SECOND DIVISION

A.C. No. 9018, April 20, 2016

TERESITA P. FAJARDO, Complainant, v. ATTY. NICANOR C. ALVAREZ, Respondent.

DECISION

LEONEN, J.:

This administrative case involves the determination of whether a lawyer working in the
Legal Section of the National Center for Mental Health under the Department of Health
is authorized to privately practice law, and consequently, whether the amount charged
by respondent for attorney's fees is reasonable under the principle of quantum meruit.

Complainant Teresita P. Fajardo (Teresita) was the Municipal Treasurer of San

Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. She hired respondent Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez (Atty. Alvarez) to
defend her in criminal and administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The parties have differing versions of the facts as summarized by the Investigating
Commissioner of the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines. Teresita's version of the facts is as follows:

Around 2009, Teresita hired Atty. Alvarez to handle several cases filed against her
before the Office of the Ombudsman.1 Atty. Alvarez was then working in the Legal
Section of the National Center for Mental Health.2 He asked for P1,400,000.00 as
acceptance fee.3 However, Atty. Alvarez did not enter his appearance before the Office
of the Ombudsman nor sign any pleadings.4 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Atty. Alvarez assured Teresita that he had friends connected with the Office of the
Ombudsman who could help with dismissing her case for a certain fee.5 Atty. Alvarez
said that he needed to pay the amount of P500,000.00 to his friends and acquaintances
working at the Office of the Ombudsman to have the cases against Teresita
dismissed.6 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

However, just two (2) weeks after Teresita and Atty. Alvarez talked, the Office of the
Ombudsman issued a resolution and decision recommending the filing of a criminal
complaint against Teresita, and her dismissal from service, respectively.7 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Teresita then demanded that Atty. Alvarez return at least a portion of the amount she
gave.8 Atty. Alvarez promised to return the amount to Teresita; however, he failed to
fulfill this promise.9 Teresita sent a demand letter to Atty. Alvarez, which he failed to
heed.10ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

On the other hand, Atty. Alvarez claims the following:

Atty. Alvarez is Legal Officer III of the National Center for Mental Health under the
Department of Health.11 He has authority to engage in private practice of the
profession.12 He represented Teresita in several cases before the Office of the
Ombudsman.13 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary
Atty. Alvarez and Teresita had an arrangement that Teresita would consult Atty. Alvarez
whenever a case was filed against her.14 Atty. Alvarez would then advise Teresita to
send him a copy of the complaint and its attachments through courier.15 Afterwards,
Atty. Alvarez would evaluate the case and call Teresita to discuss his fees in accepting
and handling the case.16 A 50% downpayment would be deposited to Atty. Alvarez's or
his secretary's bank account.17 The balance would then be paid in installments.18 The
success fee was voluntary on Teresita's part.19 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

On July 10, 2009, Atty. Alvarez received a call from Teresita regarding a meeting at
Shangri-La Mall to discuss the decision and resolution she received from the Office of
the Ombudsman dismissing her from service for dishonesty and indicting her for
violation of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3019, respectively.20 Atty. Alvarez accepted
the case and asked for P500,000.00 as acceptance fee.21 According to Atty. Alvarez, he
arrived at the amount after considering the difficulty of the case and the workload that
would be involved, which would include appeals before the Court of Appeals and this
Court.22 However, the fee is exclusive of filing fees, appearance fees, and other
miscellaneous fees such as costs for photocopying and mailing.23 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Atty. Alvarez claimed that he prepared several pleadings in connection with Teresita's
case:

(1) motion for reconsideration filed on July 23, 2009 in connection with the administrative case;

(2) motion for reconsideration filed on July 23, 2009 in connection with the criminal case;

(3) petition for injunction filed on October 15, 2009 before the Regional Trial Court of Gapan City;
and

(4) petition for preliminary injunction with prayer for a temporary restraining order filed before the
Court of Appeals on November 18, 2009, and the amended petition on November 26, 2009. 24

Atty. Alvarez also said that he prepared several letters to different government officials
and agencies.25 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Atty. Alvarez alleged that Teresita made staggered payments for the amounts they
agreed on.26 Teresita only paid the balance of the agreed acceptance fee equivalent to
P450,000.00 on February 11, 2010.27 While Teresita paid P60,000.00 for the
miscellaneous expenses, she did not pay the expenses for other legal work performed
and advanced by Atty. Alvarez.28 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

On the last day for filing of the petition for review of the Office of the Ombudsman's
Decision, Teresita informed Atty. Alvarez that she was no longer interested in retaining
Atty. Alvarez's services as she had hired Atty. Tyrone Contado from Nueva Ecija, who
was Atty. Alvarez's co-counsel in the cases against Teresita.29 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

On June 1, 2011, Teresita filed before the Office of the Bar Confidant a Verified
Complaint praying for the disbarment of Atty. Alvarez.30 This Court required Atty.
Alvarez to file his comment on the complaint within 10 days from notice.31 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

On December 7, 2011, the case was referred to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for
investigation, report, and recommendation.32 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

In his Report and Recommendation33 dated November 12, 2012, Investigating

Commissioner Honesto A. Villamayor found Atty. Alvarez guilty of violating the Code of
Professional Responsibility and recommended Atty. Alvarez's suspension from the
practice of law for one (1) year.34 Atty. Alvarez was also ordered to return the amount
of P700,000.00 to Teresita with legal interest from the time of demand until its full
payment.35 The dispositive portion of the Investigating Commissioner's Report and
Recommendation reads: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

WHEREFORE, finding Respondent guilty of committing unlawful, immoral and deceitful

acts of the Canon of Professional Responsibility, [it] is recommended that he be
suspended for one (1) year in the practice of law and he be ordered to return the
amount of P700,000.00 to the Complainant within two (2) months from receipt of this
order with legal interest from the time of demand, until fully paid, with a warning that
repetition of [a] similar offense in the future will be dealt with more severely.36 cralawred

On the unauthorized practice of law, the Investigating Commissioner found that while
Atty. Alvarez claimed that he was authorized by his superior to privately practice law,
the pleadings he allegedly prepared and filed did not bear his name and
signature.37 Hence, the Investigating Commissioner stated that: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The time that Respondent spent in following up the case of Complainant in the Office of
the Ombudsman is a time lost to the government which could have been used in the
service of many taxpayers[.]38 cralawred

In any case, granting that Atty. Alvarez was authorized by his superior to practice his
profession, the Investigating Commissioner stated that Atty. Alvarez was prohibited to
handle cases involving malversation of funds by government officials such as a
municipal treasurer.39ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Moreover, the Investigating Commissioner found that the attorney's fees Atty. Alvarez
asked for were unreasonable: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

From all indication, Complainant was forced to give to the Respondent the amount of
P1,400,000.00 because of the words of Respondent that he has friends in the Office of
the Ombudsman who can help with a fee. That because of that guarantee, Complainant
was obligated to shell out every now and then money for the satisfaction of the
allege[d] friend of the Respondent[.]

Complainant is an ordinary Municipal Treasurer of a 4th or 5th class municipality and the

amount of attorney's fees demanded by the Respondent is very much excessive. . . .
The exorbitant amount that he demanded from complainant is too much for a lowly
local government employee. What the Respondent did is not only illegal, immoral and
dishonest but also taking advantage of a defenseless victim.
....

While a lawyer should charge only fair and reasonable fees, no hard and fast rule may
be set in the determination of what a reasonable fee is, or what is not. That must be
established from the facts of each case[.]

....

The fees claimed and received by the Respondent for the alleged cases he handled
despite the fact that the records and evidence does not show that he ever signed
pleadings filed, the amount of P700,000.00 is reasonable, thus, fairness and equity
dictate, he has to return the excess amount of P700,000.00 to the complainant[.]40 cralawred

In Notice of Resolution No. XX-2013-77841 dated June 21, 2013, the Integrated Bar of
the Philippines Board of Governors adopted the findings and recommendations of the
Investigating Commissioner: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

RESOLVED to ADOPT AND APPROVE, as it is hereby unanimously ADOPTED AND

APPROVED, the Report and Recommendation of the Investigating Commissioner in the
above-entitled case, herein made part of this Resolution as Annex "A", and finding the
recommendation fully supported by the evidence on record and the applicable laws and
rules and considering that complaint [sic] is guilty of unlawful, immoral and deceitful
acts, Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez is hereby  SUSPENDED from the practice of law for
one (1) year with [a] Warning  that repetition of the same acts shall be dealt with
more sever[ejly. Further, he is Ordered to Return the amount of P700,000.00 to
complainant with legal interest from the time of demand.42 (Emphasis in the original) cralawred

Atty. Alvarez moved for reconsideration of the Resolution,43 but the Motion was denied
by the Board of Governors in Notice of Resolution No. XXI-2014-28644 dated May 3,
2014. The Resolution reads: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

RESOLVED to DENY Respondent's Motion for Reconsideration, there being no cogent

reason to reverse the findings of the Commission and the resolution subject of the
motion, it being a mere reiteration of the matters which had already been threshed out
and taken into consideration. Thus, Resolution No. XX-2013-778 dated June 21, 2013 is
hereby AFFIRMED.45 (Emphasis in the original) cralawred

We resolve the following issues:

First, whether respondent Atty. Nicanor C. Alvarez, as a lawyer working in the Legal
Section of the National Center for Mental Health under the Department of Health, is
authorized to engage in the private practice of law; and

Second, whether the amount charged by respondent for attorney's fees is reasonable
under the principle of quantum meruit.

The Investigating Commissioner did not make a categorical declaration that respondent
is guilty of unauthorized practice of his profession. The Investigating Commissioner
merely alluded to respondent's unauthorized practice of law.
We find that respondent committed unauthorized practice of his profession.

Respondent claims that he is authorized to practice his profession46 as shown in the

letter dated August 1, 2001 of National Center for Mental Health Chief Bernardino A.
Vicente.47 The letter reads: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

TO           :            ATTY. NICANOR C. ALVAREZ

                            Legal Officer III
                            This Center

Subject    :            Authority to engage in private practice of profession

This refers to your request for permission to engage in private practice of your
profession.

In accordance with Administrative Order No. 21, s. 1999 of the Department of Health,
which vested in the undersigned the authority to grant permission for the exercise of
profession or engage in the practice of profession, you are hereby authorized to teach
or engage in the practice of your profession provided it will not run in conflict with the
interest of the Center and the Philippine government as a whole. In the exigency of the
service however, or when public interest so requires, this authority may be revoked
anytime.

Please be guided accordingly.

[sgd.]
BERNARDINO A. VICENTE, MD, FFPPA, MHA, CESO IV
Medical Center Chief II48 (Emphasis supplied) cralawred

Respondent practiced law even if he did not sign any pleading. In the context of this
case, his surreptitious actuations reveal illicit intent. Not only did he do unauthorized
practice, his acts also show badges of offering to peddle influence in the Office of the
Ombudsman.

In Cayetano v. Monsod,49 the modern concept of the term "practice of law" includes the
more traditional concept of litigation or appearance before courts: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The practice of law is not limited to the conduct of cases in court. A person is also
considered to be in the practice of law when he: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

"x x x for valuable consideration engages in the business of advising person, firms,
associations or corporations as to their rights under the law, or appears in a
representative capacity as an advocate in proceedings pending or prospective, before
any court, commissioner, referee, board, body, committee, or commission constituted
by law or authorized to settle controversies and there, in such representative capacity
performs any act or acts for the purpose of obtaining or defending the rights of their
clients under the law. Otherwise stated, one who, in a representative capacity, engages
in the business of advising clients as to their rights under the law, or while so engaged
performs any act or acts either in court or outside of court for that purpose, is engaged
in the practice of law."
cralawred

....

The University of the Philippines Law Center in conducting orientation briefing for new
lawyers (1974-1975) listed the dimensions of the practice of law in even broader terms
as advocacy, counseling and public service.

"One may be a practicing attorney in following any line of employment in the

profession. If what he does exacts knowledge of the law and is of a kind usual for
attorneys engaging in the active practice of their profession, and he follows some one
or more lines of employment such as this he is a practicing attorney at law within the
meaning of the statute." cralawred

Practice of law means any activity, in or out of court, which requires the application of
law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. "To engage in the practice of
law is to perform those acts which are characteristics of the profession. Generally, to
practice law is to give notice or render any kind of service, which device or service
requires the use in any degree of legal knowledge or skill."

....

Interpreted in the light of the various definitions of the term "practice of law,"
particularly the modern concept of law practice, and taking into consideration the liberal
construction intended by the framers of the Constitution, Arty. Monsod's past work
experiences as a lawyer-economist, a lawyer-manager, a lawyer-entrepreneur of
industry, a lawyer-negotiator of contracts, and a lawyer-legislator of both the rich and
the poor—verily more than satisfy the constitutional requirement—that he has been
engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years.50 (Emphasis supplied) cralawred

Cayetano was reiterated in Lingan v. Calubaquib:51

Practice of law is "any activity, in or out of court, which requires the application of law,
legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience." It includes "[performing] acts
which are characteristics of the [legal] profession" or "[rendering any kind of] service
[which] requires the use in any degree of legal knowledge or skill."

Work in government that requires the use of legal knowledge is considered practice of
law. In Cayetano v. Monsod, this court cited the deliberations of the 1986 Constitutional
Commission and agreed that work rendered by lawyers in the Commission on Audit
requiring "[the use of] legal knowledge or legal talent" is practice of law.52 (Citations
omitted) cralawred

By preparing the pleadings of and giving legal advice to complainant, respondent

practiced law.

Under Section 7(b)(2) of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Memorandum
Circular No. 17, series of 1986,53 government officials or employees are prohibited from
engaging in private practice of their profession unless authorized by their department
heads. More importantly, if authorized, the practice of profession must not conflict nor
tend to conflict with the official functions of the government official or employee: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Republic Act No. 6713:

Section 7. Prohibited Acts and Transactions. - In addition to acts and omissions of

public officials and employees now prescribed in the Constitution and existing laws, the
following shall constitute prohibited acts and transactions of any public official and
employee and are hereby declared to be unlawful:

....

(b) Outside employment and other activities related thereto. - Public officials and
employees during their incumbency shall not:

....

(2) Engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by the
Constitution or law, provided, that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with
their official functions[.]

....

Memorandum Circular No. 17:

The authority to grant permission to any official or employee shall be granted by the
head of the ministry or agency in accordance with Section 12, Rule XVIII of the Revised
Civil Service Rules, which provides: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

"Sec. 12. No officer or employee shall engage directly in any private business, vocation,
or profession or be connected with any commercial, credit, agricultural, or industrial
undertaking without a written permission from the head of Department; Provided, That
this prohibition will be absolute in the case of those officers and employees whose
duties and responsibilities require that their entire time be at the disposal of the
Government: Provided, further, That if an employee is granted permission to engage in
outside activities, the time so devoted outside of office hours should be fixed by the
chief of the agency to the end that it will not impair in any way the efficiency of the
other officer or employee: And provided, finally, That no permission is necessary in the
case of investments, made by an officer or employee, which do not involve any real or
apparent conflict between his private interests and public duties, or in any way
influence him in the discharge of his duties, and he shall not take part in the
management of the enterprise or become an officer or member of the board of
directors",
cralawred
subject to any additional conditions which the head of the office deems necessary in
each particular case in the interest of the service, as expressed in the various issuances
of the Civil Service Commission. cralawred

In Abella v. Cruzabra,54 the respondent was a Deputy Register of Deeds of General

Santos City. While serving as an incumbent government employee, the respondent
"filed a petition for commission as a notary public and was commissioned . . . without
obtaining prior authority from the Secretary of the Department of Justice."55 According
to the complainant, the respondent had notarized around 3,000 documents.56 This
Court found the respondent guilty of engaging in notarial practice without written
authority from the Secretary of Justice. Thus:

It is clear that when respondent filed her petition for commission as a notary public, she
did not obtain a written permission from the Secretary of the D[epartment] [of]
J[ustice]. Respondent's superior, the Register of Deeds, cannot issue any authorization
because he is not the head of the Department. And even assuming that the Register of
Deeds authorized her, respondent failed to present any proof of that written
permission. Respondent cannot feign ignorance or good faith because respondent filed
her petition for commission as a notary public after Memorandum Circular No. 17 was
issued in 1986.57ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

In this case, respondent was given written permission by the Head of the National
Center for Mental Health, whose authority was designated under Department of Health
Administrative Order No. 21, series of 1999.58 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

However, by assisting and representing complainant in a suit against the Ombudsman

and against government in general, respondent put himself in a situation of conflict of
interest.

Respondent's practice of profession was expressly and impliedly conditioned on the

requirement that his practice will not be "in conflict with the interest of the Center and
the Philippine government as a whole."59 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

In Javellana v. Department of Interior and Local Government,60 the petitioner was an

incumbent City Councilor or member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bago City. He
was a lawyer by profession and had continuously engaged in the practice of law without
securing authority from the Regional Director of the Department of Local
Government.61 In 1989, the petitioner acted as counsel for Antonio Javiero and Rolando
Catapang and filed a case for Illegal Dismissal and Reinstatement with Damages
against Engr. Ernesto C. Divinagracia, City Engineer of Bago City.62 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Engr. Ernesto C. Divinagracia filed an administrative case before the Department of

Local Government for violation of Section 7(b)(2) of Republic Act No. 6713 and relevant
Department of Local Government memorandum circulars on unauthorized practice of
profession, as well as for oppression, misconduct, and abuse of authority.63 While the
case was pending before Department of Local Government, the petitioner was able to
secure a written authority to practice his profession from the Secretary of Interior and
Local Government, "provided that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with
his official functions."64 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

This Court in Javellana observed that the petitioner practiced his profession in conflict
with his functions as City Councilor and against the interests of government: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

In the first place, complaints against public officers and employees relating or incidental
to the performance of their duties are necessarily impressed with public interest for by
express constitutional mandate, a public office is a public trust. The complaint for illegal
dismissal filed by Javiero and Catapang against City Engineer Divinagracia is in effect a
complaint against the City Government of Bago City, their real employer, of which
petitioner Javellana is a councilman. Hence, judgment against City Engineer
Divinagracia would actually be a judgment against the City Government. By serving as
counsel for the complaining employees and assisting them to prosecute their claims
against City Engineer Divinagracia, the petitioner violated Memorandum Circular No.
74-58 (in relation to Section 7[b-2] of R[epublic] A[ct] [No.] 6713) prohibiting a
government official from engaging in the private practice of his profession, if such
practice would represent interests adverse to the government.

Petitioner's contention that Section 90 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and DLG
Memorandum Circular No. 90-81 violate Article VIII, Section 5 of the Constitution is
completely off tangent. Neither the statute nor the circular trenches upon the Supreme
Court's power and authority to prescribe rules on the practice of law. The Local
Government Code and DLG Memorandum Circular No. 90-81 simply prescribe rules of
conduct for public officials to avoid conflicts of interest between the discharge of their
public duties and the private practice of their profession, in those instances where the
law allows it.65 cralawred

There is basic conflict of interest here. Respondent is a public officer, an employee of

government. The Office of the Ombudsman is part of government. By appearing against
the Office of the Ombudsman, respondent is going against the same employer he swore
to serve.

In addition, the government has a serious interest in the prosecution of erring

employees and their corrupt acts. Under the Constitution, "[p]ublic office is a public
trust."66 The Office of the Ombudsman, as "protectors of the [P]eople,"67 is mandated to
"investigate and prosecute . . . any act or omission of any public officer or employee,
office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or
inefficient."68
ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Thus, a conflict of interest exists when an incumbent government employee represents

another government employee or public officer in a case pending before the Office of
the Ombudsman. The incumbent officer ultimately goes against government's mandate
under the Constitution to prosecute public officers or employees who have committed
acts or omissions that appear to be illegal, unjust, improper, or
inefficient.69 Furthermore, this is consistent with the constitutional directive that
"[p]ublic officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the [P]eople,
serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with
patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives."70 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

The objective in disciplinary cases is not to punish the erring officer or employee but to
continue to uplift the People's trust in government and to ensure excellent public
service:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

[W]hen an officer or employee is disciplined, the object sought is not the punishment of
that officer or employee, but the improvement of the public service and the
preservation of the public's faith and confidence in the government. . . . These
constitutionally-enshrined principles, oft-repeated in our case law, are not mere
rhetorical flourishes or idealistic sentiments. They should be taken as working standards
by all in the public service.71 cralawred

Having determined that respondent illicitly practiced law, we find that there is now no
need to determine whether the fees he charged were reasonable.

In disbarment or disciplinary cases pending before this Court, the complainant must
prove his or her allegations through substantial evidence.72 In Advincula v.
Macabata,73 this Court dismissed a complaint for disbarment due to the lack of evidence
in proving the complainant's allegations: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

As a basic rule in evidence, the burden of proof lies on the party who makes the
allegations—ei incumbit probation, qui decit, non qui negat; cum per rerum naturam
factum negantis probation nulla sit. In the case at bar, complainant miserably failed to
comply with the burden of proof required of her. A mere charge or allegation of
wrongdoing does not suffice. Accusation is not synonymous with guilt.74 (Emphasis in
the original, citations omitted) cralawred

Moreover, lawyers should not be hastily disciplined or penalized unless it is shown that
they committed a transgression of their oath or their duties, which reflects on their
fitness to enjoy continued status as a member of the bar: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The power to disbar or suspend ought always to be exercised on the preservative and
not on the vindictive principle, with great caution and only for the most weighty reasons
and only on clear cases of misconduct which seriously affect the standing and character
of the lawyer as an officer of the court and member of the Bar. Only those acts which
cause loss of moral character should merit disbarment or suspension, while those acts
which neither affect nor erode the moral character of the lawyer should only justify a
lesser sanction unless they are of such nature and to such extent as to clearly show the
lawyer's unfltness to continue in the practice of law. The dubious character of the act
charged as well as the motivation which induced the lawyer to commit it must be
clearly demonstrated before suspension or disbarment is meted out. The mitigating or
aggravating circumstances that attended the commission of the offense should also be
considered.75 cralawred

Likewise, we find that respondent violated the Lawyer's Oath and the Code of
Professional Responsibility when he communicated to or, at the very least, made it
appear to complainant that he knew people from the Office of the Ombudsman who
could help them get a favorable decision in complainant's case.
Lawyers are mandated to uphold, at all times, integrity and dignity in the practice of
their profession.76 Respondent violated the oath he took when he proposed to gain a
favorable outcome for complainant's case by resorting to his influence among staff in
the Office where the case was pending.77 ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Thus, respondent violated the Code of Professional Responsibility. Canon 1, Rules 1.01,
and 1.0278 prohibit lawyers from engaging in unlawful, dishonest, immoral, or deceitful
conduct.79 Respondent's act of ensuring that the case will be dismissed because of his
personal relationships with officers or employees in the Office of the Ombudsman is
unlawful and dishonest. Canon 780 of the Code of Professional Responsibility requires
lawyers to always "uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession."

In relation, Canon 1381 mandates that lawyers "shall rely upon the merits of his [or her]
cause and refrain from any impropriety which tends to influence, or gives the
appearance of influencing the court."

A lawyer that approaches a judge to try to gain influence and receive a favorable
outcome for his or her client violates Canon 13 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility.82 This act of influence peddling is highly immoral and has no place in the
legal profession: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The highly immoral implication of a lawyer approaching a judge—or a judge evincing a

willingness—to discuss, in private, a matter related to a case pending in that judge's
sala cannot be over-emphasized. The fact that Atty. Singson did talk on different
occasions to Judge Reyes, initially through a mutual friend, Atty. Sevilla, leads us to
conclude that Atty. Singson was indeed trying to influence the judge to rule in his
client's favor. This conduct is not acceptable in the legal profession.83 cralawred

In Jimenez v. Verano, Jr.,84 we disciplined the respondent for preparing a release order
for his clients using the letterhead of the Department of Justice and the stationery of
the Secretary:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

The way respondent conducted himself manifested a clear intent to gain special
treatment and consideration from a government agency. This is precisely the type of
improper behavior sought to be regulated by the codified norms for the bar.
Respondent is duty-bound to actively avoid any act that tends to influence, or may be
seen to influence, the outcome of an ongoing case, lest the people's faith in the judicial
process is diluted.

The primary duty of lawyers is not to their clients but to the administration of justice.
To that end, their clients' success is wholly subordinate. The conduct of a member of
the bar ought to and must always be scrupulously observant of the law and ethics. Any
means, not honorable, fair and honest which is resorted to by the lawyer, even in the
pursuit of his devotion to his client's cause, is condemnable and unethical.

....
Zeal and persistence in advancing a client's cause must always be within the bounds of
the law. A self-respecting independence in the exercise of the profession is expected if
an attorney is to remain a member of the bar. In the present case, we find that
respondent fell short of these exacting standards. Given the import of the case, a
warning is a mere slap on the wrist that would not serve as commensurate penalty for
the offense.85
cralawred

Similar to the present case, in Bueno v. Rañeses,86 we disbarred a lawyer who solicited
bribe money from his client in violation of Canon 13 of the Code of Professional
Responsibility: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

Rather than merely suspend Atty. Rañeses as had been done in Bildner, the Court
believes that Atty. Rañeses merits the ultimate administrative penalty of disbarment
because of the multi-layered impact and implications of what he did; by his acts he
proved himself to be what a lawyer should not be, in a lawyer's relations to the client,
to the court and to the Integrated Bar.

First, he extracted money from his client for a purpose that is both false and
fraudulent. It is false because no bribery apparently took place as Atty. Rañeses in fact
lost the case. It is fraudulent because the professed purpose of the exaction was the
crime of bribery. Beyond these, he maligned the judge and the Judiciary by giving the
impression that court cases are won, not on the merits, but through deceitful means—a
decidedly black mark against the Judiciary. Last but not the least, Atty. Rañeses grossly
disrespected the IBP by his cavalier attitude towards its disciplinary proceedings.

From these perspectives, Atty. Rañeses wronged his client, the judge allegedly on the
"take," the Judiciary as an institution, and the IBP of which he is a member. The Court
cannot and should not allow offenses such as these to pass unredressed. Let this be a
signal to one and all—to all lawyers, their clients and the general public—that the Court
will not hesitate to act decisively and with no quarters given to defend the interest of
the public, of our judicial system and the institutions composing it, and to ensure that
these are not compromised by unscrupulous or misguided members of the
Bar.87 (Emphasis supplied) cralawred

In the interest of ridding itself of corrupt personnel who encourage influence peddling,
and in the interest of maintaining the high ethical standards of employees in the
judiciary, this Court did not hesitate in dismissing its own employee from government
service when she peddled influence in the Court of Appeals:88

What brings our judicial system into disrepute are often the actuations of a few erring
court personnel peddling influence to party-litigants, creating the impression that
decisions can be bought and sold, ultimately resulting in the disillusionment of the
public. This Court has never wavered in its vigilance in eradicating the so-called "bad
eggs" in the judiciary. And whenever warranted by the gravity of the offense, the
supreme penalty of dismissal in an administrative case is meted to erring personnel.89 cralawred

The Investigating Commissioner found that complainant was "forced to give . . .

Respondent the amount of P1,400,000.00 because of the words of Respondent that he
ha[d] friends in the Office of the Ombudsman who c[ould] help with a fee."90 It is
because of respondent's assurances to complainant that she sent him money over the
course of several months.91 These assurances are seen from the text messages that
respondent sent complainant: chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Cnbi ko dun sa kontak dati na magbibigay tayo na pera sa allowance lang muna later
na ang bayad pag labas ng reso at kaliwaan pero sbi nya mas maganda kung isasabay
na ang pera pagbgay ng letter mo sa omb.. Parang dun tayo nagkamali pero ang
solusyon ay sana ibalik nila ang pera . . in d meantime hindi dapat apektado ang kaso
at kailangan an Appeal sa CA at may deadline yun

DATE: 31-05-2010

TIME: 5:24 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Gud pm pnro, naLBC n b ang Reso? Kung Jan un pnrmahn ...

DATE: 21-05-2010

TIME: 5:13 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Pnro sbi ng Dep Omb la png cnabi sa knya ng Omb. Ang CA Reso pnaiwan n Orly @
studyohn nya (txt kontal)

DATE: 15-04-2010

TIME: 6:07 pm
TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Yung blessing pala ni gutierez ang hnhntay ng overall dep omb si orly at dun din siya
subok kuha letter pero nasbhan na si gutierez ng dep omb for Luzon sbi ko pwwde b
nila gawin total alam na ni gutierez. . . Maya tawag ko sayo update

DATE: 15-04-2010

TIME: 12:44 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Gud mrng Tess hindi na svmagot kahapon tnxt ko pero minsan hndi tlga sumasagot
yun nag ttxt lang pagkatapos kaya lang d mo pala naiintindihan ang txt nya bisaya
"istudyahun" ibig sabihn kausapin pa so nasbi na nya sa omb yung letter at istudzahan
pa

DATE: 31-03-2010

TIME: 8:25 am

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Ok panero update ko na lang client pero nag txt tlga kailangan daw nya letter habang
wala pa omb reso., Txt mo lang ko panero, have a nice holidays., (sagot ko yan tess)

DATE: 03-03-2010

TIME: 5:03 pm
TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Sa dep omb for Luzon na nya follow up ang MR at saka overall dep omb si orly dun nya
kukunin letter

DATE: 30-03-2010

TIME: 5:00 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Gud pm pnro. Ang Dep. Omb. My closd dor mtng pro pnkta s knya ang note q at sabi
rw bumalik aq aftr Holy wk. C Orly nman ay ngsabi n es2dyuhn p rw nya.

DATE: 30-03-2010

TIME: 4:52 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Binigay ko na pera kahapon at kinausap ko para sa letter magkikita pa kami marnaya

las 2 at kukunin nya copy letter natin kay sales at CA reso

DATE: 15-04-2010

TIME: 12:32 pm

TYPE: Text Message
....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Tess ndpst mo na? Kakausapin ko kasi na qc na lang kami kita at malapit ako dun
maya at hindi na sa crsng. Tnx

DATE: 14-04-2010

TIME: 1:29 pm

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Gud pm pnro. Ok ba ang 15k rep maya 6pm? Thnx (txt ng kontak tess kausapin ko
mbuti sa letter)

DATE: 14-04-2010

TIME: 10:25 am

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Pnro ung rep alo n bngay mo 1st Mar 24 ay ok Ing pra s 2 falo-ups q Mar 25 @ Mar 30.
As usual, magkita tau Apr 14 @ kunin q 20th para sa falo-up Apr 15 thnx

DATE: 08-04-2010

TIME: 10:58 am

TYPE: Text Message

....
FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Ok panero kailangan malinaw din ang presentation lp sa client panero at ang

impression nya yun na ang hningi natin... so april 15 panero an balik mo sa MR at yung
letter form omb to dof bhala ka na sa diskarte panero pag nakakuha tayo nakahanda na
150k dun

DATE: 08-04-2010

TIME: 10:56 am

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Pnero dapat maalala mo n ung purpose ng 400th hindi directly delivery ng Reso granting
d MR pro ung delivery by the Dep Omb ng letr of appeal 2 d Omb at pgpaliwang nya sa
Omb. Re sa hnhngi ng rspondnt n modfcation ng Dcsion. Nung 1st mtng ntn Mar 24,
ngin4m q sau n ngawa n i2 ng Dep Omb pro kausapn p ng Omb c Orly. Itong huli ang
nabtn p, pro yon ay dscrtion n ng Omb@ wing control d2 and Dep. Omb.

DATE: 08-04-2010

TIME: 10:55 am

TYPE: Text Message

....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Tess gud mrng, wag mo kalimutan mgdpst 25k today 6pm mtng naming omb tnx.

DATE: 24-03-2010

TIME: 10:23 am

TYPE: Text Message
....

FROM: Atty. Alvarez <+639063630224>

SUBJECT:

Gud pm uli pnro. Kung subukan q n lkrn ky Orly ung cnabi mong letr adrsd 2 DOF Sec
@ synd n Orly ang letr, pktanong s rspndnt kung ok b s knya nab yarn nya aq ng Atty's
fee n 75thou upfront @ another 75thou upon receipt of a DOF ordr holdng n abyans
implmntation of hr dsmsal due 2 Orly's letr? thnx

DATE: 11-03-2010

TIME: 7:03 pm

TYPE: Text Message92 cralawred

In response to his alleged text messages, respondent claims that complainant must
have confused him with her other contacts.93 Respondent found it "mesmerizing" that
complainant was able to save all those alleged text messages from two (2) years
ago.94 Moreover, assuming these messages were "true, still they [were] not legally
admissible as they [were] covered by the lawyer-client privileged communication as
those supposed texts '[had been] made for the purpose and in the course of
employment, [were] regarded as privileged and the rule of exclusion [was] strictly
enforced.'"95
ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

In cases involving influence peddling or bribery, "[t]he transaction is always done in

secret and often only between the two parties concerned."96 Nevertheless, as found by
the Investigating Commissioner and as shown by the records, we rule that there is
enough proof to hold respondent guilty of influence peddling.

We agree with the penalty recommended by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Board
of Governors. We find respondent's acts of influence peddling, coupled with
unauthorized practice of law, merit the penalty of suspension of one (1) year from the
practice of law. To be so bold as to peddle influence before the very institution that is
tasked to prosecute corruption speaks much about respondent's character and his
attitude towards the courts and the bar.

Lawyers who offer no skill other than their acquaintances or relationships with
regulators, investigators, judges, or Justices pervert the system, weaken the rule of
law, and debase themselves even as they claim to be members of a noble profession.
Practicing law should not degenerate to one's ability to have illicit access. Rather, it
should be about making an honest appraisal of the client's situation as seen through
the evidence fairly and fully gathered. It should be about making a discerning and
diligent reading of the applicable law. It is foremost about attaining justice in a fair
manner. Law exists to temper, with its own power, illicit power and unfair advantage. It
should not be conceded as a tool only for those who cheat by unduly influencing people
or public officials.

It is time that we unequivocally underscore that to even imply to a client that a lawyer
knows who will make a decision is an act worthy of the utmost condemnation. If we are
to preserve the nobility of this profession, its members must live within its ethical
parameters. There is never an excuse for influence peddling.

While this Court is not a collection agency for faltering debtors,97 this Court has ordered
restitution of amounts to complainants due to the erroneous actions of
lawyers.98 Respondent is, therefore, required to return to complainant the amount of
P500,000.00—the amount that respondent allegedly gave his friends connected with
the Office of the Ombudsman.

WHEREFORE, Respondent Arty. Nicanor C. Alvarez is guilty of violating the Code of

Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Lawyer's Oath,
and the Code of Professional Responsibility. He is SUSPENDED from the practice of law
for one (1) year with a WARNING that a repetition of the same or similar acts shall be
dealt with more severely. Respondent is ORDERED to return the amount of
P500,000.00 with legal interest to complainant Teresita P. Fajardo.

Let copies of this Decision be furnished to 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.

Carpio, (Chairperson), Brion, Del Castillo, and Mendoza, JJ., concur.

Endnotes:

1
Rollo, p. 1, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline Report and
Recommendation dated November 14, 2012.

2
 Id.

3
 Id.

4
 Id.

5
 Id. at 2.

6
 Id.
7
 Id.

8
 Id.

9
 Id.

10
 Id.

11
 Id. at 9, Comment.

12
 Id.

13
 Id. at 10-11.

14
 Id. at 12.

15
 Id.

16
 Id.

17
 Id.

18
 Id.

19
 Id.

20
 Id. at 12-13. The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon promulgated the
Decision dated February 19, 2008 finding Teresita guilty of serious dishonesty and
ordered her dismissal from service (OMB-L-A-04-0254-D[OMB-L-C-04-0376-D] For:
Dishonesty). In the Resolution dated February 19, 2008, the same Office issued the
Resolution recommending the indictment of Teresita for violation of Rep. Act No. 3019,
sec. 3(e) (OMB-L-C-04-0376-D [OMB-L-A-04-0254-D] For: Violation of Section 3(e) of
R.A. No. 3019).

21
 Id.

22
 Id.

23
 Id. at 14.

24
 Id. at 13-14. chanrobleslaw

25
 Id. at 419, Report and Recommendation.

26
 Id.

27
 Id.
28
 Id.

29
 Id. at 419-420.

30
 Id. at 1-3.

31
 Id. at 8, Resolution dated July 25, 2011.

32
 Id. at 282.

33
 Id. at 416-423.

34
 Id. at 422.

35
 Id. at 423.

36
 Id. at 422-423.

37
 Id. at 429.

38
 Id. at 421.

39
 Id. at 422.

40
 Id. at 421-422.

41
 Id. at 415.

42
 Id.

43
 Id. at 424-433.

44
 Id. at 444.

45
 Id.

46
 Id. at 21.

47
 Id.

48
 Id.

49
 278 Phil. 235 (1991) [Per J. Paras, En Banc].

50
 Id. at 241-256, citing Land Title Abstract and Trust Co. v. Dworken, 129 Ohio St. 23,
193 N.E. 650; State ex. rel. Mckittrick v. C.S. Dudley and Co., 102 S.W. 2d 895, 340
Mo. 852; Barr D. Cardell 155 NW 312; and 111 ALR 23.

51
 A.C. No. 5377, June 30, 2014, 727 SCRA 341 [Per J. Leonen, Third Division]

52
 Id. at 355.

53
 Issued by the Office of the President, entitled Revoking Memorandum Circular No.
1025 Dated November 25, 1977.

54
 606 Phil. 200 (2009) [Per J. Carpio, First Division].

55
 Id. at 202.

56
 Id.

57
 Id. at 206-207. Respondent was reprimanded and "warned that a repetition of the
same or similar act in the future shall merit a more severe sanction" (Id. at 208).

58
Rollo, p. 21.

59
 Id.

60
 G.R. No. 102549, August 10, 1992, 212 SCRA 475 [Per J. Griño-Aquino, En Banc].

61
 Id. at 476.

62
 Id.

63
 Id.

64
 Id.

65
 Id. at 482.

66
 CONST., art. XI, sec. 1.

67
 CONST., art. XI, sec. 12.

68
 Rep. Act No. 6770, sec. 15(1). See CONST., art. XI, secs. 12 and 13, which provide:

Section 12. The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act
promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or
employees of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in appropriate cases,
notify the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof.

Section 13. The Office of the Ombudsman shall have the following powers, functions,
and duties:

(1) Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any
public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be
illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.

(2) Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of the
Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as of any
government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to perform and
expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and correct any abuse or
impropriety in the performance of duties.

(3) Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official or
employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or
prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.

(4) Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such limitations
as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of documents relating to contracts
or transactions entered into by his office involving the disbursement or use of public
funds or properties, and report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit for
appropriate action,

(5) Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the
discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and
documents.

(6) Publicize matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and
with due prudence.

(7) Determine the causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and
corruption in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and the
observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency.

(8) Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such
functions or duties as may be provided by law.

69
 This must be differentiated, however, from the rule governing former government
lawyers acting as counsel for private parties after leaving the service. See Presidential
Commission on Good Government v. Sandiganbayan, 495 Phil. 485 (2005) [Per J. Puno,
En Banc] and Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 6, rule 6.03.

70
 CONST., art. XI, sec. 1.

71
Government Service Insurance System v. Mayordomo, 665 Phil. 131, 151-152 (2011)
[Per J. Mendoza, En Banc], citing Civil Service Commission v. Cortez, 474 Phil. 670, 690
(2004) [Per Curiam, En Banc]; and Bautista v. Negado, 108 Phil. 283, 289 (1960) [Per
J. Gutierrez David, En Banc].
72
See Spouses Boyboy v. Yabut, Jr., A.C. No. 5225, April 29, 2003, 401 SCRA 622 [Per
J. Bellosillo, Second Division].

73
 546 Phil. 431 (2007) [Per J. Chico-Nazario, Third Division].

74
 Id. at 446.

75
 Id. at 447-448.

76
See Heirs of Alilano v. Examen, A.C. No. 10132, March 24, 2015
<http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?
file=/jurisprudence/2015/march2015/10132.pdf> [Per J. Villarama, Jr., En
Banc]; Sipin-Nabor v. Baterina y Figueras, All Phil. 419, 424 (2001) [Per J. Pardo, En
Banc]; Vitriolo v. Dasig, 448 Phil. 199, 209 (2003) [Per Curiam, En Banc].

77
 Lawyer's Oath — I, _____, do solemnly swear that I will maintain allegiance to the
Republic of the Philippines; I will support its Constitution and obey the laws as well as
the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein; I will do no falsehood, nor
consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any
groundless, false or unlawful suit, nor give aid nor consent to the same; I will delay no
man for money or malice, and will conduct myself as a lawyer according to the best of
my knowledge and discretion with all good fidelity as well to the courts as to my clients;
and I impose upon myself this voluntary obligation without any mental reservation or
purpose of evasion. So help me God.

78
 Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 1, rules 1.01 and 1.02 provide:

CANON 1 - A lawyer shall uphold the constitution, obey the laws of the land and
promote respect for law and for legal processes.

RULE 1.01 A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful
conduct.

RULE 1.02 A lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed at defiance of the law or
at lessening confidence in the legal system[.]

79
See Phil. Association of Court Employees v. Alibutdan-Diaz, A.C. No. 10134,
November 26, 2014 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?
file=/jurisprudence/2014/november2014/10134.pdf> [Per J. Mendoza, Second
Division].

80
 Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 7 provides:

CANON 7 - A lawyer shall at all times uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal
profession and support the activities of the integrated bar.
81
 Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 13 provides:

CANON 13 - A lawyer shall rely upon the merits of his cause and refrain from any
impropriety which tends to influence, or gives the appearance of influencing the court.

82
Bildner v. Ilusorio, 606 Phil. 369 (2009) [Per J. Velasco, Jr., Second Division].

83
 Id. at 389.

84
 A.C. No. 8108, July 15, 2014, 730 SCRA 53 [Per C.J. Sereno, En Banc].

85
 Id. at 61-62.

86
 700 Phil. 817 (2012) [Per Curiam, En Banc].

87
 Id. at 827.

88
Nuez v. Cruz-Apao, 495 Phil. 270 (2005) [Per Curiam, En Banc], citing Mendoza v.
Tiongson, 333 Phil. 508 (1996) [Per Curiam, En Banc].

89
 Id. at 272.

90
Rollo, p. 421, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline Report
and Recommendation dated November 14, 2012.

91
 Id.

92
 Id. at 339-344.

93
 Id. at 382, Respondent's Position Paper dated September 28, 2012, paragraph 64.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines Records.

94
 Id.

95
 Id. at 382-383, citation omitted.

96
Bildner v. Ilusorio, 606 Phil. 369, 390 (2009) [Per J. Velasco, Jr., Second Division].

97
See In re: Complaint for Failure to Pay Just Debts Against Esther T. Andres, 493 Phil.
1 (2005) [Per J. Chico-Nazario, En Banc].

98
See Adrimisin v. Javier, 532 Phil. 639 (2006) [Per J. Carpio, En Banc]; Rollon v.
Naraval, 493 Phil. 24 (2005) [Per J. Panganiban, En Banc]; Ramos v. Imbang, 557 Phil.
507 (2007) [Per Curiam, En Banc].