SC suspends 3 lawyers

THE Supreme Court (SC) has suspended three lawyers for three years for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.

In an en banc session yesterday, the High Tribunal ruled to suspend lawyers Rose-Beatrix Cruz-Angeles and Wylie Paler for three years for their failure to produce a document being sought by their client.

The case stemmed from their alleged failure to produce a petition for annulment of marriage being sought by their client, Cleo Dongga-as, despite constant follow-ups.

Cruz-Angeles and Paler cited various reasons for their failure to issue the petition, even saying their client has no record of marriage.

Dongga-As then decided to demand a refund, but the two lawyers instead sent him two billing statements amounting to P45,000.

This prompted him to file an administrative complaint to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

In her defense, Cruz-Angeles said that the delay of the petition was due to the complainant’s failure to give the address of his estranged wife and to provide sufficient evidence for the annulment case.

Angeles denied that she neglected her duty and said that it was Paler who is tasked to finalize the petition.

The IBP board of governors sustained the findings of its investigating committee, which found the two lawyers liable administratively, and recommended a two-year suspension.

The Supreme Court adopted the IBP’s findings but recommended a higher penalty of three years suspension from practice of law.

The SC also directed the two to return to Dongga-as the legal fees they received from him amounting to P350,000 within 90 days.

In a separate decision, the High Tribunal has ordered the suspension of lawyer Socrates Rivera also for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Adegoke Plumptre, who sought the services of Rivera for his application for work permit, filed administrative case against the lawyer for his failure to deliver results, despite receiving payment of P28,000.

The IBP committee on bar discipline had recommended a two-year suspension but the IBP board of governors recommended disbarment.

The SC adopted IBP’s findings but modified the penalty and reduced it to only three years. (Keith Calayag/Sunnex)