THE Supreme Court suspended two well-known lawyers after finding them guilty of violating the lawyers’ Code of Professional Responsibility.
In a decision, the SC ordered Rose-Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles and Wylie Paler suspended for practice of law for three years.
The suspension came after the high court found merit in the administrative complaint filed by Leo Dongga—as in 2003 against Angeles and Paler.
“The suspension is effective upon finality of the decision . . . Respondents Cruz-Angeles and Paler are directed to return to complainant Dongga—as the legal fees they received from the latter in the aggregate amount of P350,000.00 within 90 days from the finality of this decision,” the SC ruled.
“Failure to so comply will warrant the imposition of a heavier penalty,” it warned.
Complainant engaged the services of Angeles and Paler to handle the annulment of his marriage. He paid a total of P350,000 to respondents.
But the court found that despite constant follow-ups, respondents were unable to produce a petition for annulment, with various reasons being given by respondents for their failure to do so, including that there was no record of marriage, which was a false statement as verified by complainant.
Upon demand for a refund of the aggregate amount of P350,000 from the respondents, Angeles and Paler declined to return the amount and even sent him two billing statements, one of which included a fee for “consultants prosecutors” amounting to P45,000.
This prompted the complainant to file the corresponding complaint with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Committee on Bar Discipline.
In her defense, Angeles admitted to having received the total amount of P350,000, but denied that she was remiss in her duties explaining that the delay in the filing of the petition was due to complainant’s failure to give the address of his estranged wife and provide sufficient evidence.
She also argued that it was Paler who was tasked to draft and finalize the petition. Paler moved to dismiss the case for failure to state a cause of action, arguing that the case was filed only to avoid payment of attorney’s fees.
The IBP Investigating Committee found that Angeles and Paler were liable administratively and recommended a four-month suspension from the practice of law. The IBP Board of Governors sustained the finding of liability but recommended a higher penalty of two years suspension from the practice of law.
While the SC adopted the findings of the IBP, it imposed a higher penalty of three years suspension from the practice of law.
The SC stressed that two lawyers violated the Code of Professional Responsibility, particularly against dishonest practices, neglect of legal matters entrusted to them, and accountability for a client’s money.
Angeles was also the legal counsel of expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca II, then fugitive and now Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.
In a statement, Angeles said she will not argue the merits of her case, but insisted that she was not accorded due process.
Nonetheless, Angeles stressed that still believes in the legal system, Supreme Court and Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
“Even if it (legal system) fails individuals, I do not believe that it fails society. Though it can stand improvement, there is no better way yet,” she pointed out.