act *+ inEustice %as a ain 3een c*11itted a ainst t%e 3"a.e Fili4inas :%* %ad su++e"ed a3use du"in a ti1e *+ :a". T%e +i"st 4a"a "a4% c*ncludes :it% a "e+e"ence t* t%e decisi*n in @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y as a "e4"e%ensi3le act *+ dis%*nesty and 1is"e4"esentati*n 3y t%e Hi %est C*u"t *+ t%e land. = = =. T%e insult t* t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t :as a "a.ated 3y i14utati*ns *+ deli3e"ately delayin t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e said case, its dis1issal *n t%e 3asis *+ 84*lluted s*u"ces,8 t%e C*u"tBs alle ed indi++e"ence t* t%e cause *+ 4etiti*ne"s Fin t%e @inuya caseG, as :ell as t%e su44*sed ala"1in lac; *+ c*nce"n *+ t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t +*" e.en t%e 1*st 3asic .alues *+ decency and "es4ect.7& = = =. /Unde"sc*"in *u"s.0 In t%e sa1e Res*luti*n, t%e C*u"t :ent *n t* state t%at: 9%ile 1*st a "ee t%at t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe t%e Eudicia"y is c"itical t* 1aintainin a +"ee and de1*c"atic s*ciety, t%e"e is als* a ene"al c*nsensus t%at %ealt%y c"iticis1 *nly *es s* +a". Many ty4es *+ c"iticis1 le.eled at t%e Eudicia"y c"*ss t%e line t* 3ec*1e %a"1+ul and i""es4*nsi3le attac;s. T%ese 4*tentially de.astatin attac;s and unEust c"iticis1 can t%"eaten t%e inde4endence *+ t%e Eudicia"y. T%e c*u"t 1ust 8insist *n 3ein 4e"1itted t* 4"*ceed t* t%e dis4*siti*n *+ its 3usiness in an *"de"ly 1anne", +"ee +"*1 *utside inte"+e"ence *3st"ucti.e *+ its +uncti*ns and tendin t* e13a""ass t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.8

;SGD.= JOSE ). &AURE0A ;SGD.= DINA D. &U)ENARIO ;SGD.= O%EN J. &/N)4 ;SGD.= AN0ONIO M. SAN0OS ;SGD.= 3I)EN0E 3. MENDO6A ;SGD.= RODO&8O NOE& S. 1UIMBO ;SGD.= GME&EEN 8A/E B. 0OMBO) ;SGD.= NI)4O&AS 8E&ID &. 0/ ;SGD.= E3A&/N G. URSUA ;SGD.= RAU& 0. 3AS1UE6 ;SGD.= SUSAN D. 3I&&ANUE3A 'R ;SGD.= )ARINA ). &A8OR0E6A /Unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 Mean:%ile, in a lette" dated Au ust 6), '(6(, P"*+. C%"istian J. Ta1s 1ade ;n*:n %is senti1ents *n t%e alle ed 4la ia"is1 issue t* t%e C*u"t.7( 9e $u*te P"*+. Ta1sB lette" %e"e: Jlas *:, 6) Au ust '(6( @inuya, et al. .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y et al. /J.R. N*. 65''7(0 H*n. Renat* C. C*"*na, C%ie+ Justice K*u" E=cellency, My na1e is C%"istian J. Ta1s, and I a1 a 4"*+ess*" *+ inte"nati*nal la: at t%e Uni.e"sity *+ Jlas *:. I a1 :"itin t* y*u in "elati*n t* t%e use *+ *ne *+ 1y 4u3licati*ns in t%e a3*.e#1enti*ned Eud 1ent *+ y*u" H*n*u"a3le C*u"t. T%e "ele.ant 4assa e *+ t%e Eud 1ent is t* 3e +*und *n 4. 7( *+ y*u" C*u"tBs Jud 1ent, in t%e secti*n add"essin t%e c*nce4t *+ *3li ati*ns e" a *1nes. As t%e ta3le anne=ed t* t%is lette" s%*:s, t%e "ele.ant sentences :e"e ta;en al1*st :*"d 3y :*"d +"*1 t%e int"*duct*"y c%a4te" *+ 1y 3**; En+*"cin O3li ati*ns E" a O1nes in Inte"nati*nal La: /Ca13"id e Uni.e"sity P"ess '((I0. I n*te t%at t%e"e is a ene"ic "e+e"ence t* 1y :*"; in +**tn*te 5R *+ t%e Jud 1ent, 3ut as t%is is in "elati*n t* a citati*n +"*1 an*t%e" aut%*" /!"un* -i11a0 "at%e" t%an :it% "es4ect t* t%e su3stanti.e 4assa es "e4"*duced in t%e Jud 1ent, I d* n*t t%in; it can 3e c*nside"ed an a44"*4"iate +*"1 *+ "e+e"encin . I a1 4a"ticula"ly c*nce"ned t%at 1y :*"; s%*uld %a.e 3een used t* su44*"t t%e Jud 1entBs cauti*us a44"*ac% t* t%e e" a *1nes c*nce4t. In +act, a 1*st cu"s*"y "eadin s%*:s t%at 1y 3**;Bs cent"al t%esis is 4"ecisely t%e *44*site: na1ely t%at t%e e" a *1nes c*nce4t %as 3een :idely acce4ted and %as a +i"1 4lace in c*nte14*"a"y inte"nati*nal la:. Hence t%e int"*duct*"y c%a4te" n*tes t%at 8FtG%e 4"esent study atte14ts t* de1ysti+y as4ects *+ t%e Y.e"y 1yste"i*usB c*nce4t and t%e"e3y t* +acilitate its i14le1entati*n8 /4. I0. In t%e sa1e .ein, t%e c*ncludin secti*n n*tes t%at 8t%e 4"ecedin c%a4te"s s%*: t%at t%e c*nce4t is n*: a 4a"t *+ t%e "eality *+ inte"nati*nal la:, esta3lis%ed in t%e Eu"is4"udence *+ c*u"ts and t%e 4"actice *+ -tates8 /4. 7(R0. 9it% due "es4ect t* y*u" H*n*u"a3le C*u"t, I a1 at a l*ss t* see %*: 1y :*"; s%*uld %a.e 3een cited t* su44*"t > as it see1in ly %as > t%e *44*site a44"*ac%. M*"e ene"ally, I a1 c*nce"ned at t%e :ay in :%ic% y*u" H*n*u"a3le C*u"tBs Jud 1ent %as d"a:n *n sc%*la"ly :*"; :it%*ut 4"*4e"ly ac;n*:led in it.

;SGD.= JOSE GERARDO A. A&AM5A/ ;SGD.= AR04UR 5. AU0EA ;SGD.= ROSA MARIA J. BAU0IS0A ;SGD.= MAR@ R. BO)OBO ;SGD.= DAN 5. )A&I)A ;SGD.= 0RIS0AN A. )A0INDIG ;SGD.= SANDRA MARIE O. )ORONE& ;SGD.= ROSARIO O. GA&&O ;SGD.= )ON)E5)ION &. JARDE&E6A ;SGD.= AN0ONIO G.M. &A 3IBA

T%e C*u"t c*uld %a"dly 4e"cei.e any "eas*na3le 4u"4*se +*" t%e +acultyBs less t%an *3Eecti.e c*11ents e=ce4t t* disc"edit t%e A4"il '), '(6( Cecisi*n in t%e @inuya case and unde"1ine t%e C*u"tBs %*nesty, inte "ity and c*14etence in add"essin t%e 1*ti*n +*" its "ec*nside"ati*n. As i+ t%e case *n t%e c*1+*"t :*1enBs clai1s is n*t c*nt"*.e"sial en*u %, t%e UP La: +aculty :*uld +an t%e +la1es and in.ite "esent1ent a ainst a "es*luti*n t%at :*uld n*t "e.e"se t%e said decisi*n. T%is "uns c*nt"a"y t* t%ei" *3li ati*n as la: 4"*+ess*"s and *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t t* 3e t%e +i"st t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t, t* :%ic% t%ey *:e +idelity acc*"din t* t%e *at% t%ey %a.e ta;en as att*"neys, and n*t t* 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.7I = = =. /Citati*ns *1ittedA e14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 T%us, t%e C*u"t di"ected Attys. Ma".ic M.@.F. Le*nen, F"*ilan M. !acun an, Paci+ic* A. A a3in, Me"lin M. Ma all*na, -al.ad*" T. Ca"l*ta, Ca"1el* @. -is*n, Pat"icia R.P. -al.ad*" Ca:ay, Cante !. Jat1aytan, T%e*d*"e O. Te, Fl*"in T. Hil3ay, Jay L. !at*n 3acal, E.elyn /Le*0 C. !attad, J:en J. Ce @e"a, -*l*1*n F. Lu13a, R*11el J. Casis, J*se Je"a"d* A. Ala14ay, Mi uel R. A"1*.it, A"t%u" P. Autea, R*sa Ma"ia J. !autista, Ma"; R. !*c*3*, Can P. Calica, T"istan A. Catindi , -and"a Ma"ie O. C*"*nel, R*sa"i* O. Jall*, C*nce4ci*n L. Ja"deleDa, Ant*ni* J.M. La @iQa, Ca"ina C. La+*"teDa, J*se C. Lau"eta, O:en J. Lync%, R*d*l+* N*el -. Mui13*, Ant*ni* M. -ant*s, J1eleen Faye !. T*13*c, Nic%*las Feli= L. Ty, E.alyn J. U"sua, Raul T. @as$ueD, -usan C. @illanue.a and Cina C. Lucena"i* t* s%*: cause, :it%in ten /6(0 days +"*1 "ecei4t *+ t%e c*4y *+ t%e Res*luti*n, :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined as 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" +*" .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6,75 66 and 67 and Rules 6.(' and 66.(I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.72 Cean Le*nen :as li;e:ise di"ected t* s%*: cause :it%in t%e sa1e 4e"i*d :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lina"ily dealt :it% +*" .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6(, Rules 6(.(6, 6(.(' and 6(.(7 +*" su31ittin t%"*u % %is lette" dated Au ust 6(, '(6(, du"in t%e 4endency *+ J.R. N*. 65''7( and *+ t%e in.esti ati*n 3e+*"e t%e Et%ics C*11ittee, +*" t%e c*nside"ati*n *+ t%e C*u"t en 3anc, a du11y :%ic% is n*t a t"ue and +ait%+ul "e4"*ducti*n *+ t%e UP La: Faculty -tate1ent.7) In t%e sa1e Res*luti*n, t%e 4"esent c*nt"*.e"sy :as d*c;eted as a "e ula" ad1inist"ati.e 1atte". -u11a"ies *+ t%e Pleadin s Filed 3y Res4*ndents in Res4*nse t* t%e Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( -%*: Cause Res*luti*n On N*.e13e" 6R, '(6(, :it%in t%e e=tensi*n +*" +ilin "anted 3y t%e C*u"t, "es4*ndents +iled t%e +*ll*:in 4leadin s: /60 C*14liance dated N*.e13e" 6), '(6( 3y c*unsels +*" 7I *+ t%e 72 "es4*ndents, e=cludin P"*+. O:en Lync% and P"*+. Raul T. @as$ueD, in "elati*n t* t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6, 66 and 67 and Rules 6.(' and 66.(I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ilityA /'0 C*14liance and Rese".ati*n dated N*.e13e" 6), '(6( 3y P"*+. R*sa Ma"ia T. Juan#!autista in "elati*n t* t%e sa1e c%a" e in 4a". /60A /70 C*14liance dated N*.e13e" 6R, '(6( 3y c*unsel +*" P"*+. Raul T. @as$ueD in "elati*n t* t%e sa1e c%a" e in 4a". /60A /&0 C*14liance dated N*.e13e" 6R, '(6( 3y c*unsels +*" Cean Le*nen, in "elati*n t* t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6(, Rules 6(.(6, 6(.(' and 6(.(7A and /I0 Mani+estati*n dated N*.e13e" 6R, '(6( 3y c*unsel +*" P"*+. O:en Lync%. C*11*n C*14liance *+ 7I Res4*ndents /E=cludin P"*+. O:en Lync% and P"*+. Raul @as$ueD0 T%i"ty#+i.e /7I0 *+ t%e "es4*ndent UP La: 4"*+ess*"s +iled *n N*.e13e" 6R, '(6( a c*11*n c*14liance :%ic% :as si ned 3y t%ei" "es4ecti.e c*unsels /t%e C*11*n C*14liance0. In t%e 8P"e+ace8 *+ said C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents st"essed t%at 8Ft%eyG issued t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent in t%e disc%a" e *+ t%e Ys*le1n duties and t"ust "e4*sed u4*n t%e1 as teac%e"s in t%e 4"*+essi*n *+ la:,B and as 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" t* s4ea; *ut *n a 1atte" *+ 4u3lic c*nce"n and *ne t%at is *+ .ital inte"est t* t%e1.8 7R T%ey li;e:ise alle ed t%at 8t%ey acted :it% t%e 4u"est *+ intenti*ns8 and 4*inted *ut t%at 8n*ne *+ t%e1 :as in.*l.ed eit%e" as 4a"ty *" c*unsel8&( in t%e @inuya case. Fu"t%e", "es4*ndents 8n*te :it% c*nce"n8 t%at t%e -%*: Cause

Res*luti*nBs +indin s and c*nclusi*ns :e"e 8a 4"eEud 1ent > t%at "es4*ndents indeed a"e in c*nte14t, %a.e 3"eac%ed t%ei" *3li ati*ns as la: 4"*+ess*"s and *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t, and %a.e .i*lated YCan*ns F6G, 66 and 67 and Rules 6.(' and 66.(I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.8&6 !y :ay *+ e=4lanati*n, t%e "es4*ndents e14%asiDed t%e +*ll*:in 4*ints: /a0 Res4*ndentsB alle ed n*3le intenti*ns In "es4*nse t* t%e c%a" es *+ +ailu"e t* *3se".e due "es4ect t* le al 4"*cesses &' and t%e c*u"ts&7 and *+ tendin t* in+luence, *" i.in t%e a44ea"ance *+ in+luencin t%e C*u"t && in t%e issuance *+ t%ei" -tate1ent, "es4*ndents asse"t t%at t%ei" intenti*n :as n*t t* 1ali n t%e C*u"t 3ut "at%e" t* de+end its inte "ity and c"edi3ility and t* ensu"e c*ntinued c*n+idence in t%e le al syste1. T%ei" n*3le 1*ti.e :as 4u"4*"tedly e.idenced 3y t%e 4*"ti*n *+ t%ei" -tate1ent 8+*cusin *n c*nst"ucti.e acti*n.8&I Res4*ndentsB call in t%e -tate1ent +*" t%e C*u"t 8t* 4"*.ide clea" and c*ncise uidance t* t%e !enc% and !a" t* ensu"e *nly t%e %i %est $uality *+ le al "esea"c% and :"itin in adEudicati*n,8 :as "e4utedly 8in ;ee4in :it% st"ictu"es enE*inin la:ye"s t* Y4a"tici4ate in t%e de.el*41ent *+ t%e le al syste1 3y initiatin *" su44*"tin e++*"ts in la: "e+*"1 and in t%e i14"*.e1ent *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ EusticeB8 /unde" Can*n & *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility0 and t* 84"*1*te "es4ect +*" t%e la: and le al 4"*cesses8 /unde" Can*n 6, id.0.&5 Fu"t%e"1*"e, as acade1ics, t%ey alle edly %a.e a 8s4ecial inte"est and duty t* .i ilantly ua"d a ainst 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n 3ecause t%ese un:elc*1e *ccu""ences %a.e a 4"*+*und i14act in t%e acade1e, es4ecially in *u" la: sc%**ls.8&2 Res4*ndents +u"t%e" 8FcalledG *n t%is C*u"t n*t t* 1isc*nst"ue t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent as an Yinstituti*nal attac;B = = = *n t%e 3asis *+ its +i"st and nint% 4a"a "a4%s.8 &) T%ey +u"t%e" cla"i+ied t%at at t%e ti1e t%e -tate1ent :as alle edly d"a+ted and a "eed u4*n, it a44ea"ed t* t%e1 t%e C*u"t 8:as n*t *in t* ta;e any acti*n *n t%e "a.e and sta"tlin alle ati*ns *+ 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n.8&R Acc*"din t* "es4*ndents, t%e 3ases +*" t%ei" 3elie+ :e"e /i0 t%e ne:s a"ticle 4u3lis%ed *n July '6, '(6( in t%e P%ili44ine Caily In$ui"e" :%e"ein C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" J*se Midas P. Ma"$ueD :as "e4*"ted t* %a.e said t%at C%ie+ Justice C*"*na :*uld n*t *"de" an in$ui"y int* t%e 1atte"AI( and /ii0 t%e July '', '(6( lette" *+ Justice Cel Castill* :%ic% t%ey clai1ed 8did n*t%in 3ut t* d*:n4lay t%e "a.ity *+ t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n c%a" es.8 I6 Res4*ndents clai1ed t%at it :as t%ei" 4e"ce4ti*n *+ t%e C*u"tBs indi++e"ence t* t%e dan e"s 4*sed 3y t%e 4la ia"is1 alle ati*ns a ainst Justice Cel Castill* t%at i14elled t%e1 t* u" ently ta;e a 4u3lic stand *n t%e issue. /30 T%e 8c*""ectness8 *+ "es4*ndentsB 4*siti*n t%at Justice Cel Castill* c*11itted 4la ia"is1 and s%*uld 3e %eld acc*unta3le in acc*"dance :it% t%e standa"ds *+ acade1ic :"itin A si ni+icant 4*"ti*n *+ t%e C*11*n C*14liance is de.*ted t* a discussi*n *+ t%e 1e"its *+ "es4*ndentsB c%a" e *+ 4la ia"is1 a ainst Justice Cel Castill*. Relyin *n Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines !*a"d *+ Re ents .. C*u"t *+ A44eals I' and +*"ei n 1ate"ials and Eu"is4"udence, "es4*ndents essentially a" ue t%at t%ei" 4*siti*n "e a"din t%e 4la ia"is1 c%a" e a ainst Justice Cel Castill* is t%e c*""ect .ie: and t%at t%ey a"e t%e"e+*"e Eusti+ied in issuin t%ei" Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent. Attac%1ents t* t%e C*11*n C*14liance included, a1*n *t%e"s: /i0 t%e lette" dated Oct*3e" '), '(6( *+ Pete" !. Pay*y*, LL.M, P%.C., I7 sent t* C%ie+ Justice C*"*na t%"*u % Justice -e"en*, alle in t%at t%e @inuya decisi*n li;e:ise li+ted :it%*ut 4"*4e" att"i3uti*n t%e te=t +"*1 a le al a"ticle 3y Ma"iana -alaDa" Al3*"n*D t%at a44ea"ed in t%e Anua"i* Me=ican* Ce Ce"ec%* Inte"naci*nal and +"*1 an Inte"nati*nal C*u"t *+ Justice decisi*nA and /ii0 a '(() Hu1an Ri %ts La: Re.ie: A"ticle entitled 8-e=ual O"ientati*n, Jende" Identity and Inte"nati*nal Hu1an Ri %ts La:8 3y Mic%ael OBFla%e"ty and J*%n Fis%e", in su44*"t *+ t%ei" c%a" e t%at Justice Cel

Castill* als* li+ted 4assa es +"*1 said a"ticle :it%*ut 4"*4e" att"i3uti*n, 3ut t%is ti1e, in %is 4*nencia in An Ladlad LJ!T Pa"ty .. C*11issi*n *n Electi*ns.I& /c0 Res4*ndentsB 3elie+ t%at t%ey a"e 3ein 8sin led *ut8 3y t%e C*u"t :%en *t%e"s %a.e li;e:ise s4*;en *n t%e 84la ia"is1 issue8 In t%e C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents li;e:ise asse"ted t%at 8t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n alle ati*ns a"e le iti1ate 4u3lic issues.8II T%ey identi+ied .a"i*us 4u3lis%ed "e4*"ts and *4ini*ns, in a "ee1ent :it% and in *44*siti*n t* t%e stance *+ "es4*ndents, *n t%e issue *+ 4la ia"is1, s4eci+ically: /i0 Ne:s3"ea; "e4*"t *n July 6R, '(6( 3y A"ies Ru+* and Pu"4le R*1e"*AI5 /ii0 C*lu1n *+ Ra1*n Tul+* :%ic% a44ea"ed in t%e P%ili44ine Caily In$ui"e" *n July '&, '(6(AI2 /iii0 Edit*"ial *+ t%e P%ili44ine Caily In$ui"e" 4u3lis%ed *n July 'I, '(6(AI) /i.0 Lette" dated July '', '(6( *+ Justice Cel Castill* 4u3lis%ed in t%e P%ili44ine -ta" *n July 7(, '(6(AIR /.0 C*lu1n *+ F*"1e" Intellectual P"*4e"ty O++ice Ci"ect*" Jene"al Ad"ian C"ist*3al, J". 4u3lis%ed in t%e !usiness Mi""*" *n Au ust I, '(6(A5( /.i0 C*lu1n *+ F*"1e" C%ie+ Justice A"te1i* Pan ani3an 4u3lis%ed in t%e P%ili44ine Caily In$ui"e" *n Au ust ), '(6(A56 /.ii0 Ne:s "e4*"t "e a"din -enat*" F"ancis Pan ilinanBs call +*" t%e "esi nati*n *+ Justice Cel Castill* 4u3lis%ed in t%e Caily T"i3une and t%e Manila -tanda"d T*day *n July 76, '(6(A5' /.iii0 Ne:s "e4*"ts "e a"din t%e state1ent *+ Cean Cesa" @illanue.a *+ t%e Atene* de Manila Uni.e"sity -c%**l *+ La: *n t%e calls +*" t%e "esi nati*n *+ Justice Cel Castill* 4u3lis%ed in T%e Manila !ulletin, t%e P%ili44ine -ta" and t%e !usiness Mi""*" *n Au ust 66, '(6(A57 /i=0 Ne:s "e4*"t *n e=4"essi*ns *+ su44*"t +*" Justice Cel Castill* +"*1 a +*"1e" dean *+ t%e Pa1antasan n Lun s*d n Maynila, t%e P%ili44ine C*nstituti*nal Ass*ciati*n, t%e Jud es Ass*ciati*n *+ !ulacan and t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines > !ulacan C%a4te" 4u3lis%ed in t%e P%ili44ine -ta" *n Au ust 65, '(6(A5& and /=0 Lette" *+ t%e Cean *+ t%e Lice* de Ca ayan Uni.e"sity C*lle e *+ La: 4u3lis%ed in t%e P%ili44ine Caily In$ui"e" *n Au ust 6(, '(6(.5I In .ie: *+ t%e +*"e *in , "es4*ndents alle ed t%at t%is C*u"t %as sin led t%e1 *ut +*" sancti*ns and t%e c%a" e in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n dated Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( t%at t%ey 1ay %a.e .i*lated s4eci+ic can*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility is un+ai" and :it%*ut 3asis. /d0 F"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n In 4a"a "a4%s ') t* 7( *+ t%e C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents 3"ie+ly discussed t%ei" 4*siti*n t%at in issuin t%ei" -tate1ent, 8t%ey s%*uld 3e seen as n*t *nly t* 3e 4e"+*"1in t%ei" duties as 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a", *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"t, and teac%e"s *+ la:, 3ut als* as citiDens *+ a de1*c"acy :%* a"e c*nstituti*nally 4"*tected in t%e e=e"cise *+ +"ee s4eec%.8 55 In su44*"t *+ t%is c*ntenti*n, t%ey cited United -tates .. !ust*s,52 In "e: Atty. @icente Raul Al1acen, 5) and In t%e Matte" *+ Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ Re: C*nstituti*nality *+ Re4u3lic Act &))(, J*nDales .. C*11issi*n *n Electi*ns.5R /e0 Acade1ic +"eed*1 In 4a"a "a4%s 76 t* 7& *+ t%e C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents asse"ted t%at t%ei" -tate1ent :as als* issued in t%e e=e"cise *+ t%ei" acade1ic +"eed*1 as teac%e"s in an instituti*n *+ %i %e" lea"nin . T%ey "elied *n -ecti*n I *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines C%a"te" *+ '(() :%ic% 4"*.ided t%at 8FtG%e nati*nal uni.e"sity

%as t%e "i %t and "es4*nsi3ility t* e=e"cise acade1ic +"eed*1.8 T%ey li;e:ise ad.e"ted t* Ja"cia .. T%e Faculty Ad1issi*n C*11ittee, L*y*la -c%**l *+ T%e*l* y2( :%ic% t%ey clai1ed "ec* niDed t%e e=tent and 3"eadt% *+ suc% +"eed*1 as t* enc*u"a e a +"ee and %ealt%y discussi*n and c*11unicati*n *+ a +aculty 1e13e"Bs +ield *+ study :it%*ut +ea" *+ "e4"isal. It is "es4*ndentsB .ie: t%at %ad t%ey "e1ained silent *n t%e 4la ia"is1 issue in t%e @inuya decisi*n t%ey :*uld %a.e 8c*14"*1ised Ft%ei"G inte "ity and c"edi3ility as teac%e"sA Ft%ei" silenceG :*uld %a.e c"eated a cultu"e and ene"ati*n *+ students, 4"*+essi*nals, e.en la:ye"s, :%* :*uld lac; t%e c*14etence and disci4line +*" "esea"c% and 4leadin A *", :*"se, Ft%atG t%ei" silence :*uld %a.e c*11unicated t* t%e 4u3lic t%at 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n a"e inc*nse$uential 1atte"s and t%at intellectual inte "ity %as n* 3ea"in *" "ele.ance t* *neBs c*nduct.826 In cl*sin , "es4*ndentsB C*11*n C*14liance e=%*"ted t%is C*u"t t* c*nside" t%e +*ll*:in 4*"ti*n *+ t%e dissentin *4ini*n *+ Justice Je*" e A. Malc*l1 in -alced* .. He"nandeD,2' t* :it: Res4ect +*" t%e c*u"ts can 3ette" 3e *3tained 3y +*ll*:in a cal1 and i14a"tial c*u"se +"*1 t%e 3enc% t%an 3y an atte14t t* c*14el "es4ect +*" t%e Eudicia"y 3y c%astisin a la:ye" +*" a t** .i *"*us *" inEudici*us e=4*siti*n *+ %is side *+ a case. T%e P%ili44ines needs la:ye"s *+ inde4endent t%*u %t and c*u"a e*us 3ea"in , Eeal*us *+ t%e inte"ests *+ t%ei" clients and una+"aid *+ any c*u"t, %i % *" l*:, and t%e c*u"ts :ill d* :ell t*le"antly t* *.e"l**; *ccasi*nal inte14e"ate lan ua e s**n t* 3e "e "etted 3y t%e la:ye" :%ic% a++ects in n* :ay t%e *utc*1e *+ a case.27 On t%e 1atte" *+ t%e "elie+s t* :%ic% "es4*ndents 3elie.e t%ey a"e entitled, t%e C*11*n C*14liance stated, t%us: 9HEREFORE: A. Res4*ndents, as citiDens *+ a de1*c"acy, 4"*+ess*"s *+ la:, 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" and *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t, "es4ect+ully 4"ay t%at: 6. t%e +*"e *in 3e n*tedA and '. t%e C*u"t "ec*nside" and "e.e"se its ad.e"se +indin s in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n, includin its c*nclusi*ns t%at "es4*ndents %a.e: FaG 3"eac%ed t%ei" 8*3li ati*n as la: 4"*+ess*"s and *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t t* 3e t%e +i"st t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t, X and n*t t* 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ EusticeA8 and F3G c*11itted 8.i*lati*ns *+ Can*ns 6(, 66, and 67 and Rules 6.(' and 66.(I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.8 !. In t%e e.ent t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t declines t* "ant t%e +*"e *in 4"aye", "es4*ndents "es4ect+ully 4"ay, in t%e alte"nati.e, and in asse"ti*n *+ t%ei" due 4"*cess "i %ts, t%at 3e+*"e +inal Eud 1ent 3e "ende"ed: 6. t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n 3e set +*" %ea"in A '. "es4*ndents 3e i.en a +ai" and +ull *44*"tunity t* "e+ute and?*" add"ess t%e +indin s and c*nclusi*ns *+ +act in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n /includin es4ecially t%e +indin and c*nclusi*n *+ a lac; *+ 1alici*us intent0, and in t%at c*nnecti*n, t%at a44"*4"iate 4"*cedu"es and sc%edules +*" %ea"in 3e ad*4ted and de+ined t%at :ill all*: t%e1 t%e +ull and +ai" *44*"tunity t* "e$ui"e t%e 4"*ducti*n *+ and t* 4"esent testi1*nial, d*cu1enta"y, and *3Eect e.idence 3ea"in *n t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n issues in @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y /J.R. N*. 65''7(, A4"il '), '(6(0 and In t%e Matte" *+ t%e C%a" es *+ Pla ia"is1, etc. A ainst Ass*ciate Justice Ma"ian* C. Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C0A and 7. "es4*ndents 3e i.en +ai" and +ull access t* t%e t"ansc"i4ts, "ec*"ds, d"a+ts, "e4*"ts and su31issi*ns in *" "elatin t*, and acc*"ded t%e *44*"tunity t* c"*ss#e=a1ine t%e :itnesses :%* :e"e *" c*uld %a.e 3een called in In T%e Matte" *+ t%e C%a" es *+

Pla ia"is1, etc. A ainst Ass*ciate Justice Ma"ian* C. Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62# -C0.2& C*14liance and Rese".ati*n *+ P"*+. R*sa Ma"ia T. Juan#!autista Alt%*u % al"eady included in t%e C*11*n C*14liance, P"*+. R*sa Ma"ia T. Juan#!autista /P"*+. Juan# !autista0 +iled a se4a"ate C*14liance and Rese".ati*n /t%e !autista C*14liance0, :%e"ein s%e ad*4ted t%e alle ati*ns in t%e C*11*n C*14liance :it% s*1e additi*nal a.e"1ents. P"*+. Juan#!autista "eite"ated t%at %e" due 4"*cess "i %ts alle edly entitled %e" t* c%allen e t%e +indin s and c*nclusi*ns in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n. Fu"t%e"1*"e, 8FiG+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent can 3e c*nside"ed indi"ect c*nte14t, unde" -ecti*n 7 *+ Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, suc% 1ay 3e 4unis%ed *nly a+te" c%a" e and %ea"in .82I P"*+. Juan#!autista st"essed t%at "es4*ndents si ned t%e -tate1ent 8in **d +ait% and :it% t%e 3est intenti*ns t* 4"*tect t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t 3y as;in *ne 1e13e" t* "esi n.825 F*" %e" 4a"t, P"*+. Juan#!autista inti1ated t%at %e" dee4 disa44*int1ent and sadness +*" t%e 4li %t *+ t%e Malaya L*las :e"e :%at 1*ti.ated %e" t* si n t%e -tate1ent. On t%e 4*int *+ acade1ic +"eed*1, P"*+. Juan#!autista cited Eu"is4"udence 22 :%ic% in %e" .ie: %i %li %ted t%at acade1ic +"eed*1 is c*nstituti*nally ua"anteed t* instituti*ns *+ %i %e" lea"nin suc% t%at sc%**ls %a.e t%e +"eed*1 t* dete"1ine +*" t%e1sel.es :%* 1ay teac%, :%at 1ay 3e tau %t, %*: less*ns s%all 3e tau %t and :%* 1ay 3e ad1itted t* study and t%at c*u"ts %a.e n* aut%*"ity t* inte"+e"e in t%e sc%**lsB e=e"cise *+ disc"eti*n in t%ese 1atte"s in t%e a3sence *+ "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n. -%e clai1s t%e C*u"t %as enc"*ac%ed *n t%e acade1ic +"eed*1 *+ t%e Uni.e"sity *+ t%e P%ili44ines and *t%e" uni.e"sities *n t%ei" "i %t t* dete"1ine %*: less*ns s%all 3e tau %t. Lastly, P"*+. Juan#!autista asse"ted t%at t%e -tate1ent :as an e=e"cise *+ "es4*ndentsB c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n t%at can *nly 3e cu"tailed :%en t%e"e is "a.e and i11inent dan e" t* 4u3lic sa+ety, 4u3lic 1*"ale, 4u3lic %ealt% *" *t%e" le iti1ate 4u3lic inte"est.2) C*14liance *+ P"*+. Raul T. @as$ueD On N*.e13e" 6R, '(6(, P"*+. Raul T. @as$ueD /P"*+. @as$ueD0 +iled a se4a"ate C*14liance 3y "e iste"ed 1ail /t%e @as$ueD C*14liance0. In said C*14liance, P"*+. @as$ueD na""ated t%e ci"cu1stances su""*undin %is si nin *+ t%e -tate1ent. He alle ed t%at t%e @inuya decisi*n :as a t*4ic *+ c*n.e"sati*n a1*n t%e UP La: +aculty ea"ly in t%e +i"st se1este" /*+ acade1ic yea" '(6(#660 3ecause it "e4*"tedly c*ntained citati*ns n*t 4"*4e"ly att"i3uted t* t%e s*u"cesA t%at %e :as s%*:n a c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent 3y a cle"; *+ t%e O++ice *+ t%e Cean *n %is :ay t* %is classA and t%at, a "eein in 4"inci4le :it% t%e 1ain t%e1e ad.anced 3y t%e -tate1ent, %e si ned t%e sa1e in ut1*st **d +ait%.2R In "es4*nse t* t%e di"ecti.e +"*1 t%is C*u"t t* e=4lain :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" unde" t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n, P"*+. @as$ueD als* t**; t%e 4*siti*n t%at a la:ye" %as t%e "i %t, li;e all citiDens in a de1*c"atic s*ciety, t* c*11ent *n acts *+ 4u3lic *++ice"s. He in.ited t%e attenti*n *+ t%e C*u"t t* t%e +*ll*:in aut%*"ities: /a0 In "e: @icente -*tt*A )( /30 In "e: Atty. @icente Raul Al1acenA )6 and /c0 a discussi*n a44ea"in in A1e"ican Ju"is4"udence /A1Ju"0 'd. )' He clai1s t%at %e 8ne.e" %ad any intenti*n t* unduly in+luence, n*" ente"tained any illusi*n t%at %e c*uld *" s%*uld in+luence, Ft%e C*u"tG in its dis4*siti*n *+ t%e @inuya case8)7 and t%at 8attac;in t%e inte "ity *+ Ft%e C*u"tG :as t%e +a"t%est t%in *n "es4*ndentBs 1ind :%en %e si ned t%e -tate1ent.8)& Unli;e %is c*llea ues, :%* :is% t* i14"ess u4*n t%is C*u"t t%e 4u"4*"ted %*1* eneity *+ t%e .ie:s *n :%at c*nstitutes 4la ia"is1, P"*+. @as$ueD stated in %is C*14liance t%at: 67. !e+*"e t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t "ende"ed its Cecisi*n dated 6' Oct*3e" '(6(, s*1e es4*used t%e .ie: t%at :ill+ul and deli3e"ate intent t* c*11it 4la ia"is1 is an essential ele1ent *+ t%e sa1e. Ot%e"s, li;e "es4*ndent, :e"e *+ t%e *4ini*n t%at 4la ia"is1 is c*11itted "e a"dless *+ t%e intent *+ t%e 4e"4et"at*", t%e :ay it %as al:ays 3een .ie:ed in t%e acade1e. T%is unce"tainty 1ade t%e issue a +ai" t*4ic +*" acade1ic discussi*n in

t%e C*lle e. N*:, t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t %as "uled t%at 4la ia"is1 4"esu44*ses deli3e"ate intent t* steal an*t%e"Bs :*"; and t* 4ass it *++ as *neBs *:n.)I /E14%ases su44lied.0 Als* in c*nt"ast t* %is c*llea ues, P"*+. @as$ueD :as :illin t* c*ncede t%at %e 81i %t %a.e 3een "e1iss in c*""ectly assessin t%e e++ects *+ suc% lan ua e Fin t%e -tate1entG and c*uld %a.e 3een 1*"e ca"e+ul.8 )5 He ends %is discussi*n :it% a "es4ect+ul su31issi*n t%at :it% %is e=4lanati*n, %e %as +ait%+ully c*14lied :it% t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n and t%at t%e C*u"t :ill "ule t%at %e %ad n*t in any 1anne" .i*lated %is *at% as a la:ye" and *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t. -e4a"ate C*14liance *+ Cean Le*nen "e a"din t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6( in "elati*n t* %is su31issi*n *+ a 8du11y8 *+ t%e UP La: Faculty -tate1ent t* t%is C*u"t In %is C*14liance, Cean Le*nen clai1ed t%at t%e"e :e"e t%"ee d"a+ts?.e"si*ns *+ t%e UP La: Faculty -tate1ent, :%ic% %e desc"i3ed as +*ll*:s: [ 8Rest*"in Inte "ity I8 :%ic% 3ea"s t%e enti"e "*ste" *+ t%e +aculty *+ t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: in its si nin 4a es, and t%e actual si natu"es *+ t%e t%i"ty#se.en /720 +aculty 1e13e"s su3Eect *+ t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n. A c*4y :as +iled :it% t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t 3y R*$ue and !utuyan *n 76 Au ust '(6( in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C. [ 8Rest*"in Inte "ity II8 :%ic% d*es n*t 3ea" any actual 4%ysical si natu"e, 3ut :%ic% "e+lects as si nat*"ies t%e na1es *+ t%i"ty#se.en /720 1e13e"s *+ t%e +aculty :it% t%e n*tati*n 8/-JC.08. A c*4y *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II :as 4u3licly and 4%ysically 4*sted in t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: *n 6( Au ust '(6(. An*t%e" c*4y *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II :as als* *++icially "ecei.ed 3y t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t +"*1 t%e Cean *+ t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: *n 66 Au ust '(6(, al1*st t%"ee :ee;s 3e+*"e t%e +ilin *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity I. [ 8Rest*"in Inte "ity III8 :%ic% is a "e4"intin *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II, and :%ic% 4"esently se".es as t%e *++icial +ile c*4y *+ t%e CeanBs O++ice in t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: t%at 1ay 3e si ned 3y *t%e" +aculty 1e13e"s :%* still :is% t*. It 3ea"s t%e actual si natu"es *+ t%e t%i"ty# se.en *"i inal si nat*"ies t* Rest*"in Inte "ity I a3*.e t%ei" 4"inted na1es and t%e n*tati*n 8/-JC.80 and, in additi*n, t%e actual si natu"es *+ ei %t /)0 *t%e" 1e13e"s *+ t%e +aculty a3*.e t%ei" %and:"itten *" ty4e:"itten na1es.)2 F*" 4u"4*ses *+ t%is discussi*n, *nly Rest*"in Inte "ity I and Rest*"in Inte "ity II a"e "ele.ant since :%at Cean Le*nen %as 3een di"ected t* e=4lain a"e t%e disc"e4ancies in t%e si natu"e 4a es *+ t%ese t:* d*cu1ents. Rest*"in Inte "ity III :as ne.e" su31itted t* t%is C*u"t. On %*: Rest*"in Inte "ity I and Rest*"in Inte "ity II :e"e 4"e4a"ed and ca1e a3*ut, Cean Le*nen alle ed, t%us: '.' On '2 July '(6(, sensin t%e e1e" ence *+ a "elati.ely 3"*ad a "ee1ent in t%e +aculty *n a d"a+t state1ent, Cean Le*nen inst"ucted %is sta++ t* 4"int t%e d"a+t and ci"culate it a1*n t%e +aculty 1e13e"s s* t%at t%*se :%* :is%ed t* 1ay si n. F*" t%is 4u"4*se, t%e sta++ enc*ded t%e la: +aculty "*ste" t* se".e as t%e 4"inted d"a+tBs si nin 4a es. T%us did t%e +i"st 4"inted d"a+t *+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent, Rest*"in Inte "ity I, c*1e int* 3ein . '.7. As *+ '2 July '(6(, t%e date *+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent, Cean Le*nen :as una:a"e t%at a M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"tBs Cecisi*n in @inuya .s. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y /J.R. N*. 65''7(, ') A4"il '(6(0 %ad al"eady 3een +iled, *" t%at t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t :as in t%e 4"*cess *+ c*n.enin its C*11ittee *n Et%ics and Et%ical -tanda"ds in A.M. N*. 6(#2# 62#-C. '.&. Cean Le*nenBs sta++ t%en ci"culated Rest*"in Inte "ity I a1*n t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e +aculty. -*1e +aculty 1e13e"s .isited t%e CeanBs O++ice t* si n t%e d*cu1ent *" %ad it 3"*u %t t* t%ei" class"**1s in t%e C*lle e *+ La:, *" t* t%ei" *++ices *" "esidences. -till *t%e" +aculty 1e13e"s :%*,

+*" *ne "eas*n *" an*t%e", :e"e una3le t* si n Rest*"in Inte "ity I at t%at ti1e, ne.e"t%eless c*n.eyed t* Cean Le*nen t%ei" assu"ances t%at t%ey :*uld si n as s**n as t%ey c*uld 1ana e. '.I. -*1eti1e in t%e sec*nd :ee; *+ Au ust, Eud in t%at Rest*"in Inte "ity I %ad 3een ci"culated l*n en*u %, Cean Le*nen inst"ucted %is sta++ t* "e4"*duce t%e state1ent in a style and 1anne" a44"*4"iate +*" 4*stin in t%e C*lle e *+ La:. F*ll*:in %is *:n esta3lis%ed 4"actice in "elati*n t* si ni+icant 4u3lic issuances, %e di"ected t%e1 t* "e+*"1at t%e si nin 4a es s* t%at *nly t%e na1es *+ t%*se :%* si ned t%e +i"st 4"inted d"a+t :*uld a44ea", t* et%e" :it% t%e c*""es4*ndin 8/-JC.08 n*te +*ll*:in eac% na1e. Rest*"in Inte "ity II t%us ca1e int* 3ein .)) Acc*"din t* Cean Le*nen, t%e 84"actice *+ eli1inatin 3lan;s *44*site *" a3*.e t%e na1es *+ n*n# si nat*"ies in t%e +inal d"a+t *+ si ni+icant 4u3lic issuances, is 1eant n*t s* 1uc% +*" aest%etic c*nside"ati*ns as t* secu"e t%e inte "ity *+ suc% d*cu1ents.8 )R He li;e:ise clai1ed t%at 8F4G*stin state1ents :it% 3lan;s :*uld 3e an *4en in.itati*n t* .andals and 4"an;ste"s.8R( 9it% "es4ect t* t%e inclusi*n *+ Justice Mend*DaBs na1e as a1*n t%e si nat*"ies in Rest*"in Inte "ity II :%en in +act %e did n*t si n Rest*"in Inte "ity I, Cean Le*nen att"i3uted t%e 1ista;e t* a 1isc*11unicati*n in.*l.in %is ad1inist"ati.e *++ice". In %is C*14liance, %e na""ated t%at: '.2. U4*n 3ein 4"esented :it% a d"a+t *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II :it% t%e "e+*"1atted si nin 4a es, Cean Le*nen n*ticed t%e inclusi*n *+ t%e na1e *+ Justice Mend*Da a1*n t%e 8/-JC.08 si nat*"ies. As Justice Mend*Da :as n*t a1*n t%*se :%* %ad 4%ysically si ned Rest*"in Inte "ity I :%en it :as 4"e.i*usly ci"culated, Cean Le*nen called t%e attenti*n *+ %is sta++ t* t%e inclusi*n *+ t%e JusticeBs na1e a1*n t%e 8/-JC.08 si nat*"ies in Rest*"in Inte "ity II. '.). Cean Le*nen :as t*ld 3y %is ad1inist"ati.e *++ice" t%at s%e %ad s4*;en t* Justice Mend*Da *.e" t%e 4%*ne *n F"iday, (5 Au ust '(6(. Acc*"din t* %e", Justice Mend*Da %ad aut%*"iDed t%e dean t* si n t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent +*" %i1 as %e a "eed +unda1entally :it% its c*ntents. Als* acc*"din t* %e", Justice Mend*Da :as una3le at t%at ti1e t* si n t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent %i1sel+ as %e :as lea.in +*" t%e United -tates t%e +*ll*:in :ee;. It :*uld late" tu"n *ut t%at t%is acc*unt :as n*t enti"ely accu"ate.R6/Unde"sc*"in and italics su44lied.0 Cean Le*nen clai1ed t%at %e 8%ad n* "eas*n t* d*u3t %is ad1inist"ati.e *++ice", %*:e.e", and s* 4laced +ull "eliance *n %e" acc*unt8R' as 8FtG%e"e :e"e indeed *t%e" +aculty 1e13e"s :%* %ad als* aut%*"iDed t%e Cean t* indicate t%at t%ey :e"e si nat*"ies, e.en t%*u % t%ey :e"e at t%at ti1e una3le t* a++i= t%ei" si natu"es 4%ysically t* t%e d*cu1ent.8R7 H*:e.e", a+te" "ecei.in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n, Cean Le*nen and %is sta++ "e.ie:ed t%e ci"cu1stances su""*undin t%ei" e++*"t t* secu"e Justice Mend*DaBs si natu"e. It :*uld tu"n *ut t%at t%is :as :%at actually t"ans4i"ed: '.''.6. On F"iday, (5 Au ust '(6(, :%en t%e deanBs sta++ tal;ed t* Justice Mend*Da *n t%e 4%*ne, %e FJustice Mend*DaG indeed initially a "eed t* si n t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent as %e +unda1entally a "eed :it% its c*ntents. H*:e.e", Justice Mend*Da did n*t e=actly say t%at %e aut%*"iDed t%e dean t* si n t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent. Rat%e", %e in$ui"ed i+ %e c*uld aut%*"iDe t%e dean t* si n it +*" %i1 as %e :as a3*ut t* lea.e +*" t%e United -tates. T%e deanBs sta++ in+*"1ed %i1 t%at t%ey :*uld, at any "ate, still t"y t* 3"in t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent t* %i1. '.''.'. Cue t* s*1e ad1inist"ati.e di++iculties, Justice Mend*Da :as una3le t* si n t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent 3e+*"e %e le+t +*" t%e U.-. t%e +*ll*:in :ee;. '.''.7. T%e sta++ :as a3le t* 3"in Rest*"in Inte "ity III t* Justice Mend*Da :%en %e :ent t* t%e C*lle e t* teac% *n '& -e4te13e" '(6(, a day a+te" %is a""i.al +"*1 t%e U.-. T%is ti1e, Justice Mend*Da declined t* si n.R& Acc*"din t* t%e Cean:

'.'7. It :as *nly at t%is ti1e t%at Cean Le*nen "ealiDed t%e t"ue i14*"t *+ t%e call %e "ecei.ed +"*1 Justice Mend*Da in late -e4te13e". Indeed, Justice Mend*Da c*n+i"1ed t%at 3y t%e ti1e t%e %a"d c*4y *+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent :as 3"*u %t t* %i1 s%*"tly a+te" %is a""i.al +"*1 t%e U.-., %e declined t* si n it 3ecause it %ad al"eady 3ec*1e c*nt"*.e"sial. At t%at ti1e, %e 4"edicted t%at t%e C*u"t :*uld ta;e s*1e +*"1 *+ acti*n a ainst t%e +aculty. !y t%en, and unde" t%*se ci"cu1stances, %e :anted t* s%*: due de+e"ence t* t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t, 3ein a +*"1e" Ass*ciate Justice and n*t :is%in t* unduly a "a.ate t%e situati*n 3y si nin t%e -tate1ent.RI/E14%ases su44lied.0 9it% "es4ect t* t%e *1issi*n *+ Atty. A"1*.itBs na1e in t%e si natu"e 4a e *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II :%en %e :as *ne *+ t%e si nat*"ies *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity I and t%e e""*ne*us desc"i4ti*n in Cean Le*nenBs Au ust 6(, '(6( lette" t%at t%e .e"si*n *+ t%e -tate1ent su31itted t* t%e C*u"t :as si ned 3y 7) 1e13e"s *+ t%e UP La: Faculty, it :as e=4lained in t%e C*14liance t%at: Res4*ndent Atty. Mi uel A"1*.it 4%ysically si ned Rest*"in Inte "ity I :%en it :as ci"culated t* %i1. H*:e.e", %is na1e :as inad.e"tently le+t *ut 3y Cean Le*nenBs sta++ in t%e "e+*"1attin *+ t%e si nin 4a es in Rest*"in Inte "ity II. T%e dean assu1ed t%at %is na1e :as still included in t%e "e+*"1atted si nin 4a es, and s* 1enti*ned in %is c*.e" n*te t* C%ie+ Justice C*"*na t%at 7) 1e13e"s *+ t%e la: +aculty si ned /t%e *"i inal 72 4lus Justice Mend*Da.0R5 Cean Le*nen a" ues t%at %e s%*uld n*t 3e dee1ed t* %a.e su31itted a du11y *+ t%e -tate1ent t%at :as n*t a t"ue and +ait%+ul "e4"*ducti*n *+ t%e sa1e. He e14%asiDed t%at t%e 1ain 3*dy *+ t%e -tate1ent :as unc%an ed in all its t%"ee .e"si*ns and *nly t%e si natu"e 4a es :e"e n*t t%e sa1e. T%is 4u"4*"tedly is 1e"ely 8"e+lecti.e *+ Ft%e -tate1entBsG essential natu"e as a Yli.eB 4u3lic 1ani+est* 1eant t* c*ntinu*usly d"a: ad%e"ents t* its 1essa e, its si nat*"y 4*"ti*n is necessa"ily e.*l.in and dyna1ic = = = 1any *t%e" 4"intin s *+ Ft%e -tate1entG 1ay 3e 1ade in t%e +utu"e, eac% *ne "e+lectin t%e sa1e te=t 3ut :it% 1*"e and 1*"e si nat*"ies.8R2 Ad.e"tin t* c"i1inal la: 3y anal* y, Cean Le*nen clai1s t%at 8t%is is n*t an instance :%e"e it %as 3een 1ade t* a44ea" in a d*cu1ent t%at a 4e"s*n %as 4a"tici4ated in an act :%en t%e latte" did n*t in +act s* 4a"tici4ate8R) +*" %e 8did n*t 1is"e4"esent :%ic% 1e13e"s *+ t%e +aculty *+ t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: %ad a "eed :it% t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent 4"*4e" and?*" %ad e=4"essed t%ei" desi"e t* 3e si nat*"ies t%e"et*.8RR In t%is "e a"d, Cean Le*nen 3elie.es t%at %e %ad n*t c*11itted any .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6( *" Rules 6(.(6 and 6(.(' +*" %e did n*t 1islead n*" 1is"e4"esent t* t%e C*u"t t%e c*ntents *+ t%e -tate1ent *" t%e identities *+ t%e UP La: +aculty 1e13e"s :%* a "eed :it%, *" e=4"essed t%ei" desi"e t* 3e si nat*"ies t*, t%e -tate1ent. He als* asse"ts t%at %e did n*t c*11it any .i*lati*n *+ Rule 6(.(7 as %e 8c*u"sed Ft%e -tate1entG t%"*u % t%e a44"*4"iate c%annels 3y t"ans1ittin t%e sa1e t* H*n*"a3le C%ie+ Justice C*"*na +*" t%e latte"Bs in+*"1ati*n and 4"*4e" dis4*siti*n :it% t%e %*4e t%at its 4*ints :*uld 3e duly c*nside"ed 3y t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t en 3anc.86(( Citin Rudec*n Mana e1ent C*"4*"ati*n .. Ca1ac%*, 6(6 Cean Le*nen 4*sits t%at t%e "e$ui"ed $uantu1 *+ 4"**+ %as n*t 3een 1et in t%is case and t%at n* du3i*us c%a"acte" *" 1*ti.ati*n +*" t%e act c*14lained *+ e=isted t* :a""ant an ad1inist"ati.e sancti*n +*" .i*lati*n *+ t%e standa"d *+ %*nesty 4"*.ided +*" 3y t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. 6(' Cean Le*nen ends %is C*14liance :it% an enu1e"ati*n *+ nea"ly identical "elie+s as t%e C*11*n C*14liance, includin t%e 4"aye"s +*" a %ea"in and +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds, e.idence and :itnesses alle edly "ele.ant n*t *nly in t%is case 3ut als* in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C, t%e et%ical in.esti ati*n in.*l.in Justice Cel Castill*. Mani+estati*n *+ P"*+. O:en Lync% /Lync% Mani+estati*n0 F*" %is 4a"t, P"*+. O:en Lync% /P"*+. Lync%0 1ani+ests t* t%is C*u"t t%at %e is n*t a 1e13e" *+ t%e P%ili44ine 3a"A 3ut %e is a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" *+ t%e -tate *+ Minnes*ta. He alle es t%at %e +i"st tau %t as a .isitin 4"*+ess*" at t%e UP C*lle e *+ La: in 6R)6 t* 6R)) and "etu"ned in t%e sa1e ca4acity in '(6(. He +u"t%e" alle es t%at 8F%Ge su3sc"i3es t* t%e 4"inci4le, es4*used 3y t%is C*u"t and t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ t%e United

-tates, t%at YXFdGe3ate *n 4u3lic issues s%*uld 3e unin%i3ited, "*3ust and :ide *4en and t%at it 1ay :ell include .e%e1ent, caustic, and s*1eti1es un4leasantly s%a"4 attac;s *n *.e"n1ent and 4u3lic *++icials.86(7 In si nin t%e -tate1ent, %e 3elie.es t%at 8t%e "i %t t* s4ea; 1eans t%e "i %t t* s4ea; e++ecti.ely.86(& Citin t%e dissentin *4ini*ns in Manila Pu3lic -c%**l Teac%e"s Ass*ciati*n .. La ui*, J".,6(I P"*+. Lync% a" ued t%at 8F+G*" s4eec% t* 3e e++ecti.e, it 1ust 3e +*"ce+ul en*u % t* 1a;e t%e intended "eci4ients listen86(5 and 8FtG%e $uality *+ educati*n :*uld dete"i*"ate in an at1*s4%e"e *+ "e4"essi*n, :%en t%e .e"y teac%e"s :%* a"e su44*sed t* 4"*.ide an e=a14le *+ c*u"a e and sel+#asse"ti.eness t* t%ei" 4u4ils can s4ea; *nly in ti1*"*us :%is4e"s.86(2 Relyin *n t%e d*ct"ine in In t%e Matte" *+ Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ Re: C*nstituti*nality *+ Re4u3lic Act &))(, J*nDales .. C*11issi*n *n Electi*ns, 6() P"*+. Lync% 3elie.ed t%at t%e -tate1ent did n*t 4*se any dan e", clea" *" 4"esent, *+ any su3stanti.e e.il s* as t* "e1*.e it +"*1 t%e 4"*tecti.e 1antle *+ t%e !ill *+ Ri %ts /i.e., "e+e""in t* t%e c*nstituti*nal ua"antee *n +"ee s4eec%0. 6(R He als* stated t%at %e 8%as "ead t%e C*14liance *+ t%e *t%e" "es4*ndents t* t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n8 and t%at 8%e si ned t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent +*" t%e sa1e "eas*ns t%ey did.8 66( I--UE!ased *n t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n and a 4e"usal *+ t%e su31issi*ns *+ "es4*ndents, t%e 1ate"ial issues t* 3e "es*l.ed in t%is case a"e as +*ll*:s: 6.0 C*es t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n deny "es4*ndents t%ei" +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n< '.0 C*es t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n .i*late "es4*ndentsB acade1ic +"eed*1 as la: 4"*+ess*"s< 7.0 C* t%e su31issi*ns *+ "es4*ndents satis+act*"ily e=4lain :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined as Me13e"s *+ t%e !a" unde" Can*ns 6, 66, and 67 and Rules 6.(' and 66.(I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility< &.0 C*es t%e se4a"ate C*14liance *+ Cean Le*nen satis+act*"ily e=4lain :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lined as a Me13e" *+ t%e !a" unde" Can*n 6(, Rules 6(.(6, 6(.(' and 6(.(7< I.0 A"e "es4*ndents entitled t* %a.e t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n set +*" %ea"in and in "elati*n t* suc% %ea"in , a"e "es4*ndents entitled t* "e$ui"e t%e 4"*ducti*n *" 4"esentati*n *+ e.idence 3ea"in *n t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n issues in t%e @inuya case /J.R. N*. 65''7(0 and t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C0 and t* %a.e access t* t%e "ec*"ds and t"ansc"i4ts *+, and t%e :itnesses and e.idence 4"esented, *" c*uld %a.e 3een 4"esented, in t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C0< CI-CU--ION T%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n d*es n*t deny "es4*ndents t%ei" +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n. It is "es4*ndentsB c*llecti.e clai1 t%at t%e C*u"t, :it% t%e issuance *+ t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n, %as inte"+e"ed :it% "es4*ndentsB c*nstituti*nally 1andated "i %t t* +"ee s4eec% and e=4"essi*n. It a44ea"s t%at t%e unde"lyin assu14ti*n 3e%ind "es4*ndentsB asse"ti*n is t%e 1isc*nce4ti*n t%at t%is C*u"t is denyin t%e1 t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe t%e C*u"tBs decisi*ns and acti*ns, and t%at t%is C*u"t see;s t* 8silence8 "es4*ndent la: 4"*+ess*"sB dissentin .ie: *n :%at t%ey c%a"acte"iDe as a 8le iti1ate 4u3lic issue.8 T%is is +a" +"*1 t%e t"ut%. A "eadin *+ t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n :ill 4lainly s%*: t%at it :as neit%e" t%e +act t%at "es4*ndents %ad c"iticiDed a decisi*n *+ t%e C*u"t n*" t%at t%ey %ad c%a" ed *ne *+ its 1e13e"s *+ 4la ia"is1 t%at 1*ti.ated t%e said Res*luti*n. It :as t%e 1anne" *+ t%e c"iticis1 and t%e c*ntu1aci*us lan ua e 3y :%ic% "es4*ndents, :%* a"e n*t 4a"ties n*" c*unsels in t%e #inu a case, %a.e e=4"essed t%ei" *4ini*n in +a.*" *+ t%e 4etiti*ne"s in t%e said 4endin case +*" t%e 84"*4e" dis4*siti*n8 and c*nside"ati*n *+ t%e C*u"t t%at a.e "ise t* said Res*luti*n. T%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n 4ainsta;in ly enu1e"ated t%e state1ents t%at t%e C*u"t c*nside"ed e=cessi.e and uncalled +*" unde" t%e ci"cu1stances su""*undin t%e issuance, 4u3licati*n, and late" su31issi*n t* t%is C*u"t *+ t%e UP La: +acultyBs Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent.

T* "eite"ate, it :as n*t t%e ci"cu1stance t%at "es4*ndents e=4"essed a 3elie+ t%at Justice Cel Castill* :as uilty *+ 4la ia"is1 3ut "at%e" t%ei" e=4"essi*n *+ t%at 3elie+ as 8n*t *nly as an esta3lis%ed +act, 3ut a t"ut%8666 :%en it :as 8F*G+ 4u3lic ;n*:led e Ft%at t%e"e :asG an *n *in in.esti ati*n 4"ecisely t* dete"1ine t%e t"ut% *+ suc% alle ati*ns.8 66' It :as als* 4*inted *ut in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n t%at t%e"e :as a 4endin 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e @inuya decisi*n. 667 T%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n 1ade n* *3Eecti*ns t* t%e 4*"ti*ns *+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent t%at "es4*ndents clai1ed t* 3e 8c*nst"ucti.e8 3ut *nly as;ed "es4*ndents t* e=4lain t%*se 4*"ti*ns *+ t%e said -tate1ent t%at 3y n* st"etc% *+ t%e i1a inati*n c*uld 3e c*nside"ed as +ai" *" c*nst"ucti.e, t* :it: !ey*nd t%is, %*:e.e", t%e state1ent 3*"e ce"tain "e1a";s :%ic% "aise c*nce"n +*" t%e C*u"t. T%e *4enin sentence al*ne is a "i1 4"ea13le t* t%e instituti*nal attac; t%at lay a%ead. It "eads: An e=t"a*"dina"y act *+ inEustice %as a ain 3een c*11itted a ainst t%e 3"a.e Fili4inas :%* %ad su++e"ed a3use du"in a ti1e *+ :a". T%e +i"st 4a"a "a4% c*ncludes :it% a "e+e"ence t* t%e decisi*n in @inuya .. E=ecuti.e -ec"eta"y as a "e4"e%ensi3le act *+ dis%*nesty and 1is"e4"esentati*n 3y t%e Hi %est C*u"t *+ t%e land. = = =. T%e insult t* t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t :as a "a.ated 3y i14utati*ns *+ deli3e"ately delayin t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e said case, its dis1issal *n t%e 3asis *+ 84*lluted s*u"ces,8 t%e C*u"tBs alle ed indi++e"ence t* t%e cause *+ 4etiti*ne"s Fin t%e @inuya caseG, as :ell as t%e su44*sed ala"1in lac; *+ c*nce"n *+ t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t +*" e.en t%e 1*st 3asic .alues *+ decency and "es4ect.66& = = =. /Unde"sc*"in *u"s.0 T* 3e su"e, t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n itsel+ "ec* niDed "es4*ndentsB +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n :%en it stated t%at: 9%ile 1*st a "ee t%at t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe t%e Eudicia"y is c"itical t* 1aintainin a +"ee and de1*c"atic s*ciety, t%e"e is als* a ene"al c*nsensus t%at %ealt%y c"iticis1 *nly *es s* +a". Many ty4es *+ c"iticis1 le.eled at t%e Eudicia"y c"*ss t%e line t* 3ec*1e %a"1+ul and i""es4*nsi3le attac;s. T%ese 4*tentially de.astatin attac;s and unEust c"iticis1 can t%"eaten t%e inde4endence *+ t%e Eudicia"y. T%e c*u"t 1ust 8insist *n 3ein 4e"1itted t* 4"*ceed t* t%e dis4*siti*n *+ its 3usiness in an *"de"ly 1anne", +"ee +"*1 *utside inte"+e"ence *3st"ucti.e *+ its +uncti*ns and tendin t* e13a""ass t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.8 T%e C*u"t c*uld %a"dly 4e"cei.e any "eas*na3le 4u"4*se +*" t%e +acultyBs less t%an *3Eecti.e c*11ents e=ce4t t* disc"edit t%e A4"il '), '(6( Cecisi*n in t%e @inuya case and unde"1ine t%e C*u"tBs %*nesty, inte "ity and c*14etence in add"essin t%e 1*ti*n +*" its "ec*nside"ati*n. As i+ t%e case *n t%e c*1+*"t :*1enBs clai1s is n*t c*nt"*.e"sial en*u %, t%e UP La: +aculty :*uld +an t%e +la1es and in.ite "esent1ent a ainst a "es*luti*n t%at :*uld n*t "e.e"se t%e said decisi*n. T%is "uns c*nt"a"y t* t%ei" *3li ati*n as la: 4"*+ess*"s and *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t t* 3e t%e +i"st t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t, t* :%ic% t%ey *:e +idelity acc*"din t* t%e *at% t%ey %a.e ta;en as att*"neys, and n*t t* 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.66I = = =. /Citati*ns *1ittedA e14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 Indeed, in a l*n line *+ cases, includin t%*se cited in "es4*ndentsB su31issi*ns, t%is C*u"t %as %eld t%at t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe t%e c*u"ts and Eudicial *++ice"s 1ust 3e 3alanced a ainst t%e e$ually 4"i1*"dial c*nce"n t%at t%e inde4endence *+ t%e Judicia"y 3e 4"*tected +"*1 due in+luence *" inte"+e"ence. In cases :%e"e t%e c"itics a"e n*t *nly citiDens 3ut 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a", Eu"is4"udence %as "e4eatedly a++i"1ed t%e aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t t* disci4line la:ye"s :%*se state1ents "e a"din t%e c*u"ts and +ell*: la:ye"s, :%et%e" Eudicial *" e=t"aEudicial, %a.e e=ceeded t%e li1its *+ +ai" c*11ent and c*11*n decency. As ea"ly as t%e 6R7I case *+ -alced* .. He"nandeD, 665 t%e C*u"t +*und Atty. @icente J. F"ancisc* 3*t% uilty *+ c*nte14t and lia3le ad1inist"ati.ely +*" t%e +*ll*:in 4a"a "a4% in %is sec*nd 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n: 9e s%*uld li;e +"an;ly and "es4ect+ully t* 1a;e it *+ "ec*"d t%at t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%is c*u"t, denyin *u" 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n, is a3s*lutely e""*ne*us and c*nstitutes an *ut"a e t* t%e "i %ts *+ t%e 4etiti*ne" Feli4e -alced* and a 1*c;e"y *+ t%e 4*4ula" :ill e=4"essed at t%e 4*lls in t%e 1unici4ality *+ Tia*n , Taya3as. 9e :is% t* e=%aust all t%e 1eans :it%in *u" 4*:e" in *"de" t%at t%is e""*" 1ay 3e c*""ected 3y t%e

.e"y c*u"t :%ic% %as c*11itted it, 3ecause :e s%*uld n*t :ant t%at s*1e citiDen, 4a"ticula"ly s*1e .*te" *+ t%e 1unici4ality *+ Tia*n , Taya3as, "es*"t t* t%e 4"ess 4u3licly t* den*unce, as %e %as a "i %t t* d*, t%e Eudicial *ut"a e *+ :%ic% t%e %e"ein 4etiti*ne" %as 3een t%e .icti1, and 3ecause it is *u" ut1*st desi"e t* sa+e ua"d t%e 4"esti e *+ t%is %*n*"a3le c*u"t and *+ eac% and e.e"y 1e13e" t%e"e*+ in t%e eyes *+ t%e 4u3lic. !ut, at t%e sa1e ti1e :e :is% t* state since"ely t%at e""*ne*us decisi*ns li;e t%ese, :%ic% t%e a++ected 4a"ty and %is t%*usands *+ .*te"s :ill necessa"ily c*nside" unEust, inc"ease t%e 4"*selytes *+ Lsa;dalis1L and 1a;e t%e 4u3lic l*se c*n+idence in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.662 /E14%ases su44lied.0 T%e %i %li %ted 4%"ases :e"e c*nside"ed 3y t%e C*u"t as neit%e" Eusti+ied n*" necessa"y and +u"t%e" %eld t%at: FIGn *"de" t* call t%e attenti*n *+ t%e c*u"t in a s4ecial :ay t* t%e essential 4*ints "elied u4*n in %is a" u1ent and t* e14%asiDe t%e +*"ce t%e"e*+, t%e 1any "eas*ns stated in %is said 1*ti*n :e"e su++icient and t%e 4%"ases in $uesti*n :e"e su4e"+lu*us. In *"de" t* a44eal t* "eas*n and Eustice, it is %i %ly i14"*4e" and a1iss t* 1a;e t"*u3le and "es*"t t* t%"eats, as Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc* %as d*ne, 3ecause 3*t% 1eans a"e ann*yin and **d 4"actice can ne.e" sancti*n t%e1 3y "eas*n *+ t%ei" natu"al tendency t* distu"3 and %inde" t%e +"ee e=e"cise *+ a se"ene and i14a"tial Eud 1ent, 4a"ticula"ly in Eudicial 1atte"s, in t%e c*nside"ati*n *+ $uesti*ns su31itted +*" "es*luti*n. T%e"e is n* $uesti*n t%at said 4a"a "a4% *+ Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc*Ls 1*ti*n c*ntains a 1*"e *" less .eiled t%"eat t* t%e c*u"t 3ecause it is insinuated t%e"ein, a+te" t%e aut%*" s%*:s t%e c*u"se :%ic% t%e .*te"s *+ Tia*n s%*uld +*ll*: in case %e +ails in %is atte14t, t%at t%ey :ill "es*"t t* t%e 4"ess +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ den*uncin , :%at %e clai1s t* 3e a Eudicial *ut"a e *+ :%ic% %is client %as 3een t%e .icti1A and 3ecause %e states in a t%"eatenin 1anne" :it% t%e intenti*n *+ 4"edis4*sin t%e 1ind *+ t%e "eade" a ainst t%e c*u"t, t%us c"eatin an at1*s4%e"e *+ 4"eEudices a ainst it in *"de" t* 1a;e it *di*us in t%e 4u3lic eye, t%at decisi*ns *+ t%e natu"e *+ t%at "e+e""ed t* in %is 1*ti*n 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and inc"ease t%e 4"*selytes *+ sa;"alism, a 1*.e1ent :it% sediti*us and "e.*luti*na"y tendencies t%e acti.ities *+ :%ic%, as is *+ 4u3lic ;n*:led e, *ccu""ed in t%is c*unt"y a +e: days a *. T%is cann*t 1ean *t%e":ise t%an c*nte14t *+ t%e di nity *+ t%e c*u"t and dis"es4ect *+ t%e aut%*"ity t%e"e*+ *n t%e 4a"t *+ Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc*, 3ecause %e 4"esu1es t%at t%e c*u"t is s* de.*id *+ t%e sense *+ Eustice t%at, i+ %e did n*t "es*"t t* inti1idati*n, it :*uld 1aintain its e""*" n*t:it%standin t%e +act t%at it 1ay 3e 4"*.en, :it% **d "eas*ns, t%at it %as acted e""*ne*usly.66) /E14%ases su44lied.0 -i ni+icantly, -alced* is t%e decisi*n +"*1 :%ic% "es4*ndents culled t%ei" $u*te +"*1 t%e m!no'!"9 .ie: *+ Justice Malc*l1. M*"e*.e", -alced* c*nce"ned state1ents 1ade in a 4leadin +iled 3y a c*unsel in a case, unli;e t%e "es4*ndents %e"e, :%* a"e neit%e" 4a"ties n*" c*unsels in t%e #inu a case and t%e"e+*"e, d* n*t %a.e any standin at all t* inte"+e"e in t%e #inu a case. Instead *+ su44*"tin "es4*ndentsB t%e*"y, -alced* is aut%*"ity +*" t%e +*ll*:in 4"inci4le: As a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" and an *++ice" *+ t%is c*u"t, Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc*, as any att*"ney, is in duty 3*und t* u4%*ld its di nity and aut%*"ity and t* de+end its inte "ity, n*t *nly 3ecause it %as c*n+e""ed u4*n %i1 t%e %i % 4"i.ile e, n*t a "i %t /Malc*l1, Le al Et%ics, 6I) and 65(0, o< -e!n: F> " >e noF !$? p'!e$" o< Hu$"!ce /,n re 4&atc&er, )( O%i* -t. Re4., &R', 55R0, 3ut als* 3ecause in s* d*in , %e neit%e" c"eates n*" 4"*1*tes dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice, and 4"e.ents any3*dy +"*1 %a"3*"in and enc*u"a in disc*ntent :%ic%, in 1any cases, is t%e s*u"ce *+ dis*"de", t%us unde"1inin t%e +*undati*n u4*n :%ic% "ests t%at 3ul:a"; called Eudicial 4*:e" t* :%ic% t%*se :%* a"e a "ie.ed tu"n +*" 4"*tecti*n and "elie+.66R /E14%ases su44lied.0 T%us, t%e la:ye" in -alced* :as +ined and 'ep'!m n(e( +*" %is inEudici*us state1ents in %is 4leadin , 3y accusin t%e C*u"t *+ 8e""*ne*us "ulin .8 He"e, t%e "es4*ndentsB -tate1ent *es :ay 3ey*nd 1e"ely asc"i3in e""*" t* t%e C*u"t. Ot%e" cases cited 3y "es4*ndents li;e:ise es4*use "ulin s c*nt"a"y t* t%ei" 4*siti*n. In "e: Atty. @icente Raul Al1acen,6'( cited in t%e C*11*n C*14liance and t%e @as$ueD C*14liance, :as an instance :%e"e t%e

C*u"t!n(e<!n!"el9 $u$pen(e( a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" +*" +ilin and "eleasin t* t%e 4"ess a 8Petiti*n t* -u""ende" La:ye"Bs Ce"ti+icate *+ Title8 in 4"*test *+ :%at %e clai1ed :as a "eat inEustice t* %is client c*11itted 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t. In t%e decisi*n, t%e 4etiti*n :as desc"i3ed, t%us: He indicts t%is C*u"t, in %is *:n 4%"ase, as a t"i3unal 84e*4led 3y 1en :%* a"e call*used t* *u" 4leas +*" Eustice, :%* i n*"e :it%*ut "eas*ns t%ei" *:n a44lica3le decisi*ns and c*11it cul4a3le .i*lati*ns *+ t%e C*nstituti*n :it% i14unity.8 His clientLs %e c*ntinues, :%* :as dee4ly a "ie.ed 3y t%is C*u"tLs 8unEust Eud 1ent,8 %as 3ec*1e 8*ne *+ t%e sac"i+icial .icti1s 3e+*"e t%e alta" *+ %y4*c"isy.8 In t%e sa1e 3"eat% t%at %e alludes t* t%e classic sy13*l *+ Eustice, %e "idicules t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%is C*u"t, sayin 8t%at Eustice as ad1iniste"ed 3y t%e 4"esent 1e13e"s *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t is n*t *nly 3lind, 3ut als* dea+ and du13.8 He t%en .*:s t* a" ue t%e cause *+ %is client 8in t%e 4e*4leLs +*"u1,8 s* t%at 8t%e 4e*4le 1ay ;n*: *+ t%e silent inEustices c*11itted 3y t%is C*u"t,8 and t%at 8:%ate.e" 1ista;es, :"*n s and inEustices t%at :e"e c*11itted 1ust ne.e" 3e "e4eated.8 He ends %is 4etiti*n :it% a 4"aye" t%at 8= = = a "es*luti*n issue *"de"in t%e Cle"; *+ C*u"t t* "ecei.e t%e ce"ti+icate *+ t%e unde"si ned att*"ney and c*unsell*"#at#la: IN TRU-T :it% "ese".ati*n t%at at any ti1e in t%e +utu"e and in t%e e.ent :e "e ain *u" +ait% and c*n+idence, :e 1ay "et"ie.e *u" title t* assu1e t%e 4"actice *+ t%e n*3lest 4"*+essi*n.86'6 It is t"ue t%at in Al1acen t%e C*u"t e=tensi.ely discussed +*"ei n Eu"is4"udence *n t%e 4"inci4le t%at a la:ye", Eust li;e any citiDen, %as t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe and c*11ent u4*n actuati*ns *+ 4u3lic *++ice"s, includin Eudicial aut%*"ity. H*:e.e", t%e "eal d*ct"ine in Al1acen is t%at suc% c"iticis1 *+ t%e c*u"ts, :%et%e" d*ne in c*u"t *" *utside *+ it, 1ust c*n+*"1 t* standa"ds *+ +ai"ness and 4"*4"iety. T%is case en a ed in an e.en 1*"e e=tensi.e discussi*n *+ t%e le al aut%*"ities sustainin t%is .ie:./awp&i/ T* $u*te +"*1 t%at decisi*n: !ut it is t%e ca"dinal c*nditi*n *+ all suc% c"iticis1 t%at it s%all 3e 3*na +ide, and s%all n*t s4ill *.e" t%e :alls *+ decency and 4"*4"iety. A :ide c%as1 e=ists 3et:een +ai" c"iticis1, *n t%e *ne %and, and a3use and slande" *+ c*u"ts and t%e Eud es t%e"e*+, *n t%e *t%e". Inte14e"ate and un+ai" c"iticis1 is a "*ss .i*lati*n *+ t%e duty *+ "es4ect t* c*u"ts. It is suc% a 1isc*nduct t%at su3Eects a la:ye" t* disci4lina"y acti*n. F*", 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" i14*ses u4*n a 4e"s*n *3li ati*ns and duties :%ic% a"e n*t 1e"e +lu= and +e"1ent. His in.estitu"e int* t%e le al 4"*+essi*n 4laces u4*n %is s%*ulde"s n* 3u"den 1*"e 3asic, 1*"e e=actin and 1*"e i14e"ati.e t%an t%at *+ "es4ect+ul 3e%a.i*" t*:a"d t%e c*u"ts. He .*:s s*le1nly t* c*nduct %i1sel+ 8:it% all **d +idelity = = = t* t%e c*u"tsA8 and t%e Rules *+ C*u"t c*nstantly "e1ind %i1 8t* *3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* c*u"ts *+ Eustice and Eudicial *++ice"s.8 T%e +i"st can*n *+ le al et%ics enE*ins %i1 8t* 1aintain t*:a"ds t%e c*u"ts a "es4ect+ul attitude, n*t +*" t%e sa;e *+ t%e te14*"a"y incu13ent *+ t%e Eudicial *++ice, 3ut +*" t%e 1aintenance *+ its su4"e1e i14*"tance.8 As M". Justice Field 4uts it: 8= = = t%e *3li ati*n :%ic% att*"neys i14liedly assu1e, i+ t%ey d* n*t 3y e=4"ess decla"ati*n ta;e u4*n t%e1sel.es, :%en t%ey a"e ad1itted t* t%e !a", is n*t 1e"ely t* 3e *3edient t* t%e C*nstituti*n and la:s, 3ut t* 1aintain at all ti1es t%e "es4ect due t* c*u"ts *+ Eustice and Eudicial *++ice"s. T%is *3li ati*n is n*t disc%a" ed 3y 1e"ely *3se".in t%e "ules *+ c*u"te*us de1ean*" in *4en c*u"t, 3ut includes a3stainin *ut *+ c*u"t +"*1 all insultin lan ua e and *++ensi.e c*nduct t*:a"d Eud es 4e"s*nally +*" t%ei" Eudicial acts.8 /!"adley, .. Fis%e", '( La:. &d. 5&2, 5I'0 T%e la:ye"Ls duty t* "ende" "es4ect+ul su3*"dinati*n t* t%e c*u"ts is essential t* t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. Hence, in t%e asse"ti*n *+ t%ei" clientsL "i %ts, la:ye"s S e.en t%*se i+ted :it% su4e"i*" intellect S a"e enE*ined t* "ein u4 t%ei" te14e"s. 8T%e c*unsel in any case 1ay *" 1ay n*t 3e an a3le" *" 1*"e lea"ned la:ye" t%an t%e Eud e, and it 1ay ta= %is 4atience and te14e" t* su31it t* "ulin s :%ic% %e "e a"ds as inc*""ect, 3ut disci4line and sel+#"es4ect a"e as necessa"y t* t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice as t%ey a"e t* t%e e++ecti.eness *+ an a"1y. T%e decisi*ns *+ t%e Eud e 1ust 3e *3eyed, 3ecause %e is t%e t"i3unal a44*inted t* decide, and t%e 3a" s%*uld at all ti1es 3e t%e +*"e1*st in "ende"in "es4ect+ul su31issi*n.8 /,n Re Scouten, &( Atl. &)60

==== In %is "elati*ns :it% t%e c*u"ts, a la:ye" 1ay n*t di.ide %is 4e"s*nality s* as t* 3e an att*"ney at *ne ti1e and a 1e"e citiDen at an*t%e". T%us, state1ents 1ade 3y an att*"ney in 4"i.ate c*n.e"sati*ns *" c*11unicati*ns *" in t%e c*u"se *+ a 4*litical ca14ai n, i+ c*uc%ed in insultin lan ua e as t* 3"in int* sc*"n and dis"e4ute t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice, 1ay su3Eect t%e att*"ney t* disci4lina"y acti*n.6'' /E14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 In a si1ila" .ein, In "e: @icente -*tt*,6'7 cited in t%e @as$ueD C*14liance, *3se".ed t%at: FTG%is C*u"t, in In "e ,elly, %eld t%e +*ll*:in : T%e 4u3licati*n *+ a c"iticis1 *+ a 4a"ty *" *+ t%e c*u"t t* a 4endin cause, "es4ectin t%e sa1e, %as al:ays 3een c*nside"ed as 1is3e%a.i*", tendin t* *3st"uct t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice, and su3Eects suc% 4e"s*ns t* c*nte14t 4"*ceedin s. Pa"ties %a.e a c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* %a.e t%ei" causes t"ied +ai"ly in c*u"t, 3y an i14a"tial t"i3unal, unin+luenced 3y 4u3licati*ns *" 4u3lic cla1*". E.e"y citiDen %as a 4"*+*und 4e"s*nal inte"est in t%e en+*"ce1ent *+ t%e +unda1ental "i %t t* %a.e Eustice ad1iniste"ed 3y t%e c*u"ts, unde" t%e 4"*tecti*n and +*"1s *+ la:, +"ee +"*1 *utside c*e"ci*n *" inte"+e"ence. = = =. Me"e c"iticis1 *" c*11ent *n t%e c*""ectness *" :"*n ness, s*undness *" uns*undness *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e c*u"t in a 4endin case 1ade in **d +ait% 1ay 3e t*le"atedA 3ecause i+ :ell +*unded it 1ay enli %ten t%e c*u"t and c*nt"i3ute t* t%e c*""ecti*n *+ an e""*" i+ c*11ittedA 3ut i+ it is n*t :ell ta;en and *3.i*usly e""*ne*us, it s%*uld, in n* :ay, in+luence t%e c*u"t in "e.e"sin *" 1*di+yin its decisi*n. = = =. ==== T* %u"l t%e +alse c%a" e t%at t%is C*u"t %as 3een +*" t%e last yea"s c*11ittin deli3e"ately 8s* 1any 3lunde"s and inEustices,8 t%at is t* say, t%at it %as 3een decidin in +a.*" *+ *ne 4a"ty ;n*:in t%at t%e la: and Eustice is *n t%e 4a"t *+ t%e ad.e"se 4a"ty and n*t *n t%e *ne in :%*se +a.*" t%e decisi*n :as "ende"ed, in 1any cases decided du"in t%e last yea"s, :*uld tend necessa"ily t* unde"1ine t%e c*n+idence *+ t%e 4e*4le in t%e %*nesty and inte "ity *+ t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%is C*u"t, and c*nse$uently t* l*:e" *" de "ade t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice 3y t%is C*u"t. T%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ t%e P%ili44ines is, unde" t%e C*nstituti*n, t%e last 3ul:a"; t* :%ic% t%e Fili4in* 4e*4le 1ay "e4ai" t* *3tain "elie+ +*" t%ei" "ie.ances *" 4"*tecti*n *+ t%ei" "i %ts :%en t%ese a"e t"a14led u4*n, and i+ t%e 4e*4le l*se t%ei" c*n+idence in t%e %*nesty and inte "ity *+ t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%is C*u"t and 3elie.e t%at t%ey cann*t e=4ect Eustice t%e"e+"*1, t%ey 1i %t 3e d"i.en t* ta;e t%e la: int* t%ei" *:n %ands, and dis*"de" and 4e"%a4s c%a*s 1i %t 3e t%e "esult. As a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" and an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"ts Atty. @icente -*tt*, li;e any *t%e", is in duty 3*und t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t, t* :%ic% %e *:es +idelity acc*"din t* t%e *at% %e %as ta;en as suc% att*"ney, and n*t t* 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. Res4ect t* t%e c*u"ts ua"antees t%e sta3ility *+ *t%e" instituti*ns, :%ic% :it%*ut suc% ua"anty :*uld 3e "estin *n a .e"y s%a;y +*undati*n. 6'& /E14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 T%at t%e d*ct"inal 4"*n*unce1ents in t%ese ea"ly cases a"e still **d la: can 3e easily leaned e.en +"*1 1*"e "ecent Eu"is4"udence. In C%*a .. C%i*n s*n,6'I t%e C*u"t ad1inist"ati.ely disci4lined a la:ye", t%"*u % t%e i14*siti*n *+ a +ine, +*" 1a;in 1alici*us and un+*unded c"iticis1s *+ a Eud e in t%e uise *+ an ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint and %eld, t%us: As an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t and its indis4ensa3le 4a"tne" in t%e sac"ed tas; *+ ad1iniste"in Eustice, "a.e" "es4*nsi3ility is i14*sed u4*n a la:ye" t%an any *t%e" t* u4%*ld t%e inte "ity *+ t%e c*u"ts and t* s%*: "es4ect t* its *++ice"s. T%is d*es n*t 1ean, %*:e.e", t%at a la:ye" cann*t c"iticiDe a Eud e. As :e stated in Ti*n c* .s. H*n. A uila": It d*es n*t, %*:e.e", +*ll*: t%at Eust 3ecause a la:ye" is an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, %e cann*t c"iticiDe t%e c*u"ts. T%at is %is "i %t as a citiDen, and it is e.en %is duty as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t t* a.ail *+ suc% "i %t. T%us, in In Re: Al1acen /76 -CRA I5', I2R#I)( F6R2(G0, t%is C*u"t e=4licitly decla"ed:

Hence, as a citiDen and as *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, a la:ye" is e=4ected n*t *nly t* e=e"cise t%e "i %t, 3ut als* t* c*nside" it %is duty t* a.ail *+ suc% "i %t. N* la: 1ay a3"id e t%is "i %t. N*" is %e 84"*+essi*nally ans:e"a3le t* a sc"utiny int* t%e *++icial c*nduct *+ t%e Eud es, :%ic% :*uld n*t e=4*se %i1 t* le al ani1ad.e"si*n as a citiDen.8 /Case *+ Austin, ') A1 Cec. 5I2, 55I0. ==== Ne.e"t%eless, suc% a "i %t is n*t :it%*ut li1it. F*", as t%is C*u"t :a"ned in Al1acen: !ut it is a ca"dinal c*nditi*n *+ all suc% c"iticis1 t%at it s%all 3e 'ona fi"e, and s%all n*t s4ill *.e" t%e :alls *+ decency and 4"*4"iety. A :ide c%as1 e=ists 3et:een +ai" c"iticis1, *n t%e *ne %and, and a3use and slande" *+ c*u"ts and t%e Eud es t%e"e*+, *n t%e *t%e". Inte14e"ate and un+ai" c"iticis1 is a "*ss .i*lati*n *+ t%e duty *+ "es4ect t* c*u"ts. It is suc% a 1isc*nduct, t%at su3Eects a la:ye" t* disci4lina"y acti*n. ==== Else:ise stated, t%e "i %t t* c"iticiDe, :%ic% is ua"anteed 3y t%e +"eed*1 *+ s4eec% and *+ e=4"essi*n in t%e !ill *+ Ri %ts *+ t%e C*nstituti*n, 1ust 3e e=e"cised "es4*nsi3ly, +*" e.e"y "i %t ca""ies :it% it a c*""es4*ndin *3li ati*n.F"eed*1 is n*t +"eed*1 +"*1 "es4*nsi3ility, 3ut +"eed*1 :it% "es4*nsi3ility. = = =. ==== P"*sc"i3ed t%en a"e, inte" alia, t%e use *+ unnecessa"y lan ua e :%ic% Ee*4a"diDes %i % estee1 in c*u"ts, c"eates *" 4"*1*tes dist"ust in Eudicial ad1inist"ati*n /R%ee1, su4"a0, *" tends necessa"ily t* unde"1ine t%e c*n+idence *+ 4e*4le in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%is C*u"t and t* de "ade t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice 3y t%is C*u"t /In "e: -*tt*, )' P%il. IRI F6R&RG0A *" *+ *++ensi.e and a3usi.e lan ua e /In "e: Ra+ael Cli1ac*, II -CRA 6(2 F6R2&G0A *" a3"asi.e and *++ensi.e lan ua e /Kan s*n .s. -alandanan, 5) -CRA &' F6R2IGA *" *+ dis"es4ect+ul, *++ensi.e, 1ani+estly 3aseless, and 1alici*us state1ents in 4leadin s *" in a lette" add"essed t* t%e Eud e /!aEa .s. Macand* , 6I) -CRA F6R))G, citin t%e "es*luti*n *+ 6R Janua"y 6R)) in P%il. Pu3lic -c%**ls Teac%e"s Ass*ciati*n .s. Muisu13in , J.R. N*. 256)(, and CeniDa .s. -e3astian, 67( -CRA 'RI F6R)&G0A *" *+ dis4a"a in , inte14e"ate, and uncalled#+*" "e1a";s /-an alan .s. Inte"1ediate A44ellate C*u"t, 622 -CRA )2 F6R)RG0. Any c"iticis1 a ainst a Eud e 1ade in t%e uise *+ an ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint :%ic% is clea"ly un+*unded and i14elled 3y ulte"i*" 1*ti.e :ill n*t e=cuse t%e la:ye" "es4*nsi3le t%e"e+*" unde" %is duty *+ +idelity t* %is client. = = =.6'5 /E14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 In -a3e"*n .. La"*n ,6'2 :%e"e t%is C*u"t +*und "es4*ndent la:ye" uilty *+ si14le 1isc*nduct +*" usin inte14e"ate lan ua e in %is 4leadin s and i14*sed a +ine u4*n %i1, :e %ad t%e *ccasi*n t* state: T%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 1andates: CANON ) # A la:ye" s%all c*nduct %i1sel+ :it% c*u"tesy, +ai"ness and cand*" t*:a"d %is 4"*+essi*nal c*llea ues, and s%all a.*id %a"assin tactics a ainst *44*sin c*unsel. Rule ).(6 # A la:ye" s%all n*t, in %is 4"*+essi*nal dealin s, use lan ua e :%ic% is a3usi.e, *++ensi.e *" *t%e":ise i14"*4e". )ANON 11 2 A l F9e' $> ll o-$e'#e n( m !n" !n ">e 'e$pec" (ue "o ">e cou'"$ n( "o Hu(!c! l o<<!ce'$ n( $>oul( !n$!$" on $!m!l ' con(uc" -9 o">e'$. Rule 11.03 2 A l F9e' $> ll -$" !n <'om $c n( lou$, o<<en$!#e o' men c!n: l n:u :e o' -e> #!o' -e<o'e ">e )ou'"$. T* 3e su"e, t%e ad.e"sa"ial natu"e *+ *u" le al syste1 %as te14ted 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a" t* use st"*n lan ua e in 4u"suit *+ t%ei" duty t* ad.ance t%e inte"ests *+ t%ei" clients. 4oFe#e', F>!le l F9e' !$ en"!"le( "o p'e$en" >!$ c $e F!"> #!:o' n( cou' :e, $uc> en">u$! $m (oe$ no" Hu$"!<9 ">e u$e o< o<<en$!#e n( -u$!#e l n:u :e. & n:u :e -oun($ F!"> coun"le$$ po$$!-!l!"!e$ <o' one "o -e emp> "!c -u" 'e$pec"<ul, con#!nc!n: -u" no" (e'o: "o'9, !llum!n "!n: -u" no" o<<en$!#e. On m n9 occ $!on$, ">e )ou'" > $ 'em!n(e( mem-e'$ o< ">e B ' "o -$" !n <'om ll o<<en$!#e pe'$on l!"9 and t* ad.ance n* +act 4"eEudicial t* t%e %*n*" *" "e4utati*n *+ a 4a"ty *" :itness, unless

"e$ui"ed 3y t%e Eustice *+ t%e cause :it% :%ic% %e is c%a" ed. In ;ee4in :it% t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, a la:ye"Bs lan ua e e.en in %is 4leadin s 1ust 3e di ni+ied.6') @e"ily, t%e accusat*"y and .ili+yin natu"e *+ ce"tain 4*"ti*ns *+ t%e -tate1ent e=ceeded t%e li1its *+ +ai" c*11ent and cann*t 3e dee1ed as 4"*tected +"ee s4eec%. E.en In t%e Matte" *+ Petiti*n +*" Cecla"at*"y Relie+ Re: C*nstituti*nality *+ Re4u3lic Act &))(, J*nDales .. C*11issi*n *n Electi*ns, 6'R "elied u4*n 3y "es4*ndents in t%e C*11*n C*14liance, %eld t%at: F"*1 t%e lan ua e *+ t%e s4eci+ic c*nstituti*nal 4"*.isi*n, it :*uld a44ea" t%at t%e "i %t is n*t susce4ti3le *+ any li1itati*n. N* la: 1ay 3e 4assed a3"id in t%e +"eed*1 *+ s4eec% and *+ t%e 4"ess. T%e "ealities *+ li+e in a c*14le= s*ciety 4"eclude %*:e.e" a lite"al inte"4"etati*n. F"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n is n*t an a3s*lute. It :*uld 3e t** 1uc% t* insist t%at at all ti1es and unde" all ci"cu1stances it s%*uld "e1ain un+ette"ed and un"est"ained. T%e"e a"e *t%e" s*cietal .alues t%at 4"ess +*" "ec* niti*n. = = =.67( /E14%asis su44lied.0 One suc% s*cietal .alue t%at 4"esses +*" "ec* niti*n in t%e case at 3a" is t%e t%"eat t* Eudicial inde4endence and t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice t%at i11*de"ate, "ec;less and un+ai" attac;s *n Eudicial decisi*ns and instituti*ns 4*se. T%is C*u"t %eld as 1uc% in Valdi.a" .. -andi an3ayan and J*nDales, 676 :%e"e :e !n(e<!n!"el9 $u$pen(e( a la:ye" +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" issuin t* t%e 1edia state1ents "*ssly dis"es4ect+ul t*:a"ds t%e C*u"t in "elati*n t* a 4endin case, t* :it: Res4*ndent J*nDales is entitled t* t%e c*nstituti*nal ua"antee *+ +"ee s4eec%. N* *ne see;s t* deny %i1 t%at "i %t, least *+ all t%is C*u"t. 9%at "es4*ndent see1s una:a"e *+ is t%at +"eed*1 *+ s4eec% and *+ e=4"essi*n, li;e all c*nstituti*nal +"eed*1s, is n*t a3s*lute and t%at +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n needs *n *ccasi*n t* 3e adEusted t* and acc*11*dated :it% t%e "e$ui"e1ents *+ e$ually i14*"tant 4u3lic inte"est. One *+ t%ese +unda1ental 4u3lic inte"ests is t%e 1aintenance *+ t%e inte "ity and *"de"ly +uncti*nin *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. T%e"e is n* antin*1y 3et:een +"ee e=4"essi*n and t%e inte "ity *+ t%e syste1 *+ ad1iniste"in Eustice. F*" t%e 4"*tecti*n and 1aintenance *+ +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n itsel+ can 3e secu"ed *nly :it%in t%e c*nte=t *+ a +uncti*nin and *"de"ly syste1 *+ dis4ensin Eustice, :it%in t%e c*nte=t, in *t%e" :*"ds, *+ .ia3le inde4endent instituti*ns +*" deli.e"y *+ Eustice :%ic% a"e acce4ted 3y t%e ene"al c*11unity. = = =.67' /E14%ases su44lied.0 F*" t%is "eas*n, t%e C*u"t cann*t u4%*ld t%e .ie: *+ s*1e "es4*ndents 677 t%at t%e -tate1ent 4"esents n* "a.e *" i11inent dan e" t* a le iti1ate 4u3lic inte"est. T%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n d*es n*t inte"+e"e :it% "es4*ndentsB acade1ic +"eed*1. It is n*t c*ntested t%at "es4*ndents %e"ein a"e, 3y la: and Eu"is4"udence, ua"anteed acade1ic +"eed*1 and undis4uta3ly, t%ey a"e +"ee t* dete"1ine :%at t%ey :ill teac% t%ei" students and %*: t%ey :ill teac%. 9e 1ust 4*int *ut t%at t%e"e is n*t%in in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n t%at dictates u4*n "es4*ndents t%e su3Eect 1atte" t%ey can teac% and t%e 1anne" *+ t%ei" inst"ucti*n. M*"e*.e", it is n*t inc*nsistent :it% t%e 4"inci4le *+ acade1ic +"eed*1 +*" t%is C*u"t t* su3Eect la:ye"s :%* teac% la: t* disci4lina"y acti*n +*" c*ntu1aci*us c*nduct and s4eec%, c*u4led :it% undue inte".enti*n in +a.*" *+ a 4a"ty in a 4endin case, :it%*ut *3se".in 4"*4e" 4"*cedu"e, e.en i+ 4u"4*"tedly d*ne in t%ei" ca4acity as teac%e"s. A n*.el issue in.*l.ed in t%e 4"esent c*nt"*.e"sy, +*" it %as n*t 3een 4assed u4*n in any 4"e.i*us case 3e+*"e t%is C*u"t, is t%e $uesti*n *+ :%et%e" la:ye"s :%* a"e als* la: 4"*+ess*"s can in.*;e acade1ic +"eed*1 as a de+ense in an ad1inist"ati.e 4"*ceedin +*" inte14e"ate state1ents tendin t* 4"essu"e t%e C*u"t *" in+luence t%e *utc*1e *+ a case *" de "ade t%e c*u"ts. A44lyin 3y anal* y t%e C*u"tBs 4ast t"eat1ent *+ t%e 8+"ee s4eec%8 de+ense in *t%e" 3a" disci4line cases, acade1ic +"eed*1 cann*t 3e success+ully in.*;ed 3y "es4*ndents in t%is case. T%e i14licit "ulin in t%e Eu"is4"udence discussed a3*.e is t%at t%e c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n *+ 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" 1ay 3e ci"cu1sc"i3ed 3y t%ei" et%ical duties as la:ye"s t* i.e due "es4ect t* t%e c*u"ts and t* u4%*ld t%e 4u3licBs +ait% in t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and t%e Eustice syste1. T* *u" 1ind, t%e "eas*n t%at +"eed*1 *+

e=4"essi*n 1ay 3e s* deli1ited in t%e case *+ la:ye"s a44lies :it% "eate" +*"ce t* t%e acade1ic +"eed*1 *+ la: 4"*+ess*"s. It :*uld d* :ell +*" t%e C*u"t t* "e1ind "es4*ndents t%at, in .ie: *+ t%e 3"*ad de+initi*n in Cayetan* .. M*ns*d,67&la:ye"s :%en t%ey teac% la: a"e c*nside"ed en a ed in t%e 4"actice *+ la:. Unli;e 4"*+ess*"s in *t%e" disci4lines and 1*"e t%an la:ye"s :%* d* n*t teac% la:, "es4*ndents a"e 3*und 3y t%ei" *at% t* u4%*ld t%e et%ical standa"ds *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. T%us, t%ei" acti*ns as la: 4"*+ess*"s 1ust 3e 1easu"ed a ainst t%e sa1e can*ns *+ 4"*+essi*nal "es4*nsi3ility a44lica3le t* acts *+ 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" as t%e +act *+ t%ei" 3ein la: 4"*+ess*"s is ine=t"ica3ly ent:ined :it% t%e +act t%at t%ey a"e la:ye"s. E.en i+ t%e C*u"t :as :illin t* acce4t "es4*ndentsB 4"*4*siti*n in t%e C*11*n C*14liance t%at t%ei" issuance *+ t%e -tate1ent :as in ;ee4in :it% t%ei" duty t* 84a"tici4ate in t%e de.el*41ent *+ t%e le al syste1 3y initiatin *" su44*"tin e++*"ts in la: "e+*"1 and in t%e i14"*.e1ent *+ t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice8 unde" Can*n & *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, :e cann*t a "ee t%at t%ey %a.e +ul+illed t%at sa1e duty in ;ee4in :it% t%e de1ands *+ Can*ns 6, 66 and 67 t* i.e due "es4ect t* le al 4"*cesses and t%e c*u"ts, and t* a.*id c*nduct t%at tends t* in+luence t%e c*u"ts. Me13e"s *+ t%e !a" cann*t 3e selecti.e "e a"din :%ic% can*ns t* a3ide 3y i.en 4a"ticula" situati*ns. 9it% 1*"e "eas*n t%at la: 4"*+ess*"s a"e n*t all*:ed t%is indul ence, since t%ey a"e e=4ected t* 4"*.ide t%ei" students e=e14la"s *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility as a :%*le and n*t Eust t%ei" 4"e+e""ed 4*"ti*ns t%e"e*+. T%e C*u"tBs "ulin s *n t%e su31issi*ns "e a"din t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6, 66 and 67. Ha.in dis4*sed *+ "es4*ndentsB 1ain a" u1ents *+ +"eed*1 *+ e=4"essi*n and acade1ic +"eed*1, t%e C*u"t c*nside"s %e"e t%e *t%e" a.e"1ents in t%ei" su31issi*ns. 9it% "es4ect t* **d +ait%, "es4*ndentsB alle ati*ns 4"esented t:* 1ain ideas: /a0 t%e .alidity *+ t%ei" 4*siti*n "e a"din t%e 4la ia"is1 c%a" e a ainst Justice Cel Castill*, and /30 t%ei" 4u"e 1*ti.e t* s4u" t%is C*u"t t* ta;e t%e c*""ect acti*n *n said issue. T%e C*u"t %as al"eady cla"i+ied t%at it is n*t t%e e=4"essi*n *+ "es4*ndentsB staunc% 3elie+ t%at Justice Cel Castill* %as c*11itted a 1isc*nduct t%at t%e 1aE*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t %as +*und s* un3ec*1in in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n. N* 1atte" %*: +i"1 a la:ye"Bs c*n.icti*n in t%e "i %te*usness *+ %is cause t%e"e is si14ly n* e=cuse +*" deni "atin t%e c*u"ts and en a in in 4u3lic 3e%a.i*" t%at tends t* 4ut t%e c*u"ts and t%e le al 4"*+essi*n int* dis"e4ute. T%is d*ct"ine, :%ic% :e %a.e "e4eatedly u4%eld in suc% cases as -alced*, In "e Al1acen and -a3e"*n , s%*uld 3e a44lied in t%is case :it% 1*"e "eas*n, as t%e "es4*ndents, n*t 4a"ties t* t%e #inu a case, den*unced t%e C*u"t and u" ed it t* c%an e its decisi*n t%e"ein, in a 4u3lic state1ent usin c*ntu1aci*us lan ua e, :%ic% :it% te1e"ity t%ey su3se$uently su31itted t* t%e C*u"t +*" 84"*4e" dis4*siti*n.8 T%at %u1iliatin t%e C*u"t int* "ec*nside"in t%e @inuya Cecisi*n in +a.*" *+ t%e Malaya L*las :as *ne *+ t%e *3Eecti.es *+ t%e -tate1ent c*uld 3e seen in t%e +*ll*:in 4a"a "a4%s +"*1 t%e sa1e: And in li %t *+ t%e si ni+icance *+ t%is decisi*n t* t%e $uest +*" Eustice n*t *nly *+ Fili4in* :*1en, 3ut *+ :*1en else:%e"e in t%e :*"ld :%* %a.e su++e"ed t%e %*""*"s *+ se=ual a3use and e=4l*itati*n in ti1es *+ :a", t%e C*u"t cann*t c*ldly deny "elie+ and Eustice t* t%e 4etiti*ne"s *n t%e 3asis *+ 4il+e"ed and 1isinte"4"eted te=ts. ==== /70 T%e sa1e 3"eac% and c*nse$uent dis4*siti*n *+ t%e #inu a case d*es .i*lence t* t%e 4"i1*"dial +uncti*n *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t as t%e ulti1ate dis4ense" *+ Eustice t* all t%*se :%* %a.e 3een le+t :it%*ut le al *" e$uita3le "ec*u"se, suc% as t%e 4etiti*ne"s t%e"ein.67I /E14%ases and unde"sc*"in su44lied.0 9%et%e" *" n*t "es4*ndentsB .ie:s "e a"din t%e 4la ia"is1 issue in t%e #inu a case %ad .alid 3asis :as :%*lly i11ate"ial t* t%ei" lia3ility +*" c*ntu1aci*us s4eec% and c*nduct. T%ese a"e t:* se4a"ate 1atte"s t* 3e 4"*4e"ly t%"es%ed *ut in se4a"ate 4"*ceedin s. T%e C*u"t c*nside"s it %i %ly ina44"*4"iate, i+ n*t tanta1*unt t* disse13lin , t%e discussi*n de.*ted in *ne *+ t%e c*14liances a" uin t%e uilt *+ Justice Cel

Castill*. In t%e C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents e.en * s* +a" as t* attac% d*cu1enta"y e.idence t* su44*"t t%e 4la ia"is1 c%a" es a ainst Justice Cel Castill* in t%e 4"esent c*nt"*.e"sy. T%e et%ics case *+ Justice Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C0, :it% t%e +ilin *+ a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n, :as still 4endin at t%e ti1e *+ t%e +ilin *+ "es4*ndentsB su31issi*ns in t%is ad1inist"ati.e case. As "es4*ndents t%e1sel.es ad1it, t%ey a"e neit%e" 4a"ties n*" c*unsels in t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*. N*t:it%standin t%ei" 4"*+essed *.e""idin inte"est in said et%ics case, it is n*t 4"*4e" 4"*cedu"e +*" "es4*ndents t* 3"in u4 t%ei" 4la ia"is1 a" u1ents %e"e es4ecially :%en it %as n* 3ea"in *n t%ei" *:n ad1inist"ati.e case. -till *n 1*ti.e, it is als* 4"*4*sed t%at t%e c%*ice *+ lan ua e in t%e -tate1ent :as intended +*" e++ecti.e s4eec%A t%at s4eec% 1ust 3e 8+*"ce+ul en*u % t* 1a;e t%e intended "eci4ients listen.8 675 One :*nde"s :%at s*"t *+ e++ect "es4*ndents :e"e %*4in +*" in 3"andin t%is C*u"t as, a1*n *t%e"s, call*us, dis%*nest and lac;in in c*nce"n +*" t%e 3asic .alues *+ decency and "es4ect. T%e C*u"t +ails t* see %*: it can enn*3le t%e 4"*+essi*n i+ :e all*: "es4*ndents t* send a si nal t* t%ei" students t%at t%e *nly :ay t* e++ecti.ely 4lead t%ei" cases and 4e"suade *t%e"s t* t%ei" 4*int *+ .ie: is t* 3e *++ensi.e. T%is 3"in s t* *u" 1ind t%e lette"s *+ C". Ellis and P"*+. Ta1s :%ic% :e"e deli3e"ately $u*ted in +ull in t%e na""ati*n *+ 3ac; "*und +acts t* illust"ate t%e s%a"4 c*nt"ast 3et:een t%e ci.il ten*" *+ t%ese lette"s and t%e anta *nistic i""e.e"ence *+ t%e -tate1ent. In t"ut%, t%ese +*"ei n aut%*"s a"e t%e *nes :%* :*uld e=4ectedly 3e a++ected 3y any 4e"ce4ti*n *+ 1isuse *+ t%ei" :*";s. N*t:it%standin t%at t%ey a"e 3ey*nd t%e disci4lina"y "eac% *+ t%is C*u"t, t%ey still *3.i*usly t**; 4ains t* c*n.ey t%ei" *3Eecti*ns in a de+e"ential and sc%*la"ly 1anne". It is un+at%*1a3le t* t%e C*u"t :%y "es4*ndents c*uld n*t d* t%e sa1e. T%ese +*"ei n aut%*"sB lette"s unde"sc*"e t%e uni.e"sality *+ t%e tenet t%at le al 4"*+essi*nals 1ust deal :it% eac% *t%e" in **d +ait% and due "es4ect. T%e 1a"; *+ t%e t"ue intellectual is *ne :%* can e=4"ess %is *4ini*ns l* ically and s*3e"ly :it%*ut "es*"t t* e=a e"ated "%et*"ic and un4"*ducti.e "ec"i1inati*ns. As +*" t%e clai1 t%at t%e "es4*ndentsB n*3le intenti*n is t* s4u" t%e C*u"t t* ta;e 8c*nst"ucti.e acti*n8 *n t%e 4la ia"is1 issue, t%e C*u"t %as s*1e d*u3ts as t* its .e"acity. F*" i+ t%e -tate1ent :as 4"i1a"ily 1eant +*" t%is C*u"tBs c*nside"ati*n, :%y :as t%e sa1e 4u3lis%ed and "e4*"ted in t%e 1edia +i"st 3e+*"e it :as su31itted t* t%is C*u"t< It is 1*"e 4lausi3le t%at t%e -tate1ent :as 4"e4a"ed +*" c*nsu14ti*n 3y t%e ene"al 4u3lic and desi ned t* ca4tu"e 1edia attenti*n as 4a"t *+ t%e e++*"t t* ene"ate inte"est in t%e 1*st c*nt"*.e"sial "*und in t%e -u44le1ental M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n +iled in t%e @inuya case 3y Atty. R*$ue, :%* is "es4*ndentsB c*llea ue *n t%e UP La: +aculty. In t%is "e a"d, t%e C*u"t +inds t%at t%e"e :as indeed a lac; *+ *3se".ance *+ +idelity and due "es4ect t* t%e C*u"t, 4a"ticula"ly :%en "es4*ndents ;ne: +ully :ell t%at t%e 1atte" *+ 4la ia"is1 in t%e @inuya decisi*n and t%e 1e"its *+ t%e @inuya decisi*n itsel+, at t%e ti1e *+ t%e -tate1entBs issuance, :e"e still 3*t% su3 Eudice *" 4endin +inal dis4*siti*n *+ t%e C*u"t. T%ese +acts %a.e 3een :idely 4u3liciDed. On t%is 4*int, "es4*ndents alle e t%at at t%e ti1e t%e -tate1ent :as +i"st d"a+ted *n July '2, '(6(, t%ey did n*t ;n*: *+ t%e c*nstituti*n *+ t%e Et%ics C*11ittee and t%ey %ad issued t%e -tate1ent unde" t%e 3elie+ t%at t%is C*u"t intended t* ta;e n* acti*n *n t%e et%ics c%a" e a ainst Justice Cel Castill*. -till, t%e"e :as a si ni+icant la4se *+ ti1e +"*1 t%e d"a+tin and 4"intin *+ t%e -tate1ent *n July '2, '(6( and its 4u3licati*n and su31issi*n t* t%is C*u"t in ea"ly Au ust :%en t%e Et%ics C*11ittee %ad al"eady 3een c*n.ened. I+ it is t"ue t%at t%e "es4*ndentsB *ut"a e :as +ueled 3y t%ei" 4e"ce4ti*n *+ indi++e"ence *n t%e 4a"t *+ t%e C*u"t t%en, :%en it 3eca1e ;n*:n t%at t%e C*u"t did intend t* ta;e acti*n, t%e"e :as n*t%in t* 4"e.ent "es4*ndents +"*1 "ecali3"atin t%e -tate1ent t* ta;e t%is su4e".enin e.ent int* acc*unt in t%e inte"est *+ +ai"ness. -4ea;in *+ t%e 4u3licity t%is case %as ene"ated, :e li;e:ise +ind n* 1e"it in t%e "es4*ndentsB "eliance *n .a"i*us ne:s "e4*"ts and c*11enta"ies in t%e 4"int 1edia and t%e inte"net as 4"**+ t%at t%ey a"e 3ein un+ai"ly 8sin led *ut.8 On t%e c*nt"a"y, t%ese sa1e anne=es t* t%e C*11*n C*14liance s%*: t%at it is n*t en*u % +*" *ne t* c"iticiDe t%e C*u"t t* :a""ant t%e instituti*n *+ disci4lina"y 672 *" c*nte14t67) acti*n. T%is C*u"t ta;es int* acc*unt t%e natu"e *+ t%e c"iticis1 and :ei %s t%e 4*ssi3le "e4e"cussi*ns *+ t%e sa1e *n t%e

Judicia"y. 9%en t%e c"iticis1 c*1es +"*1 4e"s*ns *utside t%e 4"*+essi*n :%* 1ay n*t %a.e a +ull "as4 *+ le al issues *" +"*1 indi.iduals :%*se 4e"s*nal *" *t%e" inte"ests in 1a;in t%e c"iticis1 a"e *3.i*us, t%e C*u"t 1ay 4e"%a4s t*le"ate *" i n*"e t%e1. H*:e.e", :%en la: 4"*+ess*"s a"e t%e *nes :%* a44ea" t* %a.e l*st si %t *+ t%e 3*unda"ies *+ +ai" c*11enta"y and :*"se, :*uld Eusti+y t%e sa1e as an e=e"cise *+ ci.il li3e"ties, t%is C*u"t cann*t "e1ain silent +*" suc% silence :*uld %a.e a "a.e i14licati*n *n le al educati*n in *u" c*unt"y. 9it% "es4ect t* t%e 7I "es4*ndents na1ed in t%e C*11*n C*14liance, c*nside"in t%at t%is a44ea"s t* 3e t%e +i"st ti1e t%ese "es4*ndents %a.e 3een in.*l.ed in disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s *+ t%is s*"t, t%e C*u"t is :illin t* i.e t%e1 t%e 3ene+it *+ t%e d*u3t t%at t%ey :e"e +*" t%e 1*st 4a"t :ell#intenti*ned in t%e issuance *+ t%e -tate1ent. H*:e.e", it is esta3lis%ed in Eu"is4"udence t%at :%e"e t%e e=cessi.e and c*ntu1aci*us lan ua e used is 4lain and undenia3le, t%en **d intent can *nly 3e 1iti atin . As t%is C*u"t e=4*unded in -alced*: In %is de+ense, Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc* states t%at it :as n*t %is intenti*n t* *++end t%e c*u"t *" t* 3e "ec"eant t* t%e "es4ect t%e"et* 3ut, un+*"tunately, t%e"e a"e %is 4%"ases :%ic% need n* +u"t%e" c*11ent. Fu"t%e"1*"e, it is a :ell settled "ule in all 4laces :%e"e t%e sa1e c*nditi*ns and 4"actice as t%*se in t%is Eu"isdicti*n *3tain, t%at :ant *+ intenti*n is n* e=cuse +"*1 lia3ility /67 C. J., &I0. Neit%e" is t%e +act t%at t%e 4%"ases e14l*yed a"e Eusti+ied 3y t%e +acts a .alid de+ense: 89%e"e t%e 1atte" is a3usi.e *" insultin , e.idence t%at t%e lan ua e used :as Eusti+ied 3y t%e +acts is n*t ad1issi3le as a de+ense. Res4ect +*" t%e Eudicial *++ice s%*uld al:ays 3e *3se".ed and en+*"ced.8 / ,n re Stewart, 66) La., )'2A &7 -., &II.0 -aid lac; *" :ant *+ intenti*n c*nstitutes at 1*st an e=tenuati*n *+ lia3ility in t%is case, ta;in int* c*nside"ati*n Att*"ney @icente J. F"ancisc*Ls state *+ 1ind, acc*"din t* %i1 :%en %e 4"e4a"ed said 1*ti*n. T%is c*u"t is dis4*sed t* 1a;e suc% c*ncessi*n. H*:e.e", in *"de" t* a.*id a "ecu""ence t%e"e*+ and t* 4"e.ent *t%e"s, 3y +*ll*:in t%e 3ad e=a14le, +"*1 ta;in t%e sa1e c*u"se, t%is c*u"t c*nside"s it i14e"ati.e t* t"eat t%e case *+ said att*"ney :it% t%e Eustice it dese".es. 67R /E14%ases su44lied.0 T%us, t%e 7I "es4*ndents na1ed in t%e C*11*n C*14liance s%*uld, n*t:it%standin t%ei" clai1 *+ **d +ait%, 3e "e1inded *+ t%ei" la:ye"ly duty, unde" Can*ns 6, 66 and 67, t* i.e due "es4ect t* t%e c*u"ts and t* "e+"ain +"*1 inte14e"ate and *++ensi.e lan ua e tendin t* in+luence t%e C*u"t *n 4endin 1atte"s *" t* deni "ate t%e c*u"ts and t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. 9it% "es4ect t* P"*+. @as$ueD, t%e C*u"t +a.*"a3ly n*tes t%e di++e"ences in %is C*14liance c*14a"ed t* %is c*llea ues. In *u" .ie:, %e :as t%e *nly *ne a1*n t%e "es4*ndents :%* s%*:ed t"ue cand*" and since"e de+e"ence t* t%e C*u"t. He :as a3le t* i.e a st"ai %t+*":a"d acc*unt *+ %*: %e ca1e t* si n t%e -tate1ent. He :as candid en*u % t* state t%at %is a "ee1ent t* t%e -tate1ent :as in 4"inci4le and t%at t%e "eas*n 4la ia"is1 :as a 8+ai" t*4ic *+ discussi*n8 a1*n t%e UP La: +aculty 4"i*" t* t%e 4"*1ul ati*n *+ t%e Oct*3e" 6', '(6( Cecisi*n in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C :as t%e unce"tainty 3"*u %t a3*ut 3y a di.isi*n *+ *4ini*n *n :%et%e" *" n*t :ill+ul *" deli3e"ate intent :as an ele1ent *+ 4la ia"is1. He :as li;e:ise :illin t* ac;n*:led e t%at %e 1ay %a.e 3een "e1iss in +ailin t* assess t%e e++ect *+ t%e lan ua e *+ t%e -tate1ent and c*uld %a.e used 1*"e ca"e. He did all t%is :it%*ut %a.in t* "et"act %is 4*siti*n *n t%e 4la ia"is1 issue, :it%*ut de1ands +*" undese".ed "elie+s /as :ill 3e discussed 3el*:0 and :it%*ut 3aseless insinuati*ns *+ de4"i.ati*n *+ due 4"*cess *" *+ 4"eEud 1ent. T%is is all t%at t%is C*u"t e=4ected +"*1 "es4*ndents, n*t +*" t%e1 t* sac"i+ice t%ei" 4"inci4les 3ut *nly t%at t%ey "ec* niDe t%at t%ey t%e1sel.es 1ay %a.e c*11itted s*1e et%ical la4se in t%is a++ai". 9e c*11end P"*+. @a$ueD +*" s%*:in t%at at least *ne *+ t%e "es4*ndents can "as4 t%e t"ue i14*"t *+ t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n in.*l.in t%e1. F*" t%ese "eas*ns, t%e C*u"t +inds P"*+. @as$ueDBs C*14liance satis+act*"y. As +*" P"*+. Lync%, in .ie: *+ %is Mani+estati*n t%at %e is a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" *+ t%e -tate *+ Minnes*ta and, t%e"e+*"e, n*t unde" t%e disci4lina"y aut%*"ity *+ t%is C*u"t, %e s%*uld 3e e=cused +"*1 t%ese 4"*ceedin s. H*:e.e", %e s%*uld 3e "e1inded t%at :%ile %e is en a ed as a 4"*+ess*" in a P%ili44ine la: sc%**l %e s%*uld

st"i.e t* 3e a 1*del *+ "es4*nsi3le and 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct t* %is students e.en :it%*ut t%e t%"eat *+ sancti*n +"*1 t%is C*u"t. F*" e.en i+ *ne is n*t 3*und 3y t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility +*" 1e13e"s *+ t%e P%ili44ine !a", ci.ility and "es4ect a1*n le al 4"*+essi*nals *+ any nati*nality s%*uld 3e as4i"ed +*" unde" uni.e"sal standa"ds *+ decency and +ai"ness. T%e C*u"tBs "ulin *n Cean Le*nenBs C*14liance "e a"din t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6(. T* "ecall, t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n di"ected Cean Le*nen t* s%*: cause :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lina"y dealt :it% +*" .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6(, Rules 6(.(6, 6(.(' and 6(.(7 and +*" su31ittin a 8du11y8 t%at :as n*t a t"ue and +ait%+ul "e4"*ducti*n *+ t%e si ned -tate1ent. In %is C*14liance, Cean Le*nen essentially denies t%at Re$"o'!n: In"e:'!"9 II :as n*t a t"ue and +ait%+ul "e4"*ducti*n *+ t%e actual si ned c*4y, Re$"o'!n: In"e:'!"9 I, 3ecause l**;in at t%e te=t *" t%e 3*dy, t%e"e :e"e n* di++e"ences 3et:een t%e t:*. He atte14ts t* d*:n4lay t%e disc"e4ancies in t%e si natu"e 4a es *+ t%e t:* .e"si*ns *+ t%e -tate1ent /i.e., Re$"o'!n: In"e:'!"9 I and Re$"o'!n: In"e:'!"9 II0 3y clai1in t%at it is 3ut e=4ected in 8li.e8 4u3lic 1ani+est*s :it% dyna1ic and e.*l.in 4a es as 1*"e and 1*"e si nat*"ies add t%ei" i14"i1atu" t%e"et*. He li;e:ise st"esses t%at %e is n*t ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le 3ecause %e did n*t 1is"e4"esent t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e UP La: +aculty :%* 8> ( a "eed :it% t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent 4"*4e" and?*" :%* %ad e=4"essed t%ei" desi"e t* 3e si nat*"ies t%e"et*.86&( T* 3e in :it%, t%e C*u"t cann*t su3sc"i3e t* Cean Le*nenBs i14lied .ie: t%at t%e si natu"es in t%e -tate1ent a"e n*t as si ni+icant as its c*ntents. Li.e 4u3lic 1ani+est* *" n*t, t%e -tate1ent :as +*"1ally su31itted t* t%is C*u"t at a s4eci+ic 4*int in ti1e and it s%*uld "e+lect accu"ately its si nat*"ies at t%at 4*int. T%e .alue *+ t%e -tate1ent as a UP La: Faculty -tate1ent lies 4"ecisely in t%e identities *+ t%e 4e"s*ns :%* %a.e si ned it, since t%e -tate1entBs 4e"suasi.e aut%*"ity 1ainly de4ends *n t%e "e4utati*n and statu"e *+ t%e 4e"s*ns :%* %a.e end*"sed t%e sa1e. Indeed, it is a44a"ent +"*1 "es4*ndentsB e=4lanati*ns t%at t%ei" *:n 3elie+ in t%e 8i14*"tance8 *+ t%ei" 4*siti*ns as UP la: 4"*+ess*"s 4"*14ted t%e1 t* 4u3licly s4ea; *ut *n t%e 1atte" *+ t%e 4la ia"is1 issue in t%e @inuya case. Fu"t%e", in *u" assess1ent, t%e t"ue cause *+ Cean Le*nenBs 4"edica1ent is t%e +act t%at %e did n*t +"*1 t%e 3e innin su31it t%e si ned c*4y, Rest*"in Inte "ity I, t* t%is C*u"t *n Au ust 66, '(6( and, instead, su31itted Rest*"in Inte "ity II :it% its "ety4ed *" 8"e+*"1atted8 si natu"e 4a es. It :*uld tu"n *ut, acc*"din t* Cean Le*nenBs acc*unt, t%at t%e"e :e"e e""*"s in t%e "ety4in *+ t%e si natu"e 4a es due t* la4ses *+ %is unna1ed sta++. Fi"st, an unna1ed ad1inist"ati.e *++ice" in t%e deanBs *++ice a.e t%e dean inaccu"ate in+*"1ati*n t%at led %i1 t* all*: t%e inclusi*n *+ Justice Mend*Da as a1*n t%e si nat*"ies *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II. -ec*nd, an unna1ed sta++ als* +ailed t* ty4e t%e na1e *+ Atty. A"1*.it :%en enc*din t%e si natu"e 4a es *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II :%en in +act %e %ad si ned Rest*"in Inte "ity I. T%e C*u"t can unde"stand :%y +*" 4u"4*ses *+ 4*stin *n a 3ulletin 3*a"d *" a :e3site a si ned d*cu1ent 1ay %a.e t* 3e "e+*"1atted and si natu"es 1ay 3e indicated 3y t%e n*tati*n /-JC0. T%is is n*t unusual. 9e a"e :illin t* acce4t t%at t%e "e+*"1attin *+ d*cu1ents 1eant +*" 4*stin t* eli1inate 3lan;s is necessitated 3y .andalis1 c*nce"ns. H*:e.e", :%at is unusual is t%e su31issi*n t* a c*u"t, es4ecially t%is C*u"t, *+ a si ned d*cu1ent +*" t%e C*u"tBs c*nside"ati*n t%at did n*t c*ntain t%e actual si natu"es *+ its aut%*"s. In 1*st cases, it is t%e *"i inal si ned d*cu1ent t%at is t"ans1itted t* t%e C*u"t *" at t%e .e"y least a 4%*t*c*4y *+ t%e actual si ned d*cu1ent. Cean Le*nen %as n*t *++e"ed any e=4lanati*n :%y %e de.iated +"*1 t%is 4"actice :it% %is su31issi*n t* t%e C*u"t *+ Rest*"in Inte "ity II *n Au ust 66, '(6(. T%e"e :as n*t%in t* 4"e.ent t%e dean +"*1 su31ittin Rest*"in Inte "ity I t* t%is C*u"t e.en :it% its 3lan;s and unsi ned 4*"ti*ns. Cean Le*nen cann*t clai1 +ea"s *+ .andalis1 :it% "es4ect t* c*u"t su31issi*ns +*" c*u"t e14l*yees a"e acc*unta3le +*" t%e ca"e *+ d*cu1ents and "ec*"ds t%at 1ay c*1e int* t%ei" cust*dy. Ket, Cean Le*nen deli3e"ately c%*se t* su31it t* t%is C*u"t t%e +acsi1ile t%at did n*t c*ntain t%e actual si natu"es and %is silence *n t%e "eas*n t%e"e+*" is in itsel+ a dis4lay *+ lac; *+ cand*".

-till, a ca"e+ul "eadin *+ Cean Le*nenBs e=4lanati*ns yield t%e ans:e". In t%e c*u"se *+ %is e=4lanati*n *+ %is :illin ness t* acce4t %is ad1inist"ati.e *++ice"Bs clai1 t%at Justice Mend*Da a "eed t* 3e indicated as a si nat*"y, Cean Le*nen ad1its in a +**tn*te t%at *t%e" 4"*+ess*"s %ad li;e:ise *nly aut%*"iDed %i1 t* indicate t%e1 as si nat*"ies and %ad n*t in +act si ned t%e -tate1ent. T%us, at a"*und t%e ti1e Rest*"in Inte "ity II :as 4"inted, 4*sted and su31itted t* t%is C*u"t, at least *ne 4u"4*"ted si nat*"y t%e"et* %ad n*t actually si ned t%e sa1e. C*nt"a"y t* Cean Le*nenBs 4"*4*siti*n, t%at is 4"ecisely tanta1*unt t* 1a;in it a44ea" t* t%is C*u"t t%at a 4e"s*n *" 4e"s*ns 4a"tici4ated in an act :%en suc% 4e"s*n *" 4e"s*ns did n*t. 9e a"e su"4"ised t%at s*1e*ne li;e Cean Le*nen, :it% %is "e4utati*n +*" 4e"+ecti*n and st"in ent standa"ds *+ intellectual %*nesty, c*uld 4"*++e" t%e e=4lanati*n t%at t%e"e :as n* 1is"e4"esentati*n :%en %e all*:ed at least *ne 4e"s*n t* 3e indicated as %a.in actually si ned t%e -tate1ent :%en all %e %ad :as a .e"3al c*11unicati*n *+ an intent t* si n. In t%e case *+ Justice Mend*Da, :%at %e %ad :as *nly %ea"say in+*"1ati*n t%at t%e +*"1e" intended t* si n t%e -tate1ent. I+ Cean Le*nen :as t"uly dete"1ined t* *3se".e cand*" and t"ut%+ulness in %is dealin s :it% t%e C*u"t, :e see n* "eas*n :%y %e c*uld n*t %a.e :aited until all t%e 4"*+ess*"s :%* indicated t%ei" desi"e t* si n t%e -tate1ent %ad in +act si ned 3e+*"e t"ans1ittin t%e -tate1ent t* t%e C*u"t as a duly si ned d*cu1ent. I+ it :as t"uly i14*ssi3le t* secu"e s*1e si natu"es, suc% as t%at *+ Justice Mend*Da :%* %ad t* lea.e +*" a3"*ad, t%en Cean Le*nen s%*uld %a.e Eust "esi ned %i1sel+ t* t%e si natu"es t%at %e :as a3le t* secu"e. 9e cann*t i1a ine :%at u" ent c*nce"n t%e"e :as t%at %e c*uld n*t :ait +*" actual si natu"es 3e+*"e su31issi*n *+ t%e -tate1ent t* t%is C*u"t. As "es4*ndents all asse"ted, t%ey :e"e neit%e" 4a"ties t* n*" c*unsels in t%e @inuya case and t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*. T%e -tate1ent :as neit%e" a 4leadin :it% a deadline n*" a "e$ui"ed su31issi*n t* t%e C*u"tA "at%e", it :as a .*lunta"y su31issi*n t%at Cean Le*nen c*uld d* at any ti1e. In su1, t%e C*u"t li;e:ise +inds Cean Le*nenBs C*14liance unsatis+act*"y. H*:e.e", t%e C*u"t is :illin t* asc"i3e t%ese is*lated la4ses in Eud 1ent *+ Cean Le*nen t* %is 1is4laced Deal in 4u"suit *+ %is *3Eecti.es. In due c*nside"ati*n *+ Cean Le*nenBs 4"*+essed **d intenti*ns, t%e C*u"t dee1s it su++icient t* ad1*nis% Cean Le*nen +*" +ailin t* *3se".e +ull cand*" and %*nesty in %is dealin s :it% t%e C*u"t as "e$ui"ed unde" Can*n 6(. Res4*ndentsB "e$uests +*" a %ea"in , +*" 4"*ducti*n?4"esentati*n *+ e.idence 3ea"in *n t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n issues in J.R. N*. 65''7( and A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C, and +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds *+ A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C a"e un1e"it*"i*us. In t%e C*11*n C*14liance, "es4*ndents na1ed t%e"ein as;ed +*" alte"nati.e "elie+s s%*uld t%e C*u"t +ind t%ei" C*14liance unsatis+act*"y, t%at is, t%at t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n 3e set +*" %ea"in and +*" t%at 4u"4*se, t%ey 3e all*:ed t* "e$ui"e t%e 4"*ducti*n *" 4"esentati*n *+ :itnesses and e.idence 3ea"in *n t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n issues in t%e #inu a case /J.R. N*. 65''7(0 and t%e 4la ia"is1 case a ainst Justice Cel Castill* /A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C0 and t* %a.e access t* t%e "ec*"ds *+, and e.idence t%at :e"e 4"esented *" 1ay 3e 4"esented in t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*. T%e 4"aye" +*" a %ea"in and +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds *+ A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C :as su3stantially ec%*ed in Cean Le*nenBs se4a"ate C*14liance. In P"*+. Juan#!autistaBs C*14liance, s%e si1ila"ly e=4"essed t%e senti1ent t%at 8FiG+ t%e Rest*"in Inte "ity -tate1ent can 3e c*nside"ed indi"ect c*nte14t, unde" -ecti*n 7 *+ Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, suc% 1ay 3e 4unis%ed *nly a+te" c%a" e and %ea"in .86&6 It is t%is "*u4 *+ "es4*ndentsB 4"e1ise t%at t%ese "elie+s a"e necessa"y +*" t%e1 t* 3e acc*"ded +ull due 4"*cess. T%e C*u"t +inds t%is c*ntenti*n un1e"it*"i*us. Fi"stly, it :*uld a44ea" t%at t%e c*n+usi*n as t* t%e necessity *+ a %ea"in in t%is case s4"in s la" ely +"*1 its c%a"acte"iDati*n as a s4ecial ci.il acti*n +*" indi"ect c*nte14t in t%e Cissentin O4ini*n *+ Justice -e"en* /t* t%e Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( -%*: Cause Res*luti*n0 and %e" "eliance t%e"ein *n t%e 1aE*"ityBs 4u"4*"ted +ailu"e t*

+*ll*: t%e 4"*cedu"e in Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t as %e" 1ain "*und +*" *44*siti*n t* t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n. H*:e.e", *nce and +*" all, it s%*uld 3e cla"i+ied t%at t%is is n*t an indi"ect c*nte14t 4"*ceedin and Rule 26 /:%ic% "e$ui"es a %ea"in 0 %as n* a44licati*n t* t%is case. As e=4licitly *"de"ed in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n t%is case :as d*c;eted as an ad1inist"ati.e 1atte". T%e "ule t%at is "ele.ant t* t%is c*nt"*.e"sy is Rule 67R#!, -ecti*n 67, *n disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s initiated 1*tu 4"*4"i* 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t, t* :it: -EC. 67. Supreme $ourt ,nvestigators.SIn 4"*ceedin s initiated motu proprio 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *" in *t%e" 4"*ceedin s :%en t%e inte"est *+ Eustice s* "e$ui"es, t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t m 9 "e+e" t%e case +*" in.esti ati*n t* t%e -*licit*" Jene"al *" t* any *++ice" *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *" Eud e *+ a l*:e" c*u"t, in :%ic% case t%e in.esti ati*n s%all 4"*ceed in t%e sa1e 1anne" 4"*.ided in secti*ns 5 t* 66 %e"e*+, sa.e t%at t%e "e.ie: *+ t%e "e4*"t *+ in.esti ati*n s%all 3e c*nducted di"ectly 3y t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t. /E14%asis su44lied.0 F"*1 t%e +*"e *in 4"*.isi*n, it cann*t 3e denied t%at a +*"1al in.esti ati*n, t%"*u % a "e+e""al t* t%e s4eci+ied *++ice"s, is 1e"ely disc"eti*na"y, no" m n( "o'9 *n t%e C*u"t. Fu"t%e"1*"e, it is *nly i+ t%e C*u"t dee1s suc% an in.esti ati*n necessa"y t%at t%e 4"*cedu"e in -ecti*ns 5 t* 66 *+ Rule 67R#A :ill 3e +*ll*:ed. As "es4*ndents a"e +ully a:a"e, in ene"al, ad1inist"ati.e 4"*ceedin s d* n*t "e$ui"e a t"ial ty4e %ea"in . 9e %a.e %eld t%at: T%e essence *+ due 4"*cess is si14ly an *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d *", as a44lied t* ad1inist"ati.e 4"*ceedin s, an *44*"tunity t* e=4lain *neLs side *" an *44*"tunity t* see; a "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e acti*n *" "ulin c*14lained *+. 9%at t%e la: 4"*%i3its is a'solute a3sence *+ t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d, %ence, a 4a"ty cann*t +ei n denial *+ due 4"*cess :%e"e %e %ad 3een a++*"ded t%e *44*"tunity t* 4"esent %is side. A +*"1al *" t"ial ty4e %ea"in is n*t at all ti1es and in all instances essential t* due 4"*cess, t%e "e$ui"e1ents *+ :%ic% a"e satis+ied :%e"e t%e 4a"ties a"e a++*"ded +ai" and "eas*na3le *44*"tunity t* e=4lain t%ei" side *+ t%e c*nt"*.e"sy.6&' /E14%ases su44lied.0 In "elati*n t* 3a" disci4line cases, :e %a.e %ad t%e *ccasi*n t* "ule in Pena .. A4a"ici* 6&7 t%at: Cisci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s a ainst la:ye"s a"e sui generis. Neit%e" 4u"ely ci.il n*" 4u"ely c"i1inal, t%ey d* n*t in.*l.e a t"ial *+ an acti*n *" a suit, 3ut is "at%e" an in.esti ati*n 3y t%e C*u"t int* t%e c*nduct *+ *ne *+ its *++ice"s. N*t 3ein intended t* in+lict 4unis%1ent, it is in n* sense a c"i1inal 4"*secuti*n. Acc*"din ly, t%e"e is neit%e" a 4lainti++ n*" a 4"*secut*" t%e"ein. It 1ay 3e initiated 3y t%e C*u"t motu proprio. Pu3lic inte"est is its 4"i1a"y *3Eecti.e, and t%e "eal $uesti*n +*" dete"1inati*n is :%et%e" *" n*t t%e att*"ney is still a +it 4e"s*n t* 3e all*:ed t%e 4"i.ile es as suc%. Hence, in t%e e=e"cise *+ its disci4lina"y 4*:e"s, t%e C*u"t 1e"ely calls u4*n a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" t* acc*unt +*" %is actuati*ns as an *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t :it% t%e end in .ie: *+ 4"ese".in t%e 4u"ity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and t%e 4"*4e" and %*nest ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice 3y 4u" in t%e 4"*+essi*n *+ 1e13e"s :%* 3y t%ei" 1isc*nduct %a.e 4"*.ed t%e1sel.es n* l*n e" :*"t%y t* 3e ent"usted :it% t%e duties and "es4*nsi3ilities 4e"tainin t* t%e *++ice *+ an att*"ney. In suc% 4*stu"e, t%e"e can t%us 3e n* *ccasi*n t* s4ea; *+ a c*14lainant *" a 4"*secut*".6&& /E14%ases su44lied.0 In Mue"y *+ Atty. ,a"en M. -il.e"i*#!u++e, F*"1e" Cle"; *+ C*u"t > !". )6, R*13l*n > On t%e P"*%i3iti*n +"*1 En a in in t%e P"i.ate P"actice *+ La:,6&I :e +u"t%e" *3se".ed t%at: FIGn se.e"al cases, t%e C*u"t %as disci4lined la:ye"s :it%*ut +u"t%e" in$ui"y *" "es*"t t* any +*"1al in.esti ati*n :%e"e t%e +acts *n "ec*"d su++iciently 4"*.ided t%e 3asis +*" t%e dete"1inati*n *+ t%ei" ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility. In P"udential !an; .. Cast"*, t%e C*u"t dis3a""ed a la:ye" :it%*ut need *+ any +u"t%e" in.esti ati*n a+te" c*nside"in %is acti*ns 3ased *n "ec*"ds s%*:in %is unet%ical 1isc*nductA t%e 1isc*nduct n*t *nly cast dis%*n*" *n t%e i1a e *+ 3*t% t%e !enc% and t%e !a", 3ut :as als* ini1ical t* 4u3lic inte"est and :el+a"e. In t%is "e a"d, t%e C*u"t t**; Eudicial n*tice *+ se.e"al cases %andled 3y t%e e""ant la:ye" and %is c*%*"ts t%at "e.ealed t%ei" mo"us operan"i in ci"cu1.entin t%e 4ay1ent *+ t%e 4"*4e" Eudicial +ees +*" t%e ast"*n*1ical

su1s t%ey clai1ed in t%ei" cases. T%e C*u"t %eld t%at t%*se cases su++iciently 4"*.ided t%e 3asis +*" t%e dete"1inati*n *+ "es4*ndentsL ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility, :it%*ut need +*" +u"t%e" in$ui"y int* t%e 1atte" unde" t%e 4"inci4le *+ res ipsa lo(uitur. Als* *n t%e 3asis *+ t%is 4"inci4le, :e "uled in Ric%a"ds .. As*y, t%at n* e.identia"y %ea"in is "e$ui"ed 3e+*"e t%e "es4*ndent 1ay 3e disci4lined +*" 4"*+essi*nal 1isc*nduct al"eady esta3lis%ed 3y t%e +acts *n "ec*"d. ==== T%ese cases clea"ly s%*: t%at t%e a3sence *+ any +*"1al c%a" e a ainst and?*" +*"1al in.esti ati*n *+ an e""ant la:ye" d* n*t 4"eclude t%e C*u"t +"*1 i11ediately e=e"cisin its disci4linin aut%*"ity, as l*n as t%e e""ant la:ye" *" Eud e %as 3een i.en t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d. As :e stated ea"lie", Atty. !u++e %as 3een a++*"ded t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d *n t%e 4"esent 1atte" t%"*u % %e" lette"#$ue"y and Mani+estati*n +iled 3e+*"e t%is C*u"t.6&5 /E14%ases su44lied.0 Unde" t%e "ules and Eu"is4"udence, "es4*ndents clea"ly %ad n* "i %t t* a %ea"in and t%ei" "ese".ati*n *+ a "i %t t%ey d* n*t %a.e %as n* e++ect *n t%ese 4"*ceedin s. Neit%e" %a.e t%ey s%*:n in t%ei" 4leadin s any Eusti+icati*n +*" t%is C*u"t t* call +*" a %ea"in in t%is instance. T%ey %a.e n*t s4eci+ically stated :%at "ele.ant e.idence, d*cu1enta"y *" testi1*nial, t%ey intend t* 4"esent in t%ei" de+ense t%at :ill necessitate a +*"1al %ea"in . Instead, it :*uld a44ea" t%at t%ey intend t* 4"esent "ec*"ds, e.idence, and :itnesses 3ea"in *n t%e 4la ia"is1 and 1is"e4"esentati*n issues in t%e #inu a case and in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C *n t%e assu14ti*n t%at t%e +indin s *+ t%is C*u"t :%ic% :e"e t%e 3ases *+ t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n :e"e 1ade in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C, *" :e"e "elated t* t%e c*nclusi*ns *+ t%e C*u"t in t%e Cecisi*n in t%at case. T%is is t%e 4"i1a"y "eas*n +*" t%ei" "e$uest +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds and e.idence 4"esented in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C. T%is assu14ti*n *n t%e 4a"t *+ "es4*ndents is e""*ne*us. T* illust"ate, t%e *nly incident in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62# -C t%at is "ele.ant t* t%e case at 3a" is t%e +act t%at t%e su31issi*n *+ t%e actual si ned c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent /*" Rest*"in Inte "ity I, as Cean Le*nen "e+e""ed t* it0 %a44ened t%e"e. A4a"t +"*1 t%at +act, it 3ea"s "e4eatin t%at t%e 4"*ceedin s in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C, t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*, is a se4a"ate and inde4endent 1atte" +"*1 t%is case. T* +ind t%e 3ases *+ t%e state1ents *+ t%e C*u"t in t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n t%at t%e "es4*ndents issued a -tate1ent :it% lan ua e t%at t%e C*u"t dee1s *3Eecti*na3le du"in t%e 4endency *+ t%e @inuya case and t%e et%ics case a ainst Justice Cel Castill*, "es4*ndents need t* * n* +u"t%e" t%an t%e +*u" c*"ne"s *+ t%e -tate1ent itsel+, its .a"i*us .e"si*ns, ne:s "e4*"ts?c*lu1ns /1any *+ :%ic% "es4*ndents t%e1sel.es su44lied t* t%is C*u"t in t%ei" C*11*n C*14liance0 and inte"net s*u"ces t%at a"e al"eady *+ 4u3lic ;n*:led e. C*nside"in t%at :%at "es4*ndents a"e c%ie+ly "e$ui"ed t* e=4lain a"e t%e lan ua e *+ t%e -tate1ent and t%e ci"cu1stances su""*undin t%e d"a+tin , 4"intin , si nin , disse1inati*n, etc., *+ its .a"i*us .e"si*ns, t%e C*u"t d*es n*t see %*: any :itness *" e.idence in t%e et%ics case *+ Justice Cel Castill* c*uld 4*ssi3ly s%ed li %t *n t%ese +acts. T* 3e su"e, t%ese +acts a"e :it%in t%e ;n*:led e *+ "es4*ndents and i+ t%e"e is any e.idence *n t%ese 1atte"s t%e sa1e :*uld 3e in t%ei" 4*ssessi*n. 9e +ind it si ni+icant t%at in Cean Le*nenBs C*14liance %e na""ated %*: as ea"ly as -e4te13e" '(6(, i.e., 3e+*"e t%e Cecisi*n *+ t%is C*u"t in t%e et%ics case *+ Justice Cel Castill* *n Oct*3e" 6', '(6( and 3e+*"e t%e Oct*3e" 6R, '(6( -%*: Cause Res*luti*n, "eti"ed -u4"e1e C*u"t Justice @icente @. Mend*Da, a+te" 3ein s%*:n a c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent u4*n %is "etu"n +"*1 a3"*ad, 4"edicted t%at t%e C*u"t :*uld ta;e s*1e +*"1 *+ acti*n *n t%e -tate1ent. !y si14ly "eadin a %a"d c*4y *+ t%e -tate1ent, a "eas*na3le 4e"s*n, e.en *ne :%* 8+unda1entally a "eed8 :it% t%e -tate1entBs 4"inci4les, c*uld +*"esee t%e 4*ssi3ility *+ c*u"t acti*n *n t%e sa1e *n an i14licit "ec* niti*n t%at t%e -tate1ent, as :*"ded, is n*t a 1atte" t%is C*u"t s%*uld si14ly let 4ass. T%is 3elies "es4*ndentsB clai1 t%at it is necessa"y +*" t%e1 t* "e+e" t* any "ec*"d *" e.idence in A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C in *"de" t* di.ine t%e 3ases +*" t%e -%*: Cause Res*luti*n.

I+ "es4*ndents %a.e c%*sen n*t t* include ce"tain 4ieces *+ e.idence in t%ei" "es4ecti.e c*14liances *" c%*sen n*t t* 1a;e a +ull de+ense at t%is ti1e, 3ecause t%ey :e"e c*untin *n 3ein "anted a %ea"in , t%at is "es4*ndentsB *:n l**;#*ut. Indeed, la: 4"*+ess*"s *+ t%ei" statu"e a"e su44*sed t* 3e a:a"e *+ t%e a3*.e Eu"is4"udential d*ct"ines "e a"din t%e n*n#necessity *+ a %ea"in in disci4lina"y cases. T%ey s%*uld 3ea" t%e c*nse$uence *+ t%e "is; t%ey %a.e ta;en. T%us, "es4*ndentsB "e$uests +*" a %ea"in and +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds *+, and e.idence 4"esented in, A.M. N*. 6(#2#62#-C s%*uld 3e denied +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. A <!n l Fo'( In a de1*c"acy, 1e13e"s *+ t%e le al c*11unity a"e %a"dly e=4ected t* %a.e 1*n*lit%ic .ie:s *n any su3Eect, 3e it a le al, 4*litical *" s*cial issue. E.en as la:ye"s 4assi*nately and .i *"*usly 4"*4*und t%ei" 4*ints *+ .ie: t%ey a"e 3*und 3y ce"tain "ules *+ c*nduct +*" t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. T%is C*u"t is ce"tainly n*t clai1in t%at it s%*uld 3e s%ielded +"*1 c"iticis1. All t%e C*u"t de1ands is t%e sa1e "es4ect and c*u"tesy t%at *ne la:ye" *:es t* an*t%e" unde" esta3lis%ed et%ical standa"ds. All la:ye"s, :%et%e" t%ey a"e Eud es, c*u"t e14l*yees, 4"*+ess*"s *" 4"i.ate 4"actiti*ne"s, a"e *++ice"s *+ t%e C*u"t and %a.e .*lunta"ily ta;en an *at%, as an indis4ensa3le $uali+icati*n +*" ad1issi*n t* t%e !a", t* c*nduct t%e1sel.es :it% **d +idelity t*:a"ds t%e c*u"ts. T%e"e is n* e=e14ti*n +"*1 t%is s:*"n duty +*" la: 4"*+ess*"s, "e a"dless *+ t%ei" status in t%e acade1ic c*11unity *" t%e la: sc%**l t* :%ic% t%ey 3el*n . 9HEREFORE, t%is ad1inist"ati.e 1atte" is decided as +*ll*:s: /60 9it% "es4ect t* P"*+. @as$ueD, a+te" +a.*"a3ly n*tin %is su31issi*n, t%e C*u"t +inds %is C*14liance t* 3e satis+act*"y. /'0 T%e C*11*n C*14liance *+ 7I "es4*ndents, na1ely, Attys. Ma".ic M.@.F. Le*nen, F"*ilan M. !acun an, Paci+ic* A. A a3in, Me"lin M. Ma all*na, -al.ad*" T. Ca"l*ta, Ca"1el* @. -is*n, Pat"icia R.P. -al.ad*" Ca:ay, Cante !. Jat1aytan, T%e*d*"e O. Te, Fl*"in T. Hil3ay, Jay L. !at*n 3acal, E.elyn /Le*0 C. !attad, J:en J. Ce @e"a, -*l*1*n F. Lu13a, R*11el J. Casis, J*se Je"a"d* A. Ala14ay, Mi uel R. A"1*.it, A"t%u" P. Autea, R*sa Ma"ia J. !autista, Ma"; R. !*c*3*, Can P. Calica, T"istan A. Catindi , -and"a Ma"ie O. C*"*nel, R*sa"i* O. Jall*, C*nce4ci*n L. Ja"deleDa, Ant*ni* J.M. La @iQa, Ca"ina C. La+*"teDa, J*se C. Lau"eta, R*d*l+* N*el -. Mui13*, Ant*ni* M. -ant*s, J1eleen Faye !. T*13*c, Nic%*las Feli= L. Ty, E.alyn J. U"sua, -usan C. @illanue.a and Cina C. Lucena"i*, is +*und UN-ATI-FACTORK. T%ese 7I "es4*ndent la: 4"*+ess*"s a"e "e1inded *+ t%ei" la:ye"ly duty, unde" Can*ns 6, 66 and 67 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, t* i.e due "es4ect t* t%e C*u"t and t* "e+"ain +"*1 inte14e"ate and *++ensi.e lan ua e tendin t* in+luence t%e C*u"t *n 4endin 1atte"s *" t* deni "ate t%e C*u"t and t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and :a"ned t%at t%e sa1e *" si1ila" act in t%e +utu"e s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. /70 T%e se4a"ate C*14liance *+ Cean Ma".ic M.@.F. Le*nen "e a"din t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6( is +*und UN-ATI-FACTORK. He is +u"t%e" ACMONI-HEC t* 3e 1*"e 1ind+ul *+ %is duty, as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", an *++ice" *+ t%e C*u"t, and a Cean and 4"*+ess*" *+ la:, t* *3se".e +ull cand*" and %*nesty in %is dealin s :it% t%e C*u"t and :a"ned t%at t%e sa1e *" si1ila" act in t%e +utu"e s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. /&0 P"*+. Lync%, :%* is n*t a 1e13e" *+ t%e P%ili44ine 3a", is e=cused +"*1 t%ese 4"*ceedin s. H*:e.e", %e is "e1inded t%at :%ile %e is en a ed as a 4"*+ess*" in a P%ili44ine la: sc%**l %e s%*uld st"i.e t* 3e a 1*del *+ "es4*nsi3le and 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct t* %is students e.en :it%*ut t%e t%"eat *+ sancti*n +"*1 t%is C*u"t. /I0 Finally, "es4*ndentsB "e$uests +*" a %ea"in and +*" access t* t%e "ec*"ds *+ A.M. N*. 6(#2#62# -C a"e denied +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. -O ORCEREC.

A.). No. 6,6* Ap'!l 16, 2007 JOSE ). SABERON, c*14lainant, .s. A00/. 8ERNANDO 0. &ARONG, "es4*ndent. )AR5IO MORA&ES, J.? In a C*14laint6 +iled 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant, t%is C*u"t, c*14lainant J*se C. -a3e"*n /c*14lainant0 c%a" ed Atty. Fe"nand* T. La"*n /"es4*ndent0 *+ "a.e 1isc*nduct +*" alle edly usin a3usi.e and *++ensi.e lan ua e in 4leadin s +iled 3e+*"e t%e Bang;o Sentral ng Pilipinas /!-P0. T%e antecedent +acts *+ t%e case a"e as +*ll*:s: C*14lainant +iled 3e+*"e t%e !-P a Petiti*n ' a ainst -u"i a*n*n Ru"al !an;in C*"4*"ati*n /t%e 3an;0 and Al+"ed* Tan !*n4in /!*n4in0, :%*se +a1ily c*14"ises t%e 1aE*"ity st*c;%*lde"s *+ t%e 3an;, +*" cancellati*n *+ t%e 3an;Ls "e ist"ati*n and +"anc%ise. T%e Petiti*n, %e said, a"*se +"*1 t%e 3an;Ls and?*" !*n4inLs "e+usal t* "etu"n .a"i*us c%ec;s and land titles, :%ic% :e"e i.en t* secu"e a l*an *3tained 3y %is /c*14lainantLs0 :i+e, des4ite alle ed +ull 4ay1ent *+ t%e l*an and inte"ests. Res4*ndent, in#%*use c*unsel and actin c*"4*"ate sec"eta"y *+ t%e 3an;, +iled an Ans:e" :it% A++i"1ati.e Ce+enses7 t* t%e Petiti*n statin , inter alia, I. T%at t%is is an*t%e" in t%e se"ies *+ 3lac;1ail suits +iled 3y 4lainti++ F%e"ein c*14lainant J*se C. -a3e"*nG and %is :i+e t* c*e"ce t%e !an; and M". !*n4in +*" +inancial ain > = = = =.& /E14%asis and unde"sc*"in su44lied0 Res4*ndent 1ade state1ents *+ t%e sa1e ten*" in %is ReE*inde"I t* c*14lainantLs Re4ly. Findin t%e a+*"e1enti*ned state1ents t* 3e 8t*tally 1alici*us, .isc*us FsicG and 3e"e+t *+ any +actual *" le al 3asis,8 c*14lainant +iled t%e 4"esent c*14laint. C*14lainant c*ntends t%at %e +iled t%e Petiti*n 3e+*"e t%e !-P in t%e le iti1ate e=e"cise *+ %is c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* see; "ed"ess *+ %is "ie.ancesA and t%at "es4*ndent, as in#%*use c*unsel and actin c*"4*"ate sec"eta"y *+ t%e 3an;, :as +ully a:a"e t%at t%e l*an *3tained 3y %is /c*14lainantLs0 :i+e in 3e%al+ *+ 8%e" c%ild"en8 %ad 3een 4aid in +ull, %ence, t%e"e :as n* 1*"e "eas*n t* c*ntinue %*ldin t%e c*llate"als. C*14lainant adds t%at "es4*ndent aided and a3etted t%e in+licti*n *+ da1a es u4*n %is :i+e and 8%e" c%ild"en8 :%* :e"e t%us de4"i.ed *+ t%e use *+ t%e 1*"t a ed 4"*4e"ty. In %is C*11ent5 t* t%e 4"esent c*14laint a ainst %i1, "es4*ndent a" ues t%at: /60 t%e"e :as 8n*t%in a3usi.e, *++ensi.e *" *t%e":ise i14"*4e"8 in t%e :ay %e used t%e :*"d 83lac;1ail8 t* c%a"acte"iDe t%e suit a ainst %is clientsA and /'0 :%en a la:ye" +iles a "es4*nsi.e 4leadin , %e is n*t in any :ay aidin *" a3ettin t%e in+licti*n *+ da1a es u4*n t%e *t%e" 4a"ty. !y Res*luti*n *+ Ma"c% 65, '((I,2 t%e C*u"t "e+e""ed t%e case t* t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines +*" in.esti ati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n. In %is Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n dated June '6, '((5, ) I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" Cennis A. !. Funa %eld t%at t%e :*"d 83lac;1ail8 c*nn*tes s*1et%in siniste" and c"i1inal. Unless t%e 4e"s*n accused t%e"e*+ is c"i1inally c%a" ed :it% e=t*"ti*n, %e added, it :*uld 3e i14"udent, i+ n*t *++ensi.e, t* c%a"acte"iDe t%at 4e"s*nLs act as 3lac;1ail. C*11issi*ne" Funa st"essed t%at a c*unsel is e=4ected *nly t* 4"esent +actual a" u1ents and t* anc%*" %is case *n t%e le al 1e"its *+ %is clientLs clai1 *" de+ense in line :it% %is duty unde" Rule 6R.(6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, as +*ll*:s: A la:ye" s%all e14l*y *nly +ai" and %*nest 1eans t* attain t%e la:+ul *3Eecti.es *+ %is client and s%all n*t 4"esent, 4a"tici4ate in 4"esentin *" t%"eaten t* 4"esent un+*unded c"i1inal c%a" es t* *3tain an i14"*4e" ad.anta e in any case *" 4"*ceedin . M*"e*.e", %e n*ted t%at in es4*usin a clientLs cause, "es4*ndent s%*uld n*t state %is 4e"s*nal 3elie+ as t* t%e s*undness *" Eustice *+ %is case 4u"suant t* Can*n 6IR *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.

T%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" als* *4ined t%at 3y usin :*"ds t%at :e"e 8unnecessa"y and i""ele.ant t* t%e case,8 "es4*ndent :ent 8*.e"3*a"d and c"*ssed t%e line8 *+ 4"*+essi*nal c*nduct. In .ie: t%e"e*+, %e "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e +*und cul4a3le *+ "*ss 1isc*nduct and sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" 7( days. !y Res*luti*n N*. H@II#'((2#(75 *+ Janua"y 6), '((2,6( t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s disa44"*.ed t%e "ec*11endati*n and instead dis1issed t%e case +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. T%e C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line, 3y lette" *+ Ma"c% '5, '((2, t"ans1itted t%e "ec*"ds *+ t%e case t* t%is C*u"t.66 C*14lainant a44ealed t%e Res*luti*n *+ t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s t* t%is C*u"t .ia a 4etiti*n +iled *n Ma"c% 2, '((2, unde" -ecti*n 6' /c0 *+ Rule 67R#!6' *+ t%e Re.ised Rules *+ C*u"t. C*14lainant c%allen es t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"Ls Res*luti*n as ille al and .*id a' initio +*" .i*latin t%e 1andat*"y "e$ui"e1ents *+ -ecti*n 6'/a0 *+ Rule 67R#! *+ t%e Re.ised Rules *+ C*u"t t%at t%e sa1e 3e 8"educed t* :"itin , clea"ly and distinctly statin t%e +acts and t%e "eas*ns *n :%ic% it is 3ased.8 Findin t%e "ulin *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" t%at "es4*ndent is uilty *+ "a.e 1isc*nduct t* 3e in acc*"dance :it% t%e e.idence, c*14lainant ne.e"t%eless su31its t%at t%e "ec*11ended 4enalty *+ sus4ensi*n s%*uld 3e 1*di+ied t* dis3a"1ent. T%e *++ense c*11itted 3y "es4*ndent, %e 4*sits, 1ani+ests an e.il 1*ti.e and is t%e"e+*"e an in+"acti*n in.*l.in 1*"al tu"4itude. In %is C*11ent t* Ft%eG Petiti*n +*" Re.ie:, "es4*ndent states t%at t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint a ainst %i1 is a %a"ass1ent suit i.en t%at it :as in %is ca4acity as c*unsel +*" t%e 3an; and !*n4in t%at %e +iled t%e Ans:e" *3Eected t* 3y c*14lainant. M*"e*.e", "es4*ndent clai1s t%at t%e 4u"4*"tedly *++ensi.e alle ati*n :as a state1ent *+ +act :%ic% %e %ad 3ac;ed u4 :it% a na""ati*n *+ t%e c%"*n*l* ical incidents and suits +iled 3y c*14lainant and %is :i+e a ainst %is clients. T%at 3ein t%e case, %e c*ntends t%at t%e alle ati*n 1ade in t%e Ans:e" 1ust 3e c*nside"ed a3s*lutely 4"i.ile ed Eust li;e alle ati*ns 1ade in any c*14laint *" initiat*"y 4leadin . Res4*ndent in +act c*unte"s t%at it :as c*14lainant %i1sel+ :%* %ad 1ade se"i*us i14utati*ns *+ :"*n d*in a ainst %is clients > t%e 3an; +*" alle edly 3ein en a ed in s*1e ille al acti.ities, and !*n4in +*" 1is"e4"esentin %i1sel+ as a Fili4in*. N*net%eless, "es4*ndent 4leads t%at at t%e ti1e t%e alle edly a3usi.e and *++ensi.e lan ua e :as used, %e :as *nly t:* yea"s int* t%e 4"*+essi*n, :it% na"y an intenti*n *+ 3"in in dis%*n*" t* it. He ad1its t%at 3ecause *+ s*1e in+elicities *+ lan ua e, %e 1ay %a.e sti""ed u4 c*14lainantLs indi nati*n +*" :%ic% %e as;ed t%e latte"Ls and t%is C*u"tLs cle1ency. In %is Re4ly,67 c*14lainant c*unte"s t%at "es4*ndentLs C*11ent "e.eals t%e latte"Ls 4"*4ensity t* deli3e"ately state a +alse%**dA and t%at "es4*ndentLs clai1 t%at t%e ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint :as a 8%a"assin act,8 deduci3le +"*1 t%e 8+act t%at FitG 4*st#dates a se"ies *+ suits, n*ne *+ :%ic% %as 4"*s4e"ed = = = a ainst t%e sa1e "u"al 3an; and its *:ne",8 is 3e"e+t *+ +actual 3asis. C*14lainant *es *n t* a" ue t%at "es4*ndent, as c*unsel +*" !*n4in, ;ne: *+ t%e t:* c"i1inal cases %e and %is :i+e %ad +iled a ainst !*n4in and, as ad1itted 3y "es4*ndent, *+ t%e c"i1inal c%a" es a ainst %i1 +*" li3el a"isin +"*1 %is i14utati*ns *+ 3lac;1ail, e=t*"ti*n *" "*33e"y a ainst %i1 and %is :i+e. Finally, c*14lainant "e+uses t* accede t* "es4*ndentLs ent"eaty +*" cle1ency. T%is C*u"t +inds "es4*ndent uilty *+ si14le 1isc*nduct +*" usin inte14e"ate lan ua e in %is 4leadin s. T%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 1andates: CANON ) # A la:ye" s%all c*nduct %i1sel+ :it% c*u"tesy, +ai"ness and cand*" t*:a"d %is 4"*+essi*nal c*llea ues, and s%all a.*id %a"assin tactics a ainst *44*sin c*unsel. Rule ).(6 # A la:ye" s%all n*t, in %is 4"*+essi*nal dealin s, use lan ua e :%ic% is a3usi.e, *++ensi.e *" *t%e":ise i14"*4e".

CANON 66 # A la:ye" s%all *3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts and t* Eudicial *++ice"s and s%*uld insist *n si1ila" c*nduct 3y *t%e"s. Rule 66.(7 # A la:ye" s%all a3stain +"*1 scandal*us, *++ensi.e *" 1enacin lan ua e *" 3e%a.i*" 3e+*"e t%e C*u"ts. T* 3e su"e, t%e ad.e"sa"ial natu"e *+ *u" le al syste1 %as te14ted 1e13e"s *+ t%e 3a" t* use st"*n lan ua e in 4u"suit *+ t%ei" duty t* ad.ance t%e inte"ests *+ t%ei" clients.6& H*:e.e", :%ile a la:ye" is entitled t* 4"esent %is case :it% .i *" and c*u"a e, suc% ent%usias1 d*es n*t Eusti+y t%e use *+ *++ensi.e and a3usi.e lan ua e. 6I Lan ua e a3*unds :it% c*untless 4*ssi3ilities +*" *ne t* 3e e14%atic 3ut "es4ect+ul, c*n.incin 3ut n*t de"* at*"y, illu1inatin 3ut n*t *++ensi.e.65 On 1any *ccasi*ns, t%e C*u"t %as "e1inded 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a" t* a3stain +"*1 all *++ensi.e 4e"s*nality and t* ad.ance n* +act 4"eEudicial t* t%e %*n*" *" "e4utati*n *+ a 4a"ty *" :itness, unless "e$ui"ed 3y t%e Eustice *+ t%e cause :it% :%ic% %e is c%a" ed. 62 In ;ee4in :it% t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n, a la:ye"Ls lan ua e e.en in %is 4leadin s 1ust 3e di ni+ied.6) It is *+ n* c*nse$uence t%at t%e alle edly 1alici*us state1ents *+ "es4*ndent :e"e 1ade n*t 3e+*"e a c*u"t 3ut 3e+*"e t%e !-P. A si1ila" su31issi*n t%at actuati*ns *+ and state1ents 1ade 3y la:ye"s 3e+*"e t%e Nati*nal La3*" Relati*ns C*11issi*n /NLRC0 a"e n*t c*.e"ed 3y t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, t%e NLRC n*t 3ein a c*u"t, :as st"uc; d*:n in Lu'iano v. !or"olla,6R t%us: Res4*ndent 3eca1e un1ind+ul *+ t%e +act t%at in add"essin t%e Nati*nal La3*" Relati*ns C*11issi*n, %e n*net%eless "e1ained a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", an *at%#3*und se".ant *+ t%e la:, :%*se +i"st duty is n*t t* %is client 3ut t* t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and :%*se c*nduct *u %t t* 3e and 1ust 3e sc"u4ul*usly *3se".ant *+ la: and et%ics.'( T%e *3se".ati*n a44lies :it% e$ual +*"ce t* t%e case at 3a". Res4ectin "es4*ndentLs a" u1ent t%at t%e 1atte"s stated in t%e Ans:e" %e +iled 3e+*"e t%e !-P :e"e 4"i.ile ed, it su++ices t* st"ess t%at la:ye"s, t%*u % t%ey a"e all*:ed a latitude *+ 4e"tinent "e1a"; *" c*11ent in t%e +u"t%e"ance *+ t%e causes t%ey u4%*ld and +*" t%e +elicity *+ t%ei" clients, s%*uld n*t t"enc% 3ey*nd t%e 3*unds *+ "ele.ancy and 4"*4"iety in 1a;in suc% "e1a"; *" c*11ent.'6 T"ue, utte"ances, 4etiti*ns and 1*ti*ns 1ade in t%e c*u"se *+ Eudicial 4"*ceedin s %a.e c*nsistently 3een c*nside"ed as a3s*lutely 4"i.ile ed, %*:e.e" +alse *" 1alici*us t%ey 1ay 3e, 3ut *nly +*" s* l*n as t%ey a"e 4e"tinent and "ele.ant t* t%e su3Eect *+ in$ui"y.'' T%e test *+ "ele.ancy %as 3een stated, t%us: = = =. As t* t%e de "ee *+ "ele.ancy *" 4e"tinency necessa"y t* 1a;e alle ed de+a1at*"y 1atte"s 4"i.ile ed t%e c*u"ts +a.*" a li3e"al "ule. T%e 1atte" t* :%ic% t%e 4"i.ile e d*es n*t e=tend 1ust 3e s* 4al4a3ly :antin in "elati*n t* t%e su3Eect 1atte" *+ t%e c*nt"*.e"sy t%at n* "eas*na3le 1an can d*u3t its "ele.ancy and i14"*4"iety. In *"de" t%at 1atte" alle ed in a 4leadin 1ay 3e 4"i.ile ed, it need n*t 3e in e.e"y case 1ate"ial t* t%e issues 4"esented 3y t%e 4leadin s. It 1ust, %*:e.e", 3e le iti1ately "elated t%e"et*, *" s* 4e"tinent t* t%e su3Eect *+ t%e c*nt"*.e"sy t%at it 1ay 3ec*1e t%e su3Eect *+ in$ui"y in t%e c*u"se *+ t%e t"ial = = =. '7 J"antin t%at t%e 4"*ceedin s 3e+*"e t%e !-P 4a"ta;e *+ t%e natu"e *+ Eudicial 4"*ceedin s, t%e asc"i4ti*n *+ L3lac;1ailL in t%e Ans:e" and ReE*inde" +iled 3y "es4*ndent is n*t le iti1ately "elated *" 4e"tinent t* t%e su3Eect 1atte"s *+ in$ui"y 3e+*"e t%e !-P, :%ic% :e"e !*n4inLs alle ed alien citiDens%i4 and 1aE*"ity st*c;%*ldin in t%e 3an;. T%*se issues :e"e a14ly discussed in t%e Ans:e" :it% A++i"1ati.e Ce+enses :it%*ut need *+ t%e +u"t%e" alle ati*n t%at t%e Petiti*n :as 8an*t%e" in a se"ies *+ -l cCm !l suits . . . t* c*e"ce t%e !an; and M". !*n4in +*" +inancial ain.8 Hence, suc% alle ati*n :as unnecessa"y and uncalled +*". M*"e s*, c*nside"in t%at c*14lainant and %is :i+e :e"e :ell :it%in t%ei" "i %ts t* +ile t%e cases a ainst t%e 3an; and?*" !*n4in t* 4"*tect t%ei" inte"ests and see; "ed"ess *+ t%ei" "ie.ances.

Res4ectin t%e assailed Res*luti*n *+ t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s, indeed *nly a 8N*tice *+ Res*luti*n8 :as t"ans1itted t* t%is C*u"t, t* et%e" :it% t%e Rec*"ds *+ t%e case, :%ic% N*tice si14ly stated t%at *n Janua"y 6), '((2, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s 4assed Res*luti*n N*. H@II#'((2#(75 in :%ic% it: RE-OL@EC t* AMENC, as it is %e"e3y AMENCEC, t%e Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne", and t* APPRO@E t%e CI-MI--AL *+ t%e a3*.e#entitled case +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. U4*n suc% N*tice, it is e.ident t%at t%e"e is n* c*14liance :it% t%e 4"*cedu"al "e$ui"e1ent t%at t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"sL decisi*n s%all state clea"ly and distinctly t%e +indin s *+ +acts *" la: *n :%ic% t%e sa1e is 3ased. T%us -ecti*n 6' *+ Rule 67R#! *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t 4"*.ides: -EC. 6'. Re.ie: and decisi*n 3y t%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s. # /a0 E.e"y case %ea"d 3y an in.esti at*" s%all 3e "e.ie:ed 3y t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s u4*n t%e "ec*"d and e.idence t"ans1itted t* it 3y t%e In.esti at*" :it% %is "e4*"t. 0>e (ec!$!on o< ">e Bo '( upon $uc> 'e#!eF $> ll -e !n F'!"!n: n( $> ll cle 'l9 n( (!$"!nc"l9 $" "e ">e < c"$ n( ">e 'e $on$ on F>!c> !" !$ - $e(. It s%all 3e 4"*1ul ated :it%in a 4e"i*d n*t e=ceedin t%i"ty /7(0 days +"*1 t%e ne=t 1eetin *+ t%e !*a"d +*ll*:in t%e su31ittal *+ t%e In.esti at*"Ls "e4*"t. /E14%asis and unde"sc*"in su44lied0 T%e a3*.e "e$ui"e1ent se".es a .e"y i14*"tant +uncti*n n*t Eust t* in+*"1 t%e 4a"ties *+ t%e "eas*n +*" t%e decisi*n as :*uld ena3le t%e1 *n a44eal t* 4*int *ut and *3Eect t* t%e +indin s :it% :%ic% t%ey a"e n*t in a "ee1ent, 3ut als* t* assu"e t%e 4a"ties t%at t%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s %as "eac%ed t%e Eud 1ent t%"*u % t%e 4"*cess *+ le al "eas*nin .'& 9it% "e a"d t* c*14lainantLs 4lea t%at "es4*ndent 3e dis3a""ed, t%is C*u"t %as c*nsistently c*nside"ed dis3a"1ent and sus4ensi*n *+ an att*"ney as t%e 1*st se.e"e +*"1s *+ disci4lina"y acti*n, :%ic% s%*uld 3e i14*sed :it% "eat cauti*n. T%ey s%*uld 3e 1eted *ut *nly +*" duly 4"*.en se"i*us ad1inist"ati.e c%a" es. 'I T%us, :%ile "es4*ndent is uilty *+ usin in+elicit*us lan ua e, suc% t"ans "essi*n is n*t *+ a "ie.*us c%a"acte" as t* 1e"it "es4*ndentLs dis3a"1ent. In li %t *+ "es4*ndentLs a4*l* ies, t%e C*u"t +inds it 3est t* te14e" t%e 4enalty +*" %is in+"acti*n :%ic%, unde" t%e ci"cu1stances, is c*nside"ed si14le, "at%e" t%an "a.e, 1isc*nduct. %4ERE8ORE, c*14lainantLs 4etiti*n is 4a"tly GRAN0ED. Res4*ndent, Atty. Fe"nand* T. La"*n , is +*und uilty *+ SIM5&E MIS)ONDU)0 +*" usin inte14e"ate lan ua e. He is 8INED P',((( :it% a ste"n %ARNING t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%is *" si1ila" act :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant +*" a44"*4"iate ann*tati*n in t%e "ec*"d *+ "es4*ndent. SO ORDERED. A.). No. 7.20 Sep"em-e' 27, 2011 JUDGE RENE B. BA)U&I, )ompl !n n" #$. A00/. ME&)4OR A. BA00UNG, Re$pon(en". BRION, J.? !e+*"e us is t%e "es*luti*n F6G *+ t%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /,BP0 +indin Atty. Melc%*" !attun lia3le +*" .i*latin Rule 66.(7, Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility and "ec*11endin t%at %e 3e "e4"i1anded. T%e c*14lainant is Jud e Rene !. !aculi, P"esidin Jud e *+ t%e Munici4al T"ial C*u"t in Cities, !"anc% ',Tu ue a"a* City. T%e "es4*ndent, Atty. !attun , is a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a" :it% 4*stal add"ess *n A uinald* -t., Tu ue a"a* City. B cC:'oun(

Jud e !aculi +iled a c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent F'G :it% t%e C*11issi*n *n Cisci4line *+ t%e I!P a ainst t%e "es4*ndent, alle in t%at t%e latte" .i*lated Can*ns 66 F7G and 6'F&G *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. @i*lati*n *+ Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility Jud e !aculi clai1ed t%at *n July '&, '((), du"in t%e %ea"in *n t%e 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ Ci.il Case N*. 'I(', t%e "es4*ndent :as s%*utin :%ile a" uin %is 1*ti*n. Jud e !aculi ad.ised %i1 t* t*ne d*:n %is .*ice 3ut instead, t%e "es4*ndent s%*uted at t%e t*4 *+ %is .*ice. 9%en :a"ned t%at %e :*uld 3e cited +*" di"ect c*nte14t, t%e "es4*ndent s%*uted, OT%en cite 1eWPFIG Jud e !aculi cited %i1 +*" di"ect c*nte14t and i14*sed a +ine *+ P6((.((. T%e "es4*ndent t%en le+t. 9%ile *t%e" cases :e"e 3ein %ea"d, t%e "es4*ndent "e#ente"ed t%e c*u"t"**1 and s%*uted, OJud e, I :ill +ile "*ss i n*"ance a ainst y*uW I a1 n*t a+"aid *+ y*uWP F5G Jud e !aculi *"de"ed t%e s%e"i++ t* esc*"t t%e "es4*ndent *ut *+ t%e c*u"t"**1 and cited %i1 +*" di"ect c*nte14t *+ c*u"t +*" t%e sec*nd ti1e. A+te" %is %ea"in s, Jud e !aculi :ent *ut and sa: t%e "es4*ndent at t%e %all *+ t%e c*u"t%*use, a44a"ently :aitin +*" %i1. T%e "es4*ndent a ain s%*uted in a t%"eatenin t*ne, OJud e, I :ill +ile "*ss i n*"ance a ainst y*uW I a1 n*t a+"aid *+ y*uWP He ;e4t *n s%*utin , OI a1 n*t a+"aid *+ y*uWP and c%allen ed t%e Eud e t* a +i %t. -ta++ and la:ye"s esc*"ted %i1 *ut *+ t%e 3uildin .F2G Jud e !aculi als* lea"ned t%at a+te" t%e "es4*ndent le+t t%e c*u"t"**1, %e c*ntinued s%*utin and 4unc%ed a ta3le at t%e O++ice *+ t%e Cle"; *+ C*u"t.F)G @i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6' *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility Acc*"din t* Jud e !aculi, t%e "es4*ndent +iled dilat*"y 4leadin s in Ci.il Case N*. '5&(, an eEect1ent case. Jud e !aculi "ende"ed *n Oct*3e" &, '((2 a decisi*n in Ci.il Case N*. '5&(, :%ic% %e 1*di+ied *n Cece13e" 6&, '((2. A+te" t%e 1*di+ied decisi*n 3eca1e +inal and e=ecut*"y, t%e 3"anc% cle"; *+ c*u"t issued a ce"ti+icate *+ +inality. T%e "es4*ndent +iled a 1*ti*n t* $uas% t%e 4"e.i*usly issued :"it *+ e=ecuti*n, "aisin as a "*und t%e 1*ti*n t* dis1iss +iled 3y t%e de+endant +*" lac; *+ Eu"isdicti*n. Jud e !aculi asse"ted t%at t%e "es4*ndent ;ne: as a la:ye" t%at eEect1ent cases a"e :it%in t%e Eu"isdicti*n *+ Fi"st Le.el C*u"ts and t%e latte" :as 1e"ely delayin t%e s4eedy and e++icient ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. T%e "es4*ndent +iled %is Ans:e",FRG essentially sayin dis"es4ected %i1.F6(G 9e $u*te +"*1 %is Ans:e": '7. t%at it :as Jud e !aculi :%*

I *nly t*ld Jud e Rene !aculi I :ill +ile J"*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e La: a ainst %i1 *nce inside t%e c*u"t "**1 :%en %e :as la13astin 1eF.G

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It :as JUCJE !ACULI 9HO CI-RE-PECTEC ME. He did n*t li;e t%at I Eust su31it t%e M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n :it%*ut *"al a" u1ent 3ecause %e :anted t* %a.e an *ccasi*n t* Eust HUMILIATE ME and t* 1a;e a44ea" t* t%e 4u3lic t%at I a1 A NEJLIJENT LA9KER, :%en %e said OKOU JU-TIFK KOUR NEJLIJENCE !EFORE THI- COURTP 1a;in it an i14"essi*n t* t%e liti ants and t%e 4u3lic t%at as i+ I a1 a NEJLIJENT, INCOMPETENT, MUM!LINJ, and IRRE-PON-I!LE LA9KER. T%ese :*"ds *+ Jud e Rene !aculi 1ade 1e "eactF.G ====

T%at it :as du"in t%e ti1e :%en t%e c*14lainant as;ed t%e +*ll*:in $uesti*ns :%en t%e unde"si ned n*ticed t%at Atty. !attun s%*uted at t%e 4"esidin Eud e. C*u"t: Cid y*u 4"*ceed unde" t%e Re.ised Rules *n -u11a"y P"*cedu"e< * Atty. !attun : It is n*t *u" +ault K*u" H*n*" t* 4"*ceed 3ecause :e :e"e as;ed t* 4"esent *u" e.idence e= 4a"te. K*u" H*n*", s*, i+ s%*uld :e :e"e *"de"ed /sic0 3y t%e c*u"t t* +*ll*: t%e "ules *n su11a"y 4"*cedu"e. /T-N 4a e 7, July '&, '(()0 It :as *3se".ed t%at t%e Eud e utte"ed t%e +*ll*:in : C*u"t: C* n*t s%*ut. Atty. !attun : !ecause t%e c*u"t is s%*utin . /Pa e 7, T-N July '&, '(()0 N*te: * it :as at t%is 4*int :%en t%e "es4*ndent s%*uted at t%e c*14lainant. T%e"ea+te", it :as *3se".ed t%at 3*t% :e"e al"eady s%*utin at eac% *t%e". Res4*ndent clai1s t%at %e :as 4"*.*;ed 3y t%e 4"esidin Eud e t%at is :%y %e s%*uted 3ac; at %i1. !ut a+te" %ea"in t%e ta4e, t%e unde"si ned in c*n.inced t%at it :as Atty. !attun :%* s%*uted +i"st at t%e c*14lainant. P"esu1a3ly, t%e"e :e"e *t%e" la:ye"s and liti ants 4"esent :aitin +*" t%ei" cases t* 3e called. T%ey 1ust %a.e *3se".ed t%e incident. In +act, in t%e E*int#a++ida.it su31itted 3y Elenita Pac$uin et al., t%ey st**d as *ne in sayin t%at it :as "eally Atty. !attun :%* s%*uted at t%e Eud e t%at is :%y t%e latte" cauti*ned %i1 On*t t* s%*ut.P T%e last 4a"t *+ t%e incident as c*ntained in 4a e & *+ t%e T-N "eads as +*ll*:s: C*u"t: K*u a"e n*: *"de"ed t* 4ay a +ine *+ P6((.((. Atty. !attun : 9e :ill +ile t%e necessa"y acti*n a ainst t%is c*u"t +*" "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la:. C*u"t: Kes, 4"*ceed. /NOTE: Atty. !attun :ent *ut t%e c*u"t"**10 C*u"t: Ne=t case.

'I.

').

-ince I 1ani+ested t%at I :as n*t *in t* *"ally a" ue t%e M*ti*n, Jud e Rene !aculi c*uld %a.e Eust 1ade an *"de" t%at t%e M*ti*n +*" Rec*nside"ati*n is su31itted +*" "es*luti*n, 3ut :%at %e did :as t%at %e +*"ced 1e t* a" ue s* t%at %e :ill %a.e t%e "**1 t* %u1iliate 1e as %e used t* d* n*t *nly t* 1e 3ut al1*st *+ t%e la:ye"s %e"e /sic0.

Atty. !attun as;ed t%at t%e case a ainst %i1 3e dis1issed. T%e I!P c*nducted its in.esti ati*n *+ t%e 1atte" t%"*u % C*11issi*ne" J*se de la Ra1a, J". In %is C*11issi*ne"Bs Re4*"t,F66G C*11issi*ne" Ce la Ra1a stated t%at du"in t%e 1andat*"y c*n+e"ence *n Janua"y 65, '((R, 3*t% 4a"ties 1e"ely "eite"ated :%at t%ey alle ed in t%ei" su31itted 4leadin s. !*t% 4a"ties a "eed t%at t%e *"i inal c*4y *+ t%e July '&, '(() ta4e *+ t%e incident at t%e c*u"t"**1 :*uld 3e su31itted +*" t%e C*11issi*ne"Bs "e.ie:. Jud e !aculi su31itted t%e ta4e and t%e t"ansc"i4t *+ sten* "a4%ic n*tes *n Janua"y '7, '((R. C*11issi*ne" Ce la Ra1a na""ated %is +indin s, as +*ll*:s:F6'G At t%e +i"st 4a"t *+ t%e %ea"in as "e+lected in t%e T-N, it :as *3se".ed t%at t%e "es4*ndent :as cal1. He 4*litely a" ued %is case 3ut t%e .*ice *+ t%e c*14lainant a44ea"s t* 3e in %i % 4itc%. Cu"in t%e 1andat*"y c*n+e"ence, it :as als* *3se".ed t%at indeed, t%e c*14lainant 1aintains a %i % 4itc% :%ene.e" %e s4ea;s. In +act, in t%e T-N, :%e"e t%e"e :as al"eady an a" u1ent, t%e c*14lainant stated t%e +*ll*:in : C*u"t: C* n*t s%*ut. Atty. !attun : !ecause t%e c*u"t is s%*utin . C*u"t: T%is c*u"t %as 3een c*nstantly unde" t%is ;ind *+ .*ice Atty. !attun , :e a"e .e"y s*""y i+ y*u d* n*t :ant t* a44ea" 3e+*"e 1y c*u"t, t%en y*u 3ette" attend t* y*u" cases and d* n*t a44ea" 3e+*"e 1y c*u"t i+ y*u d* n*t :ant t* 3e c*""ectedW /T-N, July '&, '((), 4a e 70 /NOTE: T%e unde"lined :*"ds > O:e a"e .e"y s*""yP F> :e"eG actually utte"ed 3y Atty. !attun :%ile t%e Eud e :as sayin t%e $u*ted 4*"ti*n *+ t%e T-N0

Inte"4"ete": Ci.il Case N*. '2&5. /N*te: Atty. !attun ente"ed a ain t%e c*u"t"**10 Atty. !attun : !ut :%at :e d* n*t li;e X /n*t +inis%ed0 C*u"t: T%e ne=t ti1eX Atty. !attun : 9e :*uld li;e t* clea" X C*u"t: -%e"i++, t%"*: *ut t%e c*unsel, 4ut t%at e.e"yt%in in "ec*"d. I+ y*u :ant t* see 1e, see 1e a+te" t%e c*u"t. Ne=t case. Ci.il Case N*. '2&5 +*" Pa"titi*n and Ca1a es, R*3e"t* Ca3alDa .s. Te"esita Na"a , et al. /n*t%in +*ll*:s0 C*11issi*ne" Ce la Ra1a +*und t%at t%e "es4*ndent +ailed t* *3se".e Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility t%at "e$ui"es a la:ye" t* *3se".e and 1aintain "es4ect due t%e c*u"ts and Eudicial *++ice"s. T%e "es4*ndent als* .i*lated Rule 66.(7 *+ Can*n 66 t%at 4"*.ides t%at a la:ye" s%all a3stain +"*1 scandal*us, *++ensi.e *" 1enacin lan ua e *" 3e%a.i*" 3e+*"e t%e c*u"ts. T%e "es4*ndentBs a" u1ent t%at Jud e !aculi 4"*.*;ed %i1 t* s%*ut s%*uld n*t 3e i.en due c*nside"ati*n since t%e "es4*ndent s%*uld n*t %a.e s%*uted at t%e 4"esidin Eud eA 3y d*in s*, %e c"eated t%e i14"essi*n t%at dis"es4ect *+ a Eud e c*uld 3e t*le"ated. 9%at t%e "es4*ndent s%*uld %a.e d*ne :as t* +ile an acti*n 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" i+ %e 3elie.ed t%at Jud e !aculi did n*t act acc*"din t* t%e n*"1s *+ Eudicial c*nduct. 9it% "es4ect t* t%e c%a" e *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6' *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, C*11issi*ne" Ce la Ra1a +*und t%at t%e e.idence su31itted is insu++icient t* su44*"t a "ulin t%at t%e "es4*ndent %ad 1isused t%e Eudicial 4"*cesses t* +"ust"ate t%e ends *+ Eustice. C*11issi*ne" Ce la Ra1a "ec*11ended t%at t%e "es4*ndent 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" si= /50 1*nt%s. On Oct*3e" R, '(6(, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s 4assed a Res*luti*n ad*4tin and a44"*.in t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne", :it% t%e 1*di+icati*n t%at t%e "es4*ndent 3e "e4"i1anded. 0>e )ou'"I$ Rul!n: 9e a "ee :it% t%e I!PBs +indin t%at t%e "es4*ndent .i*lated Rule 66.(7, Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. Atty. !attun dis"es4ected Jud e !aculi 3y s%*utin at %i1 inside t%e c*u"t"**1 du"in c*u"t 4"*ceedin s in t%e 4"esence *+ liti ants and t%ei" c*unsels, and c*u"t 4e"s*nnel. T%e "es4*ndent e.en ca1e 3ac; t* %a"ass Jud e !aculi. T%is 3e%a.i*", in +"*nt *+ 1any :itnesses, cann*t 3e all*:ed. 9e n*te t%at t%e "es4*ndent c*ntinued t* t%"eaten Jud e !aculi and acted in a 1anne" t%at clea"ly

s%*:ed dis"es4ect +*" %is 4*siti*n even after t&e latter &a" cite" &im for contempt . In +act, a+te" initially lea.in t%e c*u"t, t%e "es4*ndent "etu"ned t* t%e c*u"t"**1 and dis"u4ted t%e *n *in 4"*ceedin s. T%ese acti*ns :e"e n*t *nly a ainst t%e 4e"s*n, t%e 4*siti*n and t%e statu"e *+ Jud e !aculi, 3ut a ainst t%e c*u"t as :ell :%*se 4"*ceedin s :e"e *4enly and +la "antly dis"u4ted, and 3"*u %t t* dis"e4ute 3y t%e "es4*ndent. Liti ants and c*unsels, 4a"ticula"ly t%e latte" 3ecause *+ t%ei" 4*siti*n and a.*:ed duty t* t%e c*u"ts, cann*t 3e all*:ed t* 4u3licly "idicule, de1ean and dis"es4ect a Eud e, and t%e c*u"t t%at %e "e4"esents. T%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 4"*.ides: Can*n 66 # A la:ye" s%all *3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t%e c*u"ts and t* Eudicial *++ice"s and s%*uld insist *n si1ila" c*nduct 3y *t%e"s. Rule 66.(7 # A la:ye" s%all a3stain +"*1 scandal*us, *++ensi.e *" 1enacin lan ua e *" 3e%a.i*" 3e+*"e t%e C*u"ts.

9e "uled in Ro-as v. )e LuKuarregui, Jr.F67G t%at it is t%e duty *+ a la:ye", as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%e c*u"ts. Res4ect +*" t%e c*u"ts ua"antees t%e sta3ility *+ t%e Eudicial instituti*nA :it%*ut t%is ua"antee, t%e instituti*n :*uld 3e "estin *n .e"y s%a;y +*undati*ns. A la:ye" :%* insults a Eud e inside a c*u"t"**1 c*14letely dis"e a"ds t%e latte"Bs "*le, statu"e and 4*siti*n in *u" Eustice syste1. 9%en t%e "es4*ndent 4u3licly 3e"ated and 3"aDenly t%"eatened Jud e !aculi t%at %e :*uld +ile a case +*" "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la: a ainst t%e latte", t%e "es4*ndent e++ecti.ely acted in a 1anne" tendin t* e"*de t%e 4u3lic c*n+idence in Jud e !aculiBs c*14etence and in %is a3ility t* decide cases. Inc*14etence is a 1atte" t%at, e.en i+ t"ue, 1ust 3e %andled :it% sensiti.ity in t%e 1anne" 4"*.ided unde" t%e Rules *+ C*u"tA an *3Eectin *" c*14lainin la:ye" cann*t act in a 1anne" t%at 4uts t%e c*u"ts in a 3ad li %t and 3"in t%e Eustice syste1 int* dis"e4ute. T%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s "ec*11ended t%at Atty. !attun 3e "e4"i1anded, :%ile t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" "ec*11ended a 4enalty *+ si= /50 1*nt%s sus4ensi*n. 9e 3elie.e t%at t%ese "ec*11ended 4enalties a"e t** li %t +*" t%e *++ense. In Re: Suspension of Att . Rogelio L. Baga'u o, 0ormer Senior State Prosecutor, F6&G :e sus4ended Atty. !a a3uy* +*" *ne yea" +*" .i*latin Rule 66.(I, Can*n 66, and Rule 67.(', Can*n 67 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, and +*" .i*latin t%e La:ye"Bs Oat% +*" ai"in %is "ie.ances a ainst a Eud e in ne:s4a4e"s and "adi* 4"* "a1s. In t%is case, Atty. !attun Bs .i*lati*ns a"e n* less se"i*us as t%ey :e"e c*11itted in t&e courtroom in t&e course of Mu"icial procee"ings w&ere t&e respon"ent was acting as an officer of t&e court, an" 'efore t&e litigating pu'lic . His acti*ns :e"e 4lainly dis"es4ect+ul t* Jud e !aculi and t* t%e c*u"t, t* t%e 4*int *+ 3ein scandal*us and *++ensi.e t* t%e inte "ity *+ t%e Eudicial syste1 itsel+. %4ERE8ORE, in .ie: *+ t%e +*"e *in , Atty. Melc%*" A. !attun is +*und GUI&0/ *+ .i*latin Rule 66.(7, Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, +*" :%ic% %e is SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea" e++ecti.e u4*n t%e +inality *+ t%is Cecisi*n. He is S0ERN&/ %ARNED t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ a si1ila" *++ense s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely.

Let c*4ies *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant, t* 3e a44ended t* t%e "es4*ndentBs 4e"s*nal "ec*"d as an att*"neyA t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44inesA t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ JusticeA and all c*u"ts in t%e c*unt"y, +*" t%ei" in+*"1ati*n and uidance. SO ORDERED.

G.R. No. 132726 Sep"em-e' 3, 200. RO&ANDO SAA, Petiti*ne", .s. IN0EGRA0ED BAR O8 04E 54I&I55INES, )OMMISSION ON BAR DIS)I5&INE, BOARD O8 GO3ERNORS, 5ASIG )I0/ n( A00/. 8REDDIE A. 3ENIDA, Res4*ndents. )ORONA, J.: Petiti*ne" R*landa -aa +iled a c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent a ainst "es4*ndent Atty. F"eddie A. @enida *n Cece13e" '2, 6RR6 in t%is C*u"t. In %is c*14laint, -aa stated t%at Atty. @enidaBs act *+ +ilin t:* cases6 a ainst %i1 :as *44"essi.e and c*nstituted unet%ical 4"actice.' In a "es*luti*n dated Fe3"ua"y 62, 6RR', 7 Atty. @enida :as "e$ui"ed t* c*11ent *n t%e c*14laint a ainst %i1. In %is 3elated and 4a"tial c*14liance& :it% t%e Fe3"ua"y 62, 6RR' "es*luti*n, Atty. @enida a.e""ed t%at -aa did n*t s4eci+ically alle e %is su44*sed in+"acti*ns. He as;ed t* 3e +u"nis%ed a c*4y *+ t%e c*14laint. He als* 4"ayed +*" t%e dis1issal *+ t%e c*14laint. Ces4ite "ecei4t *+ a c*4y *+ t%e c*14laint, I Atty. @enida still did n*t +ile %is c*14lete c*11ent :it%in 6( days as "e$ui"ed in t%e Fe3"ua"y 62, 6RR' "es*luti*n. C*nse$uently, :e issued t%e June 6&, 6RRI "es*luti*n5 "e$ui"in Atty. @enida t* s%*: cause :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e disci4lina"ily dealt :it% *" %eld in c*nte14t +*" +ailu"e t* c*14ly :it% t%e Fe3"ua"y 62, 6RR' "es*luti*n. Finally, Atty. @enida +iled %is +ull c*11ent 2 *n -e4te13e" &, 6RRI :%ic%, :it%*ut d*u3t, :as a 1e"e "eite"ati*n *+ %is 4a"tial c*11ent. Atty. @enida als* added t%at %e :as 1e"ely 4e"+*"1in %is duty as c*unsel *+ -aaBs ad.e"sa"ies.) T%e 1atte" :as t%e"ea+te" "e+e""ed t* t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 +*" in.esti ati*n, "e4*"t and "ec*11endati*n. In a "e4*"t dated Au ust 6&, 6RR2, C*11issi*ne" Je*" e -. !"i*nes "ec*11ended t%e dis1issal *+ t%e c*14laint +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. R It +*und n* e.idence t%at t%e t:* cases +iled 3y Atty. @enida a ainst -aa :e"e acts *+ *44"essi*n *" unet%ical 4"actice.6( T%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s *+ t%e I!P "es*l.ed t* ad*4t and a44"*.e t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne"Bs "e4*"t and dis1issed t%e c*14laint.66 -aa +iled a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n 3ut :as denied.6' -aa n*: $uesti*ns t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e I!P in t%is 4etiti*n +*" ce"ti*"a"i. 67 He asc"i3es "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n t* t%e I!P :%en it ad*4ted and a++i"1ed t%e "e4*"t *+ t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne" dis1issin %is c*14laint. Acc*"din t* %i1, t%e in.esti atin c*11issi*ne"Bs "e4*"t did n*t at all 1enti*n t%e dis1issal *+ OM! 6#R(#666) and A.C. P#R(#I67, e.en i+ t%e e=istence *+ 3*t% cases :as ad1itted 3y t%e 4a"ties. T%e dis1issal *+ %is c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent :as t%e"e+*"e "*unded enti"ely *n s4eculati*ns, su"1ises and c*nEectu"es. 9e disa "ee. J"a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n "e+e"s t* a ca4"ici*us, :%i1sical, a"3it"a"y *" des4*tic e=e"cise *+ Eud 1ent 3y "eas*n *+ 4assi*n *" 4e"s*nal %*stility as is e$ui.alent t* lac; *+ Eu"isdicti*n. 6& It 1ust 3e s* 4atent and "*ss as t* a1*unt t* an e.asi*n *" a .i"tual "e+usal t* 4e"+*"1 t%e duty enE*ined *" t* act in c*nte14lati*n *+ la:.6I A decisi*n is n*t dee1ed tainted :it% "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n si14ly 3ecause a 4a"ty a++ected disa "ees :it% it.

T%e"e :as n* "a.e a3use *+ disc"eti*n in t%is case. T%e"e :as in +act a dea"t% *+ e.idence s%*:in *44"essi.e *" unet%ical 3e%a.i*" *n t%e 4a"t *+ Atty. @enida. 9it%*ut c*n.incin 4"**+ t%at Atty. @enida :as 1*ti.ated 3y a desi"e t* +ile 3aseless le al acti*ns, t%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P stand. N*net%eless, :e st"*n ly disa44"*.e *+ Atty. @enidaBs 3latant "e+usal t* c*14ly :it% .a"i*us c*u"t di"ecti.es. As a la:ye", %e %ad t%e "es4*nsi3ility t* +*ll*: le al *"de"s and 4"*cesses.65 Ket, %e dis"e a"ded t%is .e"y i14*"tant can*n *+ le al et%ics :%en %e +iled *nly a 4a"tial c*11ent *n Janua"y '5, 6RR7 *" 66 1*nt%s a+te" 3ein di"ected t* d* s* in t%e Fe3"ua"y 62, 6RR' "es*luti*n. 9*"se, %e +iled %is c*14lete c*11ent *nly *n June 6&, 6RRI *" a little *.e" t%"ee yea"s a+te" due date. In 3*t% instances, %e 1ana ed t* delay t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e case, a clea" .i*lati*n *+ Can*n 6' 62 and Rules 6.(76) and 6'.(&6R *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. Ket a ain, Atty. @enida +ailed t* +ile a 1e1*"andu1 :it%in t%e 4e"i*d "e$ui"ed in *u" May 62, '((& "es*luti*n.'(Ces4ite t%e 7(#day deadline t* +ile %is 1e1*"andu1,'6 %e still did n*t c*14ly. As i+ tauntin aut%*"ity, %e c*ntinually i n*"ed *u" di"ecti.es +*" %i1 t* s%*: cause and c*14ly :it% t%e May 62, '((& "es*luti*n.'' Atty. @enida a4*l* iDed +*" t%e late +ilin *+ 3*t% %is 4a"tial and +ull c*11ents. !ut t"ied t* e=cul4ate %i1sel+ 3y sayin %e inad.e"tently 1is4laced t%e c*14laint and %ad a %ea.y :*";l*ad /+*" %is 4a"tial c*11ent0. He e.en %ad t%e te1e"ity t* 3la1e a st"*n ty4%**n +*" t%e l*ss *+ all %is +iles, t%e c*14laint included /+*" %is +ull c*11ent0. His e=cuses ta= t%e i1a inati*n. Ne.e"t%eless, %is a4*l* ies n*t:it%standin , :e +ind %is c*nduct utte"ly unacce4ta3le +*" a 1e13e" *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. He 1ust n*t 3e all*:ed t* e.ade acc*unta3ility +*" %is *1issi*ns. A 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +"*1 %is *++ice as an att*"ney +*" .i*lati*n *+ t%e la:ye"Bs *at% and?*" +*" 3"eac% *+ t%e et%ics *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n as e13*died in t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.'7 9e "eite"ate *u" "ulin in $atu v. Att . Rellosa:'& Indeed, a la:ye" :%* dis*3eys t%e la: dis"es4ects it. In s* d*in , %e dis"e a"ds le al et%ics and dis "aces t%e di nity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n./avvp&i/ Pu3lic c*n+idence in t%e la: and in la:ye"s 1ay 3e e"*ded 3y t%e i""es4*nsi3le and i14"*4e" c*nduct *+ a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a". E.e"y la:ye" s%*uld act and c*14*"t %i1sel+ in a 1anne" t%at 4"*1*tes 4u3lic c*n+idence in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. %4ERE8ORE, t%e 4etiti*n is %e"e3y GRAN0ED IN 5AR0. T%e c%a" e *+ *44"essi.e *" unet%ical 3e%a.i*" a ainst "es4*ndent is dis1issed. H*:e.e", +*" .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6 and 6' and Rules 6.(7 and 6'.(& *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, as :ell as t%e la:ye"Bs *at%, Atty. F"eddie A. @enida is %e"e3y SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea", e++ecti.e i11ediately +"*1 "ecei4t *+ t%is "es*luti*n. He is +u"t%e" S0ERN&/ %ARNED t%at a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" *++ense s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let a c*4y *+ t%is "es*luti*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant and ente"ed int* t%e "ec*"ds *+ "es4*ndent Atty. F"eddie A. @enida. T%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" s%all +u"nis% c*4ies t* all t%e c*u"ts *+ t%e land +*" t%ei" in+*"1ati*n and uidance. -O ORCEREC. A.M. No. 032*21*02M)0) Jul9 1+, 200. RE? RE5OR0 ON 04E JUDI)IA& AUDI0 )ONDU)0ED IN 04E MUNI)I5A& )IR)UI0 0RIA& )OUR0, JIMENE62SINA)ABAN, MISAMIS O))IDEN0A&LJUDGE 5RIS)I&&A 4ERNANDE6. RE-OLUTION Per Curiam: On Fe3"ua"y '5 t* '), '((7, a Eudicial audit *+ t%e F*u"t% Munici4al Ci"cuit T"ial C*u"t /MCTC0 *+ Ji1eneD# -inaca3an, Misa1is Occidental, 4"esided 3y "es4*ndent Jud e P"iscilla He"nandeD, :as c*nducted. As a "esult, a "es*luti*n dated Au ust 67, '((76 :as issued di"ectin "es4*ndent t*:

60 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* "e ula"ly "e4*"t +*" :*"; at t%e &t% MCTC, Ji1eneD# -inaca3an, Misa1is Occidental and :%y s%e "e4*"ts +*" :*"; *nly in t%e a+te"n**n *+ %e" sc%eduled dates *+ %ea"in s in said c*u"tA '0 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* decide Fnine ci.il cases and 65 c"i1inal casesG ' and t* decide t%e sa1e :it%in 7( days +"*1 n*ticeA 70 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* "es*l.e t%e 4endin incidents in Ft%"ee ci.il cases and *ne c"i1inal caseG7 and t* "es*l.e t%e sa1e :it%in 7( days +"*1 n*ticeA &0 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* "es*l.e t%e 4"eli1ina"y in.esti ati*n in Fsi= c"i1inal casesG& and t* "es*l.e t%e sa1e :it%in 7( days +"*1 n*ticeA I0 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* ta;e +u"t%e" acti*n *n F66 ci.il cases and 6R c"i1inal casesGI and t* ta;e a44"*4"iate acti*n t%e"e*n :it%in 7( days +"*1 n*ticeA 50 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n %e" +ailu"e t* t"ans1it t%e "es*luti*ns and case +*lde"s in Ft:* c"i1inal casesG5t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e P"*.incial P"*secut*", Misa1is Occidental :it%in t%e 6(#day 4e"i*d in .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n I, Rule 66 *+ t%e Re.ised Rules *n C"i1inal P"*cedu"e and 20 su31it %e" e=4lanati*n *n t%e a44a"ent l*ss *+ F"ec*"ds *+ *ne ci.il case and t:* c"i1inal casesG.2 H*:e.e", "es4*ndent +ailed t* c*14ly :it% t%ese di"ecti.es. ) T%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" /OCA0R issued a 1e1*"andu1 dated Oct*3e" 6), '((& di"ectin %e" ane: t* c*14ly :it% t%e sa1e 3ut t%e"e :as n* "es4*nse.6(In t%is C*u"tBs "es*luti*n dated Oct*3e" 7, '((I, s%e :as di"ected t* s%*: cause :%y s%e s%*uld n*t 3e ad1inist"ati.ely dealt :it% *" %eld in c*nte14t +*" +ailu"e t* c*14ly :it% t%e Au ust 67, '((7 "es*luti*n.66 Mean:%ile, *n Oct*3e" 6(, '((I, a sec*nd audit :as c*nducted *n t%e &t% MCTC *+ Ji1eneD#-inaca3an, as :ell as *n t%e It% MCTC *+ Cla"in#Tudela, Misa1is Occidental :%e"e "es4*ndent :as als* Actin P"esidin Jud e.6'T%e OCA "e4*"ted its +indin s in its Me1*"andu1 dated Janua"y 5, '((5:67 In su11a"y, *ut *+ t%e 130 casel*ad *+ t%is c*u"t at t%e ti1e *+ t%e sec*nd audit, F 10G c"i1inal and ci.il cases %a.e un"es*l.ed 4endin incidents, F2*G c"i1inal and ci.il cases a"e still undecided des4ite t%e la4se *+ t%e FR(#dayG "e le1enta"y 4e"i*d, FoneG ci.il case :%ic% t%e c*u"t +ailed t* ta;e any acti*n +"*1 t%e ti1e *+ its +ilin and F+*G c"i1inal and ci.il cases :it%*ut +u"t%e" acti*n *" settin +*" a c*nside"a3le len t% *+ ti1e *" a t*tal *+ F7,Gp'o-lem "!c c $e$. T%us, *nly F3+.616MG *+ cases a"e 1*.in and F6,.37+MG *+ t%ese cases need t%e "e$ui"ed a44"*4"iate acti*n +"*1 F"es4*ndentG. FRes4*ndentG is c*14le1ented :it% Fse.enG sta++ 1e13e"s %eaded 3y M'. M!c> el An:elo O. S , C*u"t Inte"4"ete" :%* acts as t%e c*u"tBs O++ice"#in#C%a" e. T%e tea1 :as n*t a3le t* audit t%e F+i.eG c"i1inal and Fse.enG ci.il cases :%ic% acc*"din t* M". Mic%ael -aa :e"e in t%e 4*ssessi*n *+ F"es4*ndentG. === === === Aside +"*1 t%ese cases, Ft:* ci.il cases and ei %t c"i1inal casesG 6& included in t%e +i"st audit, :e"e als* n*t 4"esented t* t%e sec*nd audit tea1. @e"i+icati*n +"*1 t%e c*u"tBs M*nt%ly Re4*"t *+ Cases sta"tin +"*1 Janua"y '((& t* Au ust '((I /e=ce4tin June '((I :%e"ein t%e c*u"t did n*t su31it any "e4*"t0 +ailed t* s%*: t%at t%ese cases :e"e eit%e" decided, dis4*sed *+, a"c%i.ed *" in any :ay acted u4*n 3y t%e c*u"t. It :as als* n*ted t%at n* *"de"s :e"e issued in s*1e cases t%at :*uld indicate :%et%e" *" n*t t%ese cases a"e 3ein t"ied unde" t%e Ne: Rules *n -u11a"y P"*cedu"e, t%e +*lde"s?"*ll*?e=4ediente a"e n*t 4a inatedA t%e 1a";ed e=%i3its a"e n*t si ned and datedA t%e 1inutes a"e n*t 4"*4e"ly +illed u4 /:it%*ut indicatin t%e 4e"s*nal ci"cu1stances and t%e su3stance *+ t%e testi1*nies *+ :itnesses0, t%e ce"ti+icates *+ a""ai n1ent a"e unsi ned 3y t%e accused and %is?%e" c*unsel and t%e d*c;et 3**;s need t* 3e u4dated. It is $uite 1ani+est t%at F"es4*ndentG, instead *+ actin *n t%e cases su3Eect *+ t%e ad.e"se +indin s *+ t%e +i"st audit, c*ntinu*usly added unacted cases t* %e" +ile.

=== === === In a lette" dated A4"il 6&, '((I, Atty. !enEa1in C. Jalind*, t%en a -an unian 1e13e" *+ t%e Munici4ality *+ Ji1eneD du"in t%e May '((& electi*ns, "e1inded t%e FOCAG t%at t%e audit *+ t%e FMCTCsG in Ji1eneD# -inaca3an and Al*"an#Pana*n :as 1ade u4*n t%e "e$uest *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /Misa1is Occidental C%a4te"0 :%e"ein F"es4*ndentG :as di"ected 8t* "es*l.e s*1e F2(G 4endin cases in %e" sala :%ic% "e1ained undecided l*n a+te" t%e FR(G day 4e"i*d8 4e" 1e1*"andu1 *+ t%e c*u"t. E.en t%e -an unian !ayan 4assed a "es*luti*n "e$uestin F"es4*ndentG t* decide t%ese cases :%ic% "e1ains un%eeded.6I === === = = = /E14%asis in t%e *"i inal0 Re a"din t%e +i"st audit *+ t%e It% MCTC *+ Cla"in#Tudela, t%e +indin s :e"e as +*ll*:s: An analysis *+ t%e data a3*.e s%*:s t%at *ut *+ t%e 176 4endin cases at t%e ti1e *+ Faudit,G t%e"e a"e F 11G c"i1inal and ci.il cases :it% un"es*l.ed 1*ti*ns, F33G undecided c"i1inal and ci.il cases su31itted +*" decisi*n, F$!NG unacted c"i1inal and ci.il cases and F 6+G c"i1inal and ci.il cases :it%*ut +u"t%e" acti*n *" settin *" a t*tal *+ *ne %und"ed +*u"teen F 11+G cases *" F61.2.M] *+ t%e c*u"tBs t*tal case l*ad need t* 3e acted u4*n 3y "es4*ndent. FRes4*ndentG is c*14le1ented :it% Fei %tG sta++ 1e13e"s %eaded 3y M$. Me'!ll O. A(ec!', Cle"; *+ C*u"t II. FRes4*ndentG %*lds %ea"in s in 3*t% c*u"ts onl9 !n ">e <"e'noon$ clai1in t%e n*n#a.aila3ility *+ 4"*secut*"s and 4u3lic att*"neys. H*:e.e", s%e :as n*t a3le t* e=4lain %e" +ailu"e t* "e4*"t t* t%e c*u"ts c*nce"ned du"in 1*"nin s. Fu"t%e" +indin s *+ t%e tea1 s%*: t%at case "ec*"ds?"*ll* a"e n*t c%"*n*l* ically a""an edA d*cu1ents?4leadin s "ecei.ed a"e n*t 4"*4e"ly sta14ed as t* date, ti1e and sta++ :%* "ecei.ed t%e sa1eA 1a";ed e=%i3its a"e n*t initialed 3y t%e inte"4"ete"A ce"ti+icates *+ a""ai n1ent a"e unsi ned 3y accused and %is?%e" c*unselA and s*1e cases %a.e n* *"de"s indicatin :%et%e" *" n*t t%ese cases a"e *.e"ned 3y t%e Rule *n -u11a"y P"*cedu"e as 1andated 3y -ecti*n ' t%e"e*+.65 === === = = = /E14%asis in t%e *"i inal0 T%e OCA, in its "ec*11endati*n, stated: FRes4*ndentG :as a44*inted P"esidin Jud e F*+ MCTCG, Ji1eneD#-inaca3an *n Oc"o-e' 2., 1..3 and assu1ed %e" duties *n Decem-e' 1, 1..3 4e" %e" se".ice F"ec*"dG. In c*nnecti*n :it% %e" desi nati*n as Actin P"esidin Jud e *+ t%e FIt% MCTC *+ Cla"in#TudelaG, "ec*"ds :e"e una.aila3le as t* %e" e=act date *+ assu14ti*n alt%*u % acc*"din t* FMs. Me"illa O. Adeci"G, F"es4*ndentG assu1ed as Actin P"esidin Jud e *+ t%e It% MCTC *n Au:u$" 1, 1..+. 0 C!n: !n"o con$!(e' "!on >e' ( "e o< $$ump"!on, ">e (#e'$e <!n(!n:$ o< ">e u(!" "e m$ 'e cle 'l9 ""'!-u" -le "o >e' :'o$$ !ncompe"ence, !ne<<!c!enc9, ne:l!:ence n( (e'el!c"!on o< (u"9. T* "eite"ate, *ut *+ t%e F'2G c"i1inal and ci.il cases su31itted +*" decisi*n in t%e +"> M)0), J!meneO2S!n c - n, F+*u"G :e"e su31itted +*" decisi*n as ea"ly as 1..6 and still "e1ain undecided, F6(G 1*ti*ns "e1ain un"es*l.ed :it% at least F*neG 1*ti*n 3ein +iled as ea"ly as 1..6 and *ut *+ t%e F&2G cases t%at "e1ain unacted u4*n, Fsi=G cases "e1ain at t%e 4"eli1ina"y in.esti ati*n sta e since 1..6. 9it% "e a"d t* t%e cases at t%e F,"> M)0) o< )l '!n20u(el G, cases s%*uld %a.e 3een decided, "es*l.ed *" set +*" %ea"in as ea"ly as 6RR5. Out *+ t%e F&(G cases su31itted +*" decisi*n, Ft%"eeG cases :e"e su31itted as ea"ly as 6RR5, in t%e F66G un"es*l.ed 1*ti*ns, F*neG :as +iled as ea"ly as 6RR2 and *+ t%e F5&G cases :it%*ut +u"t%e" acti*n *" settin , F*neG case "e1ains at t%e 4"eli1ina"y in.esti ati*n sta e since 6RR2. Fu"t%e"1*"e, a sa14lin *+ t%e c*ns*lidated ce"ti+icates *+ se".ice *+ F"es4*ndentF in t%e &t% and It% MCTCs +ailed t* discl*se t%at t%e"e :e"e undecided cases su31itted +*" decisi*n and un"es*l.ed 1*ti*ns su31itted +*" "es*luti*n. === === === 9it% "e a"d t* Ft%eG 4"*3le1atic state *+ cases in t%e FIt% MCTC *+ Cla"in#TudelaG and t%e c*""es4*ndin 4li %t *+ t%e 4a"ties and t%ei" Fc*unsels,G t%e "e.*cati*n *+ t%e desi nati*n *+ F"es4*ndentG and t%e c*nse$uent desi nati*n *+ an*t%e" in %e" F4laceG is n*t *nly a44"*4"iate 3ut als* i14e"ati.e.

=== === === C*nside"in t%e case l*ads *+ Ft%e *t%e"G Eud es and t%e distance t* t%e FIt% MCTC *+ Cla"in#TudelaG, Jud e Te"esita -aa 1ay 3e desi nated as Actin P"esidin Jud e t%e"eat.62 === === = = = /E14%asis in t%e *"i inal0 It "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e dis1issed *n "*unds *+ "*ss inc*14etence, ine++iciency, ne li ence and de"elicti*n *+ duty and t%at %e" desi nati*n as Actin P"esidin Jud e *+ t%e It% MCTC *+ Cla"in#Tudela 3e "e.*;ed.6) C*nse$uently, 4u"suant t* Ad1inist"ati.e O"de" N*. (I#'((5, "es4*ndentBs desi nati*n :as "e.*;ed.6R Ces4ite a l*n inte""e nu1, "es4*ndent still did n*t c*14ly :it% t%e C*u"tBs di"ecti.es. !ecause *+ suc% inacti*n, t%e OCA, in its 1e1*"andu1 dated Au ust R, '((2, n*t *nly "eite"ated its ea"lie" "ec*11endati*n +*" "es4*ndentBs dis1issal 3ut als* "ec*11ended %e" i11ediate sus4ensi*n 4endin t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%is ad1inist"ati.e 1atte".'( As a "esult, t%e C*u"t sus4ended "es4*ndent in a "es*luti*n dated Oct*3e" 6(, '((2.'6 Res4*ndent +iled a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n dated N*.e13e" 6R, '((2. -%e ad1itted %e" cul4a3ility in t%e delay *+ t%e dis4*siti*n *+ cases 3ut clai1ed as c*nt"i3ut*"y +act*"s t%e .*lu1e *+ %e" :*"; and desi nati*ns in *t%e" c*u"ts. -%e 3e ed +*" t%e C*u"tBs c*14assi*n in t%e "es*luti*n *+ %e" 1*ti*n. '' He" 1*ti*n :as denied in a "es*luti*n dated Janua"y '), '(().'7 In t%e 1eanti1e, Jud e Hen"y !. Ca1asin , E=ecuti.e Jud e *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t *+ O"*$uieta City, Misa1is Occidental, !"anc% 6&, +u"nis%ed t%e OCA a c*4y *+ %is lette" dated N*.e13e" '6, '((2 t* "es4*ndent "e$uestin %e" t* +*":a"d *" "etu"n ce"tain "ec*"ds *+ se.en c"i1inal and ei %t ci.il cases in %e" 4*ssessi*n.'&Late", "ec*"ds *+ *ne *+ t%e c"i1inal cases :e"e +*und in t%e &t% MCTC *+ Ji1eneD# -inaca3an.'I On t%e "est, "es4*ndent said n*t%in . Neit%e" did s%e "etu"n t%e said case "ec*"ds. '5 It :as *nly *n -e4te13e" '5, '(() t%at t%e OCA :as in+*"1ed t%at "es4*ndent 4e"s*nally "etu"ned all t%e 1issin "ec*"ds e=ce4t +*" *ne.'2 T%us, t%e OCA a ain "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e dis1issed +"*1 t%e se".ice. 9e a44"*.e t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*ns *+ t%e OCA. Res4*ndent c*ntinually +ailed t* c*14ly +ully :it% t%e C*u"tBs di"ecti.es. A+te" se.e"al *"de"s and "e1inde"s t* su31it %e" e=4lanati*n, %e" *ne and *nly 1*.e :as t* +ile a t:*#4a e 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e "es*luti*n *"de"in %e" sus4ensi*n: Res4*ndent ad1its %e" cul4a3ility in t%e delay *+ t%e dis4*siti*n *+ t%e cases as "e4*"ted, and 3e ed +*" t%e c*u"tBs c*14assi*n t* c*nside" t%e .*lu1e *+ %e" :*"; as c*nt"i3ut*"y +act*" +*" t%e delay. T%e "es4*ndent, aside +"*1 4"esidin at &t% FMCTCG, Ji1eneD, Misa1is Occidental, %ad als* 3een desi nated 4"esidin Eud e *+ It% FMCTCG Cla"in#Tudela +"*1 Au ust 6RRI t* Fe3"ua"y '((I, "es4*ndent :as als* desi nated 4"esidin Eud e *+ !"anc% III MTCC ODa1iD City *n Janua"y '2, 6RR) until Cece13e" '((( as :ell as desi nated E=ecuti.e Jud e *+ MTCC ODa1iD City +"*1 N*.e13e", 6RR) t* N*.e13e", '(((. T%e F"es4*ndent,G a+te" t%e "e.*cati*n *+ all %e" Fdesi nati*nsG t* 4"eside *.e" t%e *t%e" c*u"ts, %ad 3een :*";in +*" uncl* in t%e casel*ad *+ t%e &t% FMCTCG, Ji1eneD#-inaca3an, Misa1is Occidental. In su44*"t *+ t%is Falle ati*n,G "es4*ndent attac%ed a c*4y *+ t%e ce"ti+icati*n issued 3y t%e cle"; *+ c*u"t t* t%e +act t%at "es4*ndent %ad decided se.enty#se.en /220 cases *.e" t%e 4e"i*d stated t%e"ein.') As ea"ly as Au ust '((7, t%e C*u"t %ad al"eady *"de"ed "es4*ndent t* e=4lain and "es*l.e t%e 4"*3le1s in %e" c*u"t. !ut it :as *nly in N*.e13e" '((2, *" t%"ee l*n yea"s a+te" :%en t%e C*u"t +inally sus4ended %e", t%at s%e decided t* i.e t%e C*u"t a t:*#4a e 1*ti*n. -%e ne.e" c*14lied :it% t%e C*u"tBs di"ecti.es, n*t e.en 4a"tially, and did n*t *++e" any "eas*n +*" %e" n*n#c*14liance. -%e 1ade a 3a"e state1ent t%at s%e alle edly decided 22 cases +"*1 N*.e13e" '((5 t* Oct*3e" '((2 3ut did n*t ela3*"ate :%at t%ese cases :e"e. T%e C*u"t :ill n*t t*le"ate t%e indi++e"ence *+ "es4*ndent Eud es t* "es*luti*ns "e$ui"in t%ei" :"itten e=4lanati*ns. An *"de" *" "es*luti*n *+ t%is C*u"t is n*t t* 3e c*nst"ued as a 1e"e "e$uest, n*" s%*uld it 3e

c*14lied :it% 4a"tially, inade$uately *" selecti.ely. 'R T* d* s* s%*:s dis"es4ect t* t%e C*u"t, an act *nly t** dese".in *+ "e4"**+.7( X FRes4*ndentG "e+used t* %eed t%e di"ecti.es *+ t%is C*u"t and t%e OCA t* e=4lain %is s%*"tc*1in s. Res4*ndent *u %t t* ;n*: t%at a "es*luti*n *+ t%e C*u"t is n*t t* 3e c*nst"ued as a 1e"e "e$uest n*t s%*uld it 3e c*14lied :it% 4a"tially, inade$uately *" selecti.ely. At t%e c*"e *+ t%e Eud eBs estee1ed 4*siti*n is *3edience t* t%e dictates *+ la: and Eustice. A Eud e 1ust 3e +i"st t* e=%i3it "es4ect +*" aut%*"ity. 76 M*"e*.e", t%e +indin s *+ t%e OCA s%*: t%at "es4*ndent :as clea"ly "e1iss in t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ %e" Eudicial duties. Ces4ite t%e la4se *+ 1*"e t%an t:* yea"s +"*1 t%e ti1e t%e +i"st audit :as 1ade, t%e"e :as n* i14"*.e1ent in t%e "es*luti*n *+ cases in %e" sala. At t%e ti1e *+ t%e sec*nd audit, s%e %ad *nly 67( 4endin cases /indeed a li %t l*ad 3y t%e usual standa"ds0 3ut 1*"e t%an %al+ *+ t%*se /5I.7)&\ *" )I cases0 :e"e unacted u4*n. E.en "es4*ndent ad1itted t%at s%e :as in delay 3ut cited as e=cuse %e" desi nati*ns in *t%e" c*u"ts "esultin in a %ea.y casel*ad. T%is e=4lanati*n is +a" +"*1 acce4ta3le. -%e cann*t %ide 3e%ind t%e 1uc%#a3used e=cuse *+ %ea.y casel*ad t* Eusti+y %e" +ailu"e t* decide and "es*l.e cases 4"*14tly. 7' -%e c*uld %a.e as;ed t%e C*u"t +*" a "eas*na3le 4e"i*d *+ e=tensi*n t* dis4*se *+ t%e cases 3ut s%e did n*t. T%at a Eud e %ad 3een i.en additi*nal :*"; as actin 4"esidin Eud e in *t%e" c*u"ts, as in t%e case *+ Jud e Ra1*s, cann*t Eusti+y %is +ailu"e t* "es*l.e any 4endin incident. In $asia v. !estopa, :e al"eady %eld a si1ila" c*ntenti*n as un1e"it*"i*us. 9e e.en "e1inded "es4*ndent Eud e t%e"ein t%at: . . . i+ %is casel*ad 4"e.ented t%e dis4*siti*n *+ cases :it%in t%e "e le1enta"y 4e"i*d, all %e %ad t* d* :as as; +"*1 t%is C*u"t +*" a "eas*na3le e=tensi*n *+ ti1e t* dis4*se *+ t%e cases in.*l.ed. T%e C*u"t, c* niDant *+ t%e casel*ad *+ Eud es and 1ind+ul *+ t%e di++iculty enc*unte"ed 3y t%e1 in t%e "eas*na3le dis4*siti*n *+ cases, :*uld al1*st al:ays "ant t%e "e$uest.77 T%e C*nstituti*n 1andates t%at all cases *" 1atte"s +iled 3e+*"e all l*:e" c*u"ts s%all 3e decided *" "es*l.ed :it%in R( days +"*1 t%e ti1e t%ey a"e su31itted +*" decisi*n. 7& Res4*ndent "e4eatedly i n*"ed t%is 1andate. -%e als* .i*lated Can*n 7, Rule 7.(I *+ t%e Ne: C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct :%ic% "e$ui"es Eud es t* dis4*se *+ t%e c*u"tBs 3usiness 4"*14tly and decide cases :it%in t%e "e$ui"ed 4e"i*ds. Failu"e t* c*14ly :it%in t%e 1andated 4e"i*d c*nstitutes a se"i*us .i*lati*n *+ t%e c*nstituti*nal "i %t *+ t%e 4a"ties t* a s4eedy dis4*siti*n *+ t%ei" cases. 7I T%e C*u"t %as al:ays c*nside"ed a Eud eBs delay in decidin cases :it%in t%e 4"esc"i3ed 4e"i*d *+ t%"ee 1*nt%s as "*ss ine++iciency. 75 It unde"1ines t%e 4e*4leBs +ait% and c*n+idence in t%e Eudicia"y,72 l*:e"s its standa"ds and 3"in s it t* dis"e4ute. 7) Undue delay cann*t 3e c*untenanced at a ti1e :%en t%e cl* in *+ t%e c*u"t d*c;ets is still t%e 3ane *+ t%e Eudicia"y. 7R T%e raison "N etre *+ c*u"ts lies n*t *nly in 4"*4e"ly dis4ensin Eustice 3ut als* in 3ein a3le t* d* s* seas*na3ly.&( Celay de"ails t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. It 4*st4*nes t%e "ecti+icati*n *+ :"*n and t%e .indicati*n *+ t%e unEustly 4"*secuted. It c"*:ds t%e d*c;ets *+ t%e c*u"ts, inc"easin t%e c*sts +*" all liti ants, 4"essu"in Eud es t* ta;e s%*"t cuts, inte"+e"in :it% t%e 4"*14t and deli3e"ate dis4*siti*n *+ t%*se causes in :%ic% all 4a"ties a"e dili ent and 4"e4a"ed +*" t"ial, and *.e"%an in t%e enti"e 4"*cess :it% t%e 4all *+ dis*" aniDati*n and ins*lu3ility. M*"e t%an t%is, 4*ssi3ilities +*" e""*" in +act#+indin 1ulti4ly "a4idly as ti1e ela4ses 3et:een t%e *"i inal +act and its Eudicial dete"1inati*n. I+ t%e +acts a"e n*t +ully and accu"ately dete"1ined, t%en t%e :isest Eud e cann*t distin uis% 3et:een 1e"it and de1e"it. I+ c*u"ts d* n*t et t%e +acts "i %t, t%e"e is little c%ance +*" t%ei" Eud 1ent t* 3e "i %t.&6 Additi*nally, "es4*ndent :as "e4eatedly as;ed t* e=4lain t%e :%e"ea3*uts *+ ce"tain 1issin case "ec*"ds. -%e ne.e" 3*t%e"ed t* d* s* and :*"se, it t**; %e" +i.e yea"s t* "etu"n suc% "ec*"ds. -ecti*n 6& *+ Rule 675 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t e=4"essly 4"*.ides t%at 8Fn*G "ec*"d s%all 3e ta;en +"*1 t%e cle";Bs *++ice :it%*ut an *"de" *+ t%e c*u"t e=ce4t as *t%e":ise 4"*.ided 3y t%ese "ules.8 Fu"t%e", A"ticle ''5 *+ t%e Re.ised Penal C*de 4unis%es any 4u3lic *++ice" :%* "e1*.es, c*nceals *" dest"*ys d*cu1ents *" 4a4e"s *++icially ent"usted

t* %i1. 9it% suc% %ea.y "es4*nsi3ilities, Eud es a"e t%e"e+*"e e=4ected t* e=e"cise ut1*st dili ence and ca"e in %andlin t%e "ec*"ds *+ cases.&' C*nside"in t%e "a.ity *+ "es4*ndentBs *1issi*ns and t%e a3sence *+ any e=4lanati*n :%ats*e.e" *n %e" 4a"t, %e" dis1issal +"*1 t%e se".ice is called +*". &7 T%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice de1ands t%at t%*se :%* d*n Eudicial "*3es 3e a3le t* c*14ly +ully and +ait%+ully :it% t%e tas; set 3e+*"e t%e1. && In t%is "e a"d, "es4*ndent 1ise"a3ly +ailed.&I T%e :%eels *+ Eustice :*uld %a"dly 1*.e i+ "es4*ndent is all*:ed t* c*ntinue :*";in in t%e Eudicia"y.&5T%e"e+*"e, as "ec*11ended 3y t%e OCA, a+te" a t%*"*u % Eudicial audit, and c*nside"in t%e un"e3utted audit "e4*"ts *n "ec*"d, t%e 4enalty *+ dis1issal +"*1 t%e se".ice is in *"de". &2/awp&8/ F*" %e" "e4eated .i*lati*ns *+ -u4"e1e C*u"t di"ecti.es and "ules /a less se"i*us *++ense 4unis%a3le :it% sus4ensi*n +*" n*t less t%an *ne 1*nt% n*" 1*"e t%an t%"ee 1*nt%s *" a +ine *+ 1*"e t%an P6(,((( 3ut n*t e=ceedin P'(,(((0, s%e is +ined t%e 1a=i1u1 a1*unt *+ P'(,(((. Pu"suant t* A.M. N*. ('#R#('#-C,&) t%is ad1inist"ati.e case a ainst "es4*ndent as a Eud e 3ased *n "*unds :%ic% a"e als* "*unds +*" t%e disci4lina"y acti*n a ainst 1e13e"s *+ t%e !a", s%all 3e c*nside"ed as disci4lina"y 4"*ceedin s a ainst suc% Eud e as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a".&R @i*lati*n *+ t%e +unda1ental tenets *+ Eudicial c*nduct e13*died in t%e C*de *+ Judicial C*nduct c*nstitutes a 3"eac% *+ Can*ns 6 and 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility /CPR0: CANON 6 S A LA9KER -HALL UPHOLC THE CON-TITUTION, O!EK THE LA9- OF THE LANC ANC PROMOTE RE-PECT FOR LA9 ANC FOR LEJAL PROCE--E-. CANON 66 S A LA9KER -HALL O!-ER@E ANC MAINTAIN THE RE-PECT CUE TO THE COURT- ANC TO JUCICIAL OFFICER- ANC -HOULC IN-I-T ON -IMILAR CONCUCT !K OTHER-. Ce"tainly, a Eud e :%* +alls s%*"t *+ t%e et%ics *+ t%e Eudicial *++ice tends t* di1inis% t%e 4e*4leBs "es4ect +*" t%e la: and le al 4"*cesses. -%e als* +ails t* *3se".e and 1aintain t%e estee1 due t* t%e c*u"ts and Eudicial *++ice"s.I( Res4*ndent 1ust al:ays 3ea" in 1ind t%at it is a 1a ist"ateBs duty t* u4%*ld t%e inte "ity *+ t%e Eudicia"y at all ti1es. Res4*ndentBs delay als* "uns c*unte" t* Can*n 6' and Rule 6'.(& *+ t%e CPR :%ic% 4"*.ides: CANON 6' S A LA9KER -HALL EHERT E@ERK EFFORT ANC CON-ICER IT HI- CUTK TO A--I-T IN THE -PEECK ANC EFFICIENT ACMINI-TRATION OF JU-TICE. === === === Rule 6'.(& > A la:ye" s%all n*t unduly delay a case, i14ede t%e e=ecuti*n *+ a Eud 1ent *" 1isuse C*u"t 4"*cesses. F*" suc% .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6, 66, 6' and Rule 6'.(& *+ t%e CPR, s%e s%*uld 3e +u"t%e" +ined t%e a1*unt *+PI,(((. %4ERE8ORE, "es4*ndent Jud e P"iscilla T. He"nandeD, P"esidin Jud e *+ t%e F*u"t% Munici4al Ci"cuit T"ial C*u"t *+ Ji1eneD#-inaca3an, Misa1is Occidental is +*und &IAB&E +*" "*ss ne lect *+ Eudicial duty and "*ss ine++iciency. -%e is %e"e3y *"de"ed DISMISSED +"*1 t%e se".ice, :it% +*"+eitu"e *+ all 3ene+its e=ce4t acc"ued lea.e c"edits, i+ any, and :it% 4"eEudice t* "e#e14l*y1ent in any *.e"n1ent 3"anc% *" inst"u1entality, includin *.e"n1ent#*:ned *" c*nt"*lled c*"4*"ati*ns. F*" %e" "e4eated .i*lati*ns *+ -u4"e1e C*u"t di"ecti.es and -ecti*n 6& *+ Rule 675 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, s%e is 8INED P'(,(((. Res4*ndent is +u"t%e" %e"e3y 8INED PI,((( +*" %e" .i*lati*n *+ Can*ns 6, 66, 6' and Rule 6'.(& *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 4aya3le :it%in t%e sa1e 4e"i*d stated a3*.e. -%e is S0ERN&/ %ARNED t%at c*11issi*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" acts s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let c*4ies *+ t%is "es*luti*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" and t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant t* 3e attac%ed t* "es4*ndentBs "ec*"ds. -O ORCEREC.

ADM. )ASE No. *006 Oc"o-e' ., 200* RE ? SUS5ENSION O8 A00/. ROGE&IO 6. BAGABU/O, 8ORMER SENIOR S0A0E 5ROSE)U0OR. A6)UNA, J.? T%is ad1inist"ati.e case ste11ed +"*1 t%e e.ents *+ t%e 4"*ceedin s in C"i1. Case N*. I6&&, entitled People v. Luis Bucalon PlaKa, %ea"d 3e+*"e t%e sala *+ P"esidin Jud e J*se Manuel P. Tan, Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t /RTC0 *+ -u"i a* City, !"anc% 'R. C"i1. Case N*. I6&& :as *"i inally "a++led t* t%e sala *+ Jud e Fl*"i4inas C. !uyse", RTC *+ -u"i a* City, !"anc% 7(. In an O"de" dated Ma"c% 6&, '((', Jud e !uyse" denied t%e Ce1u""e" t* t%e E.idence *+ t%e accused, decla"in t%at t%e e.idence t%us 4"esented 3y t%e 4"*secuti*n :as su++icient t* 4"*.e t%e c"i1e *+ %*1icide and n*t t%e c%a" e *+ 1u"de". C*nse$uently, t%e c*unsel +*" t%e de+ense +iled a M*ti*n t* Fi= t%e A1*unt *+ !ail !*nd. Res4*ndent Atty. R* eli* V. !a a3uy*, t%en -eni*" -tate P"*secut*" and t%e de4utiDed 4"*secut*" *+ t%e case, *3Eected t%e"et* 1ainly *n t%e "*und t%at t%e *"i inal c%a" e *+ 1u"de", 4unis%a3le :it% reclusion perpetua, :as n*t su3Eect t* 3ail unde" -ec. &, Rule 66& *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t.6 In an O"de" dated Au ust 7(, '((', ' Jud e !uyse" in%i3ited %i1sel+ +"*1 +u"t%e" t"yin t%e case 3ecause *+ t%e 8%a"s% insinuati*n8 *+ -eni*" P"*secut*" R* eli* V. !a a3uy* t%at %e 8lac;s t%e c*ld neut"ality *+ an i14a"tial 1a ist"ate,8 3y alle edly su estin t%e +ilin *+ t%e 1*ti*n t* +i= t%e a1*unt *+ 3ail 3*nd 3y c*unsel +*" t%e accused. T%e case :as t"ans+e""ed t* !"anc% 'R *+ t%e RTC *+ -u"i a* City, 4"esided 3y Jud e J*se Manuel P. Tan. In an O"de" dated N*.e13e" 6', '((', Jud e Tan +a.*"a3ly "es*l.ed t%e M*ti*n t* Fi= t%e A1*unt *+ !ail !*nd, and +i=ed t%e a1*unt *+ t%e 3*nd at P&(,(((. Res4*ndent +iled a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e O"de" dated N*.e13e" 6', '((', :%ic% 1*ti*n :as denied +*" lac; *+ 1e"it in an O"de" dated Fe3"ua"y 6(, '((7. In Oct*3e", '((7, "es4*ndent a44ealed +"*1 t%e O"de"s dated N*.e13e" 6', '((' and Fe3"ua"y 6(, '((7, t* t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals /CA0. Instead *+ a.ailin %i1sel+ *nly *+ Eudicial "e1edies, "es4*ndent caused t%e 4u3licati*n *+ an a"ticle "e a"din t%e O"de" "antin 3ail t* t%e accused in t%e Au ust 6), '((7 issue *+ t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily. T%e a"ticle, entitled 8 Senior prosecutor lam'asts Surigao Mu"ge for allowing mur"er suspect to 'ail out ,8 "eads: -ENIOR state 4"*secut*" %as las%ed at a Eud e in -u"i a* City +*" all*:in a 1u"de" sus4ect t* * *ut *n 3ail. -eni*" state 4"*secut*" R* eli* !a a3uy* la13asted Jud e Manuel Tan *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t /RTC0 !"anc% 'R 3ased in -u"i a* City +*" "ulin *n a 1*ti*n t%at s*u %t a 3ail3*nd +*" Luis PlaDa :%* stands c%a" ed :it% 1u"de"in a 4*lice1an . . . . PlaDa "e4*"tedly 4*sted a P&(#t%*usand 3ail 3*nd. !a a3uy* a" ued t%at t%e c"i1e *+ 1u"de" is a n*n#3aila3le *++ense. !ut !a a3uy* ad1itted t%at a Eud e c*uld still *4t t* all*: a 1u"de" sus4ect t* 3ail *ut in cases :%en t%e e.idence *+ t%e 4"*secuti*n is :ea;. !ut in t%is 1u"de" case, !a a3uy* said t%e Eud e :%* 4"e.i*usly %andled it, Jud e FFl*"iG4inas !FuyGse", desc"i3ed t%e e.idence t* 3e st"*n . !FuyGse" in%i3ited +"*1 t%e case +*" an unclea" "eas*n. ===

!a a3uy* said %e :*uld c*ntest TanLs decisi*n 3e+*"e t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals and :*uld +ile c"i1inal and ad1inist"ati.e c%a" es *+ certiorari a ainst t%e Eud e. !a a3uyu* said %e :as n*t a+"aid *+ 3ein cited in c*nte14t 3y Jud e Tan. 8T%is is t%e *nly :ay t%at t%e 4u3lic :*uld ;n*: t%at t%e"e a"e Eud es t%e"e :%* a"e dis4layin Eudicial a""* ance.8 %e said.7 In an O"de" dated Au ust '6, '((7, t%e RTC *+ -u"i a* City, !"anc% 'R, di"ected "es4*ndent and t%e :"ite" *+ t%e a"ticle, Ma"; F"ancisc* *+ t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily, t* a44ea" in c*u"t *n -e4te13e" '(, '((7 t* e=4lain :%y t%ey s%*uld n*t 3e cited +*" indi"ect c*nte14t *+ c*u"t +*" t%e 4u3licati*n *+ t%e a"ticle :%ic% de "aded t%e c*u"t and its 4"esidin Eud e :it% its lies and 1is"e4"esentati*n. T%e said O"de" stated t%at c*nt"a"y t* t%e state1ents in t%e a"ticle, Jud e !uyse" desc"i3ed t%e e.idence +*" t%e 4"*secuti*n as n*t st"*n , 3ut su++icient t* 4"*.e t%e uilt *+ t%e accused *nly +*" %*1icide. M*"e*.e", it :as n*t t"ue t%at Jud e !uyse" in%i3ited %i1sel+ +"*1 t%e case +*" an unclea" "eas*n. Jud e !uyse", in an O"de" dated Au ust 7(, '((', decla"ed in *4en c*u"t in t%e 4"esence *+ "es4*ndent t%at %e :as in%i3itin %i1sel+ +"*1 t%e case due t* t%e %a"s% insinuati*n *+ "es4*ndent t%at %e lac;ed t%e c*ld neut"ality *+ an i14a"tial Eud e. On t%e sc%eduled %ea"in *+ t%e c*nte14t c%a" e, Ma"; F"ancisc* ad1itted t%at t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily caused t%e 4u3licati*n *+ t%e a"ticle. He discl*sed t%at "es4*ndent, in a 4"ess c*n+e"ence, stated t%at t%e c"i1e *+ 1u"de" is n*n# 3aila3le. 9%en as;ed 3y t%e t"ial c*u"t :%y %e 4"inted suc% lies, M". F"ancisc* ans:e"ed t%at %is *nly s*u"ce :as "es4*ndent.& M". F"ancisc* cla"i+ied t%at in t%e state1ent alle in t%at Jud e !uyse" in%i3ited %i1sel+ +"*1 t%e case +*" an unclea" "eas*n, t%e 4%"ase 8+*" an unclea" "eas*n,8 :as added 3y t%e ne:s4a4e"Ls E=ecuti.e Edit*" He"3y -. J*1eD. I Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at %e caused t%e %*ldin *+ t%e 4"ess c*n+e"ence, 3ut "e+used t* ans:e" :%et%e" %e 1ade t%e state1ents in t%e a"ticle until a+te" %e s%all %a.e +iled a 1*ti*n t* dis1iss. F*" %is "e+usal t* ans:e", t%e t"ial c*u"t decla"ed %i1 in c*nte14t *+ c*u"t 4u"suant t* -ec. 7, Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. 5 T%e C*u"tLs O"de" dated -e4te13e" 7(, '((7 "eads: ORCER

t%e c*u"t and t%e 4"esidin Eud e, and :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" .i*latin t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, s4eci+ically Rule 66.(I *+ Can*n 66) and Rule 67.(' *+ Can*n 67.R In t%e O"de", t%e t"ial c*u"t stated t%at "es4*ndent :as inte".ie:ed 3y Jun Cle" i*, and t%at t%e inte".ie: :as "e4eatedly ai"ed *n -e4te13e" 7(, '((7 and in %is ne:s 4"* "a1 3et:een 5:(( and ):(( a.1. *n Oct*3e" 6, '((7. He :as als* inte".ie:ed 3y T*ny C*nsin *n Oct*3e" 6 and ', '((7, 3et:een ):(( and R:(( a.1. in %is "adi* 4"* "a1. In t%*se "adi* inte".ie:s, "es4*ndent alle edly called Jud e Tan a Eud e :%* d*es n*t ;n*: t%e la:, a lia", and a dictat*" :%* d*es n*t acc*"d due 4"*cess t* t%e 4e*4le. T%e %ea"in +*" t%e sec*nd c*nte14t c%a" e :as set *n Cece13e" &, '((7. On N*.e13e", '(, '((7, "es4*ndent +iled an U" ent M*ti*n +*" E=tensi*n *+ Ti1e t* File Ans:e" t* C*nte14t alle in t%at %e :as saddled :it% :*"; *+ e$ual i14*"tance and needed a14le ti1e t* ans:e" t%e sa1e. He als* 4"ayed +*" a 3ill *+ 4a"ticula"s in *"de" t* 4"*4e"ly 4"e4a"e +*" %is de+ense. In an O"de" dated N*.e13e" '(, '((7, t%e t"ial c*u"t denied t%e 1*ti*n. It stated t%at a 3ill *+ 4a"ticula"s is n*t a44lica3le in c*nte14t 4"*ceedin s, and t%at "es4*ndentLs acti*ns and state1ents a"e detailed in t%e O"de" *+ Oct*3e" '(, '((7. On t%e sc%eduled %ea"in *+ Cece13e" &, '((7 "es4*ndent neit%e" a44ea"ed in c*u"t n*" in+*"1ed t%e c*u"t *+ %is a3sence. T%e t"ial c*u"t issued an O"de" dated Cece13e" &, '((7 cancellin t%e %ea"in 8t* i.e P"*secut*" !a a3uy* all t%e c%ances %e as;s +*",8 and *"de"ed %i1 t* a44ea" *n Janua"y 6', '((& t* e=4lain in :"itin *" *"ally :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e cited in c*nte14t *+ c*u"t 4u"suant t* t%e +acts stated in t%e O"de" dated Oct*3e" '(, '((7. H*:e.e", "es4*ndent did n*t a44ea" in t%e sc%eduled %ea"in *+ Janua"y 6', '((&. On Janua"y 6I, '((&, t%e t"ial c*u"t "ecei.ed "es4*ndentLs Ans:e" dated Janua"y ), '((&. Res4*ndent denied t%e c%a" e t%at %e s*u %t t* 3e inte".ie:ed 3y "adi* stati*n CH,-. He, %*:e.e", stated t%at "i %t a+te" t%e %ea"in *+ -e4te13e" 7(, '((7, %e :as a44"*ac%ed 3y s*1e*ne :%* as;ed %i1 t* c*11ent *n t%e O"de" issued in *4en c*u"t, and t%at %is c*11ent d*es n*t +all :it%in t%e c*nce4t *+ indi"ect c*nte14t *+ c*u"t. He als* ad1itted t%at %e :as inte".ie:ed 3y %is +"iend, T*ny C*nsin , at t%e latte"Ls instance. He Eusti+ied %is "es4*nse du"in t%e inte".ie: as a si14le e=e"cise *+ %is c*nstituti*nal "i %t *+ +"eed*1 *+ s4eec% and t%at it :as n*t 1eant t* *++end *" 1ali n, and :as :it%*ut 1alice. On Fe3"ua"y ), '((&, t%e t"ial c*u"t issued an O"de", t%e dis4*siti.e 4*"ti*n *+ :%ic% "eads:

M". Ma"; F"ancisc* +*" 4u3lis%in t%is a"ticle :%ic% is a lie cl*t%ed in %al+ t"ut% t* i.e it a se13lance *+ t"ut% is %e"e3y *"de"ed t* 4ay a +ine *+ P6(,(((. P"*secut*" !a a3uy*, +*" *3stinately "e+usin t* e=4lain :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e cited +*" c*nte14t and ad1ittin t%at t%e a"ticle 4u3lis%ed in t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily *n Au ust 6), '((7 and $u*ted in t%e O"de" *+ t%is C*u"t dated Au ust '6, '((7 :%ic% is c*nte14tu*us :as caused 3y %i1 t* 3e 4u3lis%ed, is %e"e3y adEud ed t* %a.e c*11itted indi"ect c*nte14t *+ C*u"t 4u"suant t* -ecti*n 7 *+ Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t and %e is %e"e3y *"de"ed t* su++e" t%e 4enalty *+ 7( days in Eail. T%e !JMP is %e"e3y *"de"ed t* a""est P"*secut*" R* eli* V. !a a3uy* i+ %e d*es n*t 4ut u4 a 3*nd *+P6((,(((.((. -O ORCERC.2 Res4*ndent 4*sted t%e "e$ui"ed 3*nd and :as "eleased +"*1 t%e cust*dy *+ t%e la:. He a44ealed t%e indi"ect c*nte14t *"de" t* t%e CA. Ces4ite t%e citati*n *+ indi"ect c*nte14t, "es4*ndent 4"esented %i1sel+ t* t%e 1edia +*" inte".ie:s in Radi* -tati*n CH,-, and a ain attac;ed t%e inte "ity *+ Jud e Tan and t%e t"ial c*u"tLs dis4*siti*n in t%e 4"*ceedin s *+ C"i1. Case N*. I6&&. In an O"de" dated Oct*3e" '(, '((7, t%e RTC *+ -u"i a* City, !"anc% 'R, "e$ui"ed "es4*ndent t* e=4lain and t* s%*: cause :it%in +i.e days +"*1 "ecei4t t%e"e*+ :%y %e s%*uld n*t 3e %eld in c*nte14t +*" %is 1edia inte".ie:s t%at de "aded

9HEREFORE, +indin 4"e4*nde"ant e.idence t%at P"*secut*" !a a3uy* %as "*ssly .i*lated t%e Can*ns *+ t%e le al 4"*+essi*n and FisG uilty *+ "a.e 4"*+essi*nal 1isc*nduct, "ende"in %i1 un+it t* c*ntinue t* 3e ent"usted :it% t%e duties and "es4*nsi3ilities 3el*n in t* t%e *++ice *+ an att*"ney, %e is %e"e3y -U-PENCEC +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:. Li;e:ise, %e is als* +*und uilty *+ indi"ect c*nte14t *+ c*u"t, +*" :%ic% %e is %e"e3y *"de"ed t* su++e" t%e 4enalty *+ IMPRI-ONMENT +*" ninety /R(0 days t* 3e se".ed at t%e -u"i a* City Jail and t* 4ay t%e 1a=i1u1 +ine *+ THIRTK THOU-ANC PE-O- /P7(,(((.((0. Futu"e acts *+ c*nte14t :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let c*4ies *+ t%e "ele.ant "ec*"ds 3e i11ediately +*":a"ded t* t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t +*" aut*1atic "e.ie: and +*" +u"t%e" dete"1inati*n *+ "*unds +*" Ft%eG dis3a"1ent *+ P"*secut*" R* eli* V. !a a3uy*. 6( T%e t"ial c*u"t +*und "es4*ndentLs denials t* 3e la1e as t%e ta4e *+ %is inte".ie: *n Oct*3e" ', '((7, duly t"ansc"i3ed, s%*:ed dis"es4ect *+ t%e c*u"t and its *++ice"s, t%us: TONK CON-INJ: Fiscal, nangla'a ang mga oras, nangla'a ang gama Nng pana&on ang sama" sa imong ;asing;asing nagpa'ilin pa 'a ni. * ingnon nato "una na 'a pag'ag-o sa imong &una-&una ;aronA

/Fiscal, a+te" t%e la4se *+ ti1e, a"e y*u still %u"t< O" %a.e y*u n*t c%an ed y*u" 1ind yet<0 !AJA!UKO : Ang a;ong &una-&una ;on a"una man ugaling pag'ag-o ang pagsiguro, ang mga %uwes nga "ili ma&i'alo sa 'alao" tangtangon pag;a a'oga"o, mao ;ana. /I+ 1y 1ind %as c%an ed at all, it is t%at I ensu"e t%at all Eud es :%* a"e i n*"ant *+ t%e la: s%*uld 3e dis3a""ed. T%atLs it.0= = = !AJA!UKO : 3ao ;ana ang tinuo", 4on, ug ;ining a;ong gui'atonan ;aron nga &una&una ma&itungo" nianang mga %uwes nga "ili ;a&i'alo sa 'alao", mag;a"uga mag;alami. 6a"a a"lao nagatoon a;o. Naga'asa a;o sa mga 'ag-ong Eu"is4"udence ug sa atong 'alao" aron sa pagsiguro ga o" nga inigsang-at un a na;o sa ;aso nga dis3a"1ent niining "i ma&i'alo nga %uwes , sigura"o ga o" a;o nga ;atangtangan si a sa lisensi a . . . . Ang ;ini nga %uwes nga "ili ma&i'alo sa 'alao", pagatangtangon na, "ili lamang sa pag;a-%uwes ;on "ili sa pag;a-a'oga"o. 4an-awa ra g o" ;ining i ang gi'u&at nga O"de", T*n, ang i ang pag;a'a;a;on . . . . /T%atLs t"ue, T*n, and t%is c*n.icti*n I %a.e n*: a3*ut Eud es :%* a"e i n*"ant *+ t%e la: is 1ade +i"1e" 3y ti1e. I study e.e"yday. I "ead ne: Eu"is4"udence and t%e la: t* insu"e t%at :%en I +ile t%e dis3a"1ent case a ainst t%is Jud e :%* d*es n*t ;n*: %is la:, I a1 ce"tain t%at %e l*ses %is license . . . . T%is Eud e :%* is i n*"ant *+ t%e la: s%*uld n*t *nly 3e "e1*.ed as a Eud e 3ut s%*uld als* 3e dis3a""ed. Just ta;e a l**; at %is O"de", T*n, and see :%at a lia" %e is . . . .0 === !AJA!UKO : Kes, nag-ingon ang i ang O"de". . . . Ngano nga na;aingon a;o nga 'a;a;on ;ini, nag-ingon nga ;ini ;onong *"de" i.en in *4en c*u"t, ang ;aloo sa "ios, ang i ang *"de" sa 6orte wala si a mag-ingon ug ;anti"a" nga P6((,(((.(( nga 3ail 3*nd. . . . /Kes, %is O"de" said t%at . . . . 9%y did I say t%at %e is a lia"< It states t%at t%is O"de" :as 8 i.en in *4en c*u"t,8 and in J*dLs 1e"cy, %e did n*t state t%e a1*unt *+ P6((,(((.(( as 3ail 3*nd. . . .0 !AJA!UKO : 6a "ili man lagi ma&i'alo sa 'alao", a;o si ang gui-ingnan, K*u" H*n*", I %a.e t%e "i %t t* a44eal. 3i'ali; "a on, ug miingon si a, !JMP a""est !a a3uy*. /!ecause %e d*es n*t ;n*: t%e la:, I said, 8K*u" H*n*", I %a.e t%e "i %t t* a44eal.8 T%en %e ca1e 3ac; and said, 8!JMP, a""est !a a3uy*.80 === !AJA!UKO : . . . P6((,(((.(( ang i ang guipapi ansa. Naunsa naA )in&i ma;ita nimo ang i ang pag;a "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la:. . . . /He i14*sed a 3ail *+ P6((,(((.((. H*: c*1e< T%is is :%e"e y*u :ill see %is "*ss i n*"ance *+ t%e la:. . . . 0 === TONK CON-INJ : -* ;aron, unsa plano nimo ;aronA

/-* :%at is y*u" 4lan n*:<0 !AJA!UKO : Sumala sa a;ong gui-ingon moun"ang lang a;o ;on matangtang na si a sa pag;a a'oga"o. . . . /As I %a.e said, I :ill *nly st*4 i+ %e is al"eady dis3a""ed. . . .0 === !AJA!UKO : Nasu;o si a niini ;a &am'ugero ;uno, pero anga an ni ang &i'aw-an nga ang tra'aMo sa %uwes "ili ang pagtan-aw ;on ang tawo &am'ugero . . . . 5g ang a;ong gisulti mao lamang ang 'alao" nga si a in +act at t%at ti1e I said %e is n*t c*n.e"sant *+ t%e la:, :it% "e a"ds t* t%e case *+ 1u"de". . . . /He *t an "y 3ecause I :as alle edly 3"a in 3ut %e s%*uld ;n*: t%at it is n*t +*" a Eud e t* dete"1ine i+ a 4e"s*n is a 3"a a"t. . . .And :%at I said :as 3ased *n t%e la:. In +act, at t%at ti1e, I said %e is n*t c*n.e"sant *+ t%e la:, :it% "e a"ds t* t%e case *+ 1u"de" . . . .0 === !AJA!UKO : A&, mi sit d*:n sa' a;o, c*nte14t ra 'a ;a"to . . . . 3ao ;ana, pero unsa ma i ang ;atu oan O ang i ang ;atu oan nga ipa-a"to a;o "i"to ;a "i"to, i a a;ong pa;auwawan ;a i a ;ong si;opon, i a ;ong ipa-priso, pero ;a "i man lagi ma&i'alo sa 'alao", ang i ang gui or"eran BJ3P, intawon por "ios por Santo , M". Tan, pag'asa intawon ug 'alao", naunsa ;a 'a M". TanA 5nsa ma imong &una&una nga ;on i;aw %uwes, i;aw na ang "i;ta"or, n* :ay, n* si", *u"s is a de1*c"atic c*unt"y :%e"e all and e.e"y*ne is entitled t* due 4"*cess *+ la: > y*u did n*t acc*"d 1e due 4"*cess *+ la: . . . . /I sat d*:n. . . . T%atLs it. !ut :%at :as %is 4u"4*se< He 1ade 1e c*1e in *"de" t* %u1iliate 1e 3ecause %e :anted 1e a""ested, %e :anted 1e i14"is*ned, 3ut 3ecause %e is i n*"ant *+ t%e la:, %e *"de"ed t%e !MJP. F*" J*dLs sa;e, M". Tan, :%atLs :"*n :it% y*u, M". Tan< Please "ead t%e la:. 9%at is y*u" t%in;in < T%at :%en y*u a"e a Eud e, y*u a"e als* a dictat*"< N* :ay, n* si", *u"s is a de1*c"atic c*unt"y :%e"e all and e.e"y*ne is entitled t* due 4"*cess *+ la: > y*u did n*t acc*"d 1e due 4"*cess *+ la:. . . .0 TONK CON-INJ: -* mopasa;a ;ang dis3a"1ent, malaumon ;ita nga maa;si onan ;ini, :it% all t%is 4"*3le1 sa 6orte Suprema. /-* y*u a"e +ilin a dis3a"1ent case< 9e %*4e t%at t%is 3e i.en acti*n :it% all t%e 4"*3le1s in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t.0 !AJA!UKO : )ili a;o ma'ala;a niana ;a usa ;a t"uc; ang a;ong Eu"is4"udence, nga ang mga %uwes nga "i ma&i'alo sa 'alao" pagatangtangon ga o" sa ilang pag;a %uwes. . . . Apan unsa man intawon ang 'alao" ang i ang gi'asa niini na"unggan ;o nga ;ini ;uno si a ma"Mongero, mao 'itaw na, ma"Mong ang i ang guitunanA /I a1 n*t :*""ied 3ecause I %a.e a t"uc;l*ad *+ Eu"is4"udence t%at Eud es :%* a"e i n*"ant *+ t%e la: 1ust 3e "e1*.ed +"*1 t%e !enc%. !ut :%at la: %as %e 3een "eadin < I %ea"d t%at %e is a 1a%E*n aficiona"o/1a%E*n e"*0 and t%at is :%y %e is studyin 1a%E*n .66 T%e t"ial c*u"t c*ncluded t%at "es4*ndent, as a 1e13e" *+ t%e 3a" and an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, is duty 3*und t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%e c*u"t, and s%*uld n*t 4"*1*te dist"ust in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.

T%e t"ial c*u"t stated t%at it is e14*:e"ed t* sus4end "es4*ndent +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: unde" -ec. '), Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t6' +*" any *+ t%e causes 1enti*ned in -ec. '2 67 *+ t%e sa1e Rule. Res4*ndent :as i.en t%e *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d, 3ut %e *4ted t* 3e silent. T%us, it %eld t%at t%e "e$ui"e1ent *+ due 4"*cess %as 3een duly satis+ied. In acc*"dance :it% t%e 4"*.isi*ns *+ -ec. 'R,6& Rule 67) and -ec. R,6I Rule 67R *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, t%e RTC *+ -u"i a* City, !"anc% 'R, t"ans1itted t* t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant t%e -tate1ent *+ Facts *+ "es4*ndentLs sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:, dated July 6&, '((I, t* et%e" :it% t%e *"de" *+ sus4ensi*n and *t%e" "ele.ant d*cu1ents. In its Re4*"t dated Janua"y &, '((5, t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant +*und t%at t%e a"ticle in t%e Au ust 6), '((7 issue *+ t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily, :%ic% 1ali ned t%e inte "ity and inde4endence *+ t%e c*u"t and its *++ice"s, and "es4*ndentLs c"iticis1 *+ t%e t"ial c*u"tLs O"de" dated N*.e13e" 6', '((', :%ic% :as ai"ed in "adi* stati*n CH,-, 3*t% in c*nnecti*n :it% C"i1. Case N*. I6&&, c*nstitute "a.e .i*lati*n *+ *at% *+ *++ice 3y "es4*ndent. It stated t%at t%e "e$ui"e1ent *+ due 4"*cess :as c*14lied :it% :%en "es4*ndent :as i.en an *44*"tunity t* 3e %ea"d, 3ut "es4*ndent c%*se t* "e1ain silent. T%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant "ec*11ended t%e i14le1entati*n *+ t%e t"ial c*u"tLs *"de" *+ sus4ensi*n dated Fe3"ua"y ), '((&, and t%at "es4*ndent 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne yea", :it% a ste"n :a"nin t%at t%e "e4etiti*n *+ a si1ila" *++ense :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. T%e C*u"t a44"*.es t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant. It %as 3een "eite"ated in !onKaga v. #illanueva, Jr.65 t%at: A la:ye" 1ay 3e dis3a""ed *" sus4ended +*" any .i*lati*n *+ %is *at%, a 4atent dis"e a"d *+ %is duties, *" an *di*us de4*"t1ent un3ec*1in an att*"ney. A1*n t%e "*unds enu1e"ated in -ecti*n '2, Rule 67) *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t a"e deceitA 1al4"acticeA "*ss 1isc*nduct in *++iceA "*ssly i11*"al c*nductA c*n.icti*n *+ a c"i1e in.*l.in 1*"al tu"4itudeA any .i*lati*n *+ t%e *at% :%ic% %e is "e$ui"ed t* ta;e 3e+*"e ad1issi*n t* t%e 4"actice *+ la:A :ill+ul dis*3edience *+ any la:+ul *"de" *+ a su4e"i*" c*u"tA c*""u4t *" :ill+ul a44ea"ance as an att*"ney +*" a 4a"ty t* a case :it%*ut aut%*"ity t* d* s*. T%e "*unds a"e n*t 4"eclusi.e in natu"e e.en as t%ey a"e 3"*ad en*u % as t* c*.e" 4"actically any ;ind *+ i14"*4"iety t%at a la:ye" d*es *" c*11its in %is 4"*+essi*nal ca"ee" *" in %is 4"i.ate li+e. A la:ye" 1ust at n* ti1e 3e :antin in 4"*3ity and 1*"al +i3e" :%ic% a"e n*t *nly c*nditi*ns 4"ecedent t* %is ent"ance t* t%e !a", 3ut a"e li;e:ise essential de1ands +*" %is c*ntinued 1e13e"s%i4 t%e"ein. La:ye"s a"e licensed *++ice"s *+ t%e c*u"ts :%* a"e e14*:e"ed t* a44ea", 4"*secute and de+endA and u4*n :%*1 4eculia" duties, "es4*nsi3ilities and lia3ilities a"e de.*l.ed 3y la: as a c*nse$uence. 62 Me13e"s%i4 in t%e 3a" i14*ses u4*n t%e1 ce"tain *3li ati*ns.6) Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 1andates a la:ye" t* 8*3se".e and 1aintain t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts and t* Eudicial *++ice"s and F%eG s%*uld insist *n si1ila" c*nduct 3y *t%e"s.8 Rule 66.(I *+ Can*n 66 states t%at a la:ye" 8s%all su31it "ie.ances a ainst a Eud e t* t%e 4"*4e" aut%*"ities *nly.8 Res4*ndent .i*lated Rule 66.(I *+ Can*n 66 :%en %e ad1ittedly caused t%e %*ldin *+ a 4"ess c*n+e"ence :%e"e %e 1ade state1ents a ainst t%e O"de" dated N*.e13e" 6', '((' all*:in t%e accused in C"i1. Case N*. I6&& t* 3e "eleased *n 3ail. Res4*ndent als* .i*lated Can*n 66 :%en %e indi"ectly stated t%at Jud e Tan :as dis4layin Eudicial a""* ance in t%e a"ticle entitled, Senior prosecutor lam'asts Surigao Mu"ge for allowing mur"er suspect to 'ail out , :%ic% a44ea"ed in t%e Au ust 6), '((7 issue *+ t%e Mindana* J*ld -ta" Caily. Res4*ndentLs state1ents in t%e a"ticle, :%ic% :e"e 1ade :%ile C"i1. Case N*. I6&& :as still 4endin in c*u"t, als* .i*lated Rule 67.(' *+ Can*n 67, :%ic% states t%at 8a la:ye" s%all n*t 1a;e 4u3lic state1ents in t%e 1edia "e a"din a 4endin case tendin t* a"*use 4u3lic *4ini*n +*" *" a ainst a 4a"ty.8 In "e a"d t* t%e "adi* inte".ie: i.en t* T*ny C*nsin , "es4*ndent .i*lated Rule 66.(I *+ Can*n 66 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility +*" n*t "es*"tin t* t%e 4"*4e" aut%*"ities *nly +*" "ed"ess *+ %is "ie.ances a ainst Jud e Tan.

Res4*ndent als* .i*lated Can*n 66 +*" %is dis"es4ect *+ t%e c*u"t and its *++ice" :%en %e stated t%at Jud e Tan :as i n*"ant *+ t%e la:, t%at as a 1a%E*n aficiona"o, %e :as studyin 1a%E*n instead *+ studyin t%e la:, and t%at %e :as a lia". Res4*ndent als* .i*lated t%e La:ye"Ls Oat%, as %e %as s:*"n t* 8c*nduct F%i1sel+G as a la:ye" acc*"din t* t%e 3est *+ F%isG ;n*:led e and disc"eti*n :it% all **d +idelity as :ell t* t%e c*u"ts as t* F%isG clients.8 As a seni*" state 4"*secut*" and *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, "es4*ndent s%*uld %a.e set t%e e=a14le *+ *3se".in and 1aintainin t%e "es4ect due t* t%e c*u"ts and t* Eudicial *++ice"s. 3ontecillo v. !ica6R %eld: It is t%e duty *+ t%e la:ye" t* 1aintain t*:a"ds t%e c*u"ts a "es4ect+ul attitude. As an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t, it is %is duty t* u4%*ld t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%e c*u"t t* :%ic% %e *:es +idelity, acc*"din t* t%e *at% %e %as ta;en. Res4ect +*" t%e c*u"ts ua"antees t%e sta3ility *+ *u" de1*c"atic instituti*ns :%ic%, :it%*ut suc% "es4ect, :*uld 3e "estin *n a .e"y s%a;y +*undati*n. T%e C*u"t is n*t a ainst la:ye"s "aisin "ie.ances a ainst e""in Eud es 3ut t%e "ules clea"ly 4"*.ide +*" t%e 4"*4e" .enue and 4"*cedu"e +*" d*in s*, 4"ecisely 3ecause "es4ect +*" t%e instituti*n 1ust al:ays 3e 1aintained. %4ERE8ORE, in .ie: *+ t%e +*"e *in , Atty. R* eli* V. !a a3uy* is +*und uilty *+ .i*latin Rule 66.(I, Can*n 66 and Rule 67.(', Can*n 67 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, and *+ .i*latin t%e La:ye"Ls Oat%, +*" :%ic% %e is SUS5ENDED +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea" e++ecti.e u4*n +inality *+ t%is Cecisi*n, :it% a S0ERN %ARNING t%at t%e "e4etiti*n *+ a si1ila" *++ense s%all 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. Let c*4ies *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e +u"nis%ed t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant t* 3e a44ended t* "es4*ndentLs 4e"s*nal "ec*"d as an att*"ney, t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines, t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ Justice, and all c*u"ts in t%e c*unt"y +*" t%ei" in+*"1ati*n and uidance. N* c*sts. SO ORDERED. G.R. No. 1,*37+ June ,, 200. ER&INDA I. BI&DNER n( MADIMO @. I&USORIO, Petiti*ne"s, .s. ER&INDA @. I&USORIO, RAMON @. I&USORIO, MARIE00A @. I&USORIO, S4EREEN @. I&USORIO, )E)I&IA A. BISUBA, n( A00/. MANUE& R. SINGSON, Res4*ndents. 3E&AS)O, JR., J.: In t%is 4etiti*n +iled di"ectly :it% t%e C*u"t in acc*"dance :it% Rule 26, -ecti*n I *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t, E"linda I. !ildne" and Ma=i1* ,. Ilus*"i* 4"ay t%at "es4*ndents, *ne *+ t%e1 t%ei" 1*t%e" and t%"ee t%ei" si3lin s, 3e cited +*" indi"ect c*nte14t +*" alle ed c*nte14tu*us "e1a";s and acts di"ected a ainst t%e C*u"t, 4a"ticula"ly t%e t%en 1e13e"s *+ its Fi"st Ci.isi*n. !y 1*ti*n dated June I, '((7, 4etiti*ne"s 4"ay t%at t%e sa1e 4etiti*n 3e t"eated as a +*"1al c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent *" disci4lina"y acti*n a ainst "es4*ndent Atty. Manuel R. -in s*n +*" alle ed "*ss 1isc*nduct, a1*n *t%e" *++enses. T%e Undis4uted Facts Indi"ect C*nte14t T%e "esultin alle ed c*nte14tu*us state1ents and acti*ns date 3ac; t* 4"*ceedin s 3e+*"e t%e C*u"t, s4eci+ically in J.R. N*s. 67R2)R and 67R)() t%at :e"e a44eals +"*1 t%e decisi*n *+ t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals /CA0 in CA#J.R. -P N*. I65)R, denyin t%e 4etiti*n +*" %a3eas c*"4us +iled 3y "es4*ndent E"linda ,. Ilus*"i* t* %a.e cust*dy *+ %e" %us3and, P*tencian* Ilus*"i*. T%e a44ealed decisi*n +*und P*tencian* t* 3e *+ s*und 1ind and n*t unla:+ully "est"ained *+ %is li3e"ty. T%e CA, %*:e.e", "anted E"linda Ilus*"i* .isitati*n "i %ts, an acc*11*dati*n :%ic% t%e C*u"t nulli+ied in its Cecisi*n *+ May 6', '((( in J.R. N*s. 67R2)R and 67R)().6

T%is May 6', '((( "ulin s4a:ned se.e"al incidents. Fi"st, E"linda Ilus*"i* 1*.ed +*" its "ec*nside"ati*n, "eite"atin %e" 3asic 4lea +*" a :"it *+ %a3eas c*"4us and t%at dau %te"s 4etiti*ne" !ildne" and -yl.ia Ilus*"i* 3e di"ected t* desist +"*1 4"e.entin %e" 8+"*1 seein P*tencian*.8 E"linda Ilus*"i* +*ll*:ed t%is 1*ti*n :it% a M*ti*n t* -et Case +*" P"eli1ina"y C*n+e"ence, "e$uestin t%at s%e and P*tencian* 83e Fall*:ed t* 3eG 3y t%e1sel.es t* et%e" in +"*nt *+ t%e H*n*"a3le C*u"t.8' -%e "eite"ated t%is "e$uest in an U" ent Mani+estati*n and M*ti*n dated Au ust 'I, '(((. !y Res*luti*n *+ -e4te13e" '(, '(((, t%e C*u"t set t%e case +*" 4"eli1ina"y c*n+e"ence *n Oct*3e" 66, '((( 3ut :it%*ut "e$ui"in t%e 1andat*"y 4"esence *+ t%e 4a"ties. 7 In an*t%e" "es*luti*n dated Janua"y 76, '((6, t%e C*u"t denied E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs 1ani+estati*n and 1*ti*n in :%ic% s%e 4"ayed t%at P*tencian* 3e 4"*duced 3e+*"e, and 3e 1edically e=a1ined 3y a tea1 *+ 1edical e=4e"ts a44*inted 3y, t%e C*u"t. & E"linda Ilus*"i* s*u %t "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e Janua"y 76, '((6 "es*luti*n. On Ma"c% '2, '((6, t%e C*u"t denied :it% +inality E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e Janua"y 76, '((6 "es*luti*n.I Undaunted, s%e +iled an U" ent Mani+estati*n and M*ti*n +*" Cla"i+icati*n *+ t%e C*u"tBs Janua"y 76, '((6 "es*luti*n. On May 7(, '((6, t%e C*u"t 1e"ely n*ted t%e u" ent 1ani+estati*n and 1*ti*n +*" cla"i+icati*n. 5 !y Res*luti*n *+ July 6R, '((6, 2 t%e C*u"t denied E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e Cecisi*n dated May 6', '(((. T%e"ea+te", in an*t%e" "es*luti*n dated July '&, '((', :e "es*l.ed t* e=4un e +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds %e" "e4etiti.e 1*ti*ns, :it% t%e ca.eat t%at n* +u"t%e" 4leadin s s%all 3e ente"tained.) !a"ely *.e" a 1*nt% a+te", E"linda Ilus*"i*, t%is ti1e "e4"esented 3y Cela C"uD Al3an* N Ass*ciates, s*u %t lea.e t* +ile an u" ent 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n *+ t%e July '&, '((' "es*luti*n. In "elati*n t* t%e a3*.e %a3eas c*"4us case, E"linda Ilus*"i* add"essed t:* lette"s t* t%en C%ie+ Justice Hila"i* J. Ca.ide, J". dated Fe3"ua"y '5, '((6 and A4"il 65, '((6, "es4ecti.ely. In t%e +i"st, s%e s*u %t assistance .is#]#.is %e" :is% t* see P*tencian*.R In t%e sec*nd, s%e c%a+ed at :%at s%e c*nside"ed t%e C*u"tBs 3ent t* ad%e"e t* +*"1s and 4"*cedu"e and, at t%e sa1e ti1e, u" ed t%e C*u"t t* 4e"s*nally see P*tencian*.6( An*t%e" lette" *+ -e4te13e" I, '((6 t* C%ie+ Justice Ca.ide d"e: attenti*n t* t%e C*u"tBs decisi*n in J.R. N*. 6&)R)I entitled Ramon 6. ,lusorio v. Baguio $ountr $lu' , in :%ic% E"linda Ilus*"i* ta ed t%e decisi*n as 8a44allin ,8 8unilate"ally 3"aDen,8 and 8un4"ecedented in t%e annals *+ t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t decisi*n#1a;in 4"*cess.8 In %e" :*"ds, t%e decisi*n denied and dis1issed t%e 4etiti*n *+ %e" s*n, Ra1*n Ilus*"i*, t%"*u % a 8+*u"#4a e "es*luti*n 3y unilate"ally a" uin and citin t%e a" u1ents 1ade 3y t%e "es4*ndents8 in t%e case at t%e c*u"ts a (uo, 8:it%*ut e.en i.in t%e sa1e "es4*ndents t%e 4"*4e" %ea"in *" "e$ui"in a c*11ent *" a "e4ly.8 In t%e sa1e lette", s%e 1ade "e+e"ence t* t%e C*u"t i.in 8s4ecial t"eat1ent t* 4a"ticula" liti ants.866 T* 4etiti*ne"s, E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs +ilin *+ "edundant 1*ti*ns and 4leadin s, al*n :it% %e" act *+ :"itin t%e a+*"e1enti*ned lette"s, c*nstitutes c*nte14tu*us dis"es4ect and dis*3edience *" de+iance *+ la:+ul *"de"s *+ t%e C*u"t. On t*4 *+ t%e +*"e *in ci"cu1stances, 4etiti*ne"s :*uld als* %a.e "es4*ndents cited +*" c*nte14t in .ie: *+ t%e 4u3licati*n *+ On t%e Ed e *+ Hea.en, a 3**; ca""yin E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs na1e as aut%*" and :%ic% c*ntained %e" c*11enta"ies *n t%e a+*"esaid %a3eas c*"4us case. In t%is 3**;, 4u3lis%ed 3y PI#E,I F*undati*n 6' :%*se 3*a"d *+ di"ect*"s is c*14*sed *+ "es4*ndents Ra1*n, Ma"ietta ,. Ilus*"i*, -%e"een ,. Ilus*"i*, and Cecilia A. !isuQa, t%e +*ll*:in e=ce"4ts +"*1 t%e P*stsc"i4t secti*n ca4ti*ned 7&ere is JusticeA a44ea": I 4u"sued 1y case in t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t at Ci.isi*n I. T%e"e I :as %ea"d 3y Justice Pa"d*, Ca.ide, Pun*, ,a4unan, and -antia *. Just t%e sa1e > t%is %i %est c*u"t *+ t%e land did n*t %eed t* 1y des4e"ate 4leas. C*n.eniently, t%ey *1itted t%e state *+ 1y %us3andBs t"ue desi"esA dis1issed t%e i14*"tance *+ 1y %us3andBs 4"esence in t%e c*u"tA i n*"ed t%e ulti1ate need t*

c%ec; +*" t%e1sel.es t%e t"ue state *+ Nan*yBs %ealt%A and a+te" PIBs "ecent deat% in June '), '((6, easily dis1issed 1y case as 81**t and acade1ic.8 My %us3and :as "e+e""ed t* as an*t%e" 8su3Eect.8 /On t%e Ed e *+ Hea.en, 4. 6)(0 67 In t%e sa1e 3**;, E"linda Ilus*"i* den*unced Justice !e"na"d* P. Pa"d*, n*: "eti"ed, t%e ponente *+ t%e %a3eas c*"4us case, t%e *t%e" 1e13e"s *+ t%e t%en Fi"st Ci.isi*n *+ t%e C*u"t, and t%e C*u"t as a :%*le: 9%e"e is Eustice< -adly, t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals and, 1*"es*, t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t 3"*;e#u4 1y +a1ily. C*esnBt *u" C*nstituti*n, *u" Ci.il C*de and *u" Fa1ily C*de 4"*tect t%e sanctity *+ 1a""ia e and t%e +a1ily< 9as Eustice +*" sale< 9as Eustice s*ld< Nasaan an ;ata"un an< ==== Au ust 'R, '((6 T* t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *+ t%e P%ili44ines, Ci.isi*n One, Justice !e"na"d* Pa"d*, P*nente *n Case N*. = = = ==== K*u si14ly $u*ted an *3ite" dictu1 *+ t%e C*u"t *+ A44eals. T%e"e :as n* "ulin *n %is 1ental c*nditi*n as t%is :as n*t at issue at t%e %a3eas c*"4us. H*: c*uld y*u %a.e 1ade a "ulin 3ased *n an *3ite"< All t%e d*ct*"Bs "e4*"ts su31itted :e"e t*tally dis"e a"ded. In "eality it :as %is +"ailty, n*t %is 1ental c*14etence t%at I "aised. Cu"in t%e last +i.e yea"s, %e 3eca1e inc"easin ly +"ail, al1*st 3lind and c*uld 3a"ely tal;. He :as n*t a3le t* "ead n*" :"ite +*" al1*st t:enty yea"s. = = = Ou" se4a"ati*n, t%"ee yea"s a *, c"uel and in%u1an t%at it :as, :as 1ade 1*"e 4ain+ul 3y y*u" "ulin t%at I 1ay n*t e.en .isit %i1. ==== On May 7(, '((6, y*u "uled t%at y*u" decisi*n n*ted :it%*ut acti*n t%e $uesti*ns *+ 1y la:ye"s, in e++ect 3"us%in aside t%e M*ti*n +*" Cla"i+icati*n :it%*ut any ans:e"s :%ats*e.e". 9%y< ==== I+ y*u" decisi*n 3ec*1es "es Eudicata %a.enBt y*u Eust 4"*.ided a 1*st c*n.enient .enue t* se4a"ate s4*uses +"*1 eac% *t%e">>3ased *n indi.idual "i %ts>>4a"ticula"ly :%en *ne s4*use is ailin and 4"*ne t* 1ani4ulati*n and needs t%e *t%e" s4*use t%e 1*st< 9%y did y*u :ait +*" 1*"e t%an *ne yea" and a+te" 1y %us3andBs deat% t* deny 1y 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n< Is it 3ecause it is easie" t* d* s* n*: t%at it is acade1ic< C*es y*u" c*nscience 3*t%e" y*u at all< ==== I cl*se 3y as;in y*u: %*: can t%e %i %est c*u"t *+ *u" land 3e a 4a"ty t* t%e 3"ea; u4 *+ 1y +a1ily and, dis"e a"din t%e Fa1ily C*de, n*t let 1e ta;e ca"e *+ 1y %us3and, 4e"1it 1y %us3and t* die :it%*ut e.en %eedin 1y des4e"ate 4leas, i+ n*t +*" Eustice, at least y*u" c*nce"n +*" a %u1an 3ein < ====

L**;in 3ac;, I cann*t +ail t* see t%at>>i+ *u" c*u"ts can "ende" t%is ;ind *+ Eustice t* *ne li;e 1ysel+ 3ecause I %a.e lesse" 1eans, and lesse" c*nnecti*ns t%an 1y :ell#1a""ied dau %te"s, :%at ;ind *+ Eustice is i.en t* t%*se less 4"i.ile ed< T* t%e 4**", :it% n* 1eans>>:%at %a.e t%ey< I c"y +*" t%e1X 6& /E14%asis *u"s.0 Cis3a"1ent C*14laint T%e dis3a"1ent case a ainst "es4*ndent Atty. -in s*n ste11ed +"*1 %is alle ed atte14t, as c*unsel *+ Ra1*n in Ci.il Case N*. &I72#R, t* e=e"t in+luence *n 4"esidin Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t Jud e Ant*ni* Reyes t* "ule in Ra1*nBs +a.*". T* c*14lainant#4etiti*ne"s, t%e 3id t* in+luence, :%ic% alle edly ca1e in t%e +*"1 *+ a 3"i3e *++e", 1ay 3e deduced +"*1 t%e +*ll*:in e=c%an es du"in t%e May 76, '((( %ea"in *n Ra1*nBs 1*ti*n +*" Jud e Reyes t* in%i3it %i1sel+ +"*1 %ea"in Ci.il Case N*. &I72#R: COURT: C* y*u %a.e s*1et%in t* add t* y*u" 1*ti*n< ATTK. JO-E: T%e 4u"4*se *+ t%is "e4"esentati*n 3asically, y*u" %*n*" state t%e +acts a"e al"eady esta3lis%ed as a 3asis +*" tendency *" a 4e"ce4ti*n c*""ectly *" inc*""ectly t%at t%e"e is al"eady a 4*ssi3ility *+ 4a"tiality. COURT: 9%* is y*u" 4a"tne"< ATTK. JO-E: T%e c*unsel +*" t%e 4lainti++ is La: O++ice *+ -in s*n and Ass*ciates and I a1 t%e ass*ciate *+ said La: O++ice, y*u" %*n*". COURT: And y*u a"e a:a"e t%at Atty. Manuel R. -in s*n is y*u" 3*ss< ==== ATTK. JO-E: Kes, y*u" %*n*"< COURT: Has %e 3een tellin y*u t%e t"ut% in t%is case< ATTK. JO-E: 9ell, y*u" %*n*" 1y a44ea"ance %e"e +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ %a.in t%is 1*ti*n duly %ea"d. COURT: T%at is :%y IB1 as;in y*u t%e $uesti*n, %as %e 3een tellin y*u t%e t"ut% "e a"din t%is case< ATTK. JO-E: 9ell, y*u" %*n*" in +act t%e actual c*unsel %e"e is Atty. Je4ty and I %a.e 3eenX COURT: A"e y*u a:a"e *+ t%e +act t%at Atty. -in s*n %as 3een callin 1y "esidence in !a ui* City +*" a3*ut '( t* I( ti1es al"eady< ATTK. JO-E: I %a.e n* ;n*:led e al"eady. COURT: A"e y*u a:a"e t%at %e %as *++e"ed Atty. Osca" -e.illa %is class1ate at Atene* La: -c%**l PI((,(((.(( t* i.e it t* 1e +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ "ulin in +a.*" *+ y*u" clientF<G ATTK. JO-E: I %a.e n* ;n*:led e y*u" %*n*". COURT: As; %i1 t%at tell %i1 t* +ace t%e 1i""*" and as; %i1 i+ %e is tellin t%e t"ut% al"i %t< I :ill su11*n t%e "ec*"ds *+ PLCT. T%e audacity *+ tellin 1e t* in%i3it 1ysel+ %e"e. It %as 3een %i1 :%* %as 3een t"yin t* in+luence 1e. ====

COURT: Tell %i1 t* l**; at %is +ace in t%e 1i""*", tell 1e i+ %e is %*nest *" n*t. 6I And t* su44*"t t%ei" dis3a"1ent c%a" e a ainst Atty. -in s*n *n t%e "*unds *+ atte14ted 3"i3e"y and se"i*us 1isc*nduct, c*14lainant#4etiti*ne"s su31itted an a++ida.it e=ecuted *n Cece13e" '7, '((& 3y Jud e Reyes in :%ic% %e 4e"tinently alle ed: '0 T%at *ne *+ t%e cases I t"ied, %ea"d and decided :as Ci.il Case N*. &I72#R entitled PRamon 6. ,lusorio v. Baguio $ountr $lu'P +*" t%e P)eclaration of Nullit of Limitations an"Qor ,nMunction = = =8A 70 T%at t%e .e"y 1inute t%at t%e case :as assi ned 3y "a++le t* t%e unde"si ned, Atty. Manuel -in s*n c*unsel *+ 4lainti++ Ra1*n ,. Ilus*"i* in t%e a+*"e1enti*ned case, sta"ted :*";in *n %is c%annels t* t%e unde"si ned t* secu"e a +a.*"a3le decisi*n +*" %is clientA &0 T%at Atty. -in s*nBs +*"e1*st lin; t* t%e unde"si ned :as Atty. Osca" -e.illa, 1y +a1ily +"iend and :%* incidentally :as a class1ate *+ Atty. -in s*nA I0 T%at Atty. -e.illa, 3ein a cl*se +a1ily +"iend, i11ediately inti1ated t* unde"si ned t%at Atty. -in s*n :anted a +a.*"a3le decisi*n and t%at ">e'e F $ no" $o # :ue n o<<e' o< -'!-e <'om >!m /Atty. -in s*n0A 50 T%at I "eEected e.e"y 3it *+ ille al insinuati*ns and t*ld Atty. -e.illa t* assu"e Atty. -in s*n t%at I a1 duty 3*und t* decide e.e"y case *n t%e 1e"its n* 1atte" :%* t%e liti ants a"eA 20 T%at e.en 3e+*"e t%e sta"t *+ t%e %ea"in *+ t%e case, Atty. -in s*n %i1sel+ "elentlessly :*";ed *n unde"si ned 3y #!$!"!n: >!m -ou" ">'ee "!me$ !n >!$ o<<!ce . And n*t 3ein satis+ied :it% t%*se .isits, %e /Atty. -in s*n0 1ade mo'e "> n (oOen c ll$ "o un(e'$!:ne(I$ M n!l n( B :u!o 'e$!(ence$ , and :*";ed *n Atty. -e.illa = = = 3y callin t%e latte"Bs cell 4%*ne e.en :%en :e :e"e 4layin *l+ in Manila. T%ese 4%*ne calls :e"e e.en ad1itted 3y Atty. -in s*n in a Mani+estati*n %e +iled in c*u"t citin se.e"al "idicul*us, un3elie.a3le and unt"ut%+ul "eas*ns +*" %is 4%*ne callsA )0 T%at :%en Ra1*n ,. Ilus*"i*Bs 4lea +*" inEuncti.e "elie+ :as su31itted +*" "es*luti*n, Atty. -in s*n 3eca1e 1*"e un"elentin in t%"*:in %is 4"*+essi*nal et%ics *ut *+ t%e :ind*: and 3"eac%ed %is la:ye"Bs *at% 3y pe'$on ll9 c ll!n: m n9 mo'e "!me$, $ome o< F>!c> Fe'e e#en m (e l "e e#en!n:$ , Eust t"yin t* c*n.ince unde"si ned t* "ant t%e inEuncti.e "elie+ %is client Ra1*n ,. Ilus*"i* des4e"ately needed in t%e caseA R0 T%at 3ecause *+ %is ina3ility t* in+luence unde"si ned = = =, Atty. -in s*n +iled a 1*ti*n t* in%i3it alle in t%at +acts %a.e 3een esta3lis%ed *+ unde"si nedBs 4a"tiality +*" %is clientBs ad.e"sa"y, t%e de+endant !a ui* C*unt"y Clu3A 6(0 T%at at t%e %ea"in *n t%e 1*ti*n t* in%i3it = = = I decla"ed in *4en c*u"t and in 4u3lic t%e dis%*nest and un4"*+essi*nal c*nduct *+ Atty. -in s*n in t"yin t* in+luence a Eud e t* +a.*" %is client, n* 1atte" %*: un1e"it*"i*us %is 4"aye" +*" inEuncti*n :as. In *4en c*u"t, unde"si ned sc*"ed Atty. -in s*nBs audacity *+ as;in an in%i3iti*n :%en it %as al:ays 3een %i1 and %i1 al*ne :%* :anted and t"ied t* in+luence t%e unde"si ned. 660 T%at *n Janua"y 6', '(((, unde"si ned issued an O"de" in Ci.il Case N*. &I72#R = = = denyin Atty. -in s*nBs clientBs 4"aye" +*" t%e issuance *+ a :"it *+ 4"eli1ina"y inEuncti*n = = =A 6'0 T%at t%e unde"si nedBs "ulin a ainst Atty. -in s*nBs client in t%e case :as ele.ated t* t%e FCAG in J.R. N*. IR7I7 :%e"e = = = Atty. -in s*n ne.e" "aised t%e issue *+ unde"si nedBs denial t* in%i3itA

670 T%at still unsatis+ied :it% t%e FCABsG ad.e"se "ulin a ainst %is client, Atty. -in s*n :ent *n t* t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t in J.R. N*. 6&)R)I $uesti*nin t%e FCABsG a++i"1ati*n *+ unde"si nedBs decisi*n. T%e -u4"e1e C*u"t = = = dis1issed t%e a44eal *+ Ra1*n ,. Ilus*"i* and sustained unde"si nedBs decisi*n. 65/E14%asis *u"s.0 C*14lainant#4etiti*ne"s als* su31itted Atty. Osca" -e.illaBs a++ida.it t* su44*"t t%e atte14ted 3"i3e"y c%a" e a ainst Atty. -in s*n. In its 4e"tinent 4a"t, Atty. -e.illaBs a++ida.it "eads: T%at s*1eti1e in late Oct*3e" *+ 6RRR = = =, I "ecei.ed a call +"*1 Atty. -in s*n = = = and in t%e c*u"se *+ *u" c*n.e"sati*n, I lea"ned t%at Ra1*n ,. Ilus*"i* is %is client :%* %as a ci.il case "a++led t* Jud e ReyesA T%at du"in said c*n.e"sati*n, I 1enti*ned t* Atty. -in s*n t%at Jud e Reyes is a +a1ily +"iend and = = = is a 1an *+ inte "ityA T%at in t%e 1*nt%s t%at +*ll*:ed, Atty. -in s*n 1ade a call *" t:* t* 1y cell4%*ne "e$uestin i+ I c*uld 1enti*n t* Jud e Reyes t%at %e /Atty. -in s*n0 is 1y class1ate at t%e Atene* and als* a **d +"iendA T%at I "e1e13e" %a.in 1enti*ned t%is t* Jud e Reyes :%* t*ld 1e t%at %e al:ays decides *n t%e 1e"its *+ all cases = = = and t* tell Atty. -in s*n t%at %e need n*t :*""y i+ %e %ad a 1e"it*"i*us case. 62lavvp&i/ In .ie: *+ t%e +*"e *in c*nside"ati*ns, 4etiti*ne"s 4"ayed t%at "es4*ndents 3e adEud ed uilty *+ c"i1inal c*nte14t *+ c*u"t and 4unis%ed in acc*"dance :it% -ec. 2, Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. T%e censu"e *+ "es4*ndents :as als* s*u %t +*" usin e=t"aEudicial :ays *+ in+luencin 4endin cases in c*u"t. Lastly, 4etiti*ne"s as;ed +*" t%e dis3a"1ent *" disci4line *+ Atty. -in s*n +*" atte14ted 3"i3e"y and "*ss 1isc*nduct. !y se4a"ate "es*luti*ns, t%e C*u"t di"ected "es4*ndents t* su31it t%ei" c*11ent *n t%e c*nte14t as4ect *+ t%e 4etiti*n and Atty. -in s*n t* su31it %is c*11ent *n 4etiti*ne"sB 1*ti*n t* c*nside" t%e sa1e 4etiti*n as a +*"1al c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent *" *t%e" disci4lina"y acti*n. Res4*ndentsB C*11ents Res4*ndents ad1itted t%e +act *+ +ilin 3y E"linda Ilus*"i* *+ t%e .a"i*us 1ani+estati*ns and 1*ti*ns 1enti*ned in t%e 3asic 4etiti*n +*" c*nte14t, %e" aut%*"s%i4 *+ On t%e Ed e *+ Hea.en, and %e" %a.in :"itten 4e"s*nal lette"s t* t%en C%ie+ Justice Ca.ide. T%ey c*ntended, %*:e.e", t%at t%e 1*ti*ns and 1ani+estati*ns, c*uc%ed in a .e"y "es4ect+ul lan ua e,6) can %a"dly 3e c*nside"ed c*nte14tu*us, inte"4*sed as t%ey :e"e in t%e e=e"cise *+ t%e liti antBs "i %t t* a.ail %e"sel+ *+ all le al "e1edies unde" t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs acts, s* "es4*ndents clai1ed, :e"e 8all 1ade in **d +ait%,8 1*ti.ated 3y t%e desi"e t* secu"e 8cust*dy = = = *+ %e" %us3and, FandG t* 4"*.ide F%i1G ade$uate 1edical ca"e = = = and t* 4"e.ent %i1 +"*1 3ein an un:ittin 4a:n t* ille ally dissi4ate t%e 4"*4e"ties *+ t%e c*nEu al 4"*4e"ties *+ t%e s4*uses.8 As t* E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs lette"s t* C%ie+ Justice Ca.ide and t%e 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t, "es4*ndents stated t%at t%ese lette"s, +a" +"*1 3ein c*nte14tu*us, 8tend t* i14"*.e t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice and enc*u"a e t%e c*u"ts t* decide cases 4u"ely *n t%e 1e"its.8 And in t"a.e"sal *+ t%e alle ati*n t%at *n t&e E"ge of %eaven c*ntains acti*na3le 1atte"s, "es4*ndents clai1ed,inter alia, t%at t%e c*11ents E"linda Ilus*"i* 1ade in t%e 3**; :e"e n* 1*"e t%an "eas*na3le "eacti*ns +"*1 a lay4e"s*n a "ie.ed 3y :%at s%e c*nside"s an unEust C*u"t decisi*n and :%* 8+elt s%e %ad t* :"ite a 3**; t%at :*uld "ecti+y t%e e""*ne*us +indin s *+ t%e C*u"t and 4ut +*"t% t%e t"ut% a3*ut t%e s*#called Ilus*"i* +a1ily +eud.8 6R9%at is 1*"e, "es4*ndents said, siste"s Ma"ietta and -%e"een as :ell as Cecilia %ad n* %and in t%e c*ntents *+ t%e 3**; and its 4u3licati*n, as E"linda Ilus*"i*, as C%ai"4e"s*n and P"esident *+ PI#E,I F*undati*n, is aut%*"iDed t* 4e"+*"1 acts *n 3e%al+ *+ t%e +*undati*n.

9it% "e a"d t* t%e 3"i3e"y alle ati*ns a ainst Atty. -in s*n, "es4*ndents in.ited attenti*n t* t%e Mani+estati*n in Ci.il Case N*. &I72#R t* dis4ute t%e accusati*n *+ Jud e Reyes. T%e "e+utati*ns, as "e4"*duced in t%e "es4*ndentsB Me1*"andu1, "un as +*ll*:s: /a0 9%ile it is t"ue t%at -in s*n called Jud e Reyes nu1e"*us ti1es t%e natu"e and 4u"4*se *+ said calls :e"e 4"*4e" and a3*.e 3*a"d. T%e "eas*n :%y t%e 4%*ne calls :e"e nu1e"*us is 3ecause *+tenti1es, Jud e Reyes :as n*t in t%e 4laces :%e"e t%e calls :e"e 1ade. /30 T%e 4%*ne calls :e"e 1ade eit%e" t* "e$uest +*" a 4*st4*ne1ent *+ a %ea"in *+ t%e case *" t* in$ui"e a3*ut t%e status *+ t%e incident *n t%e issuance *+ t%e te14*"a"y "est"ainin *"de" a44lied +*" in t%e case. /c0 It :as Jud e Reyes %i1sel+ :%* +u"nis%ed t%e tele4%*ne nu13e"s in %is *++ice and %is "esidence in !a ui* City. A44a"ently, Jud e Reyes did n*t +ind t%e tele4%*ne calls i14"*4e" as %e ans:e"ed 1*st *+ t%e1, and t%at %e ne.e" "e4*"ted *" c*14lained a3*ut t%e said calls t* t%e a44"*4"iate Eudicial aut%*"ities *" t* t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines i+ %e %ad +*und t%e actuati*ns *+ -in s*n in .i*lati*n *+ t%e 4"*.isi*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. /d0 As t* t%e alle ed 3"i3e"y atte14t, t%e"e is a3s*lutely n* t"ut% t* t%e sa1e. I+ it is t"ue t%at t%e"e :as suc% an *++e", t%e"e is n* "eas*n :%y -in s*n c*uld n*t %a.e 1ade t%e *++e" %i1sel+, since %e 4e"s*nally ;n*:s Jud e Reyes. T%e alle ati*ns *+ Jud e Reyes Fa"eG 4u"ely %ea"say and i1a ina"y. I+ t%e 3"i3e"y atte14t %ad indeed %a44ened, :%y did Jud e Reyes n*t "e4*"t t%e 1atte" t* t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t *" t* t%e I!P *" e.en 3ette", cite Atty. -e.illa and?*" -in s*n in c*nte14t *+ c*u"t, *" +ile a c"i1inal case *+ atte14ted 3"i3e"y a ainst t%e1, *" disci4line t%e1 3y %i1sel+ in acc*"dance :it% t%e 4"*.isi*ns *+ Rule 67) and 67R *+ t%e Re.ised Rules *+ C*u"t< T%e +act t%at Jud e Reyes did n*t d* any *+ t%e +*"e *in clea"ly s%*:s t%e +alsity *+ %is clai1s.'( Res4*ndents added t%at t%e 3"i3e"y c%a" e :as 3ased *n a %ea"say acc*unt, since t%e alle ed *++e" t* Jud e Reyes e1anated +"*1 Atty. -e.illa. T%e Issues 9HETHER OR NOT RE-PONCENT- ARE JUILTK OF INCIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT 9HETHER OR NOT ATTK. -INJ-ON -HOULC !E ACMINI-TRATI@ELK CI-CIPLINEC OR CI-!ARREC FROM THE PRACTICE OF LA9 FOR ALLEJEC JRO-- MI-CONCUCT IN ATTEMPTINJ TO !RI!E JUCJE ANTONIO REKET%e C*u"tBs Rulin Indi"ect C*nte14t T%e C*u"tBs di nity and aut%*"ity :*uld al:ays 3e 4"ey t* attac; :e"e it t* t"eat :it% a3Eect indi++e"ence and l**; :it% c*14lacent eyes *n se"i*us 3"eac%es *+ et%ics and deni "atin utte"ances di"ected a ainst it. T* 4"ese".e t%ei" aut%*"ity and e++iciency, sa+e ua"d t%e 4u3lic c*n+idence in t%e1, and ;ee4 in.i*late t%ei" di nity, c*u"ts *+ Eustice s%*uld n*t yield t* t%e assaults *+ dis"es4ect '6 and 1ust, :%en necessa"y, :ield t%ei" in%e"ent 4*:e" t* 4unis% +*" c*nte14t, a 4*:e" necessa"y +*" t%ei" *:n 4"*tecti*n a ainst i14"*4e" inte"+e"ence :it% t%e due ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. '' C*nte14t, :%et%e" di"ect *" indi"ect, 1ay 3e ci.il *" c"i1inal, de4endin *n t%e natu"e and e++ect *+ t%e c*nte14tu*us act.'7 Ci.il c*nte14t is t%e +ailu"e t* d* s*1et%in *"de"ed 3y t%e c*u"t +*" t%e 3ene+it *+ t%e *44*sin 4a"ty. C"i1inal c*nte14t, *n t%e *t%e" %and, is c*nduct di"ected a ainst t%e di nity and aut%*"ity *+ t%e c*u"t *" a Eud e actin EudiciallyA it is an act *3st"uctin t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice :%ic% tends t* 3"in t%e c*u"t int* dis"e4ute *" dis"es4ect. '& On t%e 3asis *+ t%e +*"e *in 4"inci4les, it can 3e sa+ely c*ncluded t%at unde" -ec. 7/d0 *+ Rule 26 *n c*nte14t, 8any i14"*4e" c*nduct

tendin , di"ectly *" indi"ectly, t* i14ede, *3st"uct, *" de "ade t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice8 c*nstitutes c"i1inal c*nte14t. T%is is :%at 4etiti*ne"s *3.i*usly :*uld %a.e "es4*ndents cited +*". T%e c*nte14t 4*:e", %*:e.e" 4lena"y it 1ay see1, 1ust 3e e=e"cised Eudici*usly and s4a"in ly :it% ut1*st sel+#"est"aint :it% t%e end in .ie: *+ utiliDin it +*" c*""ecti*n and 4"ese".ati*n *+ t%e di nity *+ t%e c*u"t, n*t +*" "etaliati*n *" .indicati*n.'I T* 3e su"e, c*u"ts and Eud es, as instituti*ns, a"e neit%e" sac"*sanct n*" i11une t* 4u3lic c"iticis1s *+ t%ei" c*nduct.'5 And :ell#"ec* niDed is t%e "i %t *+ citiDens t* c"iticiDe in a +ai" and "es4ect+ul 1anne" and t%"*u % le iti1ate c%annels t%e acts *+ c*u"ts *" Eud es, '2 :%* in tu"n *u %t t* 3e 4atient and t*le"ate as 1uc% as 4*ssi3le e.e"yt%in :%ic% a44ea"s as %asty and un ua"ded e=4"essi*n *+ 4assi*n *" 1*1enta"y *ut3"ea; *+ disa44*int1ent at t%e *utc*1e *+ a case. E.en snide "e1a";s, as People v. !o"o teac%es, d* n*t necessa"ily 4a"ta;e t%e natu"e *+ c*ntu1aci*us utte"ance acti*na3le unde" Rule 26 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t.') !ut as :e %a.e e14%asiDed ti1e and ti1e a ain, 8FiGt is t%e ca"dinal c*nditi*n *+ all suc% c"iticis1 t%at it s%all 3e 3*na +ide, and s%all n*t s4ill *.e" t%e :alls *+ decency and 4"*4"iety. A :ide c%as1 e=ists 3et:een +ai" c"iticis1, *n *ne %and, and a3use and slande" *+ c*u"ts and t%e Eud es t%e"e*+, *n t%e *t%e".8 'R O3st"uctin , 3y 1eans *+ *44"*3"i*us :*"ds, s4*;en *" :"itten, t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice 3y t%e c*u"ts :ill su3Eect t%e a3use" t* 4unis%1ent +*" c*nte14t *+ c*u"t. And "e a"dless *+ :%et%e" *" n*t t%e case *+ "e+e"ence %as 3een te"1inated is *+ little 1*1ent. One 1ay 3e cited +*" c*nte14t *+ c*u"t e.en a+te" t%e case %as ended :%e"e suc% 4uniti.e acti*n is necessa"y t* 4"*tect t%e c*u"t and t* .indicate it +"*1 acts *" c*nduct calculated t* de "ade, "idicule, *" 3"in it int* dis+a.*" and t%e"e3y e"*de 4u3lic c*n+idence in t%at c*u"t. 7( In t%e case at 3a", t%e .a"i*us 1*ti*ns and 1ani+estati*ns +iled 3y E"linda Ilus*"i* neit%e" c*ntained *++ensi.ely dis"es4ect+ul lan ua e n*" tended t* 3es1i"c% t%e di nity *+ t%e C*u"t. In +act, t%e C*u"t, 1ind+ul *+ t%e need t* clea" its d*c;et *+ :%at "eally is an un+*"tunate +a1ily s$ua33le, c*nside"ed and "uled *n eac% *+ %e" 1*ti*ns and 1ani+estati*ns. F*" t%e n*nce, t%e C*u"t acc*"ds E"linda Ilus*"i* t%e 3ene+it *+ t%e d*u3t and is inclined t* t%in; t%at %e" nu1e"*us 4leadin s t%at "eite"ate t%e sa1e issues :e"e 3*na +ide atte14ts t* "esuscitate and sal.a e :%at s%e 1i %t %a.e san uinely 3elie.ed t* 3e a 1e"it*"i*us case in.*l.in %e" 1a"ital "i %ts. T%is is n*t t* say, %*:e.e", t%at t%e C*u"t .ie:s :it% un$uali+ied a44"*.al t%e *3n*=i*us 4"actice *+ +ilin 4leadin s a+te" 4leadin s t%at *nly su3stantially "eite"ate t%e sa1e issues t%at %ad al"eady 3een 4assed u4*n and +*und t* 3e un1e"it*"i*us. T%e C*u"t, as a 1atte" *+ s*und 4"actice, :ill n*t all*: its 4"eci*us ti1e and "es*u"ces t* 3e eaten unnecessa"ily. 76 Acc*"din ly, E"linda Ilus*"i* and?*" c*unsel is 4ut *n n*tice a ainst t"yin t%e C*u"tBs 4atience and a3usin its +*"3ea"ance 3y c*ntinuin :it% t%ei" ta=in :ays. E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs 4e"s*nal lette"s t* t%en C%ie+ Justice Ca.ide :e"e n*t c*ntu1aci*us in c%a"acte". Neit%e" d* :e +ind t%e1 acti*na3le, as a slei % 3ut su3#"*sa atte14t t* in+luence t%e lette"#add"essee, unde" t%e c*nte14t 4"*.isi*ns *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. As :e a"ticulated in ,n Re: 7enceslao Laureta, lette"s add"essed t* indi.idual 1e13e"s *+ t%e C*u"t, in c*nnecti*n :it% t%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ t%ei" Eudicial +uncti*ns, 3ec*1e 4a"t *+ t%e Eudicial "ec*"d and a"e a 1atte" *+ c*nce"n +*" t%e enti"e C*u"t.7' Alt%*u % decisi*ns *+ t%e C*u"t a"e n*t 3ased *n 4e"s*nal lette"s and 4leas t* indi.idual Eustices, :e n*net%eless disc*u"a e liti ants +"*1 4u"suin suc% unnecessa"y e=t"a#le al 1et%*ds t* secu"e "elie+. T%e"e a"e ade$uate "e1edies +*" t%e 4u"4*se unde" t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. Unli;e t%e c*ntents *+ t%e 4leadin s and lette"s in $uesti*n, E,IBs state1ents in On t%e Ed e *+ Hea.en, %*:e.e", 4*se a di++e"ent t%"eat t* t%e C*u"tBs "e4ute. F*" "e+e"ence, t%e +*ll*:in a"e t%e de+inin 4*"ti*ns *+ :%at s%e :"*te: /60 8T%e -u4"e1e C*u"t 3"*;e u4 1y +a1ily.8 /'0 89as Eustice +*" sale< 9as Eustice s*ld< Nasaan an ;ata"un an<8 /70 8I+ y*u" decisi*n 3ec*1es "es Eudicata %a.enBt y*u Eust 4"*.ided a 1*st c*n.enient .enue t* se4a"ate s4*uses +"*1 eac% *t%e" = = =<8

/&0 89%y did y*u :ait +*" 1*"e t%an *ne yea" and a+te" 1y %us3andBs deat% t* deny 1y 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n< Is it 3ecause it is easie" t* d* s* n*: t%at it is acade1ic< C*es y*u" c*nscience 3*t%e" y*u at all<8 /I0 8H*: can t%e %i %est c*u"t *+ *u" land 3e a 4a"ty t* t%e 3"ea; u4 *+ 1y +a1ily and, dis"e a"din t%e Fa1ily C*de = = =<8 /50 8FIG+ *u" c*u"ts can "ende" t%is ;ind *+ Eustice t* *ne li;e 1ysel+ 3ecause I %a.e lesse" 1eans, and lesse" c*nnecti*ns t%an 1y :ell#1a""ied dau %te"s, :%at ;ind *+ Eustice is i.en t* t%*se less 4"i.ile ed<8 Ta;en t* et%e", t%e +*"e *in state1ents and t%ei" "eas*na3ly deduci3le i14licati*ns :ent 3ey*nd t%e 4e"1issi3le 3*unds *+ +ai" c"iticis1. E"linda Ilus*"i* 1inced n* :*"ds in di"ectly attac;in t%e C*u"t +*" its alle ed c*14licity in t%e 3"ea; u4 *+ t%e Ilus*"i* +a1ily, s%a"4ly insinuatin t%at t%e C*u"t intenti*nally delayed t%e "es*luti*n *+ %e" 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n, dis"e a"ded t%e Fa1ily C*de, and unduly +a.*"ed :ealt%y liti ants. !ut t%e :*"st cut is %e" su esti*n a3*ut t%e C*u"t sellin its decisi*ns. -%e 4*sed t%e $ue"y, 8Nasaan ang ;atarunganA /9%e"e is Eustice<0,8 i14lyin t%at t%is C*u"t +ailed t* dis4ense Eustice in %e" case. 9%ile 1*st *+ %e" state1ents :e"e in t%e +*"1 *+ $uesti*ns instead *+ cate *"ical asse"ti*ns, t%e e++ect is still t%e sa1e: t%ey c*nstitute a stin in a++"*nt t* t%e %*n*" and di nity *+ t%e C*u"t and tend t* unde"1ine t%e c*n+idence *+ t%e 4u3lic in t%e inte "ity *+ t%e %i %est t"i3unal *+ t%e land. E"linda Ilus*"i* e=4lains t%at s%e is a lay4e"s*n uninitiated in le al 1atte"s, an a "ie.ed :id*: :%* Eust :ants t* 3e "elie.ed *+ 4ain caused 3y t%e inEustice *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%is C*u"t. -%e 8+elt s%e %ad t* :"ite a 3**; t%at :*uld "ecti+y t%e e""*ne*us +indin s *+ t%e C*u"t = = =.877 O3.i*usly s%e %ad ac%ie.ed %e" *al *+ sel+#e=4"essi*n 3ut t* t%e det"i1ent *+ t%e *"de"ly ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice. T* 3e su"e, s%e c*uld %a.e %ad ade$uately e=4"essed %e" disa "ee1ent :it% t%e C*u"tBs dis4*siti*n in t%e %a3eas c*"4us case :it%*ut ta;in t%e l*: "*ad, :it%*ut 3ein insultin , :it%*ut castin a cl*ud *+ sus4ici*n *n t%e "e4utati*n *+ t%e C*u"t. In s*1e detail, t%e C*u"t, in Pe*4le .. J*d*y, set +*"t% :%at is 4e"1issi3le and :%en *ne is c*nside"ed t* %a.e *.e"ste44ed 3*unds: Jene"ally, c"iticis1 *+ a c*u"tBs "ulin s *" decisi*ns is n*t i14"*4e", and 1ay n*t 3e "est"icted a+te" a case %as 3een +inally dis4*sed *+ and %as ceased t* 3e 4endin . -* l*n as c"itics c*n+ine t%ei" c"iticis1s t* +acts and 3ase t%e1 *n t%e decisi*ns *+ t%e c*u"t, t%ey c*11it n* c*nte14t n* 1atte" %*: se.e"e t%e c"iticis1 1ay 3eA 3ut :%en t%ey 4ass 3ey*nd t%at line and c%a" e t%at Eudicial c*nduct :as in+luenced 3y i14"*4e", c*""u4t, *" sel+is% 1*ti.es, *" t%at suc% c*nduct :as a++ected 3y 4*litical 4"eEudice *" inte"est, t%e tendency is t* c"eate dist"ust and dest"*y t%e c*n+idence *+ t%e 4e*4le in t%ei" c*u"ts. !ut c"iticis1 s%*uld 3e distin uis%ed +"*1 insult. A c"iticis1 a+te" a case %as 3een dis4*sed *+ can n* l*n e" in+luence t%e c*u"t, and *n t%at "*und it d*es n*t c*nstitute c*nte14t. On t%e *t%e" %and, an insult %u"led t* t%e c*u"t, e.en a+te" a case is decided, can unde" n* ci"cu1stance 3e Eusti+ied. Me"e c"iticis1 *" c*11ent *n t%e c*""ectness *" :"*n ness, s*undness *" uns*undness *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e c*u"t in a 4endin case 1ade in **d +ait% 1ay 3e t*le"atedA 3ut t* %u"l t%e +alse c%a" e t%at t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t %as 3een c*11ittin deli3e"ately s* 1any 3lunde"s and inEustices :*uld tend necessa"ily t* unde"1ine t%e c*n+idence *+ t%e 4e*4le in t%e %*nesty and inte "ity *+ its 1e13e"s, and c*nse$uently t* l*:e" *" de "ade t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice, and it c*nstitutes c*nte14t.7& A 3ec*1in "es4ect +*" t%e c*u"ts s%*uld al:ays 3e t%e n*"1. Liti ants, n* 1atte" %*: a "ie.ed *" dissatis+ied t%ey 1ay 3e *+ c*u"tBs decisi*n, d* n*t %a.e t%e un3"idled +"eed*1 in e=4"essin t%ei" +"ust"ati*n *" "ie.ance in any 1anne" t%ey :ant. C"*ssin t%e 4e"1issi3le line *+ +ai" c*11ent and le iti1ate c"iticis1 *+ t%e 3enc% and its actuati*ns s%all c*nstitute c*nte14t :%ic% 1ay 3e .isited :it% sancti*ns +"*1 t%e C*u"t as a 1easu"e *+ 4"*tectin and 4"ese".in its di nity and %*n*". 9e e=4lained in 9ic;e" .. A"can el:

= = = FTG%e 4*:e" t* 4unis% +*" c*nte14t is t* 3e e=e"cised *n t%e 4"ese".ati.e and n*t *n t%e .indicti.e 4"inci4le. Only *ccasi*nally s%*uld it 3e in.*;ed t* 4"ese".e t%at "es4ect :it%*ut :%ic% t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice :ill +ail. T%e c*nte14t 4*:e" *u %t n*t t* 3e utiliDed +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ 1e"ely satis+yin an inclinati*n t* st"i;e 3ac; at a 4a"ty +*" s%*:in less t%an +ull "es4ect +*" t%e di nity *+ t%e c*u"t.7I As t* t%e *t%e" 1e13e"s *+ t%e !*a"d *+ Ci"ect*"s *+ t%e PI#E,I F*undati*n, t%e 4u3lis%e" *+ On t%e Ed e *+ Hea.en, :e +ind n* 1e"it in t%e c%a" e *+ indi"ect c*nte14t a ainst t%e1. T"ue, e=ce4t +*" Atty. -in s*n, "es4*ndents Ra1*n, Ma"ietta and -%e"een Ilus*"i*, and Cecilia a44ea" t* 3e *++ice"s *+ PI#E,I F*undati*n. T%e"e is n* c*14ellin "eas*n, %*:e.e", t* 4ie"ce, as 4etiti*ne"s u" e, t%e .eil *+ c*"4*"ate +icti*n in *"de" t* %*ld t%ese *++ice"s lia3le, es4ecially in li %t *+ E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs asse"ti*n *+ 3ein aut%*"iDed, as C%ai"4e"s*n and P"esident *+ t%e said +*undati*n, t* 4e"+*"1 acts *n 3e%al+ *+ t%e +*undati*n :it%*ut 4"i*" 3*a"d a44"*.al. Indi"ect c*nte14t is a deli3e"ate act t* 3"in t%e c*u"t *" Eud e int* dis"e4ute. In t%is case, 4"**+ *+ t%e 4a"tici4ati*n *+ t%e 3*a"d *+ di"ect*"s and *++ice"s t* :ill+ully 1ali n t%e C*u"t is utte"ly :antin . In t%is "e a"d, t%e"e is aut%*"ity indicatin t%at n* *ne can 3e a1ena3le t* c"i1inal c*nte14t unless t%e e.idence 1a;es it a3undantly clea" t%at *ne intended t* c*11it it. 75 It cann*t 4lausi3ly 3e assu1ed t%at t%e said *++ice"s s%a"ed E"linda Ilus*"i*Bs ill "e a"d t*:a"ds t%e Eudicia"y +"*1 t%e 1e"e +act t%at t%e PI#E,I F*undati*n 4u3lis%ed t%e 3**;. Cis3a"1ent As t* t%e c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent, t%e"e is a :ell# "*unded "eas*n t* 3elie.e t%at Atty. -in s*n indeed atte14ted t* in+luence Jud e Reyes decide a case in +a.*" *+ Atty. -in s*nBs client. T%e inte"4lay *+ t%e +*ll*:in d*cu1enta"y e.idence, ea"lie" cited, 4"*.ides t%e "eas*n: /60 t%e t"ansc"i4t *+ t%e sten* "a4%ic n*tes *+ t%e May 76, '((( %ea"in in t%e sala *+ Jud e Reyes in Ci.il Case &I72#R :%en t%e Eud e 1ade it *+ "ec*"d a3*ut t%e atte14t t* 3"i3eA /'0 t%e a++ida.it *+ Jud e Reyes dated Cece13e" '7, '((& na""atin in s*1e detail %*: and t%"u :%*1 t%e atte14t t* 3"i3e ad.e"ted t* :as 1adeA and /70 t%e a++ida.it *+ Atty. -e.illa :%* ad1itted %a.in 3een a44"*ac%ed 3y Atty. -in s*n t* inte"cede +*" %is case 4endin :it% Jud e Reyes. -i ni+icantly, Atty. -in s*n ad1itted %a.in 1ade 4%*ne calls t* Jud e Reyes, eit%e" in %is "esidence *" *++ice in !a ui* City du"in t%e 4e"i*d 1ate"ial. He *++e"s t%e la1e e=cuse, %*:e.e", t%at %e :as 1e"ely +*ll*:in u4 t%e status *+ a te14*"a"y "est"ainin *"de" a44lied +*" and s*1eti1es as;in +*" t%e "esettin *+ %ea"in s. T%e C*u"t +inds t%e e=4lanati*n 4"*++e"ed as 4ue"ile as it is 4"e4*ste"*us. Matte"s t*uc%in *n case status c*uld and s%*uld 3e d*ne t%"*u % t%e c*u"t sta++, and "esettin is usually acc*14lis%ed t%"u 4"*4e" :"itten 1*ti*n *" in *4en c*u"t. And *in 3y Jud e ReyesB a++ida.it, t%e inc"i1inatin calls :e"e s*1eti1es 1ade late in t%e e.enin and s*1eti1es in t%e 1*st unusual %*u"s, suc% as :%ile Jud e Reyes :as 4layin *l+ :it% Atty. -e.illa. Atty. -e.illa lent c*""*3*"ati.e su44*"t t* Jud e ReyesB state1ents, 4a"ticula"ly a3*ut t%e +act t%at Atty. -in s*n :anted Jud e Reyes a44"ised t%at t%ey, -in s*n and -e.illa, :e"e la: sc%**l class1ates. T%e %i %ly i11*"al i14licati*n *+ a la:ye" a44"*ac%in a Eud e>>*" a Eud e e.incin a :illin ness>>t* discuss, in 4"i.ate, a 1atte" "elated t* a case 4endin in t%at Eud eBs sala cann*t 3e *.e"#e14%asiDed. T%e +act t%at Atty. -in s*n did tal; *n di++e"ent *ccasi*ns t* Jud e Reyes, initially t%"*u % a 1utual +"iend, Atty. -e.illa, leads us t* c*nclude t%at Atty. -in s*n :as indeed t"yin t* in+luence t%e Eud e t* "ule in %is clientBs +a.*". T%is c*nduct is n*t acce4ta3le in t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. Can*n 67 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility enE*ins it: Can*n 67. A la:ye" s%all "ely u4*n t%e 1e"its *+ %is cause and "e+"ain +"*1 any i14"*4"iety :%ic% tends t* in+luence *" i.es t%e a44ea"ance *+ in+luencin t%e c*u"t. At t%is Eunctu"e, t%e C*u"t ta;es 4a"ticula" st*c; *+ t%e ensuin state1ent Jud e Reyes 1ade in %is a++ida.it: 8= = = Atty. -e.illa, 3ein a cl*se +a1ily +"iend, i11ediately inti1ated t* F1eG t%at Atty. -in s*n :anted a +a.*"a3le decisi*n and t%at t%e"e :as a n*t s* .a ue an *++e" *+ a 3"i3e +"*1 %i1 /Atty. -in s*n0.8 Jud e Reyes "eite"ated t%e 3"i3e atte14t du"in t%e %ea"in *n May 76, '(((, and 1ade "e+e"ence t* t%e +i u"e P%P I((,(((, t%e a1*unt Atty. -in s*n *++e"ed t%"*u % Atty. -e.illa. As 1ay 3e e=4ected, Atty. -in s*n dis1issed Jud e ReyesB acc*unt as %ea"say and $uesti*ned t%e n*n#+ilin *+ any c*14laint +*" atte14ted 3"i3e"y *" disci4lina"y acti*n 3y Jud e Reyes at *" nea" t%e ti1e it :as said t* %a.e 3een c*11itted.

Fi"st, :e 1ust st"ess t%e di++iculty *+ 4"*.in 3"i3e"y. T%e t"ansacti*n is al:ays d*ne in sec"et and *+ten *nly 3et:een t%e t:* 4a"ties c*nce"ned. Indeed, t%e"e is n* c*nc"ete e.idence in t%e "ec*"ds "e a"din t%e c*11issi*n 3y Atty. -in s*n *+ atte14ted 3"i3e"y. E.en Atty. -e.illa did n*t 1enti*n any "elated 1atte" in %is a++ida.it. Ne.e"t%eless, Jud e ReyesB discl*su"es in %is a++ida.it and in *4en c*u"t dese".e s*1e :ei %t. T%e 4*ssi3ility *+ an atte14ted 3"i3e"y is n*t +a" +"*1 "eality c*nside"in Atty. -in s*nBs 4e"sistent 4%*ne calls, *ne *+ :%ic% %e 1ade :%ile Jud e Reyes :as :it% Atty. -e.illa. Jud e ReyesB decla"ati*n 1ay %a.e 3een an 8e1*ti*nal *ut3u"st8 as desc"i3ed 3y Atty. -in s*n, 3ut t%e s4*ntaneity *+ an *ut3u"st *nly i.es it 1*"e :ei %t. 9%ile t%e alle ed atte14ted 3"i3e"y 1ay 4e"%a4s n*t 3e su44*"ted 3y e.idence *t%e" t%an Jud e ReyesB state1ents, t%e"e is ne.e"t%eless en*u % 4"**+ t* %*ld Atty. -in s*n lia3le +*" unet%ical 3e%a.i*" *+ atte14tin t* in+luence a Eud e, itsel+ a t"ans "essi*n *+ c*nside"a3le "a.ity. H*:e.e", %eedin t%e inEuncti*n a ainst dec"eein dis3a"1ent :%e"e a lesse" sancti*n :*uld su++ice t* acc*14lis% t%e desi"ed end, a sus4ensi*n +*" *ne yea" +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: a44ea"s a44"*4"iate. %4ERE8ORE, E'l!n( @. Ilu$o'!o is adEud ed GUI&0/ *+ INDIRE)0 )ON0EM50 and is *"de"ed t* 4ay a +ine *+ ten t%*usand 4es*s /P%P 6(,(((0. A""9. M nuel R. S!n:$on is SUS5ENDED +*" ONE ;1= /EAR +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la:, e++ecti.e u4*n %is "ecei4t *+ t%is Cecisi*n. C*sts a ainst "es4*ndents. Let all t%e c*u"ts, t%"*u % t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*", as :ell as t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines and t%e O++ice *+ t%e !a" C*n+idant 3e n*ti+ied *+ t%is Cecisi*n and 3e it duly "ec*"ded in t%e 4e"s*nal +ile *+ "es4*ndent Manuel R. -in s*n.-O ORCEREC. G.R. No$. 13137+27* 8e-'u '9 2, 2000 5EO5&E O8 04E 54I&I55INES, 4lainti++#a44ellee, .s.E&EGIO NADERA, JR. / SADSAD, accused#a44ellant. MENDO6A, J.: T%ese cases a"e 3e+*"e us *n aut*1atic "e.ie: *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t, !"anc% &(, Cala4an, O"iental Mind*"*, +indin accused#a44ellant Ele i* Nade"a, J". uilty *+ +*u" c*unts *+ "a4e *+ %is 1in*" dau %te"s, Ole3y and Ma"ic"is Nade"a, and sentencin %i1 t* su++e" t%e 4enalty *+ reclusion perpetua +*" *ne c*unt *+ "a4e and deat% +*" eac% *+ t%e "e1ainin t%"ee c*unts. Accused#a44ellant :as als* *"de"ed t* inde1ni+y c*14lainants Ole3y Nade"a in t%e a1*unt *+ P6I(,(((.(( and Ma"ic"is Nade"a in t%e a1*unt *+ PI(,(((.((, :it%*ut su3sidia"y i14"is*n1ent in case *+ ins*l.ency. Re.e"sal *+ t%e decisi*n is s*u %t *n t%e s*le "*und t%at S THE TRIAL COURT JRA@ELK ERREC IN ACCEPTINJ ACCU-EC#APPELLANTL- IMPRO@ICENT PLEA OF JUILTK TO A CAPITAL OFFEN-E ANC IN FAILINJ TO CONCUCT A -EARCHINJ INMUIRK TO CETERMINE 9HETHER THE ACCU-EC FULLK UNCER-TOOC THE CON-EMUENCE OF HI- PLEA. 6 T%e +acts a"e as +*ll*:s: Accused#a44ellant Ele i* Nade"a, J". %as +*u" c%ild"en 3y %is :i+e Caisy, na1ely: Ole3y, 3*"n *n Oct*3e" ', 6R)'A Ma"ic"is, 3*"n *n Ma"c% 65, 6R)&A Ma"c% Ant%*ny, 3*"n *n Janua"y ), 6R)5A and -%e"ilyn, 3*"n *n -e4te13e" '2, 6R)2. ' On -e4te13e" '', 6RR6, Caisy le+t +*" a E*3 in !a%"ain, and ca1e %*1e t* t%e P%ili44ines +*" .acati*n *nly in July 6RR7. -%e t%en le+t a ain +*" !a%"ain in -e4te13e" 6RR7 and did n*t "etu"n until -e4te13e" 6', 6RRI. 7 On A4"il '), 6RR5, Ole3y and Ma"ic"is, assisted 3y a nei %3*", Lita Macalalad, t*ld t%ei" 1*t%e" t%at t%ey %ad 3een "a4ed 3y t%ei" +at%e", %e"ein accused#a44ellant. T%e"eu4*n, t%ey :ent t* t%e 4*lice aut%*"ities *+ NauEan and +iled a c*14laint a ainst accused#a44ellant.&

A+te" 4"eli1ina"y e=a1inati*n, *n June 5, 6RR5, +*u" in+*"1ati*ns c%a" in accused#a44ellant :it% "a4e *n .a"i*us dates :e"e +iled in t%e Re i*nal T"ial#C*u"t, Cala4an, O"iental Mind*"*. In C"i1inal Case N*. C#&R)', t%e in+*"1ati*n I alle ed S

S !"east de.el*4ed S A3d*1en: +lat, s*+t n*n#tende". EHTERNAL JENITALIA.

T%at *n *" a3*ut t%e 62t% day *+ May, 6RR', at a"*und6(:(( *Lcl*c; in t%e e.enin , at !a"an ay !ayani, Munici4ality *+ NauEan, P"*.ince *+ O"iental Mind*"*, P%ili44ines and :it%in t%e Eu"isdicti*n *+ t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t, t%e a3*.e#na1ed accused, 1*ti.ated 3y lust and le:d desi n, and 3y 1eans *+ +*"ce and inti1idati*n, :il+ully, unla:+ully and +el*ni*usly did lie and succeeded in %a.in ca"nal ;n*:led e :it% %is dau %te", OLE!K NACERA, nine /R0 yea"s *+ a e at t%at ti1e a ainst t%e latte"Ls :ill and c*nsent. In C"i1inal Case N*. C#&R)7, t%e in+*"1ati*n 5 c%a" ed S T%at *n *" a3*ut t%e 62t% day *+ A4"il, 6RRI at !a"an ay !ayani, Munici4ality *+ NauEan, P"*.ince *+ O"iental Mind*"*, P%ili44ines and :it%in t%e Eu"isdicti*n *+ t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t, t%e a3*.e#na1ed accused, 1*ti.ated 3y lust and le:d desi n, and 3y 1eans *+ +*"ce and inti1idati*n, :il+ully, and unla:+ully and +el*ni*usly did lie and succeeded in %a.in ca"nal ;n*:led e :it% %is dau %te", OLE!K NACERA, t:el.e /6'0 yea"s *+ a e at t%at ti1e a ainst t%e latte"Ls :ill and c*nsent. In C"i1inal Case N*. C#&R)&, t%e in+*"1ati*n 2 stated S T%at *n *" a3*ut t%e '&t% day *+ A4"il, 6RRI, s*1eti1e in t%e e.enin , at !a"an ay !ayani, Munici4ality *+ NauEan, P"*.ince *+ O"iental Mind*"*, P%ili44ines and :it%in t%e Eu"isdicti*n *+ t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t, t%e a3*.e# na1ed accused, 1*ti.ated 3y lust and le:d desi n, and 3y 1eans *+ +*"ce and inti1idati*n, :il+ully, unla:+ully and +el*ni*usly did lie and succeeded in %a.in ca"nal ;n*:led e :it% %is dau %te", OLE!K NACERA, t:el.e /6'0 yea"s *+ a e at t%at ti1e a ainst t%e latte"Ls :ill and c*nsent. In C"i1inal Case N*. C#&R)I, t%e in+*"1ati*n ) "ecited S T%at *n *" a3*ut t%e 7"d day *+ Ma"c% 6RR5 at a"*und ):(( *Lcl*c; in t%e e.enin , at !a"an ay !ayani, Munici4ality *+ NauEan, P"*.ince *+ O"iental Mind*"*, P%ili44ines and :it%in t%e Eu"isdicti*n *+ t%is H*n*"a3le C*u"t, t%e a3*.e#na1ed accused, 1*ti.ated 3y lust and le:d desi n, and 3y 1eans *+ +*"ce and inti1idati*n, :il+ully, unla:+ully and +el*ni*usly did lie and succeeded in %a.in ca"nal ;n*:led e :it% %is dau %te", MARICRI- NACERA, ele.en /660 yea"s *+ a e a ainst t%e latte"Ls :ill and c*nsent. T%e "ec*"d s%*:s t%at at %is a""ai n1ent *n July '7, 6RR5, accused#a44ellant, assisted 3y Atty. Man*l* A. !"*t*nel *+ t%e Pu3lic Att*"neyLs O++ice, 4leaded n*t uilty t* t%e c%a" es +iled a ainst %i1. R H*:e.e", *n Au ust I, 6RR2, a+te" t%e 4"*secuti*n %ad 4"esented C". Cynt%ia -. Fesal3*n, accused#a44ellant 4leaded uilty t* t%e c"i1e c%a" ed in all t%e in+*"1ati*ns. T%e 4"*secuti*n 4"esented +*u" :itnesses, na1ely: C". Cynt%ia Fesal3*n, Ole3y Nade"a, Ma"ic"is Nade"a, and Caisy Nade"a. C". Cynt%ia -. Fesal3*n, Medical O++ice" I@ *+ t%e O"iental Mind*"* P"*.incial H*s4ital, :%* c*nducted t%e 1edical e=a1inati*n *+ 3*t% c*14lainants, su31itted a "e4*"t *n t%e "esult *+ Ole3y Nade"aLs e=a1inati*n as +*ll*:s: 6( PHK-ICAL EHAMINATION: S N* si n *+ e=te"nal 4%ysical inEu"ies as *+ ti1e *+ e=a1inati*n.

S 1ini1al 4u3ic %ai" S Healed inc*14lete %y1enal lace"ati*ns at I, 2, 6' *Lcl*c; 4*siti*ns. S N* 3leedin . INTERNAL -PECULUM EHAMINATION S @a ina ad1its ' +in e"s :it% ease. S Ce".i= s1all, +i"1, cl*se n*n#tende" /#0 3leedin . S Ute"us n*t enla" ed. S Adne=ae ne ati.e. LA!ORATORK EHAMINATION: S -1ea" +*" t%e 4"esence *+ s4e"1at*D*a "e.ealed 4*siti.e "esult. -%e testi+ied t%at t%e %y1enal lace"ati*ns 1ay %a.e 3een caused 3y t%e inse"ti*n %a"d *3Eect, t%e 4atientLs %ist*"y *+ enitalic inse"ti*ns, a st"addle inEu"y, *" sittin *n %a"d :**d. -%e c*uld n*t dete"1ine :%en t%ese lace"ati*ns :e"e sustained 3ecause t%ey %ad %ealed *.e" a 4e"i*d 3ey*nd se.en days.66 C". Fesal3*n li;e:ise "ende"ed a "e4*"t6' *n t%e 1edical e=a1inati*n *+ Ma"ic"is Nade"a, t%e 4e"tinent 4a"ts *+ :%ic% state: PHK-ICAL EHAMINATION: S N* si n *+ e=te"nal 4%ysical inEu"ies as *+ ti1e *+ e=a1inati*n. S A3d*1en, +lat, s*+t. EHTERNAL JENITALIA: S A3sence *+ 4u3ic %ai" %ealed %y1enal lace"ati*ns, inc*14lete at 6, I, ), 66 *Lcl*c; 4*siti*ns. INTERNAL EHAMINATION: S @a ina ad1its 6 +in e" :it% ease. S Ce".i= s1all /#0 3leedin S Ute"us n*t enla" ed.

S Adne=ae /#0. LA!ORATORK EHAMINATION S -1ea" +*" t%e 4"esence *+ s4e"1at*D*a "e.ealed Ne ati.e "esult.

Caisy Nade"a, accused#a44ellantLs :i+e, als* testi+ied +*" t%e 4"*secuti*n. He" testi1*ny +*cused *n t%e dates *+ 3i"t%s *+ %e" c%ild"en and t%e +act t%at s%e :as *ut *+ t%e c*unt"y :%en t%e alle ed "a4es *ccu""ed. -%e testi+ied t%at s%e and %e" dau %te"s +iled a c*14laint +*" "a4e a ainst accused#a44ellant a+te" disc*.e"in %is %ide*us acts. T%e"ea+te", %e" c%ild"en :e"e su3Eected t* a 1edical e=a1inati*n.62 On Au ust 6', 6RR2, t%e 4"*secuti*n +*"1ally *++e"ed its d*cu1enta"y e.idence and "ested its case t%e"ea+te".

In t%e case *+ Ma"ic"is Nade"a, C". Fesal3*n e=4lained t%at t%e %y1enal lace"ati*ns c*uld %a.e 3een caused 3y 4enet"ati*n suc% as t%"*u % inst"u1entati*n *" inse"ti*n *+ an *3Eect inside t%e .a ina. T%ey c*uld als* %a.e 3een caused 3y t%e 4enet"ati*n *+ t%e 4enis. U4*n in$ui"y +"*1 t%e c*u"t, C". Fesal3*n stated t%at t%e +act t%at Ma"ic"is %ad 1*"e %y1enal lace"ati*ns t%an Ole3y c*uld 3e due t* t%e di++e"ence in t%e i14act *+ 4enet"ati*n. -%e added t%at t%e nu13e" *+ ti1es eac% *+ t%e i"ls %ad se=ual inte"c*u"se c*uld n*t 3e asce"tained 1e"ely +"*1 t%e %y1enal lace"ati*ns, alt%*u % it c*uld 3e c*ncluded t%at an *3Eect %ad 3een inse"ted in t%e .a ina. 67 Ole3y Nade"a testi+ied a3*ut t%e "a4es c*11itted 3y %e" +at%e" a ainst %e" as +*ll*:s: On May 62, 6RR', at a"*und 6( *Lcl*c; in t%e e.enin , :%ile Caisy :as a:ay :*";in as a d*1estic %el4e" in !a%"ain, accused#a44ellant 4ulled Ole3y, t%en nine yea"s *+ a e, t*:a"ds a 3ed, "e1*.ed %e" 4anties and s%*"ts and *"de"ed %e" t* ;ee4 $uiet. He t%en 4laced %i1sel+ *n t*4 *+ %e" and inse"ted %is 4enis int* %e" .a ina. He 4"*ceeded t* 1a;e an u4 and d*:n 1*ti*n :%ile *n t*4 *+ %is dau %te". All t%e :%ile, Ole3y :as c"yin , 4leadin :it% %e" +at%e", 8Hu:a 4*W8, Hu:a 4*W8 Accused#a44ellant a ain *"de"ed Ole3y t* ;ee4 $uiet lest %e" 3"*t%e" and siste"s :e"e a:a;ened. A+te":a"ds, accused#a44ellant t*ld Ole3y t* 4ut *n %e" 4anties and s%*"ts and t* * t* slee4. Ole3y :ent t* t%e 3ed :%e"e %e" 3"*t%e" and siste"s :e"e slee4in and c"ied./Rwp&i/.nSt On an*t%e" *ccasi*n, *n A4"il 62, 6RRI, accused#a44ellant sent -%e"ilyn and Ma"ic"is t* t%e sa"i#sa"i st*"e :%ile %e as;ed Ma"c% Ant%*ny t* at%e" +i"e:**d. 9%ile Ole3y :as le+t al*ne inside t%ei" %*use in !a"an ay !ayani, NauEan, O"iental Mind*"*, accused#a44ellant a ain "a4ed %e". Ole3y :as 6' yea"s *ld at t%at ti1e. Accused#a44ellant cl*sed t%e d**" and :ind*:s, "e1*.ed Ole3yLs 4anties and s%*"ts and sat d*:n. 9%ile sittin d*:n, accused#a44ellant 4laced Ole3yLs le s *n %is t%i %s and inse"ted %is 4enis int* %e" .a ina. Late" *n, %e t*ld Ole3y t* 4ut *n %e" 4anties and s%*"ts and t*ld %e" t* +etc% %e" 3"*t%e" and siste"s. Ole3y :as "a4ed 3y %e" +at%e" +*" t%e t%i"d ti1e *n A4"il '&, 6RRI. T%at e.enin , s%e :*;e u4 t* +ind %e" +at%e" *n t*4 *+ %e", ta;in *++ %e" s%*"ts and 4anties and inse"tin %is 4enis int* %e" .a ina. As %e" +at%e" :as ta;in *++ %e" cl*t%es, Ole3y c"ied and 4leaded, 8Hu:a 4*W Hu:a 4*W8 Instead *+ desistin , accused#a44ellant t*ld %e" t* ;ee4 $uiet s* as n*t t* a:a;en %e" 3"*t%e" and siste"s, and t%"eatened %e" :it% %a"1 i+ s%e 1ade any n*ise. Accused#a44ellant t%en 1ade a 4u14in 1*ti*n, c*nsu11atin t%e se=ual act :it% %is dau %te". 6& A+te" Ole3yLs di"ect e=a1inati*n %ad 3een +inis%ed, Atty. !"*t*nel, accused#a44ellantLs c*unsel, did n*t c*nduct any c"*ss e=a1inati*n *n t%e "*und t%at %e :as c*n.inced Ole3y :as tellin t%e t"ut%.6I On t%at sa1e day, Ma"ic"is als* testi+ied. -%e "elated %*: s%e :as "a4ed 3y %e" +at%e" *n Ma"c% 7, 6RR5, t%e yea" 3e+*"e, :%en s%e :as 66 yea"s *ld. At a3*ut ei %t *Lcl*c; in t%e e.enin *+ said date, :%ile %e" 3"*t%e" and siste"s :e"e slee4in , s%e :as 4ulled 3y %e" +at%e" t*:a"ds %is 3ed and t*ld t* lie d*:n. Accused#a44ellant t%en 4laced %i1sel+ *n t*4 *+ Ma"ic"is and inse"ted %is 4enis int* %e" .a ina. Ma"ic"is 4leaded 8Pa4a, %u:a 4*, 1aa:a na1an ;ay* sa a1in.8 I n*"in %is dau %te"Ls 4leas, accused#a44ellant c*ntinued "a4in %e" 3y 1a;in a 4u14in 1*ti*n and t%"eatened t* ;ill all *+ t%e1 i+ s%e c"ied. Accused#a44ellant a+te":a"ds as;ed Ma"ic"is t* 4ut *n %e" s%*"ts and 4anties and "etu"n t* 3ed. He t*ld Ma"ic"is n*t t* c"y s* as n*t t* a:a;en %e" si3lin s. -%e did n*t tell any*ne :%at 3e+ell %e" 3ecause s%e :as a+"aid. A nei %3*", na1ed Lita Macalalad, as;ed %e" i+ Ole3y %ad 3een "a4ed 3y t%ei" +at%e". It tu"ned *ut Ole3y %ad t*ld %e" *"deal, t* Lita Macalalad :%ile t%ey :e"e :as%in cl*t%es and tal;in a3*ut Ole3yLs 4a"ents. Ole3y als* t*ld Lita Macalalad t%at Ma"ic"is %ad 3een "a4ed 3y t%ei" +at%e" as :ell, a +act "elated t* Ole3y 3y Ma"ic"is.65

Accused#a44ellant did n*t 4"esent any e.idence in %is de+ense. On Au ust '2, 6RR2, t%e t"ial c*u"t "ende"ed Eud 1ent +indin accused#a44ellant uilty *+ +*u" c*unts *+ "a4e a ainst %is dau %te"s. T%e dis4*siti.e 4*"ti*n *+ its decisi*n6) "eads: ACCORCINJLK, t%e C*u"t +inds accused Ele i* Nade"a, J"., uilty 3ey*nd "eas*na3le d*u3t, as 4"inci4al, *+ t%e c"i1e *+ Ra4e F& c*untsG :it% t%e $uali+yin ci"cu1stance t%at t%e .icti1s a"e unde" 6) yea"s *+ a e and t%e *++ende" is a 4a"ent. He is %e"e3y sentenced t* su++e" t%e 4enalty *+ Reclusion Perpetua "an in +"*1 '( yea"s and 6 day t* &( yea"s +*" t%e "a4e c*11itted *n May 62, 6RR' and t%"ee CEATH PENALTIE- +*" t%e "a4e c*11itted *n A4"il 62 and '&, 6RRI and Ma"c% 7, 6RR5, t* et%e" :it% t%e access*"y 4enalties 4"*.ided 3y la:. He is als* *"de"ed t* inde1ni+y .icti1 Ole3y Nade"a t%e t*tal a1*unt *+ P6I(,(((.(( in C"i1inal Case N*s. C#&R)', C#&R)7 and C#&R)& and Ma"ic"is Nade"a, t%e a1*unt *+ PI(,(((.(( in C"i1inal Case N*. C# &R)I, :it%*ut su3sidia"y i14"is*n1ent in case *+ ins*l.ency, and t* 4ay t%e c*sts. -O ORCEREC. As al"eady stated, accused#a44ellantLs l*ne assi n1ent *+ e""*" is t%at t%e t"ial c*u"t acce4ted %is 4lea *+ uilty t* a ca4ital *++ense :it%*ut 1a;in a sea"c%in in$ui"y t* dete"1ine :%et%e" %e unde"st**d t%e c*nse$uences *+ %is 4lea. In su44*"t *+ %is c*ntenti*n, accused#a44ellant in.*;es t%e "ulin in t%e case *+ People v. )a ot6R in :%ic% t%is C*u"t "uled t%at, in c"i1inal cases, t%e Eud e 1ust 3e c*n.inced t%at t%e accused, in 4leadin uilty, is t"uly uilty. T%is c*uld 3e d*ne 3y "e$ui"in %i1 t* na""ate t%e e.ents leadin t* t%e c"i1e, 1a;in %i1 "eenact it, *" as;in %i1 t* su44ly 1issin details. T%e Eud e 1ust satis+y %i1sel+ t%at: /60 t%e accused is .*lunta"ily 4leadin uilty, and /'0 %e is t"uly uilty and t%e"e is a "ati*nal 3asis +*" a +indin *+ uilt 3ased *n %is testi1*ny. 9e +ind 1e"it in accused#a44ellantLs alle ati*ns. In additi*n, :e +ind t%at t%e"e :as inade$uate "e4"esentati*n *+ %is case in c*u"t, t%us necessitatin t%e "e1and *+ t%is case +*" +u"t%e" 4"*ceedin s. I. Rule 665 *+ t%e Rules *n C"i1inal P"*cedu"e 4"*.ides: -ec. 7. Plea of guilt to capital offenseI reception of evi"ence . S 9%en t%e accused 4leads uilty t* a ca4ital *++ense, t%e s%all c*nduct a sea"c%in in$ui"y int* t%e .*lunta"iness and +ull c*14"e%ensi*n *+ t%e c*nse$uences *+ %is 4lea and "e$ui"e t%e 4"*secuti*n t* 4"*.e %is uilt and t%e 4"ecise de "ee *+ cul4a3ility. T%e accused 1ay als* 4"esent e.idence *n %is 3e%al+. Unde" t%is Rule, t%"ee t%in s a"e enE*ined u4*n t%e t"ial c*u"t :%en a 4lea *+ uilty t* a ca4ital *++ense is ente"ed: /60 t%e c*u"t 1ust c*nduct a sea"c%in in$ui"y int* t%e .*lunta"iness *+ t%e 4lea and t%e accusedLs +ull c*14"e%ensi*n *+ t%e c*nse$uences t%e"e*+A /'0 t%e c*u"t 1ust "e$ui"e t%e 4"*secuti*n t* 4"esent e.idence t* 4"*.e t%e uilt *+ t%e accused and t%e 4"ecise de "ee *+ %is cul4a3ilityA and, /70 t%e c*u"t 1ust as; t%e accused i+ %e desi"es t* 4"esent e.idence *n %is 3e%al+ and all*: %i1 t* d* s* i+ %e desi"es.'(

9%at c*nstitutes a sea"c%in in$ui"y, as e=4lained in People v. Alican"o,'6 is t%at t%e 4lea *+ uilt 1ust 3e 3ased *n a +"ee and in+*"1ed Eud 1ent. Hence, a sea"c%in in$ui"y 1ust +*cus *n: /60 t%e .*lunta"iness *+ t%e 4lea, and /'0 t%e +ull c*14"e%ensi*n *+ t%e c*nse$uences *+ t%e 4lea. In t%e case at 3a", t%e "ec*"d d*es n*t s%*: :%at e=actly t"ans4i"ed at t%e "e#a""ai n1ent *+ accused#a44ellant, +*" :%at "eas*n %e c%an ed %is 4lea +"*1 8n*t uilty8 t* 8 uilty,8 and :%et%e" %e +ully unde"st**d t%e c*nse$uences *+ %is uilty 4lea. T%e *nly indicati*n in t%e "ec*"d t%at accused#a44ellant c%an ed %is 4lea t* uilty is t%e Ce"ti+icates *+ Re# A""ai n1ent, dated Au ust I, 6RR2, in C"i1inal Case N*s. C#&R)' t* C#&R)I. '' On :%at e=actly accused#a44ellant said in ente"in %is 4lea *+ uilty and :%at e=actly %e %ad 3een t*ld 3y t%e t"ial Eud e, t%e "ec*"dsL s%ed n* li %t. T%e"e is t%us n* e.idence t* s%*: t%at accused#a44ellantLs uilty 4lea :as .*lunta"ily 1ade *" t%at %e %ad +ully unde"st**d t%e c*nse$uences *+ suc% 4lea. In its decisi*n, t%e t"ial c*u"t desc"i3ed t%e 1anne" in :%ic% t%e accused 4leaded uilty, t%us: U4*n a""ai n1ent, accused, assisted 3y Atty. Man*l* A. !"*t*nel *+ t%e Pu3lic Att*"neyLs O++ice, 4leaded n*t uilty t* t%e c"i1e c%a" ed. H*:e.e", *n Au ust I, 6RR2, :%en t%ese cases :e"e called +*" 4"e#t"ial and t"ial, c*unsel +*" t%e accused 1ani+ested t%at t%e accused, "ealiDin t%e +utility *+ ente"in int* t"ial and c*nside"in t%at %e actually c*11itted t%e acts c*14lained *+, inti1ated %is intenti*n t* ente" a 4lea *+ uilty t* t%e a3*.e# 1enti*ned c%a" es. T%e accused :as t%en as;ed 3y t%is C*u"t i+ %e :as a:a"e *+ t%e c*nse$uences *+ a 4lea *+ uilty t* a ca4ital *++ense: t%at +*" t%e "a4e %e c*11itted *n May 62, 6RR' a ainst %is dau %te", Ole3y Nade"a, :%* :as R yea"s *ld at t%e ti1e, %e :*uld 3e sentenced t* reclusion perpetua and +*" t%e t%"ee *t%e" c*unts *+ "a4e c*11itted *n A4"il 62 and '&, 6RRI F3*t% a ainst Ole3y Nade"aG and *n Ma"c% 7, 6RR5 Fa ainst Ma"ic"is Nade"a, 66 yea"s *ld at t%e ti1eG, %e :*uld 3e sentenced t* deat% 3y let%al inEecti*n. A+te" %a.in 3een in+*"1ed *+ t%is, %e insisted t%at %e is :illin t* ente" a 4lea *+ uilty t* t%e c"i1es c%a" ed and is "eady t* +ace t%e c*nse$uences t%e"e*+.'7 T%e :a"nin s i.en 3y t%e t"ial c*u"t in t%is case +all s%*"t *+ t%e "e$ui"e1ent t%at it 1ust 1a;e a sea"c%in in$ui"y t* dete"1ine :%et%e" accused#a44ellant unde"st**d +ully t%e i14*"t *+ %is uilty 4lea. As %as 3een said, a 1e"e :a"nin t%at t%e accused +aces t%e su4"e1e 4enalty *+ deat% is insu++icient. '& F*" 1*"e *+ten t%an n*t, an accused 4leads uilty u4*n 3ad ad.ice *" 3ecause %e %*4es +*" a lenient t"eat1ent *" a li %te" 4enalty. T%e t"ial Eud e 1ust e"ase suc% 1ista;en i14"essi*ns.'I He 1ust 3e c*14letely c*n.inced t%at t%e uilty 4lea 1ade 3y t%e accused :as n*t 1ade unde" du"ess *" 4"*1ise *+ "e:a"d. T%e Eud e 1ust as; t%e accused t%e 1anne" t%e latte" :as a""ested *" detained, and :%et%e" %e :as assisted 3y c*unsel du"in t%e cust*dial and 4"eli1ina"y in.esti ati*ns. In additi*n, t%e de+ense c*unsel s%*uld als* 3e as;ed :%et%e" %e c*n+e""ed :it% t%e accused and c*14letely e=4lained t* %i1 t%e 1eanin and t%e c*nse$uences *+ a 4lea *+ uilt. Fu"t%e"1*"e, since t%e a e, educati*nal attain1ent and s*ci*#ec*n*1ic status *+ t%e accused 1ay "e.eal insi %ts +*" a 4"*4e" .e"dict in t%e case, t%e t"ial c*u"t 1ust as; $uesti*ns c*nce"nin t%e1. '5 In t%is case, a3sent any s%*:in t%at t%ese $uesti*ns :e"e 4ut t* accused#a44ellant, a sea"c%in in$ui"y cann*t 3e said t* %a.e 3een unde"ta;en 3y t%e t"ial c*u"t. 9%at t%e t"ial c*u"t did in t%is case, as desc"i3ed in its decisi*ns, is si1ila" t* :%at %a44ened in People v. Sevillano.'2 In t%at case, t%e accused :as c%a" ed :it% t%e "a4e and %*1icide *+ a nine#yea" *ld i"l. T%e accused 4leaded uilty :%e"eu4*n t%e Eud e as;ed %i1 $uesti*ns: /60 C* y*u unde"stand y*u" 4lea *+ uilt< and /'0 C* y*u ;n*: t%at y*u" 4lea *+ uilt c*uld 3"in t%e deat% 4enalty< T%is C*u"t %eld t%at t%ese $uesti*ns did n*t c*nstitute a sea"c%in in$ui"y. . . . In e.e"y case :%e"e t%e accused ente"s a 4lea *+ uilty t* a ca4ital *++ense, es4ecially :%e"e %e is an i n*"ant 4e"s*n :it% a little *" n* educati*n, t%e 4"*4e" and 4"udent c*u"se t* +*ll*: is t* ta;e suc% e.idence as a"e a.aila3le and necessa"y in su44*"t *+ t%e 1ate"ial alle ati*ns *+ t%e in+*"1ati*n, includin t%e a "a.atin ci"cu1stances t%e"ein enu1e"ated, n*t *nly t* satis+y t%e t"ial Eud e %i1sel+ 3ut als* t* aid t%e -u4"e1e C*u"t in dete"1inin :%et%e" t%e accused "eally and t"uly unde"st**d and c*14"e%ended t%e 1eanin , +ull si ni+icance and c*nse$uences *+ %is 4lea. ')

Clea"ly, t%e 4lea *+ uilty *+ accused#a44ellant in t%is case :as 1ade i14"*.idently. II. C*n.icti*ns 3ased *n an i14"*.ident 4lea *+ uilt a"e set aside *nly i+ suc% 4lea is t%e s*le 3asis *+ Eud 1ent. I+ t%e t"ial c*u"t "elied *n su++icient and c"edi3le e.idence t* c*n.ict t%e accused, t%e c*n.icti*n 1ust 3e sustained, 3ecause t%en it is 4"edicated n*t 1e"ely *n t%e uilty 4lea *+ t%e accused 3ut *n e.idence 4"*.in %is c*11issi*n *+ t%e *++ense c%a" ed. 'R As al"eady stated, t%e 4"*secuti*n e.idence c*nsisted *+ t%e testi1*nies *+ Ole3y and Ma"ic"is Nade"a, t%e "esults *+ t%ei" 1edical e=a1inati*ns, and t%e testi1*nies *+ t%ei" 1*t%e", Caisy, and t%e 4%ysician :%* c*nducted t%e 1edical e=a1inati*n *+ t%e t:* i"ls, C". Cynt%ia Fesal3*n. Ce"tain ci"cu1stances 4"esent in t%is case, %*:e.e", 4e"suade us t%at a "e1and *+ t%is case is necessa"y. 0irst. A 4e"usal *+ t%e decisi*n *+ t%e c*u"t "e.eals t%at t%e t"ial Eud e +ailed t* state t%e +actual and le al "eas*ns *n :%ic% %e 3ased accused#a44ellantLs c*n.icti*n. E=ce4t +*" t%e na""ati*n *+ t%e 4"*secuti*nLs e.idence and a 3a"e "ecital *+ R.A. N*. 25IR, a1endin A"t. 77I *+ t%e Re.ised Penal C*de, t%e"e is n*t%in else t* indicate t%e "eas*n +*" t%e decisi*n. T%e"e is n* e.aluati*n *+ t%e e.idence and n* "eas*n i.en :%y t%e c*u"t +*und t%e testi1*nies *+ t%e :itnesses c"edi3le. Rule 6'( *+ t%e 6R)I Rules *n C"i1inal P"*cedu"e 4"*.ides: -ec. '. 0orm an" contents of Mu"gment . S T%e Eud 1ent 1ust 3e :"itten in t%e *++icial lan ua e, 4e"s*nally and di"ectly 4"e4a"ed 3y t%e Eud e and si ned 3y %i1 and s%all c*ntain clea"ly and distinctly a state1ent *+ t%e +acts 4"*.ed *" ad1itted 3y t%e accused and t%e la: u4*n :%ic% t%e Eud 1ent is 3ased. I+ it is *+ c*n.icti*n, t%e Eud 1ent s%all state /a0 t%e le al $uali+icati*n *+ t%e *++ense c*nstituted 3y t%e acts c*11itted 3y t%e accused, and t%e a "a.atin *" 1iti atin ci"cu1stances attendin t%e c*11issi*n t%e"e*+, i+ t%e"e 3e anyA /30 4a"tici4ati*n *+ t%e accused in t%e c*11issi*n *+ t%e *++ense, :%et%e" as 4"inci4al, acc*14lice, *" access*"y a+te" t%e +actA /c0 t%e 4enalty i14*sed u4*n t%e accusedA and /d0 t%e ci.il lia3ility *" da1a es caused 3y t%e :"*n +ul act t* 3e "ec*.e"ed +"*1 t%e accused 3y t%e *++ended 4a"ty, i+ t%e"e 3e any, unless t%e en+*"ce1ent *+ t%e ci.il lia3ility 3y a se4a"ate acti*n %as 3een "ese".ed *" :ai.ed. In case *+ ac$uittal, unless t%e"e is a clea" s%*:in t%at t%e act +"*1 :%ic% t%e ci.il lia3ility 1i %t a"ise did n*t e=ist, t%e Eud 1ent s%all 1a;e a +indin *n t%e ci.il lia3ility *+ t%e accused in +a.*" *+ t%e *++ended 4a"ty. In People v. Bugarin,7( :e stated: T%e "e$ui"e1ent t%at t%e decisi*ns *+ c*u"ts 1ust 3e in :"itin and t%at t%ey 1ust set +*"t% clea"ly and distinctly t%e +acts and t%e la: *n :%ic% t%ey a"e 3ased se".es 1any +uncti*ns. It is intended, a1*n *t%e" t%in s, t* in+*"1 t%e 4a"ties *+ t%e "eas*n *" "eas*ns +*" t%e decisi*n s* t%at i+ any *+ t%e1 a44eals, %e can 4*int *ut t* t%e a44ellate c*u"t t%e +indin *+ +acts *" t%e "ulin s *n 4*ints *+ la: :it% :%ic% %e disa "ees. M*"e t%an t%at, t%e "e$ui"e1ent is an assu"ance t* t%e 4a"ties t%at, in "eac%in Eud 1ent, t%e Eud e did s* t%"*u % t%e 4"*cesses *+ le al "eas*nin . It is, t%us, a sa+e ua"d a ainst t%e i14etu*sity *+ t%e Eud e, 4"e.entin %i1 +"*1 decidin 3y ipse "i-it. @*uc%sa+ed neit%e" t%e s:*"d n*" t%e 4u"se 3y t%e C*nstituti*n 3ut n*net%eless .ested :it% t%e s*.e"ei n 4"e"* ati.e *+ 4assin Eud 1ent *n t%e li+e, li3e"ty *" 4"*4e"ty *+ %is +ell*:1en, t%e Eud e 1ust ulti1ately de4end *n t%e 4*:e" *+ "eas*n +*" sustained 4u3lic c*n+idence in t%e Eustness *+ %is decisi*n. T%e decisi*n *+ t%e t"ial c*u"t in t%is case dis"es4ects t%e Eudicial +uncti*n. Secon". T%e ca.alie" attitude *+ accused#a44ellantLs c*unsel, Atty. Man*l* A. !"*t*nel *+ t%e Pu3lic Att*"neyLs O++ice, cann*t * unn*ticed. It is disce"ni3le in /a0 %is "e+usal t* c"*ss e=a1ine Ole3y Nade"aA /30 t%e 1anne" in :%ic% %e c*nducted Ma"ic"is Nade"aLs c"*ss e=a1inati*nA and, /c0 %is +ailu"e n*t *nly t* 4"esent e.idence +*" t%e accused 3ut als* t* in+*"1 t%e accused *+ %is "i %t t* d* s*, i+ %e desi"es.

Only +ait%+ul 4e"+*"1ance 3y c*unsel *+ %is duty t*:a"ds %is client can i.e 1eanin and su3stance t* t%e accusedLs "i %t t* due 4"*cess and t* 3e 4"esu1ed inn*cent until 4"*.en *t%e":ise. Hence, a la:ye"Ls duty, es4ecially t%at *+ a de+ense c*unsel, 1ust n*t 3e ta;en li %tly. It 1ust 3e 4e"+*"1ed :it% all t%e Deal and .i *" at %is c*11and t* 4"*tect and sa+e ua"d t%e accusedLs +unda1ental "i %ts. In t%e case *+ People vs. Bermas,76 n* less t%an t%"ee PAO la:ye"s :e"e +*und 3y t%e C*u"t t* %a.e +ailed in 4e"+*"1in t%ei" duties t* t%ei" client, an accused c%a" ed :it% "a4in %is dau %te". T%e +i"st la:ye" ine=4lica3ly :ai.ed t%e c"*ss e=a1inati*n *+ t%e 4"i.ate c*14lainant and late" as;ed t* 3e "elie.ed *+ %e" duties as c*unsel "e oficio. A sec*nd la:ye" a44*inted 3y t%e c*u"t 1issed se.e"al %ea"in s du"in t%e t"ial and c*uld n* l*n e" 3e l*cated. T%e t%i"d PAO la:ye" a44*inted 3y t%e t"ial c*u"t acce4ted %is duties "eluctantly and late" ceased t* a44ea" +*" t%e accused. T%is C*u"t %eld t%at: T%e "i %t t* c*unsel 1ust 3e 1*"e t%an Eust t%e 4"esence *+ a la:ye" in t%e c*u"t"**1 *" t%e 1e"e 4"*4*undin *+ standa"d $uesti*ns and *3Eecti*ns. T%e "i %t t* c*unsel 1eans t%at t%e accused is a14ly acc*"ded le al assistance e=tended 3y a c*unsel :%* c*11its %i1sel+ t* t%e cause +*" t%e de+ense and acts acc*"din ly. T%e "i %t assu1es an acti.e in.*l.e1ent 3y t%e la:ye" in t%e 4"*ceedin s, 4a"ticula"ly at t%e t"ial *+ t%e case, %is 3ea"in c*nstantly in 1ind *+ t%e 3asic "i %ts *+ t%e accused, %is 3ein :ell#.e"sed *n t%e case and %is ;n*:in t%e +unda1ental 4"*cedu"es, essential la:s and e=istin Eu"is4"udence. T%e "i %t *+ an accused t* c*unsel +inds su3stance in t%e 4e"+*"1ance 3y t%e la:ye" *+ %is s:*"n duty *+ +idelity t* %is client. Te"sely 4ut, it 1eans an e++icient and t"uly decisi.e le al assistance and n*t a si14le 4e"+unct*"y "e4"esentati*n. Measu"ed 3y t%is standa"d, t%e de+ense c*unselLs c*nduct in t%is case +alls s%*"t *+ t%e $uality *+ ad.*cacy de1anded *+ %i1, c*nside"in t%e "a.ity *+ t%e *++ense c%a" ed and t%e +inality *+ t%e 4enalty. A la"in e=a14le *+ %is 1ani+est lac; *+ ent%usias1 +*" %is clientLs cause is %is decisi*n n*t t* c"*ss e=a1ine Ole3y Nade"a, as "e.ealed in t%e +*ll*:in 4*"ti*n *+ t%e "ec*"ds: COURT: Any c"*ss< ATTK. !ROTONEL: I+ K*u" H*n*" 4lease, :e a"e n*t c*nductin any c"*ss#e=a1inati*n, 3ecause t%is "e4"esentati*n, +"*1 t%e de1ean*" *+ t%e :itness, I a1 c*n.inced t%at s%e is tellin t%e t"ut%. 7' It 1ay 3e s* t%at de+ense c*unsel 4e"s*nally +*und Ole3yLs testi1*ny t* 3e 3elie.a3le. N*net%eless, %e %ad t%e 3*unded duty t* sc"utiniDe 4"i.ate c*14lainantLs testi1*ny t* ensu"e t%at t%e accusedLs c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* c*n+"*nt and e=a1ine t%e :itnesses a ainst %i1 :as n*t "ende"ed +*" nau %t. It 3ea"s 4*intin *ut t%at in "a4e cases, it is *+ten t%e :*"d *+ t%e c*14lainant a ainst t%at *+ t%e accused, t%e t:* 3ein t%e *nly 4e"s*ns 4"esent du"in t%e c*11issi*n *+ t%e *++ense. 9%ile t%e l*ne testi1*ny *+ t%e .icti1 is su++icient t* c*n.ict t%e accused, suc% testi1*ny 1ust 3e clea", 4*siti.e, c*n.incin and c*nsistent :it% %u1an natu"e and t%e n*"1al c*u"se *+ t%in s. C*14lainantLs testi1*ny cann*t 3e acce4ted :it% 4"eci4itate c"edulity :it%*ut denyin t%e accusedLs c*nstituti*nal "i %t t* 3e 4"esu1ed inn*cent. 77 T%is is :%e"e c"*ss e=a1inati*n 3ec*1es essential t* test t%e c"edi3ility *+ t%e :itnesses, e=4*se +alse%**ds *" %al+#t"ut%s, unc*.e" t%e t"ut% :%ic% "e%ea"sed di"ect e=a1inati*n testi1*nies 1ay success+ully su44"ess, and de1*nst"ate inc*nsistencies in su3stantial 1atte"s :%ic% c"eate "eas*na3le d*u3t as t* t%e uilt *+ t%e accused and t%us t* i.e su3stance t* t%e c*nstituti*nal "i %t *+ t%e accused t* c*n+"*nt t%e :itnesses a ainst %i1. F*" unless 4"*.en *t%e":ise t* 3e uilty 3ey*nd all "eas*na3le d*u3t, t%e accused is 4"esu1ed t* 3e inn*cent. 7& Indeed, c"*ss e=a1inin Ole3y Nade"a 3ec*1es indis4ensa3le i+ %e" testi1*ny is .ie:ed t* et%e" :it% t%e "esults *+ %e" 1edical e=a1inati*n. Ole3y Nade"a clai1ed t%at s%e :as last "a4ed 3y %e" +at%e" *n A4"il '&, 6RRI. 7I Ket, t%e 1edical

e=a1inati*n c*nducted *n %e" *n A4"il 7(, 6RR5 75 "e.ealed t%e 4"esence *+ s4e"1at*D*a in t%e .a inal canal *n t%at date. T%is :as a yea" a+te" t%e last "a4e alle edly c*11itted 3y %e" +at%e". T%is e.ident disc"e4ancy leads t* *nly *ne natu"al c*nclusi*n: Ole3y en a ed in se=ual inte"c*u"se a +e: days 3e+*"e s%e :as e=a1ined. T%is "aises a nu13e" *+ $uesti*ns t%at 3ea" u4*n t%e c"edi3ility *+ Ole3y as a :itness and u4*n t%e uilt *+ accused#a44ellant. T%is 1ay n*t necessa"ily 1ean t%at s%e :as lyin :%en s%e said t%at *n A4"il '&, 6RRI s%e %ad 3een "a4ed 3y accused#a44ellant, 3ut it d*es indicate a necessity S t%at *+ c"*ss e=a1inin %e" in *"de" t* +e""et *ut t%e t"ut%. T%e sa1e 1ay 3e said *+ de+ense c*unselLs t"eat1ent *+ Ma"ic"isL testi1*ny. 9%ile s%e :as c"*ss e=a1ined 3y de+ense c*unsel, t%e e=a1inati*n :as at 3est a %al+#%ea"ted atte14t t* c*14ly :it% a la:ye"Ls *3li ati*n, lac;in t%e "i *" and Deal "e$ui"ed c*nside"in t%at a 1anLs li+e is at sta;e. T%e c"*ss e=a1inati*n cente"ed *n :%at Ma"ic"is did *" did n*t d* :%ile s%e :itnessed %e" siste" 3ein "a4ed, and *n %e" +ailu"e t* "e4*"t t%e alle edly incestu*us "a4es a ainst t%e1. -aid c"*ss e=a1inati*n did n*t e.en t*uc% u4*n t%e s4eci+ic details c*nce"nin t%e "a4e c*11itted a ainst %e". C*ntainin lu"id details as it 1ay 3e, it :as n*net%eless i14*"tant t* 4"*3e Ma"ic"isL testi1*ny, es4ecially since it :as su3stantially si1ila" t* t%e +i"st incident *+ "a4e na""ated 3y %e" siste", and t%us "aised t%e 4*ssi3ility t%at it :as a "e%ea"sed, i+ n*t c*nc*cted, st*"y. Lastly, n*t *nly did de+ense c*unsel +ail t* *3Eect t* t%e d*cu1enta"y e.idence 4"esented 3y t%e 4"*secuti*n, acc*"din t* t%e t"ial c*u"tLs decisi*n, %e e.en e=4"essed %is c*n+*"1ity t* t%e ad1issi*n *+ t%e sa1e. Neit%e" did %e 4"esent any e.idence *n 3e%al+ *+ accused#a44ellant. 72 9*"se, n*:%e"e in t%e "ec*"ds is it s%*:n t%at accused#a44ellant :as in+*"1ed, eit%e" 3y %is c*unsel *" 3y t%e c*u"t, *+ %is "i %t t* 4"esent e.idence, i+ %e s* desi"es. Atty. !"*t*nel, as c*unsel "e oficio, %ad t%e duty t* de+end %is client and 4"*tect %is "i %ts, n* 1atte" %*: uilty *" e.il %e 4e"cei.es accused#a44ellant t* 3e. T%e 4e"+*"1ance *+ t%is duty :as all t%e 1*"e i14e"ati.e 3ecause t%e li+e *+ accused# a44ellant %an s in t%e 3alance. His duty :as n* less 3ecause %e :as c*unsel "e oficio. In .ie: *+ t%e +*"e *in , :e +ind it necessa"y t* "e1and t%e case +*" t%e 4"*4e" a""ai n1ent and t"ial *+ t%e accused, c*nside"in n*t *nly t%e accusedLs i14"*.ident 4lea *+ uilt 3ut als* %is la:ye"Ls ne lect in "e4"esentin %is cause. A ne: t"ial %as 3een *"de"ed in c"i1inal cases *n t%e "*und *+ "et"acti*n *+ :itnesses, ne li ence *" inc*14etency *+ c*unsel, i14"*.ident 4lea *+ uilty, dis$uali+icati*n *+ an att*"ney "e oficio t* "e4"esent t%e accused in t%e t"ial c*u"t, and :%e"e a Eud 1ent "ende"ed *n a sti4ulati*n *+ +acts ente"ed int* 3y 3*t% t%e 4"*secuti*n and t%e de+ense. 7) 9HEREFORE, t%e decisi*n, dated A4"il '2, 6RR2, *+ t%e Re i*nal T"ial C*u"t, !"anc% &(, Cala4an, O"iental Mind*"*, is %e"e3y -ET A-ICE and C"i1inal Case N*s. C#&R)', C#&R)7, C#&R)& and C#&R)I a"e REMANCEC t* it +*" +u"t%e" 4"*ceedin s in acc*"dance :it% t%is decisi*n. T%e t"ial c*u"t is enE*ined t* c*nduct t%e 4"*4e" t"ial *+ accused#a44ellant :it% all deli3e"ate s4eed u4*n "ecei4t *+ t%e "ec*"ds *+ t%e cases. -O ORCEREC A.). No. 6,0+ Au:u$" ., 200, GEORGE ). SO&A0AN, C*14lainant, .s. A00/S. OS)AR A. INO)EN0ES n( JOSE ). )AMANO, Res4*ndent. 0!n: , J.? T%e 4"esent case +*cuses *n a c"itical as4ect *+ t%e la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4^t%e duty *+ l*yalty. T%e +idelity la:ye"s *:e t%ei" clients is t"aditi*nally c%a"acte"iDed as 8undi.ided.8 T%is 1eans t%at la:ye"s 1ust "e4"esent t%ei" clients and se".e t%ei" needs :it%*ut inte"+e"ence *" i14ai"1ent +"*1 any c*n+lictin inte"est. T%is ad1inist"ati.e case t"aces its "**ts +"*1 t%e 1anne" 3y :%ic% Attys. J*se C. Ca1an* and Osca" A. In*centes "es4*nded t* t%e e++*"ts *+ c*14lainant, Je*" e C. -*latan, t* lease a ce"tain MueD*n City a4a"t1ent 3el*n in t* t%e att*"neysB clients. On t%e 3asis *+ acts 3"anded 3y t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 as 83*"de"in *n tec%nical e=t*"ti*n,8 acce4tin +unds and i.in uns*licited ad.ice t* an ad.e"se 4a"ty, and castin d*u3ts as t* t%e 4"*cedu"e *+ le.y, t%e I!P "es*l.ed6 t* "ec*11end t%e sus4ensi*n *+ Atty. Ca1an* +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea". It li;e:ise "ec*11ended t%e "e4"i1and *+ Atty. In*centes, :%*1 it %eld lia3le +*" t%e a+*"e1enti*ned acts *+ %is ass*ciate, unde" t%e 4"inci4le *+ c*11and "es4*nsi3ility.

Only Atty. In*centes %as elected t* c*ntest t%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e I!P, as %e $uesti*ns t%e 4"*4"iety *+ %is 3ein %eld ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le +*" acts d*ne 3y Atty. Ca1an*. ' H*:e.e", t%e "ec*11endati*n t* sus4end Atty. Ca1an* s%all als* 3e 4assed u4*n 3y .i"tue *+ -ecti*n 6', Rule 67R#! *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t.7 Attys. In*centes and Ca1an* :e"e 3*t% en a ed in t%e 4"actice *+ la: unde" t%e +i"1 na1e *+ *scar ,nocentes an" Associates Law *ffice. Atty. In*centes %eld *++ice in %is %*1e l*cated at N*. 6R Ma"un*n -t., Cent"al Cist"ict, MueD*n City, :%ile Atty. Ca1an* :as stati*ned at an 8e=tensi*n *++ice8 *+ t%e +i"1 l*cated in 7"d?F, RI5 Au"*"a !l.d., Mui"in* Cist., MueD*n City. T%e *scar ,nocentes an" Associates Law *ffice :as "etained 3y s4*uses And"es and Ludi.ina Jenit* /s4*uses Jenit*0, *:ne"s *+ an a4a"t1ent c*14le= /t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents0 l*cated at 'IR Tandan -*"a c*". @isayas A.enue, MueD*n City, :%en t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents :e"e 4laced unde" se$uest"ati*n 3y t%e P"esidential C*11issi*n *n J**d J*.e"n1ent /PCJJ0 *n R July 6R)5. & T%e la: *++ice "e4"esented t%e s4*uses Jenit* 3e+*"e t%e PCJJ and t%e -andi an3ayan, and su3se$uently, :it% aut%*"ity +"*1 t%e PCJJ. I in eEect1ent cases a ainst n*n#4ayin tenants *ccu4yin t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents.5 C*14lainantBs siste", Jlice"ia -*latan, :as a tenant in C**" 6(, P%ase ! *+ t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents. It a44ea"s +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds t%at Jlice"ia -*latan le+t +*" t%e United -tates in 6R)5, and since t%en, t%e a4a"t1ent :as eit%e" inte"1ittently used 3y 1e13e"s *+ %e" +a1ily *" 4laced unde" t%e c%a" e *+ ca"eta;e"s. 2 In Au ust 6R)2, a c*14laint +*" eEect1ent +*" n*n# 4ay1ent *+ "entals :as +iled a ainst Jlice"ia -*latan. ) On 7 Ma"c% 6R)), in a Eud 1ent 3y de+ault, a )ecisionR :as "ende"ed *"de"in Jlice"ia -*latan t* .acate t%e 4"e1ises *+ t%e a4a"t1ent, 4ay t%e s4*uses Jenit* t%e a1*unt *+ T%i"ty T%*usand -i= Hund"ed Pes*s /P7(,5((.((0 as un4aid "entals +"*1 Fe3"ua"y 6R)5 t* July 6R)2 :it% inte"est at '&\ 4e" annu1 +"*1 '( Au ust 6R)2 until t%e 4"e1ises a"e .acated, Ten T%*usand Pes*s /P6(,(((.((0 as att*"neyBs +ees, and c*sts *+ t%e suit.6( C*14lainant :as *ccu4yin t%e su3Eect a4a"t1ent :%en %e lea"ned *+ t%e Eud 1ent "ende"ed a ainst %is siste". On 6( May 6R)), 4"i*" t* t%e i14le1entati*n *+ a :"it t* e=ecute t%e Eud 1ent, c*14lainant and %is 1*t%e", El.i"a -*latan, a44"*ac%ed Atty. In*centes at %is %*1e *++ice. C*14lainant in+*"1ed Atty. In*centes *+ %is desi"e t* a""an e t%e e=ecuti*n *+ a lease c*nt"act 3y .i"tue *+ :%ic% c*14lainant :*uld 3e t%e ne: lessee *+ t%e a4a"t1ent and t%us 1a;e 4*ssi3le %is c*ntinued stay t%e"ein. Atty. In*centes "e+e""ed c*14lainant and %is 1*t%e" t* %is ass*ciate, Atty. Ca1an*, t%e att*"ney in c%a" e *+ t%e eEect1ent cases a ainst tenants *+ t%e Jenit* a4a"t1ents. A+te" t%e e=c%an e, c*14lainant :ent t* Atty. Ca1an* at t%e satellite *++ice *+ Atty. In*centesBs +i"1. F"*1 %e"e *n *ut, e.ents $uic;ly tu"ned s*u". Ci++e"ent .e"si*ns *+ su3se$uent e.ents :e"e 4"esented. T%e +acts "e4"*duced %e"eunde" a"e 3y and la" e culled +"*1 t%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne", -ie +"ed !. Mis*n. Cu"in t%e 1eetin :it% Atty. Ca1an*, a .e"3al a "ee1ent :as 1ade in :%ic% c*14lainant and %is 1*t%e" a "eed t* 4ay t%e enti"e Eud 1ent de3t *+ Jlice"ia -*latan, includin +i+ty 4e"cent *+ t%e a:a"ded att*"neyBs +ees and One T%*usand -i= Hund"ed Pes*s /P6,5((.((0 as c*sts *+ suit 4"*.ided t%at Atty. Ca1an* :*uld all*: c*14lainantBs c*ntinued stay at C**" 6(, P%ase ! *+ t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents. As 4a"tial c*14liance :it% t%e a "ee1ent, c*14lainant issued in t%e na1e Atty. Ca1an* a c%ec; +*" Fi.e T%*usand Pes*s /PI,(((.((0 "e4"esentin %al+ *+ t%e P6(,(((.(( att*"neyBs +ees adEud ed a ainst c*14lainantBs siste". C*14lainant and %is 1*t%e" +ailed t* 1a;e any *t%e" 4ay1ent. T%us, t%e s%e"i++ in c**"dinati*n :it% Atty. Ca1an* and s*1e 4*lice1en, en+*"ced t%e :"it *+ e=ecuti*n *n '' June 6R)) and le.ied t%e 4"*4e"ties +*und in t%e su3Eect a4a"t1ent. An atte14t at "ene *tiati*n t**; 4lace at t%e insistence *+ c*14lainant, "esultin in Atty. Ca1an*Bs ac$uiescence t* "elease t%e le.ied 4"*4e"ties and all*:in c*14lainant t* "e1ain at t%e a4a"t1ent, su3Eect t* t%e latte"Bs 4ay1ent *+ c*sts incu""ed in en+*"cin t%e :"it *+ e=ecuti*n and issuance *+ 4*stdated c%ec;s "e4"esentin install1ent "ental 4ay1ents. C*14lainant, t%us, issued +*u" /&0 c%ec;s d"a:n *n Fa" East !an; and T"ust C*14any dated t%e +i+teent% /6It%0 *+ July, Au ust, -e4te13e", and Oct*3e" 6R)) eac% in t%e a1*unt *+ T%"ee T%*usand F*u" Hund"ed Pes*s /P7,&((.((0.66 Hal+ *+ t%e a1*unt "e4"esented c*14lainantBs 1*nt%ly "ental, :%ile t%e *t%e" %al+, a 1*nt%ly install1ent +*" t%e 4ay1ent *+ Jlice"ia -*latanBs Eud 1ent de3t.

On ') June 6R)), actin *n t%e ad.ice *+ Atty. Ca1an*, c*14lainant 4"esented an A++ida.it *+ O:ne"s%i4 t* t%e s%e"i++ :%* t%en "eleased t%e le.ied ite1s t* c*14lainant. H*:e.e", a Nort&ern %ill 7#3u"ne" as st*.e :as n*t "etuned t* c*14lainant. T%e st*.e :as in +act ;e4t 3y Atty. Ca1an* in t%e unit *+ t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents :%e"ein %e te14*"a"ily stayed6' and, t%e"ea+te", tu"ned *.e" t%e sa1e t* a ce"tain Rect* Es3e"t*, ca"eta;e" *+ t%e Jenit* A4a"t1ents. 67 On 6 Au ust 6R)), c*14lainant +iled t%e instant ad1inist"ati.e case +*" dis3a"1ent a ainst Atty. In*centes and Atty. Ca1an*.6& A+te" +*"1al in.esti ati*n, and des4ite c*n+lictin testi1*nies *n t%e ten*" and c*ntent *+ a "ee1ents and c*n.e"sati*ns, se.e"al distu"3in +acts :e"e "e.ealed t* %a.e 3een unc*nt"*.e"tedSAtty. Ca1an*Bs acce4tance +"*1 c*14lainant *+ att*"neyBs +ees and t%e c*sts *+ i14le1entin t%e :"it *+ e=ecuti*n, 4*ssessi*n *+ c*14lainantBs le.ied Nort&ern %ill *.en, and ad.ice t* c*14lainant *n %*: t* "ec*.e" t%e latte"Bs le.ied ite1s. T%us, I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" -ie +"ed !. Mis*n, 1ade t%e +*ll*:in "ec*11endati*ns, viK: !ased *n t%e +acts "e.ealed in t%ei" "es4ecti.e Me1*"anda, t%e 4enalty *+ si= /50 1*nt%s sus4ensi*n is t%e"e+*"e "ec*11ended t* 3e i14*sed *n Res4*ndent Ca1an* +*" c*11ittin t%e +*ll*:in acts t%at ad.e"sely "e+lects /sic0 *n %is 1*"al +itness t* c*ntinue t* 4"actice la:F:G 6. He "ecei.ed 1*ney /PI,((( t%en P6,(((0 +"*1 t%e ad.e"se 4a"ty 4u"4*"tedly +*" att*"neys +ees and +*" "ei13u"se1ent *+ s%e"i++Bs e=4enses. -uc% act *+ ccep"!n: <un($ <'om ">e (#e'$e p '"9 !n ">e p'oce$$ o< !mplemen"!n: F'!", -o'(e'$ on "ec>n!c l eN"o'"!on p '"!cul 'l9 !n l!:>" o< ">e < c"u l c!'cum$" nce$ $ (!$cu$$e(. '. He a.e uns*licited ad.ice t* t%e ad.e"se 4a"ty in su estin t%e +ilin *+ an A++ida.it *+ O:ne"s%i4 *.e" t%e le.ied 4"*4e"ties, a $u::e$"!on e#!(en"l9 !n con<l!c" F!"> [">e !n"e'e$" o<] >!$ oFn cl!en", $uppo$e(l9, ">e Gen!"o$. 7. He +ailed t* tu"n *.e" t%e as st*.e t* eit%e" 4a"ty t%e"e3y castin d*u3t as t* t%e 4"*cedu"e *+ t%e le.y. !ased *n t%e +acts "e.ealed, t%e 4enalty *+ Re4"i1and is t%e"e+*"e "ec*11ended t* 3e i14*sed *n Res4*ndent In*centes +*" c*11ittin t%e +*ll*:in acts t%at ad.e"sely "e+lects /sic0 in %is +itness t* c*ntinue t* 4"actice la:F:G 6. He lloFe( ) m no "o pe'<o'm ll ">e <o'emen"!one( c"$, e!">e' -9 ne:l!:ence o' !n (#e'"ence :%ic% a"e ini1ical t* t%e le al 4"*+essi*n. He cann*t clai1 i n*"ance *" +ei n inn*cence in t%is 4a"ticula" t"ansacti*n c*nside"in t%at t%e C*14lainants t%e1sel.es :ent t* %is *++ice *n di++e"ent *ccasi*ns "e a"din t%is t"ansacti*n. Ulti1ately, >e eNe'c!$e( comm n( 'e$pon$!-!l!"9 o#e' ">e c $e n( > ( $upe'#!$o'9 con"'ol o#e' Re$pon(en" ) m no !n $muc> $ >e 'ece!#e( pe'!o(!c 'epo'"$ e!">e' -9 p>one o' !n pe'$on <'om ">e l ""e'. '. T%e lette" disclai1e" e=ecuted 3y M". Jenit* +iled 3y Res4*ndent In*centes d*es n*t 1iti ate any lia3ility :%ats*e.e" since t%e :"*n d*in d*ne a ainst t%e 4"*+essi*n cann*t 3e und*ne 3y a 1e"e lette" +"*1 a t%i"d 4a"ty. 6I /E14%asis su44lied.0 T%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s a44"*.ed t%e a+*"e$u*ted "ec*11endati*n, :it% t%e 1*di+icati*n *+ an inc"ease in Atty. Ca1an*Bs 4e"i*d *+ sus4ensi*n +"*1 si= /50 1*nt%s t* *ne /60 yea", in a "es*luti*n statin , viK: RE-OL@EC t* ACOPT and APPRO@E, as it is %e"e3y ACOPTEC and APPRO@EC, t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne"X+indin t%e "ec*11endati*n +ully su44*"ted 3y t%e e.idence *n "ec*"d and t%e a44lica3le la:s and "ules, :it% 1*di+icati*n, and +*" acce4tin +unds +"*1 ad.e"se 4a"ty in t%e 4"*cess *+ i14le1entin a :"it 3*"de"s *n tec%nical e=t*"ti*n, +*" i.in uns*licited ad.ice t* t%e ad.e"se 4a"ty a su esti*n e.idently in c*n+lict :it% Ft%e inte"est *+G %is *:n client and +*" castin d*u3ts t* t%e 4"*cedu"e *+ t%e le.y, Atty. J*se C. Ca1an* is %e"e3y -U-PENCEC +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea", li;e:ise, Atty. Osca" In*centes is %e"e3y REPRIMANCEC +*" %e e=e"cised c*11and "es4*nsi3ility *.e" t%e case inas1uc% as %e "ecei.ed 4e"i*dic "e4*"ts eit%e" 3y 4%*ne *" in 4e"s*n. 65 T%e I!P %eld t%at Atty. Ca1an*Bs act *+ i.in uns*licited ad.ice t* c*14lainant is a cul4a3le act 3ecause t%e ad.ice c*n+licted :it% t%e inte"est *+ %is clients, t%e s4*uses Jenit*. T%e "ule *n c*n+lictin inte"ests, esta3lis%ed in Rule 6I.(7 *+

t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility, deals :it% c*n+licts in t%e inte"ests *+ an att*"neyBs actual clients a1*n t%e1sel.es, *+ e=istin and 4"*s4ecti.e clients, and *+ t%e att*"ney and %is clients. It states t%at a la:ye" s%all n*t "e4"esent c*n+lictin inte"ests e=ce4t 3y :"itten c*nsent *+ all c*nce"ned i.en a+te" a +ull discl*su"e *+ t%e +acts. T%e "elati*n *+ att*"ney and client 3e ins +"*1 t%e ti1e an att*"ney is "etained. 62 An att*"ney %as n* 4*:e" t* act as c*unsel *" le al "e4"esentati.e +*" a 4e"s*n :it%*ut 3ein "etained. 6) T* esta3lis% t%e 4"*+essi*nal "elati*n, it is su++icient t%at t%e ad.ice and assistance *+ an att*"ney a"e s*u %t and "ecei.ed in any 1anne" 4e"tinent t* %is 4"*+essi*n. 6R At t%e ti1e t%e $uesti*ned state1ent :as 1ade, Atty. Ca1an* %ad called t%e 4*lice t* "est"ain c*14lainant +"*1 su""e4titi*usly 4ullin *ut t%e le.ied 4"*4e"ties +"*1 t%e a4a"t1ent c*14le= 3y .i"tue *+ :%ic% t%e latte" :as 3"*u %t t* t%e 4*lice stati*n +*" $uesti*nin . T%e state1ent :as 1ade in "es4*nse t* c*14lainantBs insistence at t%e 4*lice stati*n t%at t%e le.ied 4"*4e"ties :e"e *:ned 3y %i1 and n*t 3y t%e Eud 1ent de3t*". '( N* e14l*y1ent "elati*n :as *++e"ed *" acce4ted in t%e instant case. M*"e +ittin , al3eit, t* t%e 1ind *+ t%is C*u"t, ina44lica3le t* t%e case, is Can*n 6I *+ t%e sa1e C*de :%ic% enc*14asses t%e a+*"e1enti*ned "ule. In ene"al te"1s, Can*n 6I "e$ui"es la:ye"s t* *3se".e l*yalty in all dealin s and t"ansacti*ns :it% t%ei" clients. '6 Un$uesti*na3ly, an att*"ney i.in le al ad.ice t* a 4a"ty :it% an inte"est c*n+lictin :it% t%at *+ %is client "esultin in det"i1ent t* t%e latte" 1ay 3e %eld uilty *+ disl*yalty. H*:e.e", +a" 3e it t%at e.e"y utte"ance *+ an att*"ney :%ic% 1ay %a.e a++*"ded an indi.idual s*1e "elie+ ad.e"se t* t%e +*"1e"Bs client 1ay 3e la3eled as a cul4a3le act *+ disl*yalty. As in e.e"y case, t%e acts alle ed t* 3e cul4a3le 1ust 3e assessed in li %t *+ t%e su""*undin ci"cu1stances. 9%ile t%e le.y :as 1ade *n c%attel +*und in t%e a4a"t1ent *+ t%e Eud 1ent de3t*", Jlice"ia -*latan, t%e c*14lainant :as t%e t"ue *:ne" *+ t%e 4"*4e"ties. C*nse$uently, t%e latte" %ad a "i %t t* "ec*.e" t%e sa1e. In +act, c*nside"in t%e ci"cu1stances, t%e $uesti*ned state1ent is in c*ns*nance :it% c*14lainantBs +*"e1*st duty t* u4%*ld t%e la: as an *++ice" *+ t%e c*u"t. T%e state1ent *+ Atty. Ca1an* in suc% a c*nte=t s%*uld n*t 3e c*nst"ued 3y t%is C*u"t as i.in ad.ice in c*n+lict a ainst t%e inte"est *+ t%e s4*uses Jenit* as in +act t%e latte" %a.e n* inte"est *.e" t%e inc*""ectly le.ied 4"*4e"ties. 9e, t%us, n*te t%at t%e act *+ in+*"1in c*14lainant t%at t%e le.ied 4"*4e"ties :*uld 3e "etu"ned t* %i1 u4*n s%*:in 4"**+ *+ %is *:ne"s%i4 t%e"e*+ 1ay %int at in+idelity t* t%e inte"est *+ t%e s4*uses Jenit*, 3ut, in t%is ci"cu1stance, lac;s t%e essence *+ d*u3le dealin and 3et"ayal *+ t%e latte"Bs c*n+idence s* as t* dese".e *ut"i %t cate *"iDati*n as in+idelity *" disl*yalty t* %is clientsB cause. N*net%eless, a+te" %a.in n*ted t%e +*"e *in , :e "e1ain c*n.inced :it% t%e 4"*4"iety *+ 1etin t%e *ne /60 yea" sus4ensi*n +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: *n Atty. Ca1an*, as "ec*11ended 3y t%e I!P, 3ased *n %is *t%e" cul4a3le acts :%ic% tend t* de "ade t%e 4"*+essi*n and +*1ent dist"ust in t%e inte "ity *+ c*u"t 4"*cesses. On t%e *t%e" %and, Atty. In*centes see;s t* distance %i1sel+ +"*1 t%e e.ents t%at t"ans4i"ed and t%e "e4"i1and "esultin t%e"e+"*1 3y asse"tin t%at %e :as inc*""ectly 4unis%ed +*" Atty. Ca1an*Bs acts :%en %is 1e"e 4a"tici4ati*n in t%e +iasc* :as t* "e+e" c*14lainant and %is 1*t%e" t* Atty. Ca1an*. H*:e.e", it is 4"ecisely 3ecause *+ suc% 4a"tici4ati*n, c*nsistin as it did *+ "e+e""in t%e c*14lainant t* %is ass*ciate la:ye", t%at Atty. In*centes 1ay 3e %eld ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le 3y .i"tue *+ %is ass*ciateBs unet%ical acts. His +ailu"e t* e=e"cise ce"tain "es4*nsi3ilities *.e" 1atte"s unde" t%e c%a" e *+ %is la: +i"1 is a 3la1e:*"t%y s%*"tc*1in . T%e te"1 8c*11and "es4*nsi3ility,8 as Atty. In*centes su ests, %as s4ecial 1eanin :it%in t%e ci"cle *+ 1en in uni+*"1 in t%e 1ilita"yA %*:e.e", t%e 4"inci4le d*es n*t a3ide s*lely t%e"ein. It c*nt"*ls t%e .e"y ci"cu1stance in :%ic% Atty. In*centes +*und %i1sel+. 9e a"e n*t una:a"e *+ t%e cust*1 *+ 4"actiti*ne"s in a la: +i"1 *+ assi nin cases and e.en enti"e client acc*unts t* ass*ciates *" *t%e" 4a"tne"s :it% li1ited su4e".isi*n, i+ at all. T%is is es4ecially t"ue in t%e case *+ Attys. In*centes and Ca1an* :%*, +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds, 3*t% a44ea" t* 3e seas*ned en*u % t* 3e le+t al*ne in t%ei" :*"; :it%*ut "e$ui"in cl*se su4e".isi*n *.e" eac% *t%e"Bs c*nduct and :*"; *ut4ut. H*:e.e", let it n*t 3e said t%at la: +i"1 4"actiti*ne"s a"e i.en a +"ee %and t* assi n cases t* seas*ned att*"neys and t%e"ea+te" c*n.eniently +*" et a3*ut t%e case. T* d* s* :*uld 3e a disse".ice t* t%e 4"*+essi*n, t%e inte "ity and ad.ance1ent *+ :%ic% t%is C*u"t 1ust Eeal*usly 4"*tect.

T%at t%e +i"1 na1e unde" :%ic% t%e t:* att*"neys la3*"ed :as t%at *+ *scar ,nocentes an" Associates Law *fficed*es n*t aut*1atically 1a;e Atty. In*centes t%e de+ault la:ye" actin in a su4e".is*"y ca4acity *.e" Atty. Ca1an*. It did, %*:e.e", 3e%**.e Atty. In*centes t* e=e"t *"dina"y dili ence t* +ind *ut :%at :as *in *n in %is la: +i"1. It 4laced in Atty. In*centes t%e acti.e "es4*nsi3ility t* in$ui"e +u"t%e" int* t%e ci"cu1stances a++ectin t%e le.y *+ c*14lainantBs 4"*4e"ties, i""es4ecti.e *+ :%et%e" t%e sa1e :e"e in +act e.ents :%ic% c*uld 4*ssi3ly lead t* ad1inist"ati.e lia3ility. M*"e*.e", as na1e 4"actiti*ne" *+ t%e la: *++ice, Atty. In*centes is tas;ed :it% t%e "es4*nsi3ility t* 1a;e "eas*na3le e++*"ts t* ensu"e t%at all la:ye"s in t%e +i"1 s%*uld act in c*n+*"1ity t* t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. '' It is n*t :it%*ut "eas*n *" c*nse$uence t%at Atty. In*centesBs na1e is t%at :%ic% :as used as t%e *++icial desi nati*n *+ t%ei" la: *++ice. 9it% "e a"d t* t%e actual e=istence *+ Atty. In*centesBs su4e".is*"y ca4acity *.e" Atty. Ca1an*Bs acti.ities, t%e I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" 3ased t%e sa1e *n %is +indin t%at Atty. In*centes "ecei.ed 4e"i*dic "e4*"ts +"*1 Atty. Ca1an* *n t%e latte"Bs dealin s :it% c*14lainant. T%is +indin is t%e linc%4in *+ Atty. In*centesBs su4e".is*"y ca4acity *.e" Atty. Ca1an* and lia3ility 3y .i"tue t%e"e*+. La: 4"actiti*ne"s a"e acutely a:a"e *+ t%e "es4*nsi3ilities t%at a"e natu"ally ta;en *n 3y 4a"tne"s and su4e".is*"y la:ye"s *.e" t%e la:ye"s and n*n#la:ye"s *+ t%e la: *++ice. 9e %a.e %eld t%at la:ye"s a"e ad1inist"ati.ely lia3le +*" t%e c*nduct *+ t%ei" e14l*yees in +ailin t* ti1ely +ile 4leadin s. '7 In R&eem of t&e P&ilippines, ,nc., et al. v. Loilo R. 0errer, et al.,'& 4a"tne"s in a la: *++ice :e"e ad1*nis%ed +*" t%e c*nte14tu*us lan ua e in a 4leadin su31itted t* c*u"t des4ite, and e.en due t*, t%e +act t%at t%e 4leadin :as n*t 4assed u4*n 3y any *+ t%e 4a"tne"s *+ t%e *++ice. 9e %eld t%e"ein t%at 4a"tne"s a"e duty 3*und t* 4"*.ide +*" e++icaci*us c*nt"*l *+ c*u"t 4leadin s and *t%e" c*u"t 4a4e"s t%at ca""y t%ei" na1es *" t%e na1e *+ t%e la: +i"1.'I 9e n*: %*ld +u"t%e" t%at 4a"tne"s and 4"actiti*ne"s :%* %*ld su4e".is*"y ca4acities a"e le ally "es4*nsi3le t* e=e"t *"dina"y dili ence in a44"isin t%e1sel.es *+ t%e c*1in s and *in s *+ t%e cases %andled 3y t%e 4e"s*ns *.e" :%ic% t%ey a"e e=e"cisin su4e".is*"y aut%*"ity and in e=e"tin necessa"y e++*"ts t* +*"ecl*se t%e *ccu""ence *+ .i*lati*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 3y 4e"s*ns unde" t%ei" c%a" e. N*net%eless, t%e lia3ility *+ t%e su4e".isin la:ye" in t%is "e a"d is 3y n* 1eans e$ui.alent t* t%at *+ t%e "ecalcit"ant la:ye". T%e actual de "ee *+ c*nt"*l and su4e".isi*n e=e"cised 3y said su4e".isin la:ye" .a"ies, inter alia, acc*"din t* *++ice 4"actice, *" t%e len t% *+ e=4e"ience and c*14etence *+ t%e la:ye" su4e".ised. -uc% +act*"s can 3e ta;en int* acc*unt in asce"tainin t%e 4"*4e" 4enalty. Ce"tainly, a la:ye" c%a" ed :it% t%e su4e".isi*n *+ a +led lin att*"ney 4"*ne t* "**;ie 1ista;es s%*uld 3ea" "eate" "es4*nsi3ility +*" t%e cul4a3le acts *+ t%e unde"lin t%an *ne satis+ied en*u % :it% t%e :*"; and 4"*+essi*nal et%ic *+ t%e ass*ciate s* as t* lea.e t%e latte" 1*stly t* %is?%e" *:n de.ises. 9%ile Atty. Ca1an*Bs i""e ula" acts 4e"%a4s e.ince a need +*" "eate" su4e".isi*n *+ %is le al 4"actice, t%e"e is n* $uesti*n t%at it %as 3een Atty. In*centesB 4"actice t* all*: :ide disc"eti*n +*" Atty. Ca1an* t* 4"actice *n %is *:n. It d*es c*nstitute indi++e"ence and ne lect +*" Atty. In*centes t* +ail t* acc*"d e.en a t*;en attenti*n t* Atty. Ca1an*Bs c*nduct :%ic% c*uld %a.e 3"*u %t t%e t%en i14endin 4"*3le1 t* li %t. !ut suc% is n*t e$ui.alent t* t%e 4"*=i1ate "es4*nsi3ility +*" Atty. Ca1an*Bs acts. M*"e*.e", it a44ea"s +"*1 t%e "ec*"ds t%at Atty. In*centes is a +*"1e" Eud e and a la:ye" :%*, as *+ yet, is in **d standin and it is t%e +i"st ti1e in :%ic% Atty. In*centes %as 3een 1ade t* ans:e" .ica"i*usly +*" t%e 1isc*nduct *+ a 4e"s*n unde" %is c%a" e. An ad1*niti*n is a44"*4"iate unde" t%e ci"cu1stances. 9HEREFORE, PREMI-E- CON-ICEREC, t%e Petition is %e"e3y JRANTEC. T%e Res*luti*n dated 65 A4"il '((& is AFFIRMEC in "es4ect *+ t%e sancti*n 1eted *ut *n Atty. Ca1an*. Atty. In*centes is %e"e3y ACMONI-HEC t* 1*nit*" 1*"e cl*sely t%e acti.ities *+ %is ass*ciates t* 1a;e su"e t%at t%e sa1e a"e in c*ns*nance :it% t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :it% t%e 9ARNINJ t%at "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" *1issi*n :ill 3e dealt :it% 1*"e se.e"ely. N* 4"*n*unce1ent as t* c*sts. -O ORCEREC. A.). No. 72+2 Oc"o-e' 2, 200. REBE))A J. 5A&M, C*14lainant, .s. A00/. 8E&I5E I&EDAN, JR., Res4*ndent. )AR5IO, J.:

0>e ) $e T%e case 3e+*"e t%e C*u"t is a dis3a"1ent 4"*ceedin +iled 3y Re3ecca J. Pal1 /c*14lainant0 a ainst Atty. Feli4e Iledan, J". /"es4*ndent0 +*" "e.ealin in+*"1ati*n *3tained in t%e c*u"se *+ an att*"ney#client "elati*ns%i4 and +*" "e4"esentin an inte"est :%ic% c*n+licted :it% t%at *+ %is +*"1e" client, C*1tec% 9*"ld:ide -*luti*ns P%ili44ines, Inc. /C*1tec%0. 0>e An"ece(en" 8 c"$ C*14lainant is t%e P"esident *+ C*1tec%, a c*"4*"ati*n en a ed in t%e 3usiness *+ c*14ute" s*+t:a"e de.el*41ent. F"*1 Fe3"ua"y '((7 t* N*.e13e" '((7, "es4*ndent se".ed as C*1tec%Bs "etained c*"4*"ate c*unsel +*" t%e a1*unt *+ P5,((( 4e" 1*nt% as "etaine" +ee. F"*1 -e4te13e" t* Oct*3e" '((7, c*14lainant 4e"s*nally 1et :it% "es4*ndent t* "e.ie: c*"4*"ate 1atte"s, includin 4*tential a1end1ents t* t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s. In a 1eetin %eld *n 6 Oct*3e" '((7, "es4*ndent su ested t%at C*1tec% a1end its c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s t* all*: 4a"tici4ati*n du"in 3*a"d 1eetin s, t%"*u % telec*n+e"ence, *+ 1e13e"s *+ t%e !*a"d *+ Ci"ect*"s :%* :e"e *utside t%e P%ili44ines. P"i*" t* t%e c*14leti*n *+ t%e a1end1ents *+ t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s, c*14lainant 3eca1e unc*1+*"ta3le :it% t%e cl*se "elati*ns%i4 3et:een "es4*ndent and Elda -*ledad /-*ledad0, a +*"1e" *++ice" and di"ect*" *+ C*1tec%, :%* "esi ned and :%* :as sus4ected *+ "eleasin unaut%*"iDed dis3u"se1ents *+ c*"4*"ate +unds. T%us, C*1tec% decided t* te"1inate its "etaine" a "ee1ent :it% "es4*ndent e++ecti.e N*.e13e" '((7. In a st*c;%*lde"sB 1eetin %eld *n 6( Janua"y '((&, "es4*ndent attended as 4"*=y +*" Ja"y Ha""is*n /Ha""is*n0. -te.en C. Pal1 /-te.en0 and Ceanna L. Pal1, 1e13e"s *+ t%e !*a"d *+ Ci"ect*"s, :e"e 4"esent t%"*u % telec*n+e"ence. 9%en t%e 1eetin :as called t* *"de", "es4*ndent *3Eected t* t%e 1eetin +*" lac; *+ $u*"u1. Res4*ndent asse"ted t%at -te.en and Ceanna Pal1 c*uld n*t 4a"tici4ate in t%e 1eetin 3ecause t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s %ad n*t yet 3een a1ended t* all*: telec*n+e"encin . On '& Ma"c% '((&, C*1tec%Bs ne: c*unsel sent a de1and lette" t* -*ledad t* "etu"n *" acc*unt +*" t%e a1*unt *+ PR(,&55.6( "e4"esentin %e" unaut%*"iDed dis3u"se1ents :%en s%e :as t%e C*"4*"ate T"easu"e" *+ C*1tec%. On '' A4"il '((&, C*1tec% "ecei.ed -*ledadBs "e4ly, si ned 3y "es4*ndent. In July '((&, due t* -*ledadBs +ailu"e t* c*14ly :it% C*1tec%Ls :"itten de1ands, C*1tec% +iled a c*14laint +*" Esta+a a ainst -*ledad 3e+*"e t%e Ma;ati P"*secut*"Bs O++ice. In t%e 4"*ceedin s 3e+*"e t%e City P"*secuti*n O++ice *+ Ma;ati, "es4*ndent a44ea"ed as -*ledadBs c*unsel. On '5 Janua"y '((I, c*14lainant +iled a C*14laint 6 +*" dis3a"1ent a ainst "es4*ndent 3e+*"e t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0. In %is Ans:e",' "es4*ndent alle ed t%at in Janua"y '((', -*ledad c*nsulted %i1 *n 4"*cess and 4"*cedu"e in ac$ui"in 4"*4e"ty. In A4"il '((', -*ledad a ain c*nsulted %i1 a3*ut t%e le al "e$ui"e1ents *+ 4uttin u4 a d*1estic c*"4*"ati*n. In Fe3"ua"y '((7, -*ledad en a ed %is se".ices as c*nsultant +*" C*1tec%. Res4*ndent alle ed t%at +"*1 Fe3"ua"y t* Oct*3e" '((7, neit%e" -*ledad n*" Pal1 c*nsulted %i1 *n c*n+idential *" 4"i.ile ed 1atte" c*nce"nin t%e *4e"ati*ns *+ t%e c*"4*"ati*n. Res4*ndent +u"t%e" alle ed t%at %e %ad n* access t* any "ec*"d *+ C*1tec%. Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at du"in t%e 1*nt%s *+ -e4te13e" and Oct*3e" '((7, c*14lainant 1et :it% %i1 "e a"din t%e 4"*cedu"e in a1endin t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s t* all*: 3*a"d 1e13e"s *utside t%e P%ili44ines t* 4a"tici4ate in 3*a"d 1eetin s. Res4*ndent +u"t%e" alle ed t%at Ha""is*n, t%en C*1tec% P"esident, a44*inted %i1 as 4"*=y du"in t%e 6( Janua"y '((& 1eetin . Res4*ndent alle ed t%at Ha""is*n inst"ucted %i1 t* *3se".e t%e c*nduct *+ t%e 1eetin . Res4*ndent ad1itted t%at %e *3Eected t* t%e 4a"tici4ati*n *+ -te.en and Ceanna Pal1 3ecause t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s %ad n*t yet 3een 4"*4e"ly a1ended t* all*: t%e 4a"tici4ati*n *+ 3*a"d 1e13e"s 3y telec*n+e"encin .

Res4*ndent alle ed t%at t%e"e :as n* c*n+lict *+ inte"est :%en %e "e4"esented -*ledad in t%e case +*" Esta+a +iled 3y C*1tec%. He alle ed t%at -*ledad :as al"eady a client 3e+*"e %e 3eca1e a c*nsultant +*" C*1tec%. He alle ed t%at t%e c"i1inal case :as n*t "elated t* *" c*nnected :it% t%e li1ited 4"*cedu"al $ue"ies %e %andled :it% C*1tec%. 0>e IB5I$ Repo'" n( Recommen( "!on In a Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n dated ') Ma"c% '((5,7 t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line /I!P#C!C0 +*und "es4*ndent uilty *+ .i*lati*n *+ Can*n '6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility and *+ "e4"esentin inte"est in c*n+lict :it% t%at *+ C*1tec% as %is +*"1e" client. T%e I!P#C!C "uled t%at t%e"e :as n* d*u3t t%at "es4*ndent :as C*1tec%Bs "etained c*unsel +"*1 Fe3"ua"y '((7 t* N*.e13e" '((7. T%e I!P#C!C +*und t%at in t%e c*u"se *+ t%e 1eetin s +*" t%e intended a1end1ents *+ C*1tec%Bs c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s, "es4*ndent *3tained ;n*:led e a3*ut t%e intended a1end1ent t* all*: 1e13e"s *+ t%e !*a"d *+ Ci"ect*"s :%* :e"e *utside t%e P%ili44ines t* 4a"tici4ate in 3*a"d 1eetin s t%"*u % telec*n+e"encin . T%e I!P#C!C n*ted t%at "es4*ndent ;ne: t%at t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s %a.e n*t yet 3een a1ended t* all*: t%e telec*n+e"encin . Hence, :%en "es4*ndent, as "e4"esentati.e *+ Ha""is*n, *3Eected t* t%e 4a"tici4ati*n *+ -te.en and Ceanna Pal1 t%"*u % telec*n+e"encin *n t%e "*und t%at t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s did n*t all*: t%e 4a"tici4ati*n, %e 1ade use *+ a 4"i.ile ed in+*"1ati*n %e *3tained :%ile %e :as C*1tec%Bs "etained c*unsel. T%e I!P#C!C li;e:ise +*und t%at in "e4"esentin -*ledad in a case +iled 3y C*1tec%, "es4*ndent "e4"esented an inte"est in c*n+lict :it% t%at *+ a +*"1e" client. T%e I!P#C!C "uled t%at t%e +act t%at "es4*ndent "e4"esented -*ledad a+te" t%e te"1inati*n *+ %is 4"*+essi*nal "elati*ns%i4 :it% C*1tec% :as n*t an e=cuse. T%e I!P#C!C "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne yea", t%us: 9HEREFORE, 4"e1ises c*nside"ed, it is 1*st "es4ect+ully "ec*11ended t%at %e"ein "es4*ndent 3e +*und uilty *+ t%e c%a" es 4"e+e""ed a ainst %i1 and 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *ne /60 yea". & In Res*luti*n N*. H@II#'((5#I)7I 4assed *n 6I Cece13e" '((5, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted and a44"*.ed t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" :it% 1*di+icati*n 3y sus4endin "es4*ndent +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" t:* yea"s. Res4*ndent +iled a 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n. 5 In an undated Rec*11endati*n, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s Fi"st Ci.isi*n +*und t%at "es4*ndentBs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n did n*t "aise any ne: issue and :as Eust a "e%as% *+ %is 4"e.i*us a" u1ents. H*:e.e", t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s Fi"st Ci.isi*n "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e sus4ended +"*1 t%e 4"actice *+ la: +*" *nly *ne yea". In Res*luti*n N*. H@III#'(()#2(7 4assed *n 66 Cece13e" '((), t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s ad*4ted and a44"*.ed t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s Fi"st Ci.isi*n. T%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s denied "es4*ndentBs 1*ti*n +*" "ec*nside"ati*n 3ut "educed %is sus4ensi*n +"*1 t:* yea"s t* *ne yea". T%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s +*":a"ded t%e 4"esent case t* t%is C*u"t as 4"*.ided unde" -ecti*n 6'/30, Rule 67R#! 2 *+ t%e Rules *+ C*u"t. 0>e Rul!n: o< ">!$ )ou'" 9e cann*t sustain t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P. Violation o$ t%e Con$identiality o$ &awyer'Client Relations%ip

Can*n '6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility 4"*.ides: Can*n '6. A la:ye" s%all 4"ese".e t%e con<!(ence n( $ec'e"$ *+ %is client e.en a+te" t%e att*"ney#client "elati*ns%i4 is te"1inated. /E14%asis su44lied0 9e a "ee :it% t%e I!P t%at in t%e c*u"se *+ c*14lainantBs c*nsultati*ns, "es4*ndent *3tained t%e in+*"1ati*n a3*ut t%e need t* a1end t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s t* all*: 3*a"d 1e13e"s *utside t%e P%ili44ines t* 4a"tici4ate in 3*a"d 1eetin s t%"*u % telec*n+e"encin . Res4*ndent %i1sel+ ad1itted t%is in %is Ans:e". H*:e.e", :%at t"ans4i"ed *n 6( Janua"y '((& :as n*t a 3*a"d 1eetin 3ut a st*c;%*lde"sB 1eetin . Res4*ndent attended t%e 1eetin as 4"*=y +*" Ha""is*n. T%e 4%ysical 4"esence *+ a st*c;%*lde" is n*t necessa"y in a st*c;%*lde"sB 1eetin 3ecause a 1e13e" 1ay .*te 3y 4"*=y unless *t%e":ise 4"*.ided in t%e a"ticles *+ inc*"4*"ati*n *" 3y#la:s. ) Hence, t%e"e :as n* need +*" -te.en and Ceanna Pal1 t* 4a"tici4ate t%"*u % telec*n+e"encin as t%ey c*uld Eust %a.e sent t%ei" 4"*=ies t* t%e 1eetin . In additi*n, alt%*u % t%e in+*"1ati*n a3*ut t%e necessity t* a1end t%e c*"4*"ate 3y#la:s 1ay %a.e 3een i.en t* "es4*ndent, it c*uld n*t 3e c*nside"ed a c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n. T%e a1end1ent, "e4eal *" ad*4ti*n *+ ne: 3y#la:s 1ay 3e e++ected 3y 8t%e 3*a"d *+ di"ect*"s *" t"ustees, 3y a 1aE*"ity .*te t%e"e*+, and t%e *:ne"s *+ at least a 1aE*"ity *+ t%e *utstandin ca4ital st*c;, *" at least a 1aE*"ity *+ 1e13e"s *+ a n*n#st*c; c*"4*"ati*n.8 R It 1eans t%e st*c;%*lde"s a"e a:a"e *+ t%e 4"*4*sed a1end1ents t* t%e 3y#la:s. 9%ile t%e 4*:e" 1ay 3e dele ated t* t%e 3*a"d *+ di"ect*"s *" t"ustees, t%e"e is n*t%in in t%e "ec*"ds t* s%*: t%at a dele ati*n :as 1ade in t%e 4"esent case. Fu"t%e", :%ene.e" any a1end1ent *" ad*4ti*n *+ ne: 3y#la:s is 1ade, c*4ies *+ t%e a1end1ents *" t%e ne: 3y#la:s a"e +iled :it% t%e -ecu"ities and E=c%an e C*11issi*n /-EC0 and attac%ed t* t%e *"i inal a"ticles *+ inc*"4*"ati*n and 3y#la:s. 6( 0>e (ocumen"$ 'e pu-l!c 'eco'($ n( coul( no" -e con$!(e'e( con<!(en"! l. /avvp&i/ It is settled t%at t%e 1e"e "elati*n *+ att*"ney and client d*es n*t "aise a 4"esu14ti*n *+ c*n+identiality. 66 T%e client 1ust intend t%e c*11unicati*n t* 3e c*n+idential. 6' S!nce ">e p'opo$e( men(men"$ mu$" -e pp'o#e( -9 " le $" m Ho'!"9 o< ">e $"ocC>ol(e'$, n( cop!e$ o< ">e men(e( -92l F$ mu$" -e <!le( F!"> ">e SE), ">e !n<o'm "!on coul( no" > #e -een !n"en(e( "o -e con<!(en"! l. T%us, t%e discl*su"e 1ade 3y "es4*ndent du"in t%e st*c;%*lde"sB 1eetin c*uld n*t 3e c*nside"ed a .i*lati*n *+ %is clientBs sec"ets and c*n+idence :it%in t%e c*nte14lati*n *+ Can*n '6 *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. Representing Interest in Con$lict (it% t%e Interest o$ a )ormer Client T%e I!P +*und "es4*ndent uilty *+ "e4"esentin an inte"est in c*n+lict :it% t%at *+ a +*"1e" client, in .i*lati*n *+ Rule 6I.(7, Can*n 6I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility :%ic% 4"*.ides: Rule 6I.(7 # A la:ye" s%all n*t "e4"esent c*n+lictin inte"est e=ce4t 3y :"itten c*nsent *+ all c*nce"ned i.en a+te" a +ull discl*su"e *+ t%e +acts. 9e d* n*t a "ee :it% t%e I!P. In Muia13a* .. !a13a,67 t%e C*u"t enu1e"ated .a"i*us tests t* dete"1ine c*n+lict *+ inte"ests. One test *+ inc*nsistency *+ inte"ests is :%et%e" t%e la:ye" :ill 3e as;ed t* use a ainst %is +*"1e" client any c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n ac$ui"ed t%"*u % t%ei" c*nnecti*n *" 4"e.i*us e14l*y1ent. 6& T%e C*u"t %as "uled t%at :%at a la:ye" *:es %is +*"1e" client is t* 1aintain in.i*late t%e clientBs c*n+idence *" t* "e+"ain +"*1 d*in anyt%in :%ic% :ill inEu"i*usly a++ect %i1 in any 1atte" in :%ic% %e 4"e.i*usly "e4"esented %i1.6I 9e +ind n* c*n+lict *+ inte"est :%en "es4*ndent "e4"esented -*ledad in a case +iled 3y C*1tec%. T%e case :%e"e "es4*ndent "e4"esents -*ledad is an Esta+a case +iled 3y C*1tec% a ainst its +*"1e" *++ice". 0>e'e F $ no">!n: !n ">e 'eco'($ "> " Foul( $>oF "> " 'e$pon(en" u$e( : !n$" )om"ec> n9 con<!(en"! l !n<o'm "!on cGu!'e( F>!le >e

F $ $"!ll )om"ec>I$ 'e" !ne( coun$el . Fu"t%e", "es4*ndent 1ade t%e "e4"esentati*n a+te" t%e te"1inati*n *+ %is "etaine" a "ee1ent :it% C*1tec%. A la:ye"Bs i11uta3le duty t* a +*"1e" client d*es n*t c*.e" t"ansacti*ns t%at *ccu""ed 3ey*nd t%e la:ye"Bs e14l*y1ent :it% t%e client. 65 T%e intent *+ t%e la: is t* i14*se u4*n t%e la:ye" t%e duty t* 4"*tect t%e clientBs inte"ests *nly *n 1atte"s t%at %e 4"e.i*usly %andled +*" t%e +*"1e" client and n*t +*" 1atte"s t%at a"*se a+te" t%e la:ye"# client "elati*ns%i4 %as te"1inated.62 %4ERE8ORE, :e DISMISS t%e c*14laint a ainst Atty. Feli4e Iledan, J". +*" lac; *+ 1e"it. SO ORDERED. A.). No. 72+3 Jul9 2+, 200. RO&ANDO B. 5A)ANA, JR., C*14lainant, .s. A00/. MARI)E& 5AS)UA&2&O5E6, Res4*ndent. PER CURIAM: T%is case ste1s +"*1 an ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint 6 +iled 3y R*land* Pacana, J". a ainst Atty. Ma"icel Pascual#L*4eD c%a" in t%e latte" :it% +la "ant .i*lati*n *+ t%e 4"*.isi*ns *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. 'C*14lainant alle es t%at "es4*ndent c*11itted acts c*nstitutin c*n+lict *+ inte"est, dis%*nesty, in+luence 4eddlin , and +ailu"e t* "ende" an acc*untin *+ all t%e 1*ney and 4"*4e"ties "ecei.ed 3y %e" +"*1 c*14lainant. On Janua"y ', '((', c*14lainant :as t%e O4e"ati*ns Ci"ect*" +*" Multitel C*11unicati*ns C*"4*"ati*n /MCC0. MCC is an a++iliate c*14any *+ Multitel Inte"nati*nal H*ldin s C*"4*"ati*n /Multitel0. -*1eti1e in July '((', MCC c%an ed its na1e t* P"ecedent C*11unicati*ns C*"4*"ati*n /P"ecedent0. 7 Acc*"din t* c*14lainant, in 1id#'((', Multitel :as 3esie ed 3y de1and lette"s +"*1 its 1e13e"s and in.est*"s 3ecause *+ t%e +ailu"e *+ its in.est1ent sc%e1es. He alle es t%at %e ea"ned t%e i"e *+ Multitel in.est*"s a+te" 3ec*1in t%e assi nee *+ 1aE*"ity *+ t%e s%a"es *+ st*c; *+ P"ecedent and a+te" 3ein a44*inted as t"ustee *+ a +und a1*untin t* T%i"ty Milli*n Pes*s /P7(,(((,(((.((0 de4*sited at Real !an;. Cist"au %t, c*14lainant s*u %t t%e ad.ice *+ "es4*ndent :%* als* %a44ened t* 3e a 1e13e" *+ t%e C*u4les +*" C%"ist, a "eli i*us *" aniDati*n :%e"e c*14lainant and %is :i+e :e"e als* acti.e 1e13e"s. F"*1 t%en *n, c*14lainant and "es4*ndent c*nstantly c*11unicated, :it% t%e +*"1e" discl*sin all %is in.*l.e1ent and inte"ests in P"ecedent and P"ecedentBs "elati*n :it% Multitel. Res4*ndent a.e le al ad.ice t* c*14lainant and e.en %el4ed %i1 4"e4a"e standa"d $uitclai1s +*" c"edit*"s. In su1, c*14lainant a.e"s t%at a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 :as esta3lis%ed 3et:een %i1 and "es4*ndent alt%*u % n* +*"1al d*cu1ent :as e=ecuted 3y t%e1 at t%at ti1e. A Retaine" A "ee1ent & dated Janua"y 6I, '((7 :as 4"*4*sed 3y "es4*ndent. C*14lainant, %*:e.e", did n*t si n t%e said a "ee1ent 3ecause "es4*ndent .e"3ally as;ed +*" One Hund"ed T%*usand Pes*s /P6((,(((.((0 as acce4tance +ee and a 6I\ c*ntin ency +ee u4*n c*llecti*n *+ t%e *.e"4ay1ent 1ade 3y Multitel t* !ene+*n, I a telec*11unicati*ns c*14any 3ased in Finland. C*14lainant +*und t%e 4"*4*sed +ees t* 3e 4"*%i3iti.e and n*t :it%in %is 1eans.5 Hence, t%e "etaine" a "ee1ent "e1ained unsi ned.2 A+te" a +e: :ee;s, c*14lainant :as su"4"ised t* "ecei.e a de1and lette" +"*1 "es4*ndent ) as;in +*" t%e "etu"n and i11ediate settle1ent *+ t%e +unds in.ested 3y "es4*ndentBs clients in Multitel. 9%en c*14lainant c*n+"*nted "es4*ndent a3*ut t%e de1and lette", t%e latte" e=4lained t%at s%e %ad t* send it s* t%at %e" clients > de+"auded in.est*"s *+ Multitel > :*uld ;n*: t%at s%e :as d*in s*1et%in +*" t%e1 and assu"ed c*14lainant t%at t%e"e :as n*t%in t* :*""y a3*ut. R !*t% 4a"ties c*ntinued t* c*11unicate and e=c%an e in+*"1ati*n "e a"din t%e 4e"sistent de1ands 1ade 3y Multitel in.est*"s a ainst c*14lainant. On t%ese *ccasi*ns, "es4*ndent i14"essed u4*n c*14lainant t%at s%e can cl*sely :*"; :it% *++icials *+ t%e Anti#M*ney Launde"in C*uncil /AMLC0, t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ Justice /COJ0, t%e Nati*nal !u"eau *+ In.esti ati*n /N!I0, t%e !u"eau *+ I11i "ati*n and Ce4*"tati*ns /!IC0, 6( and t%e -ecu"ities and E=c%an e C*11issi*n /-EC066 t* "es*l.e c*14lainantBs 4"*3le1s. Res4*ndent als* c*n.inced c*14lainant t%at in *"de" t* 3e a3s*l.ed +"*1 any lia3ility :it% "es4ect t* t%e in.est1ent sca1, %e 1ust 3e a3le t* s%*: t* t%e COJ t%at %e :as :illin t* di.est any and all *+ %is inte"ests in P"ecedent includin t%e +unds assi ned t* %i1 3y Multitel. 6'

Res4*ndent als* as;ed 1*ney +"*1 c*14lainant alle edly +*" sa+e;ee4in t* 3e used *nly +*" %is case :%ene.e" necessa"y. C*14lainant a "eed and a.e %e" an initial a1*unt *+ PR((,(((.(( :%ic% :as "ecei.ed 3y "es4*ndent %e"sel+.67 -*1eti1e t%e"ea+te", c*14lainant a ain a.e "es4*ndent P6,(((,(((.((.6& -aid a1*unts :e"e all 4a"t *+ P"ecedentBs c*llecti*ns and sales 4"*ceeds :%ic% c*14lainant %eld as assi nee *+ t%e c*14anyBs 4"*4e"ties. 6I 9%en c*14lainant :ent t* t%e United -tates /U-0, %e "ecei.ed se.e"al 1essa es +"*1 "es4*ndent sent t%"*u % elect"*nic 1ail /e#1ail0 and s%*"t 1essa in syste1 /-M-, *" te=t 1essa es0 :a"nin %i1 n*t t* "etu"n t* t%e P%ili44ines 3ecause R*sa"i* !aladEay, 4"esident *+ Multitel, :as a""ested and t%at c*14lainant 1ay late" *n 3e i14licated in MultitelBs +ailed in.est1ent syste1. Res4*ndent e.en said t%at ten /6(0 a""est :a""ants and a %*ld de4a"tu"e *"de" %ad 3een issued a ainst %i1. C*14lainant, t%e"ea+te", "ecei.ed se.e"al e#1ail 1essa es +"*1 "es4*ndent u4datin %i1 *+ t%e status *+ t%e case a ainst Multitel and 4"*1ised t%at s%e :ill settle t%e 1atte" disc"eetly :it% *.e"n1ent *++icials s%e can cl*sely :*"; :it% in *"de" t* clea" c*14lainantBs na1e.65 In t:* se4a"ate e#1ail 1essa es,62 "es4*ndent a ain as;ed 1*ney +"*1 c*14lainant, P'((,((( *+ :%ic% :as %anded 3y c*14lainantBs :i+e :%ile "es4*ndent :as c*n+ined in -aint Lu;eBs H*s4ital a+te" i.in 3i"t%,6) and an*t%e"P2((,((( alle edly t* 3e i.en t* t%e N!I.6R T%"*u % "es4*ndentBs 4e"sistent 4"*1ises t* settle all c*14lainantBs le al 4"*3le1s, "es4*ndent :as a3le t* c*n.ince c*14lainant :%* :as still in t%e U- t* e=ecute a deed *+ assi n1ent in +a.*" *+ "es4*ndent all*:in t%e latte" t* "et"ie.e 62) 3*=es c*ntainin cellula" 4%*nes and access*"ies st*"ed in c*14lainantBs %*use and inside a :a"e%*use. '( He als* si ned a 3lan; deed *+ sale aut%*"iDin "es4*ndent t* sell %is '((' IsuDu T"**4e". '6 -*1eti1e in A4"il '((7, :a"y t%at "es4*ndent 1ay n*t 3e a3le t* %andle %is le al 4"*3le1s, c*14lainant :as ad.ised 3y %is +a1ily t* %i"e an*t%e" la:ye". 9%en "es4*ndent ;ne: a3*ut t%is, s%e :"*te t* c*14lainant .ia e#1ail, as +*ll*:s: Cea" !utc%ie, HiW O; ;a lan < H*4e y*u a"e +ine. -*""y i+ I s%*c;ed y*u 3ut I %ad t* d* it as y*u" +"iend and la:ye". T%e c%a" es a"e all n*n#3aila3le 3ut all t%e sa1e as t%e -EC "e4*"t I t*ld y*u 3e+*"e. T%e +indin s a"e t%e sa1e, i.e. y*u" c*14any :as t%e +"*nt +*" t%e +"aud *+ Multitel and t%at +unds :e"e 4"*.ided y*u. I antici4ated t%is, t%at is :%y I "eally 4us%ed +*" a $uitclai1. R*lly is :illin t* "etu"n t%e C"*ss:ind, la4ta4 /sic0 and FPGal1 FPGil*t. Manny Canci* "eally %el4ed. Ant%*ny na lan . T%en, I :ill need t%e acc*untin *+ all t%e +unds y*u "ecei.ed +"*1 t%e sale *+ t%e 4%*nes, e.e"y e14l*yees and di"ect*"sFBG $uitclai1 /includin y*u"s0, t%e +unds t"ans1itted t* t%e clients t%"*u % 1e, t%e +unds y*u utiliDed, and :%atelse /sic0 is still un"e1itted, e.e"y centa.* 1ust 3e acc*unted +*" as COJ and N!I can %a.e t%e acc*unt *4ened. I :ill als* need t%e P7( M 4"**+ *+ de4*sit :it% Real F!Gan; and t%e t"ust i.en Ft*G y*u. -* :e can in+*"1 t%e1 Ft%atG it :as n*t t*uc%ed 3y y*u. I %a.e 3een in+*"1ed 3y E+ie t%at y*u" +a1ily is l**;in at %i"in C*c* Pi1entel. I ;n*: %i1 .e"y :ell as %is siste" J:en is 1y 3est +"iend. I %a.e n* 4"*3le1 i+ y*u %i"e %i1 3ut I :ill 3e %ands *++. I :*"; di++e"ently ;asi. In t%is cases /sic0, y*u cann*t 3e %i %4"*+ile /sic0 3ecause it is t%e clients :%* :ill 3e sac"i+iced at t%e e=4ense *+ t%e +a1e *+ t%e la:ye". I %a.e t* :*"; $uietly and disc"eetly. N* +un+a"e. Just li;e :%at I did +*" y*u" uys in t%e -EC. I %a.e t* :*"; :it% 4e*4le I a1 c*1+*"ta3le :it%. E+"en -ant*s :ill si n as y*u" la:ye" alt%*u % I :ill d* all t%e :*";. He can %el4 :it% all %is c*nnecti*ns. @alBs +"iend in t%e N!I is t%e *ne is /sic0 c%a" e *+ *" aniDed c"i1e :%* is t%e entity /sic0 :%* %as y*u" :a""ant. My la: 4a"tne" :as t%e state 4"*secut*" +*" +inancial +"aud. !asically :e %a.e it c*.e"ed in all as4ects and all de4a"t1ents. I a1 Eust t"yin t* li$uidate t%e 4%*nes I %a.e all*tted +*" y*u s ana /sic0 +*" y*u" t"**4e" ;asi :%et%e" :e li;e it *" n*t, :e %a.e t* i.e t%is a encies /sic0 t* 1a;e *u" :*"; easie" acc*"din t* @al. T%e +unds :it% Mic;ey a"e al"eady acc*unted in t%e $uit clai1s /sic0 as att*"neys /sic0 +ees. I %*4e %e :ill 3e a3le t* send it s* :e %a.e +unds t* :*"; :it%.

As +*" y*u" ;ids, le ally t%ey can stay %e"e 3ut "ecently, it is t%e c%ild"en :%* /sic0 t%e i"ate clients and *.e"n1ent *++icials %a"ass and ;idna4 t* 1a;e t%e indi.iduals t%ey :ant t* c*1e *ut +"*1 %idin /sic0. I d* n*t :ant t%at t* %a44en. T%in s :ill 3e "eally easie" *n 1y side. Please d* n*t :*""y. Ji.e 1e 7 1*nt%s t* 1a;e it all disa44ea". !ut i+ y*u %i"e C*c*, I :ill i.e %i1 t%e +"ee %and t* :*"; :it% y*u" case. Please t"ust 1e. I %a.e ne.e" let y*u d*:n, %a.e I< I t*ld y*u t%is :ill %a44en 3ut :e a"e "eady and 4"e4a"ed. T%e clients :%* "ecei.ed t%e 4%*nes :ill stand 3y y*u and 1a;e y*u t%e %e"* in t%is scandal. I :ill stand 3y y*u al:ays. T%is is 1y e=4e"tise. TRU-T 1eW T%at is all. K*u %a.e an an el *n y*u" side. Al:ays 4"ay t%*u % t* t%e 3est le al 1ind u4 t%e"e. K*u :ill 3e *;W Candy'' On July &, '((7, c*nt"a"y t* "es4*ndentBs ad.ice, c*14lainant "etu"ned t* t%e c*unt"y. On t%e e.e *+ %is de4a"tu"e +"*1 t%e United -tates, "es4*ndent called u4 c*14lainant and c*n.eniently in+*"1ed %i1 t%at %e %as 3een clea"ed 3y t%e N!I and t%e !IC.'7 A3*ut a 1*nt% t%e"ea+te", "es4*ndent 4e"s*nally 1et :it% c*14lainant and %is :i+e and t*ld t%e1 t%at s%e %as al"eady accu1ulated P6',I((,(((.(( as att*"neyBs +ees and :as :illin t* i.e P',(((,(((.(( t* c*14lainant in a44"eciati*n +*" %is %el4. Res4*ndent alle edly t*ld c*14lainant t%at :it%*ut %is %el4, s%e :*uld n*t %a.e ea"ned suc% a1*unt. O.e":%el1ed and "elie.ed, c*14lainant acce4ted "es4*ndentBs *++e" 3ut "es4*ndent, late" *n, c%an ed %e" 1ind and t*ld c*14lainant t%at s%e :*uld instead in.est t%e P',(((,(((.(( *n %is 3e%al+ in a 3usiness .entu"e. C*14lainant declined and e=4lained t* "es4*ndent t%at %e and %is +a1ily needed t%e 1*ney instead t* c*.e" t%ei" daily e=4enses as %e :as n* l*n e" e14l*yed. Res4*ndent alle edly a "eed, 3ut s%e +ailed t* +ul+ill %e" 4"*1ise.'& Res4*ndent e.en 4u3licly ann*unced in t%ei" "eli i*us *" aniDati*n t%at s%e :as a3le t* %el4 settle t%e ten /6(0 :a""ants *+ a""est and %*ld de4a"tu"e *"de" issued a ainst c*14lainant and na""ated %*: s%e :as a3le t* de+end c*14lainant in t%e said cases.'I !y A4"il '((&, %*:e.e", c*14lainant n*ticed t%at "es4*ndent :as e.adin %i1. Res4*ndent :*uld eit%e" "e+use t* "etu"n c*14lainantBs call *" :*uld a3"u4tly te"1inate t%ei" tele4%*ne c*n.e"sati*n, citin se.e"al "eas*ns. T%is :ent *n +*" se.e"al 1*nt%s.'5 In *ne instance, :%en c*14lainant as;ed "es4*ndent +*" an u4date *n t%e c*llecti*n *+ !ene+*nBs *3li ati*n t* P"ecedent :%ic% "es4*ndent %ad 4"e.i*usly ta;en c%a" e *+, "es4*ndent a""* antly ans:e"ed t%at s%e :as .e"y 3usy and t%at s%e :*uld "ead !ene+*nBs lette" *nly :%en s%e +*und ti1e t* d* s*. On N*.e13e" R, '((&, +ed u4 and dis1ayed :it% "es4*ndentBs a""* ance and e.asi.eness, c*14lainant :"*te "es4*ndent a lette" +*"1ally as;in +*" a +ull acc*untin *+ all t%e 1*ney, d*cu1ents and 4"*4e"ties i.en t* t%e latte". '2 Res4*ndent "ende"ed an acc*untin t%"*u % a lette" dated Cece13e" '(, '((&. ') 9%en c*14lainant +*und "es4*ndentBs e=4lanati*n t* 3e inade$uate, %e :"*te a latte" e=4"essin %is c*n+usi*n a3*ut t%e acc*untin . 'R C*14lainant "e4eated %is "e$uest +*" an audited +inancial "e4*"t *+ all t%e 4"*4e"ties tu"ned *.e" t* %e"A *t%e":ise, %e :ill 3e c*nst"ained t* +ile t%e a44"*4"iate case a ainst "es4*ndent.7( Res4*ndent "e4lied,76e=4lainin t%at all t%e 4"*4e"ties and cas% tu"ned *.e" t* %e" 3y c*14lainant %ad 3een "etu"ned t* %e" clients :%* %ad 1*ney clai1s a ainst Multitel. In e=c%an e +*" t%is, s%e said t%at s%e :as a3le t* secu"e $uitclai1 d*cu1ents clea"in c*14lainant +"*1 any lia3ility. 7' -till unsatis+ied, c*14lainant decided t* +ile an a++ida.it#c*14laint77a ainst "es4*ndent 3e+*"e t%e C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line *+ t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0 see;in t%e dis3a"1ent *+ "es4*ndent. In %e" Ans:e"#A++ida.it,7& "es4*ndent .e%e1ently denied 3ein t%e la:ye" +*" P"ecedent. -%e 1aintained t%at n* +*"1al en a e1ent :as e=ecuted 3et:een %e" and c*14lainant. -%e clai1ed t%at s%e 1e"ely %el4ed c*14lainant 3y 4"*.idin %i1 :it% le al ad.ice and assistance 3ecause s%e 4e"s*nally ;ne: %i1, since t%ey 3*t% 3el*n ed t* t%e sa1e "eli i*us *" aniDati*n.7Ilavvp&8/

Res4*ndent insisted t%at s%e "e4"esented t%e "*u4 *+ in.est*"s *+ Multitel and t%at s%e 1e"ely 1ediated in t%e settle1ent *+ t%e clai1s %e" clients %ad a ainst t%e c*14lainant. -%e als* a.e""ed t%at t%e "esults *+ t%e settle1ent 3et:een 3*t% 4a"ties :e"e +ully d*cu1ented and acc*unted +*". 75 Res4*ndent 3elie.es t%at %e" act in %el4in c*14lainant "es*l.e %is le al 4"*3le1 did n*t .i*late any et%ical standa"d and :as, in +act, in acc*"d :it% Rule '.(' *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility.72 T* 3*lste" %e" clai1 t%at t%e c*14laint :as :it%*ut 3asis, "es4*ndent n*ted t%at a c*14laint +*" esta+a :as als* +iled a ainst %e" 3y c*14lainant 3e+*"e t%e O++ice *+ t%e City P"*secut*" in MueD*n City citin t%e sa1e "*unds. T%e c*14laint :as, %*:e.e", dis1issed 3y Assistant City P"*secut*" J*se4%us J*annes H. Asis +*" insu++iciency *+ e.idence.7) Res4*ndent a" ued t%at *n t%is 3asis al*ne, t%e ad1inist"ati.e case 1ust als* 3e dis1issed. In %e" P*siti*n Pa4e",7R "es4*ndent als* $uesti*ned t%e ad1issi3ility *+ t%e elect"*nic e.idence su31itted 3y c*14lainant t* t%e I!PBs C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line. Res4*ndent 1aintained t%at t%e e#1ail and t%e te=t 1essa es alle edly sent 3y "es4*ndent t* c*14lainant :e"e *+ d*u3t+ul aut%enticity and s%*uld 3e e=cluded as e.idence +*" +ailu"e t* c*n+*"1 t* t%e Rules *n Elect"*nic E.idence /A.M. N*. (6#2#(6#-C0. A+te" due %ea"in , I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" Pat"ic; M. @eleD issued a Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n +indin t%at a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 :as esta3lis%ed 3et:een "es4*ndent and c*14lainant des4ite t%e a3sence *+ a :"itten c*nt"act. T%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" als* decla"ed t%at "es4*ndent .i*lated %e" duty t* 3e candid, +ai" and l*yal t* %e" client :%en s%e all*:ed %e"sel+ t* "e4"esent c*n+lictin inte"ests and +ailed t* "ende" a +ull acc*untin *+ all t%e cas% and 4"*4e"ties ent"usted t* %e". !ased *n t%ese "*unds, t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" "ec*11ended %e" dis3a"1ent. Res4*ndent 1*.ed +*" "ec*nside"ati*n,&6 3ut t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s issued a Rec*11endati*n &' denyin t%e 1*ti*n and ad*4tin t%e +indin s *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne". T%e case n*: c*1es 3e+*"e t%is C*u"t +*" +inal acti*n. 9e a++i"1 t%e +indin s *+ t%e I!P. Rule 6I.(7, Can*n 6I *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal "es4*nsi3ility 4"*.ides: Rule 6I.(7 > A la:ye" s%all n*t "e4"esent c*n+lictin inte"ests e=ce4t 3y :"itten c*nsent *+ all c*nce"ned i.en a+te" +ull discl*su"e *+ t%e +acts. T%is 4"*%i3iti*n is +*unded *n 4"inci4les *+ 4u3lic 4*licy, **d taste &7 and, 1*"e i14*"tantly, u4*n necessity. In t%e c*u"se *+ a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4, t%e la:ye" lea"ns all t%e +acts c*nnected :it% t%e clientBs case, includin its :ea; and st"*n 4*ints. -uc% ;n*:led e 1ust 3e c*nside"ed sac"ed and ua"ded :it% ca"e. N* *44*"tunity 1ust 3e i.en t* %i1 t* ta;e ad.anta e *+ %is clientA +*" i+ t%e c*n+idence is a3used, t%e 4"*+essi*n :ill su++e" 3y t%e l*ss t%e"e*+. && It 3e%**.es la:ye"s n*t *nly t* ;ee4 in.i*late t%e clientBs c*n+idence, 3ut als* t* a.*id t%e a44ea"ance *+ t"eac%e"y and d*u3le _ dealin +*" *nly t%en can liti ants 3e enc*u"a ed t* ent"ust t%ei" sec"ets t* t%ei" la:ye"s, :%ic% is 4a"a1*unt in t%e ad1inist"ati*n *+ Eustice.&I It is +*" t%ese "eas*ns t%at :e %a.e desc"i3ed t%e att*"ney#client "elati*ns%i4 as *ne *+ t"ust and c*n+idence *+ t%e %i %est de "ee.&5 Res4*ndent 1ust %a.e ;n*:n t%at %e" act *+ c*nstantly and acti.ely c*11unicatin :it% c*14lainant, :%*, at t%at ti1e, :as 3elea ue"ed :it% de1ands +"*1 in.est*"s *+ Multitel, e.entually led t* t%e esta3lis%1ent *+ a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4. Res4*ndent cann*t s%ield %e"sel+ +"*1 t%e ine.ita3le c*nse$uences *+ %e" acti*ns 3y si14ly sayin t%at t%e assistance s%e "ende"ed t* c*14lainant :as *nly in t%e +*"1 *+ 8+"iendly acc*11*dati*ns,8 &24"ecisely 3ecause at t%e ti1e s%e :as i.in assistance t* c*14lainant, s%e :as al"eady 4"i.y t* t%e cause *+ t%e *44*sin 4a"ties :%* %ad 3een "e+e""ed t* %e" 3y t%e -EC.&)
&(

Res4*ndent als* t"ies t* dis4"*.e t%e e=istence *+ suc% "elati*ns%i4 3y a" uin t%at n* :"itten c*nt"act +*" t%e en a e1ent *+ %e" se".ices :as e.e" +*" ed 3et:een %e" and c*14lainant. &R T%is a" u1ent all t%e 1*"e "e.eals "es4*ndentBs 4atent i n*"ance *+ +unda1ental la:s *n c*nt"acts and *+ 3asic et%ical standa"ds e=4ected +"*1 an ad.*cate *+ Eustice. T%e I!P :as c*""ect :%en it said: T%e a3sence *+ a :"itten c*nt"act :ill n*t 4"eclude t%e +indin t%at t%e"e :as a 4"*+essi*nal "elati*ns%i4 3et:een t%e 4a"ties. C*cu1enta"y +*"1alis1 is n*t an essential ele1ent in t%e e14l*y1ent *+ an att*"neyA t%e c*nt"act 1ay 3e e=4"ess *" i14lied. T* esta3lis% t%e "elati*n, it is su++icient t%at t%e ad.ice and assistance *+ an att*"ney is s*u %t and "ecei.ed in any 1atte" 4e"tinent t* %is 4"*+essi*n. I( /E14%asis su44lied.0/awp&i/ Ji.en t%e situati*n, t%e 1*st decent and et%ical t%in :%ic% "es4*ndent s%*uld %a.e d*ne :as eit%e" t* ad.ise c*14lainant t* en a e t%e se".ices *+ an*t%e" la:ye" since s%e :as al"eady "e4"esentin t%e *44*sin 4a"ties, *" t* desist +"*1 actin as "e4"esentati.e *+ Multitel in.est*"s and stand as c*unsel +*" c*14lainant. -%e cann*t 3e 4e"1itted t* d* 3*t% 3ecause t%at :*uld a1*unt t* d*u3le#dealin and .i*late *u" et%ical "ules *n c*n+lict *+ inte"est. In H*"nilla .. Atty. -alunat,I6 :e e=4lained t%e c*nce4t *+ c*n+lict *+ inte"est, t%us: T%e"e is c*n+lict *+ inte"est :%en a la:ye" "e4"esents inc*nsistent inte"ests *+ t:* *" 1*"e *44*sin 4a"ties. T%e test is 8:%et%e" *" n*t in 3e%al+ *+ *ne client, it is t%e la:ye"Bs duty t* +i %t +*" an issue *" clai1, 3ut it is %is duty t* *44*se it +*" t%e *t%e" client. In 3"ie+, i+ %e a" ues +*" *ne client, t%is a" u1ent :ill 3e *44*sed 3y %i1 :%en %e a" ues +*" t%e *t%e" client.8 T%is "ule c*.e"s n*t *nly cases in :%ic% c*n+idential c*11unicati*ns %a.e 3een c*n+ided, 3ut als* t%*se in :%ic% n* c*n+idence %as 3een 3est*:ed *" :ill 3e used. Als*, t%e"e is c*n+lict *+ inte"ests i+ t%e acce4tance *+ t%e ne: "etaine" :ill "e$ui"e t%e att*"ney t* 4e"+*"1 an act :%ic% :ill inEu"i*usly a++ect %is +i"st client in any 1atte" in :%ic% %e "e4"esents %i1 and als* :%et%e" %e :ill 3e called u4*n in %is ne: "elati*n t* use a ainst %is +i"st client any ;n*:led e ac$ui"ed t%"*u % t%ei" c*nnecti*n. An*t%e" test *+ t%e inc*nsistency *+ inte"ests is :%et%e" t%e acce4tance *+ a ne: "elati*n :ill 4"e.ent an att*"ney +"*1 t%e +ull disc%a" e *+ %is duty *+ undi.ided +idelity and l*yalty t* %is client *" in.ite sus4ici*n *+ un+ait%+ulness *" d*u3le dealin in t%e 4e"+*"1ance t%e"e*+.I' Indu3ita3ly, "es4*ndent t**; ad.anta e *+ c*14lainantBs %a4less situati*n, initially, 3y i.in %i1 le al ad.ice and, late" *n, 3y s*licitin 1*ney and 4"*4e"ties +"*1 %i1. T%e"ea+te", "es4*ndent i14"essed u4*n c*14lainant t%at s%e %ad acted :it% ut1*st since"ity in %el4in %i1 di.est all t%e 4"*4e"ties ent"usted t* %i1 in *"de" t* a3s*l.e %i1 +"*1 any lia3ility. !ut si1ultane*usly, s%e :as als* d*in t%e sa1e t%in t* i14"ess u4*n %e" clients, t%e 4a"ty clai1ants a ainst Multitel, t%at s%e :as d*in e.e"yt%in t* "eclai1 t%e 1*ney t%ey in.ested :it% Multitel. Res4*ndent %e"sel+ ad1itted t* c*14lainant t%at :it%*ut t%e latte"Bs %el4, s%e :*uld n*t %a.e 3een a3le t* ea"n as 1uc% and t%at, as a t*;en *+ %e" a44"eciati*n, s%e :as :illin t* s%a"e s*1e *+ %e" ea"nin s :it% c*14lainant. I7Clea"ly, "es4*ndentBs act is s%*c;in , as it n*t *nly .i*lated Rule R.(', Can*n R *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility,I& 3ut als* t*yed :it% decency and **d taste. Res4*ndent e.en %ad t%e te1e"ity t* 3*ast t%at n* Multitel client %ad e.e" c*14lained *+ "es4*ndentBs unet%ical 3e%a.i*".II T%is "e1a"; indu3ita3ly dis4lays "es4*ndentBs "*ss i n*"ance *+ disci4lina"y 4"*cedu"e in t%e !a". As a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", s%e is e=4ected t* ;n*: t%at 4"*ceedin s +*" disci4lina"y acti*ns a ainst any la:ye" 1ay 3e initiated and 4"*secuted 3y t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s, 1*tu 4"*4"i* *" u4*n "e+e""al 3y t%is C*u"t *" 3y t%e !*a"d *+ O++ice"s *+ an I!P C%a4te" I5 e.en i+ n* 4"i.ate indi.idual +iles any ad1inist"ati.e c*14laint. U4*n "e.ie:, :e +ind n* c* ent "eas*n t* distu"3 t%e +indin s and "ec*11endati*ns *+ t%e I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne", as ad*4ted 3y t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s, *n t%e ad1issi3ility *+ t%e elect"*nic e.idence su31itted 3y c*14lainant. 9e, acc*"din ly, ad*4t t%e sa1e in t*t*. Finally, "es4*ndent a" ues t%at t%e "ec*11endati*n *+ t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s t* dis3a" %e" *n t%e "*unds *+ deceit, 1al4"actice and *t%e" "*ss 1isc*nduct, aside +"*1 .i*lati*n *+ t%e La:ye"Bs Oat%, %as 3een "ende"ed 1**t and acade1ic 3y .*lunta"y te"1inati*n *+ %e" I!P 1e13e"s%i4, alle edly a+te" s%e %ad 3een 4laced unde" t%e Ce4a"t1ent *+ JusticeBs

9itness P"*tecti*n P"* "a1. I2 C*n.enient as it 1ay 3e +*" "es4*ndent t* se.e" %e" 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e inte "ated 3a", t%is C*u"t cann*t all*: %e" t* d* s* :it%*ut "es*l.in +i"st t%is ad1inist"ati.e case a ainst %e". T%e "es*luti*n *+ t%e ad1inist"ati.e case +iled a ainst "es4*ndent is necessa"y in *"de" t* dete"1ine t%e de "ee *+ %e" cul4a3ility and lia3ility t* c*14lainant. T%e case 1ay n*t 3e dis1issed *" "ende"ed 1**t and acade1ic 3y "es4*ndentBs act *+ .*lunta"ily te"1inatin %e" 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" "e a"dless *+ t%e "eas*n +*" d*in s*. T%is is 3ecause 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" is a 4"i.ile e 3u"dened :it% c*nditi*ns. I) T%e c*nduct *+ a la:ye" 1ay 1a;e %i1 *" %e" ci.illy, i+ n*t c"i1inally, lia3le t* %is client *" t* t%i"d 4a"ties, and suc% lia3ility 1ay 3e c*n.eniently a.*ided i+ t%is C*u"t :e"e t* all*: .*lunta"y te"1inati*n *+ 1e13e"s%i4. Hence, t* te"1inate *neBs 1e13e"s%i4 in t%e !a" .*lunta"ily, it is i14e"ati.e t%at t%e la:ye" +i"st 4"*.e t%at t%e .*lunta"y :it%d"a:al *+ 1e13e"s%i4 is n*t a 4l*y t* +u"t%e" 4"eEudice t%e 4u3lic *" t* e.ade lia3ility. N* suc% 4"**+ e=ists in t%e 4"esent case. 9HEREFORE, "es4*ndent Att*"ney Ma"icel Pascual#L*4eD is %e"e3y CI-!ARREC +*" "e4"esentin c*n+lictin inte"ests and +*" en a in in unla:+ul, dis%*nest and deceit+ul c*nduct in .i*lati*n *+ %e" La:ye"Bs Oat% and t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. Let a c*4y *+ t%is Cecisi*n 3e ente"ed in t%e "es4*ndentBs "ec*"d as a 1e13e" *+ t%e !a", and n*tice *+ t%e sa1e 3e se".ed *n t%e Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines, and *n t%e O++ice *+ t%e C*u"t Ad1inist"at*" +*" ci"culati*n t* all c*u"ts in t%e c*unt"y. -O ORCEREC.

F&G

+alsi+icati*n *+ 4u3lic d*cu1ents and i11*"ality, t%e last t:* c%a" es 3ein 3ased *n t%e discl*su"es c*14lainant ea"lie" 1ade t* "es4*ndent. And als* *n t%e 3asis *+ t%e sa1e discl*su"es, c*14lainant +u"t%e" stated, a disci4lina"y case :as als* instituted a ainst %e" 3e+*"e t%e P"*+essi*nal Re ulati*n C*11issi*n. C*14lainant see;s t%e sus4ensi*n and?*" dis3a"1ent *+ "es4*ndent +*" t%e latte"Bs act *+ discl*sin 4e"s*nal sec"ets and c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n s%e "e.ealed in t%e c*u"se *+ see;in "es4*ndentBs le al ad.ice. In an *"de" dated Oct*3e" ', '((', t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line "e$ui"ed "es4*ndent t* +ile %e" ans:e" t* t%e c*14laint. In %e" ans:e", styled as COUNTER#AFFICA@IT,FIG "es4*ndent denied i.in le al ad.ice t* t%e c*14lainant and dis1issed any su esti*n a3*ut t%e e=istence *+ a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 3et:een t%e1. Res4*ndent als* stated t%e *3se".ati*n t%at t%e su44*sed c*n+idential data and sensiti.e d*cu1ents ad.e"ted t* a"e in +act 1atte"s *+ c*11*n ;n*:led e in t%e !FP. T%e "ele.ant 4*"ti*ns *+ t%e ans:e" "ead: I. I s4eci+ically deny t%e alle ati*n *+ F?-UPT. MA. LUI-A C. HACJULA in 4a"a "a4% & *+ %e" AFFICA@IT#COMPLAINT +*" "eas*n t%at s%e ne.e" 9A- MK CLIENT n*" :e e.e" %ad any LA9KER#CLIENT RELATION-HIP t%at e.e" e=isted e.e" since and t%at ne.e" *3tained any le al ad.ice +"*1 1e "e a"din %e" PER-ONAL PRO!LEM- *" PER-ONAL -ECRET-. -%e li;e:ise ne.e" deli.e"ed t* 1e le al d*cu1ents 1uc% 1*"e t*ld 1e s*1e c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n *" sec"ets. T%at is 3ecause I ne.e" ente"tain LEJAL MUERIE- *" CON-ULTATION "e a"din PER-ONAL MATTER- since I ;n*: as a LA9KER *+ t%e !u"eau *+ Fi"e P"*tecti*n t%at I a1 n*t all*:ed t* 4"i.ately 4"actice la: and it 1i %t als* "esult t* CONFLICT OF INTERE-T. As a 1atte" *+ +act, :%ene.e" t%e"e :ill 3e PER-ONAL MATTER- "e+e""ed t* 1e, I Eust "e+e""ed t%e1 t* 4"i.ate la: 4"actiti*ne"s and ne.e" ente"tain t%e sa1e, NOR listen t* t%ei" st*"ies *" e=a1ine *" acce4t any d*cu1ent. R. I s4eci+ically deny t%e alle ati*n *+ F?-UPT. MA. LUI-A C. HACJULA in 4a"a "a4% ) *+ %e" AFFICA@IT#COMPLAINT, t%e t"ut% *+ t%e 1atte" is t%at %e" ILLICIT RELATION-HIP and %e" ille al and unla:+ul acti.ities a"e ;n*:n in t%e !u"eau *+ Fi"e P"*tecti*n since s%e als* +iled CHILC -UPPORT case a ainst %e" l*.e" X :%e"e s%e %as a c%ild X. M*"e*.e", t%e alle ed COCUMENT- s%e 4u"4*"tedly %a.e s%*:n t* 1e s*1eti1e in 6RR), a"e all 4a"t *+ 4u3lic "ec*"ds X. Fu"t%e"1*"e, F?-UPT. MA. LUI-A C. HACJULA, is +ilin t%e instant case Eust t* et e.en :it% 1e *" t* +*"ce 1e t* settle and :it%d"a: t%e CA-E- I FILEC AJAIN-T HER since s%e ;n*:s t%at s%e :ill ce"tainly 3e CI-MI--EC FROM -ER@ICE, REMO@EC FROM THE PRC ROLL and CRIMINALLK CON@ICTEC *+ %e" ILLICIT, IMMORAL, ILLEJAL and UNLA9FUL ACT-. On Oct*3e" 2, '((&, t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" *+ t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line ca1e *ut :it% a Report an" Recommen"ation, statin t%at t%e in+*"1ati*n "elated 3y c*14lainant t* t%e "es4*ndent is O4"*tected unde" t%e att*"ney#client 4"i.ile e c*11unicati*n.P P"escindin +"*1 t%is 4*stulate, t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" +*und t%e "es4*ndent t* %a.e .i*lated le al et%ics :%en s%e OF"e.ealedG in+*"1ati*n i.en t* %e" du"in a le al c*nsultati*n,P and acc*"din ly "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent 3e "e4"i1anded t%e"e+*", t%us:

MA. &UISA 4ADJU&A, )ompl !n n", .s. A00/. RO)E&ES 8. MADIANDA, Re$pon(en".

A.). No. 6*11 July 7, '((2

GAR)IA, J.? Unde" c*nside"ati*n is Res*luti*n N*. H@I#'((&#&2' *+ t%e !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s, Inte "ated !a" *+ t%e P%ili44ines /I!P0, "elati.e t* t%e c*14laint +*" dis3a"1ent +iled 3y %e"ein c*14lainant Ma. Luisa HadEula a ainst "es4*ndent Atty. R*celes F. Madianda. T%e case sta"ted :%en, in an A00,)A#,4-$*3PLA,N4F6G 3ea"in date -e4te13e" 2, '((' and +iled :it% t%e I!P C*11issi*n *n !a" Cisci4line, c*14lainant c%a" ed Atty. R*celes F. Madianda :it% .i*lati*n *+ A"ticle '(R F'G *+ t%e Re.ised Penal C*de and Can*n N*s. 6I.(' and '6.(' *+ t%e C*de *+ P"*+essi*nal Res4*nsi3ility. In said a++ida.it#c*14laint, c*14lainant alle ed t%at s%e and "es4*ndent used t* 3e +"iends as t%ey 3*t% :*";ed at t%e !u"eau *+ Fi"e P"*tecti*n /!FP0 :%e"eat "es4*ndent :as t%e C%ie+ Le al O++ice" :%ile s%e :as t%e C%ie+ Nu"se *+ t%e Medical, Cental and Nu"sin -e".ices. C*14lainant clai1ed t%at, s*1eti1e in 6RR), s%e a44"*ac%ed "es4*ndent +*" s*1e le al ad.ice. C*14lainant +u"t%e" alle ed t%at, in t%e c*u"se *+ t%ei" c*n.e"sati*n :%ic% :as su44*sed t* 3e ;e4t c*n+idential, s%e discl*sed 4e"s*nal sec"ets and 4"*duced c*4ies *+ a 1a""ia e c*nt"act, a 3i"t% ce"ti+icate and a 3a4tis1al ce"ti+icate, *nly t* 3e in+*"1ed late" 3y t%e "es4*ndent t%at s%e /"es4*ndent0 :*uld "e+e" t%e 1atte" t* a la:ye" +"iend. It :as 1alici*us, s* c*14lainant states, *+ "es4*ndent t* %a.e "e+used %andlin %e" case *nly a+te" s%e %ad al"eady %ea"d %e" sec"ets. C*ntinuin , c*14lainant a.e""ed t%at %e" +"iends%i4 :it% "es4*ndent s*u"ed a+te" %e" +ilin , in t%e late" 4a"t *+ '(((, *+ c"i1inal and disci4lina"y acti*ns a ainst t%e latte". 9%at, 4e" c*14lainantBs acc*unt, 4"eci4itated t%e +ilin :as :%en "es4*ndent, t%en a 1e13e" *+ t%e !FP 4"*1*ti*n 3*a"d, de1anded a cellula" 4%*ne in e=c%an e +*" t%e c*14lainantBs 4"*1*ti*n. Acc*"din t* c*14lainant, "es4*ndent, in "etaliati*n t* t%e +ilin *+ t%e a+*"esaid acti*ns, +iled a COUNTER COMPLAINTF7G:it% t%e O13uds1an c%a" in %e" /c*14lainant0 :it% .i*lati*n *+ -ecti*n 7/a0 *+ Re4u3lic Act N*. 7(6R,

9HEREFORE, 4"e1ises c*nside"ed, it is "es4ect+ully "ec*11ended t%at "es4*ndent Atty. R*celes Madianda 3e "e4"i1anded +*" "e.ealin t%e sec"ets *+ t%e c*14lainant. On N*.e13e" &, '((&, t%e I!P !*a"d *+ J*.e"n*"s issued Res*luti*n N*. H@I#'((&#&2' "eadin as +*ll*:s:

RE-OL@EC t* ACOPT and APPRO@E, as it is %e"e3y ACOPTEC and APPRO@EC, t%e Re4*"t and Rec*11endati*n *+ t%e In.esti atin C*11issi*ne" *+ t%e a3*.e#entitled case, %e"ein 1ade 4a"t *+ t%is Res*luti*n as Anne= OAPA and , +indin t%e "ec*11endati*n +ully su44*"ted 3y t%e e.idence *n "ec*"d and t%e a44lica3le la:s and "ules, and c*nside"in t%e actuati*n *+ "e.ealin in+*"1ati*n i.en t* "es4*ndent du"in a le al c*nsultati*n, Atty. R*celes Madianda is %e"e3y RE5RIMANDED. 9e AGREE :it% t%e "ec*11endati*n and t%e 4"e1ises %*ldin it t* et%e". As it :e"e, c*14lainant :ent t* "es4*ndent, a la:ye" :%* incidentally :as als* t%en a +"iend, t* 3a"e :%at s%e c*nside"ed 4e"s*nal sec"ets and sensiti.e d*cu1ents +*" t%e 4u"4*se *+ *3tainin le al ad.ice and assistance. T%e 1*1ent c*14lainant a44"*ac%ed t%e t%en "ece4ti.e "es4*ndent t* see; le al ad.ice, a .e"ita3le la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 e.*l.ed 3et:een t%e t:*. -uc% "elati*ns%i4 i14*ses u4*n t%e la:ye" ce"tain "est"icti*ns ci"cu1sc"i3ed 3y t%e et%ics *+ t%e 4"*+essi*n. A1*n t%e 3u"dens *+ t%e "elati*ns%i4 is t%at :%ic% enE*ins t%e la:ye", "es4*ndent in t%is instance, t* ;ee4 in.i*late c*n+idential in+*"1ati*n ac$ui"ed *" "e.ealed du"in le al c*nsultati*ns. T%e +act t%at *ne is, at t%e end *+ t%e day, n*t inclined t* %andle t%e clientBs case is %a"dly *+ c*nse$uence. O+ little 1*1ent, t**, is t%e +act t%at n* +*"1al 4"*+essi*nal en a e1ent +*ll*:s t%e c*nsultati*n. N*" :ill it 1a;e any di++e"ence t%at n* c*nt"act :%ats*e.e" :as e=ecuted 3y t%e 4a"ties t* 1e1*"ialiDe t%e "elati*ns%i4. As :e said in Bur'e v. 3agulta,"*# # A la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 :as esta3lis%ed +"*1 t%e .e"y +i"st 1*1ent c*14lainant as;ed "es4*ndent +*" le al ad.ise "e a"din t%e +*"1e"Bs 3usiness. T* c*nstitute 4"*+essi*nal e14l*y1ent, it is n*t essential t%at t%e client e14l*yed t%e att*"ney 4"*+essi*nally *n any 4"e.i*us *ccasi*n. It is n*t necessa"y t%at any "etaine" 3e 4aid, 4"*1ised, *" c%a" edA neit%e" is it 1ate"ial t%at t%e att*"ney c*nsulted did n*t a+te":a"d %andle t%e case +*" :%ic% %is se".ice %ad 3een s*u %t. It a 4e"s*n, in "es4ect t* 3usiness a++ai"s *" t"*u3les *+ any ;ind, c*nsults a la:ye" :it% a .ie: t* *3tainin 4"*+essi*nal ad.ice *" assistance, and t%e att*"ney .*lunta"ily 4e"1its *" ac$uiesces :it% t%e c*nsultati*n, t%en t%e 4"*+essi*nal e14l*y1ents is esta3lis%ed. Li;e:ise, a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4 e=ists n*t:it%standin t%e cl*se 4e"s*nal "elati*ns%i4 3et:een t%e la:ye" and t%e c*14lainant *" t%e n*n#4ay1ent *+ t%e +*"1e"Bs +ees. Cean 9i 1*"e lists t%e essential +act*"s t* esta3lis% t%e e=istence *+ t%e att*"ney#client 4"i.ile e c*11unicati*n, viK: /60 9%e"e le al ad.ice *+ any ;ind is s*u %t /'0 +"*1 a 4"*+essi*nal le al ad.ise" in %is ca4acity as suc%, /70 t%e c*11unicati*ns "elatin t* t%at 4u"4*se, /&0 1ade in c*n+idence /I0 3y t%e client, /50 a"e at %is instance 4e"1anently 4"*tected /20 +"*1 discl*su"e 3y %i1sel+ *" 3y t%e le al ad.is*", /)0 e=ce4t t%e 4"*tecti*n 3e :ai.ed.F2G 9it% t%e .ie: :e ta;e *+ t%is case, "es4*ndent indeed 3"eac%ed %is duty *+ 4"ese".in t%e c*n+idence *+ a client. As +*und 3y t%e I!P In.esti atin C*11issi*ne", t%e d*cu1ents s%*:n and t%e in+*"1ati*n "e.ealed in c*n+idence t* t%e "es4*ndent in t%e c*u"se *+ t%e le al c*nsultati*n in $uesti*n, :e"e used as 3ases in t%e c"i1inal and ad1inist"ati.e c*14laints l*d ed a ainst t%e c*14lainant. T%e 4u"4*se *+ t%e "ule *+ c*n+identiality is actually t* 4"*tect t%e client +"*1 4*ssi3le 3"eac% *+ c*n+idence as a "esult *+ a c*nsultati*n :it% a la:ye".

T%e se"i*usness *+ t%e "es4*ndentBs *++ense n*t:it%standin , t%e C*u"t +eels t%at t%e"e is "**1 +*" c*14assi*n, a3sent c*14ellin e.idence t%at t%e "es4*ndent acted :it% ill#:ill. 9it%*ut 1eanin t* c*nd*ne t%e e""*" *+ "es4*ndentBs :ays, :%at at 3*tt*1 is 3e+*"e t%e C*u"t is t:* +*"1e" +"iends 3ec*1in 3itte" ene1ies and +ilin c%a" es and c*unte"# c%a" es a ainst eac% *t%e" usin :%ate.e" c*n.enient t**ls and data :e"e "eadily a.aila3le. Un+*"tunately, t%e 4e"s*nal in+*"1ati*n "es4*ndent at%e"ed +"*1 %e" c*n.e"sati*n :it% c*14lainant 3eca1e %andy in %e" $uest t* e.en t%e sc*"e. At t%e end *+ t%e day, it a44ea"s clea" t* us t%at "es4*ndent :as actuated 3y t%e u" e t* "etaliate :it%*ut 4e"%a4s "ealiDin t%at, in t%e 4"*cess *+ i.in .ent t* a ne ati.e senti1ent, s%e :as .i*latin t%e "ule *n c*n+identiality. IN 3IE% %4EREO8, "es4*ndent Atty. R*celes F. Madianda is %e"e3y RE5RIMANDED and ad1*nis%ed t* 3e ci"cu1s4ect in %e" %andlin *+ in+*"1ati*n ac$ui"ed as a "esult *+ a la:ye"#client "elati*ns%i4. -%e is als* S0ERN&/ %ARNEDa ainst a "e4etiti*n *+ t%e sa1e *" si1ila" act c*14lained *+. SO ORDERED.