Legal and Judicial Ethics

Question 1

Falsehood in MCLE Compliance
Turla v. Caringal, A.C. No. 11641, March 12, 2019
*Rule 1.1 of Canon 1;
*Rule 10.0 of Canon 10;
*Canon 17; and
*Canon 18

Question 2

Non-filing despite receipt of legal fees from client;
highly fiduciary nature of an attorney-client relationship
Francia v. Sagario, A.C. No. 10938, October 8, 2019
*Rules 16.01 and 16.03 of Canon 16;
*Canon 17; and
*Rule 18.03 of Canon 18.

Question 3

Unauthorized practice of law
Petelo v. Rivera, A.C. No. 10408, October 16, 2019
*Rule 1.01 of Canon 1;
*Rule 9.01 of Canon 9; and
*Rule 10.01 of Canon 10.

Question 4

Filed and signed pleading after suspension
Valmonte v. Quesada, Jr., A.C. No. 12487, December 4, 2019

Answer 4

Acts of signing and filing of pleading for a client in criminal case months after the promulgation of the resolution are clear proofs that an erring lawyer practiced during the period of his suspension.

Question 5

Seal of notary public when not in use
Ang v.s Belaro, Jr. A.C. No. 12408, December 11, 2019

Answer 5

The 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice clearly states that, when not in use, the official seal of the notary public must be kept safe and secure and shall be accessible only to him or the person duly authorized by him.

Question 6

Rights of lawyers as an individual
Sps. Nocuenca v. Bensi, A.C. No. 12609, February 10, 2020

Answer 6

While lawyers are mandated to act with dignity and in a manner that inspires confidence to the legal profession, their rights must still be protected just like every ordinary individual.

Question 7

Privilege to practice law
AA Total Learning Center For Young Achievers v. Caronan, A.C. No. 12418, March 10, 2020

Answer 7

The privilege to practice the legal profession is not a permanent right and may be taken away if one falls short of the requirements imposed by law; no disbarment since not a laywer.

Question 8

Forum shopping
Go v. Teruel, A.C. No. 11119, November 4, 2020

Answer 8

Forum shopping is committed when he instituted two actions grounded on the same cause, the outcome in one case would necessarily have an effect in the other since both cases share the same cause of action and involve the same parties.

Question 9

Unjustifiable negligence and abandonment of his client’s cause; violated the lawyer’s oath as well as the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR)
Portuguese, Jr. v. Centro, A.C. No. 12875, January 26, 2021
*Canon 11;
*Rule 12.03 of Canon 12;
*Canon 17; and
*Rules 18.03 and 18.04 of Canon 18.