THIRD DIVISION
A.C. No. 6651 February 27, 2006
EDUARDO P. MENESES, Complainant,
vs.
ATTY. RODOLFO P. MACALINO, Respondent.
D E C I S I O N
CARPIO, J.:
The Case
This is a complaint for disbarment filed by Eduardo P. Meneses ("complainant") against Atty. Rodolfo P. Macalino ("respondent") for violation of the lawyer’s oath.
The Facts
Complainant alleged that sometime in March 1993, respondent offered his legal services to complainant to help secure the release of complainant’s car from the Bureau of Customs. Respondent proposed to handle the case for a "package deal" of ₱60,000. Complainant agreed and initially gave respondent ₱10,000 for processing of the papers. In June 1993, respondent asked for ₱30,000 to expedite the release of the car. In both instances, respondent did not issue a receipt but promised to furnish complainant with a receipt from the Bureau of Customs. Since then, respondent failed to give complainant an update on the matter.
Complainant repeatedly went to respondent’s house to inquire on the status of the release of the car. Complainant was always told that respondent was not around and to just return another day. This went on for more than a year.
In April 1994, complainant went to the National Bureau of Investigation ("NBI") to file a complaint for estafa against respondent.1 The NBI set the complaint for investigation on 27 April 1994.
Respondent wrote a letter2 to the NBI dated 26 April 1994, requesting for postponement of the investigation to 12 May 1994. Respondent stated in his letter that he would settle the matter amicably with complainant and return the ₱40,000. Respondent failed to appear for the investigation scheduled on 12 May 1994.
Respondent sent another letter3 to the NBI dated 23 May 1994, requesting for the suspension of the proceedings because he had partially settled the case. Respondent attached the acknowledgment receipt4 signed by complainant representing the partial refund of ₱20,000. Respondent promised to pay the balance on or before 8 June 1994. However, respondent did not pay the balance. The NBI set the complaint for investigation twice and subpoenaed respondent but he failed to appear.
On 22 January 1996, the NBI, through Director Mariano M. Mison, found insufficient evidence to prosecute respondent for estafa. Nevertheless, the NBI advised complainant to file a complaint for disbarment against respondent.5
On 30 April 1996, complainant filed a verified complaint6 for disbarment against respondent with the Commission on Bar Discipline ("Commission") of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines ("IBP"). Complainant charged respondent with failure to render legal services, failure to refund balance of legal fees, and failure to apprise the complainant of the status of the case – all in violation of the lawyer’s oath of office.
In an Order7 dated 23 July 1998, Investigating Commissioner Ma. Carmina M. Alejandro-Abbas ("Commissioner Abbas") ordered respondent to submit his answer to the complaint. Respondent was also warned that if he failed to file an answer, the Commission would consider him in default and the case would be heard ex-parte. Although he received the Order, respondent failed to file an answer.
The case was set for initial hearing on 7 May 2002. Despite receipt of the notice of hearing, respondent failed to appear. Complainant was present and he informed Commissioner Abbas that he had previously filed a complaint for estafa against respondent with the NBI. Commissioner Abbas then issued a subpoena duces tecum to Mr. Waldo Palattao, or his duly authorized representative, of the Anti-Fraud Action Division of the NBI for the case folder and all the documents pertaining to the complaint.8 Mr. Emil Rejano, a confidential agent of the NBI, submitted all the documents during the hearing on 29 July 2002.9
Further hearings were scheduled for 27 June 2002, 29 July 2002, 9 September 2002, 8 October 2002 and 5 November 2002. Despite due notice, respondent failed to appear on these dates.
On 18 August 2004, Investigating Commissioner Dennis A. B. Funa ("Commissioner Funa"), who took over the investigation, issued an order submitting the case for decision based on the evidence on record. Respondent’s failure to file an answer and to attend the hearings were deemed a waiver of his right to participate in the proceedings and present evidence.10
The IBP’s Report and Recommendationlavvph!1.net
The IBP Board of Governors issued CBD Resolution No. XVI-2004-414 ("IBP Resolution") dated 7 October 2004 adopting with modification11 Commissioner Funa’s Report and Recommendation ("Report") finding respondent guilty of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility. The IBP Board of Governors recommended the imposition on respondent of a penalty of one year suspension from the practice of law. The Report reads:
From the records of the case, there is clearly a breach of lawyer-client relations. Moreover, [r]espondent has continuously exhibited his adamant refusal to comply with his legal obligations to his client, despite many opportunities to settle the matter amicably. Aggravating this is [r]espondent’s utter disregard of the legal process before the NBI, choosing to ignore notices from the NBI in the middle of an investigation. In addition, [r]espondent has continuously disregarded the jurisdiction of this Commission. It is clear from the records of the case that [r]espondent has duly received the orders and notices from this Commission as evidenced by the [r]egistry [r]eturn [r]eceipts.
In the absence of any counter-allegations from [r]espondent, which is by his own doing, the allegations of the [c]omplainant shall stand and be given its due credence.12 (Emphasis supplied)
The IBP Board of Governors forwarded the instant case to the Court as provided under Section 12(b), Rule 139-B13 of the Rules of Court.
The Ruling of the Court
The Court finds respondent liable for violation of Canon 16,14 Rule 16.01,15 Rule 16.03,16 and Rule 18.0417 of the Code of Professional Responsibility ("Code").
Respondent Failed to Inform and to Respond
to Inquiries of the Complainant
Regarding the Status of the Case
The relationship of lawyer-client being one of confidence, it is the lawyer’s duty to keep the client regularly and fully updated on the developments of the client’s case.18 The Code provides that "[a] lawyer shall keep the client informed of the status of his case and shall respond within a reasonable time to the client’s request for information."19
The records show that after receiving ₱40,000, respondent was never heard of again. Respondent kept complainant in the dark about the status of the release of the car. Only after complainant filed a complaint with the NBI did respondent communicate with complainant. Moreover, it appears that respondent failed to render any legal service to facilitate the car’s release. In fact, respondent failed to secure the release of the car. Respondent’s failure to communicate with complainant was an unjustified denial of complainant’s right to be fully informed of the status of the case.20
Respondent Failed to Account and
Return the Money He Received from Complainant
The Code mandates that every "lawyer shall hold in trust all moneys and properties of his client that may come into his possession."21 The Code further states that "[a] lawyer shall account for all money or property collected or received for or from the client."22 Furthermore, "[a] lawyer shall deliver the funds and property of his client when due and upon demand."23
When a lawyer receives money from the client for a particular purpose, the lawyer is bound to render an accounting to the client showing that the money was spent for the intended purpose.24 Consequently, if the lawyer does not use the money for the intended purpose, the lawyer must immediately return the money to the client.25
Respondent specifically received the ₱40,000 for his legal services and for the processing fee to facilitate the release of complainant’s car. Since respondent failed to render any legal service to complainant and he also failed to secure the car’s release, respondent should have promptly accounted for and returned the money to complainant. But even after demand, respondent did not return the money. Again, respondent waited until complainant filed a complaint with the NBI before he refunded the ₱20,000. Even then, respondent failed to return the balance of ₱20,000 as he promised.
Respondent’s failure to return the money to complainant upon demand is conduct indicative of lack of integrity and propriety and a violation of the trust reposed on him.26 Respondent’s unjustified withholding of money belonging to the complainant warrants the imposition of disciplinary action.27
Respondent Failed to File an Answer and
Attend the Hearings before the IBP
The Court notes that respondent’s actuation reveals a high degree of irresponsibility28 and shows his lack of respect for the IBP and its proceedings.29 Respondent’s attitude demonstrates a character which stains the nobility of the legal profession.30
On the Appropriate Penalty to be Imposed
on Respondent
The Court finds the penalty recommended by the IBP to suspend respondent from the practice of law for one year well-taken. Following the rulings of this Court, those found guilty of the same or similar acts were suspended for not less than six months from the practice of law.31 Considering respondent’s lack of prior administrative record, suspension from the practice of law for one year, and not disbarment as prayed for by complainant, serves the purpose of protecting the interest of the public and the legal profession. This Court will exercise its power to disbar only in clear cases of misconduct that seriously affects the standing and character of the lawyer as an officer of the court and a member of the bar.32
WHEREFORE, we find respondent Atty. Rodolfo P. Macalino GUILTY of violation of Canon 16, Rule 16.01, Rule 16.03, and Rule 18.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. Accordingly, we SUSPEND respondent Atty. Rodolfo P. Macalino from the practice of law for one year effective upon finality of this decision. Respondent is ORDERED TO RETURN to complainant, within 30 days from notice of this decision, the full amount of ₱20,000 with interest at 12% per annum from the date of promulgation of this decision until full payment. Respondent is further DIRECTED to submit to the Court proof of payment of the amount within 15 days from payment.
Let copies of this decision be furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant, to be appended to respondent’s personal record as attorney. Likewise, copies shall be furnished to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and all courts in the country for their information and guidance.
SO ORDERED.
ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Associate Justice
WE CONCUR:
LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING
Associate Justice
Chairperson
CONCHITA CARPIO MORALES
Associate Justice |
DANTE O. TINGA
Asscociate Justice |
Footnotes
1 Rollo, Vol. 1, pp. 7-8.
2 Id., Vol. 2, p. 14.
3 Id., p. 15.
4 Id., p. 16. The acknowledgment receipt reads:
Received from Atty. Rodolfo P. Macalino, the sum of Twenty Thousand Pesos only (₱20,000.00) representing partial refund of unused amount deposited by the undersigned for brokerage fee and customs duties for the release of 1 unit of Toyota car from the Bureau of Customs.
It is understood that the remaining balance of ₱20,000.00 shall also be refunded on or before the 8th day of June 1994.
San Simon, Pampanga.
May 23, 1994.
(signed)
Eduardo and/or Bonnie Meneses
5 Id., Vol. 1, p. 4.
6 Id., pp. 1-3.
7 Id., p. 11.
8 Id., p. 16.
9 Id., p. 19.
10 Id., pp. 24-25.
11 The IBP Commissioner imposed a penalty of six months suspension from the practice of law.
12 Report, p. 3.
13 Section 12(b), Rule 139-B of the Rules of Court provides:
SEC. 12. Review and Decision by the Board of Governors. —
x x x
(b) If the Board, by the vote of a majority of its total membership, determines that the respondent should be suspended from the practice of law or disbarred, it shall issue a resolution setting forth its findings and recommendations which, together with the whole record of the case, shall forthwith be transmitted to the Supreme Court for final action.
14 Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that: "A lawyer shall hold in trust all moneys and properties of his client that may come into his possession."
15 Rule 16.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that: "A lawyer shall account for all money or property collected or received for or from the client."
16 Rule 16.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that: "A lawyer shall deliver funds and property of his client when due or upon demand."
17 Rule 18.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility provides that: "A lawyer shall keep the client informed of the status of his case and shall respond within a reasonable time to the client’s request for information."
18 Tolentino v. Mangapit, 209 Phil. 607 (1983).
19 Rule 18.04, Code of Professional Responsibility.
20 Atty. Navarro v. Atty. Meneses III, 349 Phil. 520 (1998).
21 Canon 16, Code of Professional Responsibility.
22 Rule 16.01, Code of Professional Responsibility.
23 Rule 16.03, Code of Professional Responsibility.
24 Garcia v. Atty. Manuel, 443 Phil. 479 (2003).
25 Barnachea v. Atty. Quiocho, 447 Phil. 67 (2003).
26 Aldovino v. Pujalte, Jr., A.C. No. 5082, 17 February 2004, 423 SCRA 135.
27 Reyes v. Maglaya, 313 Phil. 1 (1995).
28 Unity Fishing Development Corporation v. Macalino, A.C. No. 4566, 10 December 2004, 446 SCRA 11.
29 Espiritu v. Ulep, A.C. No. 5808, 4 May 2005, 458 SCRA 1.
30 Sencio v. Atty. Calvadores, 443 Phil. 490 (2003).
31 Id.; Emiliano Court Townhouses v. Atty. Dioneda, 447 Phil. 408 (2003).
32 Punla v. Soriano, 209 Phil. 290 (1983).
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