The Supreme Court has disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a court decision on the annulment of the marriage of an overseas Filipino worker in 2011.
In an 11-page decision promulgated last July 3, the Supreme Court disbarred laywer Dionisio Apoya Jr. for violating Canon 1, Rules 1.01 and 1.02 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and Section 2, Rule IV of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
“Respondent committed unlawful, dishonest, immoral and deceitful conduct, and lessened the confidence of the public in the legal system. Instead of being an advocate of justice, he became a perpetrator of injustice. His reprehensible acts do not merit him to remain the rolls of the legal profession. Thus, the ultimate penalty of disbarment must be imposed upon him,” the Court said.
The High Court also ordered Apoya’s name to be immediately stricken off the Roll of Attorneys.
The case stemmed from the complaint of Leah Taday, an OFW in Norway, who with the help of her parents, sought Apoya’s legal services to nullify her marriage in 2011.