Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/374401704/A-C-No-10207
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 02:44:59+00:00

Document:
PHILIPPINES VS. JOSELITO C. BARROZO"
FORMER ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR JOSELITO C. BARROZO, Respondent.
respondent was caught red-handed by the NBI agents receiving the amount of ₱20,000.00 from Valeriano.
Sandiganbayan as respondent was occupying a position with a salary grade 27 or higher.
Subsequently. This therefore negates practice of the law on his part.10 the first two MRs were denied.00. it imposed upon him the penalty of special temporary disqualification. and to pay a fine of ₱60. In view of the foregoing and considering that respondent’s conviction is a ground for disbarment from the practice of law under Section 27.html 2/7 .C. 2005. i. In his Comment18 respondent identified the issue in this case as whether he can engage in the practice of law despite his conviction. four (4) months and one (1) day of prison mayor medium. He averred that he signed it not for any monetary consideration. 2011 on the ground that the Petition failed to sufficiently show that the Sandiganbayan committed any reversible error in its challenged issuances as to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretionary appellate jurisdiction. 2013 required respondent to comment on why he should not be suspended/disbarred from the practice of law. 2011. to confirm that respondent was indeed convicted of direct bribery by final judgment and that the Philippine Court has yet to rule on his disbarment. 2013 from Wat & Co. the OBC evaluated the case and came up with its February 20.15 in reply. 2012. upon Order of the Court. an Entry of Judgment13 was issued stating that the Court’s Resolution of denial had already become final and executor on August 16. Prompted by Wat & Co. the OBC inquired from the Department of Justice (DOJ) whether respondent is still connected thereat. the Court through a Resolution17 dated December 11.. as maximum. Joselito C. Upon checking online and discovering that said person was convicted of direct bribery. And since there is no payment involved. to nine (9) years. He then argued that he did not engage in the practice of law as his act of signing the claim letter does not constitute such practice. 2012. Respondent thrice move for reconsideration.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. It must first be clarified that the issue in this case is not what respondent essentially argued about in his Comment. OBC wrote Wat & Co. Barrozo. 10207 minimum. the Office of the Bar Confidant (OBC) received a letter14 dated in August 14. Rule 138 of the Rules of Court.lawphil.000. of Hong Kong stating that its client in Hong Kong received a letter from the Philippines signed by "Atty.12 Subsequently." asking for long service payment from the employers of domestic helper Anita G.2/13/2018 A. Calub who passed away on March 4. No. no lawyer-client relationship was established between him and the claimants.’s letter. As aptly stated by the OBC in its recommendation and viewed from proper perspective the real issue here is whether respondent should be http://www. but out of his sincere desire to help the claimants. 2015 Report and Recommendation19 recommending the disbarment of respondent. whether his act of signing the claim letter constitutes practice of law. respondent filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari8 before this Court but was denied in a Resolution9 dated December 14. the DOJ informed OBC that respondent had already resigned from his position effective May 3. in addition. Undeterred.e.11 while the third one was ordered expunged from the records.16 On November 15. Our Ruling The court adopts the OBC’s recommendation. requested the OBC to inform it if respondent is still a lawyer qualified to practice law. 2013. Wat & Co. Respondent filed a Motion for Reconsideration6 (MR) but was denied in a Resolution7 dated September 28. In October 2013.
In Magno v. The fact that the offender agrees to accept a promise or gift and deliberately commits an unjust act or refrains from performing an official duty in exchange for some favors. The act which the offender agrees to perform or which he executes is connected with the performance of his official duties. Under Section 27. honesty. or good morals. or depravity in the private duties which a man owes to his fellowmen. and 4."20 In Catalan. or to refrain from doing something which it is his official duty to do. contrary to justice. Hence. modesty. viz: Moral turpitude is defined as an act of baseness.lawphil. Section 27.C. Rule 138 of the Rules of Court. or other gross misconduct in such office. To consider a crime as one involving moral turpitude. constitutes malpractice. disbarment or suspension of attorneys by Supreme Court grounds therefor. Moral turpitude can be inferred from the third element. or in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime but the act must unjust. v. The offender is a public officer. The practice of soliciting cases at law for the purpose of gain. – A member of the bar may be disbarred or suspended from his office as attorney by the Supreme Court for any deceit. honesty. And with the finality of respondent’s conviction for direct bribery. or to society in general. from the crux of the controversy in this case. either personally or through paid agents or brokers. or good morals. the act constituting the same must have been "done contrary to justice. 2. malpractice. or conduct contrary to justice.html 3/7 . The offender accepts an offer or promise or receives a gift or present by himself or through another. contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and woman. Silvosa. Xxxx [T]he crime of direct bribery is a crime involving moral turpitude.21 the Court already had the occasion to answer the same question posed in this case.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. vileness. modesty. vileness. modesty. or to society in general.2/13/2018 A.22 we ruled: By applying for probation. whether wittingly or unwittingly. or for a will disobedience of any lawful order of a superior court. Such offer or promise be accepted or gift or present be received by the public officer with a view to committing some crime. petitioner in effect admitted all the elements of the crime of direct bribery: 1. one of the grounds for the suspension or disbarment of a lawyer is his conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude. grossly immoral conduct. 3. COMELEC. http://www. Jr. or good morals. or depravity in the private duties which a man owes his fellowmen. No. or for corruptly or willfully appearing as an attorney for a party to a case without authority [to do so]. or by reason of his conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude. the next question that needs to be answered is whether direct bribery is a crime that involves moral turpitude. or for any violation of the oath which he is required to take before admission to practice. the Court finds respondent’s comment to be totally without merit as he veered away. Rule 138 provides: Section 27. [it must involve] an act of baseness. honesty. 10207 suspended or disbarred by reason of his conviction of the crime of direct bribery.
No. the circumstances surrounding the case constrain the Court to impose the penalty of disbarment as recommended by the OBC.26 WHEREFORE. higher than his brethren in private practice. Indeed Respondent’s conduct in office fell short of the integrity and good moral character required of all lawyers. Thus. specially one occupying a public office.2/13/2018 A. honorable and reliable – lawyers in whom courts and [the public at large] may repose confidence. Let a copy of the Decision be attached to his personal records and furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant.html 4/7 . Also the fact that the offender takes advantage of his office and position is a betrayal of the trust reposed on him by the public. in its discretion. however. Joselito C. as mentioned. It is a conduct clearly contrary o the accepted rule of right and duty. SERENO* Chief Justice http://www. honesty. As a final note. is a ground for the suspension or disbarment of a lawyer from his office as an attorney. Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Office of the Court Administrator for circulation to all courts in the country. direct bribery is a crime involving moral turpitude.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. (On Official Leave) MARIA LOURDES P. As held. Atty. 10207 denotes a malicious intent on the part of the offender to renege on the duties which he owes his fellowmen and society in general. A. respondent must be disbarred from his office as an attorney.23 Clearly. choose to impose the less severe penalty of suspension. It must be recalled that at the time of the commission of the crime respondent was an assistant public Prosecutor of the City of Dagupan. whenever a clear case of degenerate and vile behavior disturbs that vital yet fragile confidence. it is well to state that: The purpose of a proceeding for disbarment is to protect the administration of justice by requiring that those who exercise this important function be competent. justice.C. the determination of whether an attorney should be disbarred or merely suspended for a period involves the exercise of sound judicial discretion. SO ORDERED. Lawyers in public office are expected not only to refrain from any act or omission 1âwphi1 which tend to lessen the trust and confidence of the citizenry in government but also uphold the dignity of the legal profession at all times and observe a high standard of honesty and fair dealing. His act therefore of extorting money from a party to a case handled by him does not only violate the requirement that cases must be decided based on the merits of the parties respective evidence but also lessens the people’s confidence in the rule of law. [the Court] shall not hesitate to rid [the] profession of odious members. In all respects. direct bribery is a crime involving moral turpitude which. Barrozo is herby DISBARRED and his name is ORDERED STRICKEN from the Roll of Attorneys.25 Hence. A government lawyer is keeper of public faith and is burdened with a high degree of social responsibility. for committing a crime which does not only show his disregard of his oath as a government official but is likewise of such a nature as to negatively affect his qualification as a lawyer. The Court is mindful that a lawyer’s conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude does not automatically call for the imposition of the supreme penalty of disbarment since it may.lawphil. and good morals.24 here.
JR. *** Per Special Order No. 2 An Act Penalizing the Making or Drawing and Issuance of a Check Without Sufficient Funds or Credit and for Other Purposes. LEONARDO-DECASTRO ARTURO D. 2015. 2101 dated July 13. 2101 dated July 13. VELASCO. The complaint shall state clearly and concisely the facts complained of and shall be supported by affidavits of persons having personal knowledge of the facts therein alleged and/or by such documents as may substantiate said facts. in consideration of any offer. ** Per Special Order No. in connection with the performance of his official duties. How instituted – proceedings for disbarment. 210. BRION Associate Justice Associate Justice DIOSDADO M. PERLAS-BERNABE BIENVENIDO L. 2015. 1 Section 1. LEONEN FRANCIS H. BERSAMIN Associate Justice Associate Justice MARIANO C. CARPIO** PRESBITERO J. 10207 ANTONIO T.lawphil. 3 Art. or by the Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) upon the verified complaint of any person. 2112 dated July 16. promise. – any public officer who shall agree to perform an act constituting a crime. Associate Justice Associate Justice JOSE PORTUGAL PEREZ JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA Associate Justice Associate Justice (On Official Leave) ESTELA M. gift or present received by such officer. personally or through the mediation of another.2/13/2018 A. Direct bribery. 2015.F. No.html 5/7 .C. JR.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. VILLARAMA. REYES*** Associate Justice Associate Justice MARVIC M. PERALTA LUCAS P. suspension or discipline of attorneys may be taken by the Supreme Court motu proprio. DEL CASTILLO MARTIN S.V. shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its medium and maximum periods and a fine of not less than the value of the gift and not less than http://www. Acting Chief Justice Associate Justice TERESITA J. JARDELEZA Associate Justice Associate Justice Footnotes * Per Special Order No.
In addition to the penalties provided in the preceding paragraphs. penned by Associate Justice Maria Cristina J. 2012. Balderama v. 2012 and October 22. experts or any other persons performing public duties. 94-123.html 6/7 . and (4) that the crime or act relate to the exercise of his functions as a public officer. 198706. At 280-337. the culprit shall suffer the penalty of special temporary disqualification. No. Second MR dated August 16. The provisions contained in the preceding paragraphs shall be made applicable to assessors. If the gift was accepted by the officer in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime. 10207 three times the value of the gift in addition to the penalty corresponding to the crime agreed upon.2/13/2018 A. present or promise has been given in consideration of his commission of some crime. offer or promise (3) that such gift. At 132-145. People of the Philippines" 9 Rollo. 2012. appraisal and claim commissioners.lawphil. p. id. the officer shall suffer the penalties of prision correccional. No. If the object for which the gift was received or promised was to make the public officer refrain from doing something which it was his official duty to do. At 279 and 423. 11 See Court Resolution dated June 13.R. At 124-131. 419 (2008). arbitrators. and the officer executed said act. 2012.C. Ong and Jose R.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. Cornejo and concurred in by Associate Justices Gregory S. People. or any act not constituting a crime or to refrain from doing something which is his official duty to do. At 147-210. 566 Phil. Barrozo v. http://www. 7 Id. 146 10 See MR dated March 14. and if said act shall not have been accomplished. 8 Docketed as G. he shall suffer the penalties of prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine of not less than the value of the gift and not less than three times the value of such gift. Hernandez 6 Id. id. 412. respectively. pp. 5 Rollo. 4 Elements of Direct Bribery: (1) that the accused s a public officer (2) that he received directly or through another some gift or present. in its medium period and a fine of not less than twice the value of such gift. he shall suffer the same penalty provided in the preceding paragraph. if the same shall have been committed. no copy of the third MR is attached to the rollo. entitled "Joselito C. id.
24 Figueras v.net/judjuris/juri2015/jul2015/ac_10207_2015. No. Atty. unpaginated. Pactolin. At 361-362.2/13/2018 A. 2008 in G. Atty. Atty. 7940.C. No. A. At 411. 507. 16 Id. The Lawphil Project . No. 161455 Under Rule 139-B of the Rules of Court v. 23 Id. At 428-434. At 425. 339. At 426-427. 646 (2006). Jimenez.C. 557 Phil. 9116. Rodolfo D. 18 Id. 22 439 Phil. 515 Phil. 26 Soriano v. At 3-4. 15 Id. 346-347 (2002). 17 Id. 14 Id. July 24.C. 10207 12 See Court Resolution dated February 20. 2013. Dizon. 20 Re: SC Decision Dated May 20. 2012.R. No. A. 670 SCRA 366. April 24.html 7/7 . 25 Ramos v. 2014. id. 677 SCRA 352.C. March 12. No. 516 (2007). 21 A. 7360. Atty. 371.Arellano Law Foundation http://www. 19 Id. At 10. 13 Id. At 9. Imbang. 2012.lawphil. 635.

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