FACTS: This administrative complaint arose from a paid advertisement that appeared in the July 5, 2000 issue of the newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer, which reads: “ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE Specialist 532-4333/521-2667.” Ms. Ma. Theresa B. Espeleta, a staff member of the Public Information Office of the Supreme Court, called up the published telephone number and pretended… Read More ATTY. ISMAEL G. KHAN, JR. v. ATTY. RIZALINO T. SIMBILLO A.C. No. 5299, August 19, 2003 Elements that distinguish the Legal Profession from a Business

FACTS: A Complaint was filed by Imelda Y. Maderada against Judge Ernesto H. Mediodea wherein the judge was charged with “gross ignorance of the law amounting to grave misconduct” for failing “to observe and apply the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure” in Civil Case No. 252. Complainant filed an action for forcible entry with a… Read More Maderada v. Judge Mediodea A.M. No. MTJ-02-1459, October 14, 2003 The Practice of Law

FACTS: Noe-Lacsamana alleged in her complaint that she was the counsel for Irene Bides, the plaintiff in a civil case before the RTC, while Busmente was the counsel for the defendant Imelda B. Ulaso (Ulaso).  Noe-Lacsamana alleged that Ulaso’s deed of sale over the property subject of the case was annulled, which resulted in the… Read More ATTY. EDITA NOE-LACSAMANA v. ATTY. YOLANDO F. BUSMENTE A.C. No. 7269, November 23, 2011 Code of Professional Responsibility,  Illegal Practice of Law 

FACTS: Complainant Reynaldo Ramirez alleged that he engaged Atty. Mercedes Buhayang- Margallo’s services as legal counsel in a civil case for Quieting of Title entitled “Spouses Roque v. Ramirez.” On October 19, 2006, the RTC promulgated a Decision adverse to Ramirez. Atty. Margallo advised him to appeal the judgment. She committed to file the Appeal… Read More Ramirez v. Buhayang-Margallo A.C. No. 10537, February 3, 2015 Code of Professional Responsibility

FACTS: Complainant Rosa F. Mercado’s husband filed a civil case for annulment of their marriage with the RTC of Pasig City. This annulment case had been dismissed and the same became final and executory on July 15, 1992. In August 1992, Atty. de Leon, counsel of the complainant died. Respondent  Atty. Julito D. Vitriolo entered… Read More Mercado v. Vitriolo A.C. No. 5108 May 26, 2005 Attorney-Client Privilege

FACTS: HDI retained the services of Atty. Cruz as its in-house corporate counsel and corporate secretary. HDI’s directors and officers were pleased with Atty. Cruz’s performance, thus, in time, he earned their trust and confidence that he was eventually tasked to handle the corporation’s important and confidential matters. However, HDI averred that through Atty. Cruz’s… Read More HDI HOLDINGS v. ATTY. EMMANUEL CRUZ A.C. No. 11724 (Formerly CBD No. 14-4109), July 31, 2018 Disbarred Lawyer

FACTS: In the Decision1 dated February 27, 2004, the Court disbarred respondent from the practice of law for having contracted a bigamous marriage with complainant Florence Teves and a third marriage with one Josephine Constantino while his first marriage to Helen Esparza was still subsisting, which acts constituted gross immoral conduct in violation of Canon… Read More Macarubbo v. Macarubbo, RE: PETITION (FOR EXTRAORDINARY MERCY) OF EDMUNDO L. MACARUBBO. Adm. Case No. 6148, January 22, 2013