Office of the Court Administrator v. Ferraris, Jr., A.M. No. MTJ-21-001 (Resolution), [December 6, 2022]

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Office of the Court Administrator v. Ferraris, Jr.

 A.M. No. MTJ-21-001 (Resolution), [December 6, 2022]

EN BANC, LOPEZ, M.V 

Public's faith and confidence in judicial system; Judiciary Personnel; Clerk of Court

 

The public's faith and confidence in the judicial system depend, to a large extent, on the judicious and prompt disposition of cases and other matters pending before the courts. The nature of work of those connected with an office charged with the dispensation of justice, from the presiding judge to the lowest clerk, requires them to serve with the highest degree of efficiency and responsibility to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

 

Due to the compulsory retirement of Judge Rufino S. Ferraris, Jr., the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) conducted a judicial audit of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Branch 7, Davao City. The audit revealed various delays and irregularities in the court's operations, including delays in rendering judgments, resolving pending motions, executing writs of execution, and handling criminal cases. Judge Ferraris, Jr. was found to have committed irregularities by failing to decide on civil cases within the prescribed period, neglecting motions in civil and criminal cases, and not taking appropriate actions in several cases. Furthermore, the MTCC, Branch 7, failed to address hundreds of criminal cases, particularly those under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure. Additionally, the court's oversight in checking the actual status of pending cases contributed to further delays. As a result, both Judge Ferraris, Jr. and Ms. Odruña, the Clerk of Court and former sheriff, were recommended to be held administratively liable for their respective roles in the identified irregularities.

 

Whether or not Judge Ferraris, Jr. and Odruña are administratively liable. 

YES. Both Judge Ferraris, Jr. and Odruña should be held administratively liable.

Judge Ferraris, Jr. is found guilty of various administrative offenses, including two counts of gross neglect of duty, one count of simple neglect of duty, and one count of violation of Supreme Court rules, directives, and circulars. Gross neglect of duty refers to serious negligence endangering public welfare, while simple neglect of duty signifies failure to give proper attention to assigned tasks. The judge's delays in resolving cases, motions, and pending incidents constitute gross neglect, while failure to act in over 400 criminal cases and violations of court rules represent serious breaches of duty. Mitigating factors such as Judge Ferraris, Jr.'s advanced age and the economic impact of the pandemic are considered, leading to the decision not to impose suspension from service, as he has already retired.

Ms. Odruña is found to have committed both gross negligence and simple neglect of duty in various aspects of her role as Clerk of Court and former sheriff. Her gross negligence is evidenced by her failure to timely release 274 orders in criminal cases and her inability to ensure that court personnel under her supervision fulfill their duties regarding case records management. Additionally, as a sheriff, she demonstrated gross neglect by not promptly reporting to the court regarding unsatisfied writs of execution, as required by law. Sixty-three (63) writs assigned to her remained unimplemented or unserved for an extended period, with returns submitted years later without adequate explanation for the delay. These actions collectively demonstrate Ms. Odruña's failure to fulfill her duties effectively, resulting in her administrative liability. The Court also finds Ms. Vivian N. Odruña GUILTY of two (2) counts of the serious charge of gross neglect of duty; and one (1) count of the less serious charge of simple neglect of duty.

 

 

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Sanchez v. Perez, A.C. No. 12835 (Resolution), [February 3, 2021]

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Sanchez v. Perez

 A.C. No. 12835 (Resolution), [February 3, 2021]

SECOND, LOPEZ, M.V 

Legal ethics; Lawyer's negligence; Lawyer-Client relationship

 

A lawyer's negligence in fulfilling his duties subjects him to disciplinary action. While such negligence or carelessness is incapable of exact formulation, the Court has consistently held that the lawyer's mere failure to perform the obligations due his client is per se a violation. 

 

Sanchez, represented by his counsel Atty. Dindo Antonio Q. Perez, filed a complaint against Peter Lim before the Regional Trial Court (RTC). Subsequently, Sanchez returned to the United States where he resides. However, the RTC dismissed the complaint due to Atty. Perez's failure to appear at the pre-trial conference scheduled on the same day. Despite seeking reconsideration and rescheduling the pre-trial twice, Atty. Perez still did not attend, resulting in the dismissal of the complaint. Danilo, seeking updates on the case's status, received no response from Atty. Perez. Upon inquiring with the RTC, Danilo discovered that the case had been dismissed, prompting him to file a disbarment complaint against Atty. Perez. 

 

Whether or not Atty. Perez violated the CPR for neglecting his client's case. 

YES. Convincing evidence exist that Atty. Perez failed to exercise the required diligence in handling his client's case. Rule 18.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility mandates lawyers to diligently handle legal matters entrusted to them, and their negligence in doing so renders them liable. This duty encompasses not only reviewing cases, giving legal advice, and filing necessary documents but also properly representing clients in court, attending hearings, and urging case progress. Atty. Perez's failure to attend the pre-trial led to the case's dismissal, despite later attempts to reconsider. Additionally, Rule 18.04 requires lawyers to keep clients informed about case status, which Atty. Perez neglected, leaving his client unaware of the case's dismissal until Danilo's inquiry with the RTC. Atty. Perez's argument of informing Danilo of his withdrawal as counsel doesn't excuse his negligence, as withdrawal requires proper procedure. Consequently, the Court concurred with the IBP's recommendation to suspend Atty. Perez from practicing law for six months.

 

 

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Brasales v. Borja, A.M. No. P-21-024, [June 16, 2021]

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Brasales v. Borja

A.M. No. P-21-024, [June 16, 2021]

SECOND, LOPEZ, M.V 

SC Power of Discipline and Supervision over all court personnel;

 

Rule 140 of the Rules is applied in disciplining court personnel who are not judges or justices since it is the prevailing legal framework. The exception is when its application will be prejudicial, or will work injustice to the court employee, i.e., the gravity of the offense will be increased, or a higher penalty for violation will be imposed. In such instance, the civil service rules, which is the framework of rules prevailing at the time of the commission of the offense, will apply. 

 

Maxima Z. Borja, Clerk of Court IV, faced charges of Abuse of Authority and Malfeasance issued by Judge Marlo C. Brasales for allegedly approving the leave of absence applications of Court Stenographer II Rachel N. Dadivas without proper authority, contrary to verbal instructions and court regulations. Borja's defense cited the overwhelming workload of her position, leading to occasional forgetfulness regarding the prescribed protocols.

 

Whether or not Maxima is guilty of violation of reasonable office rules and regulations. 

YES. Maxima was found guilty of violating reasonable office rules and regulations, specifically A.C. No. 08-2017, which mandates that the clerk of court may only approve leave of absence applications for lower court personnel with prior written authorization from the presiding judge. Despite lacking authorization from Judge Brasales, Maxima approved Rachel's leave applications, offering her workload as an excuse. The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) correctly determined Maxima's breach of office rules and regulations. However, regarding the penalty, the retroactive application of Rule 140 of the Rules of Court was deemed prejudicial to Maxima. While Rule 140 prescribes suspension for violations of Supreme Court (SC) rules, directives, and circulars, the 2011 Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RRACCS) categorizes Maxima's offense as a light offense punishable by reprimand for the first offense. In such instance, the civil service rules, which is the framework of rules prevailing at the time of the commission of the offense, will apply. Consequently, the reprimand was the appropriate penalty for Maxima's transgression of A.C. No. 08-2017.

 

 

 

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VILLAMOR V. JUMAO-AS [A.C. No. 8111. February 15, 2022]

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VILLAMOR V. JUMAO-AS

A.C. No. 8111. February 15, 2022

SC EN BANC, HERNANDO J.

 

CPR, Conflict of Interest 

DOCTRINE: Lawyers shall uphold candor, fairness, and loyalty in their dealings with clients and avoiding any appearance of conflicting interests.

  

Court suspended Atty. Jumao-as from the practice of law for two years for violating Canon 15, CPR, which states that lawyers shall not represent conflicting interests except with the written consent of all concerned after full disclosure of the facts. Atty. Jumao-as facilitate the incorporation of a lending company owned by his client and later joining another lending company owned by someone else. Atty. Jumao-as persuaded his client to borrow money from the owner of the new lending company and even sent a demand letter on behalf of the new employer to collect the debt from his original client. 

In his motion to reduce penalty, Atty. Jumao-as acknowledged his faults and expressed remorse for his actions. He sought a reconsideration of the original two-year suspension.

 

Whether or not the lawyer violated the prohibition against representing conflicting interests.

 

YES. The court considered Atty. Jumao-as' acts of contrition and willingness to take responsibility for his actions; his speedy initiative to make amends and take responsibility of the entire debt is remarkable. He also expended extraordinary efforts to straighten out the corporate scuffles involving him and complainant Villamor and they have resumed their business dealings in good terms. Grave though his transgressions may have been, the sincerity of Atty. Jumao-as' remorse is reflected in his words and actions, which impresses this Court.

 Nonetheless, the SC emphasized that lawyers cannot claim ignorance of legal principles, including the prohibition against representing conflicting interests. The court however reduced the penalty to a one-year suspension from the practice of law.

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TABLIZO V. GOLANGCO [A.C. No. 10636. October 12, 2020]

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TABLIZO V. GOLANGCO

A.C. No. 10636. October 12, 2020

SECOND DIVISION, HERNANDO J.

 

Gross Misconduct 

DOCTRINE: A lawyer who holds a government office may be disciplined as a member of the Bar if the misconduct committed in the discharge of their duties as a government official also constitutes a violation of their oath as a lawyer.

 

The case involves an administrative complaint for Grave Misconduct against four officials of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon: Atty. Elbert L. Bunagan, Atty. Joaquin F. Salazar, Atty. Joyrich M. Golangco, and Atty. Adoracion A. Agbada. The complainant accused them of failing to properly investigate charges of violations of Republic Act (RA) Nos. 3019 and 6713 against former and incumbent Mayors of Virac, Catanduanes. Respondent Atty. Bunagan issued a Consolidated Resolution dismissing the complaints, which was later approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. The case was referred to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for investigation.

 

Whether respondents committed Gross Misconduct in relation to the performance of their official duties as officers of the Office of the Ombudsman.

 

NO. Gross Misconduct, as defined by the court, can lead to disbarment or suspension from the practice of law. However, the burden of proof lies with the complainant. However, the complainant fails to provide substantial evidence to support the allegations, and the respondents enjoy the presumption of innocence. The court finds that the respondents properly performed their official duties and sufficiently justified their decisions to dismiss with sufficient factual and legal bases, making the resolutions not completely arbitrary, capricious, or groundless.

 

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PETELO V. RIVERA [A.C. No. 10408. October 16, 2019]

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PETELO V. RIVERA

A.C. No. 10408. October 16, 2019

THIRD DIVISION, HERNANDO J.

 

Unauthorized Practice of Law 

DOCTRINE: The practice of law is a privilege reserved for qualified individuals and must not be abused.

 

This is an administrative complaint against Atty. Socrates Rivera for the alleged unauthorized filing of a Complaint for Declaration of Nullity of Real Estate Mortgage, Promissory Note, Certificate of Sale, and Foreclosure Proceedings. The complainant, Hernando Petelo claimed that he never engaged Atty. Rivera's legal services and did not authorize the filing of the said complaint on his behalf. Atty. Rivera presented contradictory versions in his comments and disavowed the signatures affixed to the complaint, even claiming forgery.

  

Whether respondent Rivera is liable for the unauthorized practice of law.

 

YES. The court held respondent Rivera liable for the unauthorized practice of law. Atty. Socrates Rivera was found administratively liable for violating several provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility due to his unauthorized filing of a civil suit using someone else's signature and other details. Despite presenting contradictory versions of his involvement, Atty. Rivera's act of allowing non-lawyers to use his signature constituted unauthorized practice of law. By doing so, he violated the law and undermined the integrity of the legal profession.

The court emphasized that the practice of law is limited to duly qualified and licensed lawyers who have met the necessary educational and professional requirements. Unauthorized individuals who offer legal services pose a serious risk to the public as they lack the training and competence to handle legal matters properly.

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PARTSCH V. VITORILLO [A.C. No. 10897, January 4, 2022]

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PARTSCH V. VITORILLO

A.C. No. 10897. January 4, 2022

SC EN BANC, HERNANDO J.

 

Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 1, Canon 7 

DOCTRINE: Being a member of the Bar is not a license to abuse legal processes or manipulate the law for personal gain. Lawyers’ duty is to act in the best interests of their clients while upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

 

Complainant Tony Peter Partsch filed an administrative complaint seeking the disbarment of respondent Atty. Reynaldo A. Vitorillo. Partsch, a Swiss national, wanted to purchase a beachfront property in Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro, and approached Atty. Vitorillo, who claimed to own 800sqm of the property. Atty. Vitorillo offered to sell the property to Partsch for P2,500,000.00, with a down payment of P230,000.00 and P20,000.00 in cash. However, after three months, Atty. Vitorillo failed to deliver the land titles and provided various excuses. Eventually, he informed Partsch that he was no longer selling the property. Partsch demanded a refund, but Atty. Vitorillo refused. The obligation remain unpaid, hence this disbarment case.

 

Whether or not the lawyer violated the Code of Professional Responsibility.

 

YES. Atty. Reynaldo A. Vitorillo is suspended from the practice of law for three years. The suspension was imposed based on his deceitful conduct and gross misconduct, which violated Canons 1 and 7 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, as well as the Lawyer's Oath. Atty. Vitorillo misrepresented himself as the absolute owner of a beachfront property to Tony Peter Partsch. And despite lacking ownership, Atty. Vitorillo offered it for sale and accepted partial payment. The lawyer also openly mock the law by inducing the foreigner to purchase the land despite prohibition against foreign ownership of Philippine private lands. In so doing, Atty. Vitorillo demeaned the integrity of legal processes and counselled a client at defiance of the law.

 

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HOME GUARANTY CORP. V. TAGAYUNA [A.C. No. 13131, February 23, 2022]

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HOME GUARANTY CORP. V. TAGAYUNA

A.C. No. 13131. February 23, 2022

SECOND DIVISION, HERNANDO J.

 

Conflict of Interest, Retaining Lien 

DOCTRINE: Lawyers shall act in the best interests of their clients and to avoid situations where their professional judgment and loyalty may be compromised. Lawyers must act with utmost professionalism and prioritize the interests of their clients above their own.

 

Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC) filed a complaint for disbarment before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) against respondents Atty. Tagayuna and Atty. Panopio, partners of the Soliven, Tagayuna, Gangan, Panopio & De Pano Law Firm, alleging that they violated the conflict of interest rule and failed to account for funds and properties. HGC claimed that the respondents, while representing HGC in a collection retainership agreement with E.S.P. Collection Agency, also represented Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation (BSCDC) in an arbitration case against HGC. HGC accused respondents of refusing to return certain documents after the termination of the retainership agreement.

The IBP Commission on Bar Discipline recommended a six-month suspension for the respondents due to the conflict of interest violation.

 

Whether or not the lawyer violated the prohibition against representing conflicting interests.

 

NO. The Court partially adopts the findings and recommendation of the IBP. The complaint alleged a violation of the conflict of interest rule, but the Court found that respondents did not represent conflicting interests. It was established that the Law Firm was no longer retained as counsel at the time of the filing of the arbitration case. Additionally, the complaint alleged unlawful withholding of documents, and the Court found this charge partly meritorious as respondents retained some documents after the termination of their retainership agreement with the client, HGC. The Court reprimanded respondents and warned of a heavier penalty for a repetition of a similar offense.

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DOMINGUEZ V. BANK OF COMMERCE [G.R. No. 225207, September 29, 2021]

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DOMINGUEZ V. BANK OF COMMERCE

G.R. No. 225207, September 29, 2021

SECOND DIVISION, HERNANDO J.

 

Attorney's Fees; Attorney's Lien 

DOCTRINE: In petitions for cancellation of adverse claim, trial courts are not precluded from adjudicating matters involving attorney's fees.

 

In 2007, Carmelo Africa Jr. and his brothers engaged the legal services of Atty. Dominguez to prevent the Bank of Commerce from taking possession of their family homes. Atty. Dominguez charged P250,000.00 as his acceptance fee and was promised a success fee of 20% of the amount reduced from the original redemption price. In 2009, Carmelo and his brothers sought Atty. Dominguez's services again in a suit against Hanjin Heavy for proceedings for cancellation of adverse claim. It is in this case that the lawyer filed for a lien on the judgment in the form of attorney's fees. The RTC denied it stating that the claim for attorney's fees should be made in a separate civil case.

 

Whether or not the claim for attorney's fees should be pursued in a separate action rather than in the petition for cancellation of adverse claim.

 

NO. The court ruled in favor of Atty. Dominguez, stating that trial courts can rule on money judgments, including attorney's fees, in such petitions. The court clarified that attorney's lien can only be enforced after a money judgment becomes final and executory. A compromise agreement between the client and the adverse party is one factor in determining lawful fees for legal services. The court also held that money judgment and execution are necessary to charge or enforce attorney's lien. The case is remanded to the trial court to determine the attorney's fees based on quantum meruit.

 

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CANSINO V. SEDERIOSA [A.C. No. 8522, October 06, 2020]

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CANSINO V. SEDERIOSA

A.C. No. 8522, October 06, 2020

SC EN BANC, HERNANDO J.

 

Practice of Law, Notarial Practice Rule, Suspension 

DOCTRINE: Lawyers that the practice of law is a privilege burdened with conditions. As vanguards of our legal system, they are expected to uphold not only legal proficiency but also a high standard of morality, honesty, integrity and fair dealing.

 

Atty. Victor D. Sederiosa was found liable for breach of notarial law for notarizing spurious documents despite the death of the parents and the non-personal appearance of the affiants. The Court suspend Atty. Sederiosa from the practice of law for one year, revoking his notarial commission, and disqualifying him from being commissioned as a notary public for two years. However Atty. Sederiosa violated the suspension order and continued practicing law and serving as a notary public and continued to provide legal services.

 

Whether Atty. Sederiosa is administratively liable for engaging in the practice of law during his suspension, and for notarizing documents despite the revocation of his notarial commission.

 

YES. The Court ruled that Atty. Victor D. Sederiosa is liable for engaging in the practice of law during his suspension and for performing his duties as a notary public despite the revocation of his commission. Notarizing documents constitutes a practice of law, and a lawyer suspended from the practice must refrain from such activities. The Court imposed a two-year suspension from the practice of law in addition to the previous one-year suspension, permanently revoked his notarial commission, and disqualified him from being commissioned as a notary public. The Court stressed that the practice of law is a privilege burdened with conditions, and lawyers are expected to uphold high moral standards, honesty, integrity, and fair dealing.

 

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Ang v. Belaro, Jr. [A.C. No. 12408. December 11, 2019]

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Ang v. Belaro, Jr.

A.C. No. 12408, December 11, 2019

SECOND DIVISION, HERNANDO J.

 

Notarial Practice, the Bill of Rights Due Process of Law. Procedural Aspect, Administrative Proceedings 

DOCTRINE: Notaries public have a duty to observe utmost care in complying with the formalities intended to protect the integrity of notarized documents.

 

Complainant Venson and his siblings discovered that their late mother's property was fraudulently transferred through an allegedly forged Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate Among Heirs with Waiver of Rights and other questionable documents notarized by respondent Atty. Belaro. During the investigation, the signatures of Atty. Belaro in the Extrajudicial Settlement appeared to be forgeries, while his signatures in other documents were deemed genuine. The Investigating Commissioner of IBP found evidence of forgery and negligence on the part of Atty. Belaro for failing to properly secure his notarial seal.

 

Whether respondent breached the Notarial Practice Law.

 

YES. His signatures in three versions of the Extrajudicial Settlement were confirmed forgeries. He failed to properly secure and keep his notarial seal, which led to its unauthorized use in the Extrajudicial Settlement, converting it into a public document. His negligence in reportorial duties as a Notary Public was also noted. These actions breached the duties of a notary public and lawyer, undermining the integrity of notarization and making him liable for negligence.

 

Whether the IBP violated respondent Atty. Belaro's right to due process.

 

NO. It ruled that there was no violation of Atty. Belaro's right to due process as he was given ample opportunity to defend himself and present evidence. The Court clarified that administrative due process does not require a trial-type proceeding, but only that the person be notified of the charges and given a chance to explain. Atty. Belaro had received notices of the proceedings and was able to file motions and responses. Therefore, the minimum requirements of due process were met.

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