ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

College of Law

PROBLEMS IN LEGAL ETHICS

Atty. Gregorio Tanaka Viterbo Jr.

I. INTRODUCTORY TOPICS

A. The Good Lawyer – Focus on Ka Pepe Diokno (Jose Wright Diokno)

- Letter of Ka Pepe to his son Popoy 23 October 1972 http://www.philstar.com:8080/freeman-
opinion/2016/09/24/1626808/remembering-sen.-dioknos-words
- Jose W. Diokno: The Scholar-Warrior
http://diokno.org/post/3497430090/jose-w-diokno-the-scholar-warrior
- Defining Jose W. Diokno – by F. Sionil Jose http://diokno.org/post/3599012318/defining-jose-w-
diokno
- Jose W. Diokno: Fleshing Out a Legend http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/151949/jose-w-diokno-
fleshing-out-a-legend
- Film: To Sing our Own Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIFlYsv7MoQ

B. Developmental Legal Advocacy

- Legal Aid and Development by Jose W. Diokno (ABALOYAN)
- Developmental Legal Aid in the Rural ASEAN by Jose W. Diokno (JUBIAR)
- Developmental Legal Advocacy: Meeting the Challenge of Relevance and Responsiveness by
Atty. E. (Leo) D. Battad (EVAROLA)

C. Lawyers in Popular Culture

- Top 10 Courtroom Movies of All-Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rfcTMXwepE
- Top 10 Movie lawyers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-QkZ4LXRHE
** review any two (2) of the movies mentioned in the videos and tackle the
legal/ethical/moral dilemmas that the lawyer/protagonist encounters
- Love your Lawyer Day (03 November) https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/love-your-
lawyer-day/

D. Review of 2017 Legal/Judicial Ethics cases (Case Digest exercises considered as a

Quiz)
 (ABALOYAN) Trinidad Gamboa-Roces Vs. Judge Ranhel A. Perez, A.M. No. MTJ-16-1887.
January 9, 2017
 (ARANETA) Wyna Marie P. Garingan-Ferreras Vs. Eduardo T. Umblas, A.M. No. P-11-2989.
January 10, 2017
 (ATIENZA)Eduardo R. Alicias, Jr. Vs. Atty. Myrna V. Macatangay, et al., A.C. No. 7478. January
11, 2017
 (BAGAIPO)Santiago D. Ortega, Jr. Vs. Judge Rogelio LL. Dacara, A.M. No. RTJ-15-2423. January
11, 2017
 (DE LARA) Judge Andrew U. Barcena Vs. Clerk of Court II Thelma S. Abadilla, A.M.No.P-16-
3564.Jan 24, 2017
 (BANTILAN)Judge Martonino R. Marcos Vs. Hon. Perla V. Cabrera-Faller, A.M. No. RTJ-16-2472.
Jan 24, 2017
 (DIAMANTE) Arthur O. Manares Vs. Atty. Levi P. Munoz/Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. Vs.
Atty. Levi P. Munoz/Benjilieh M. Constante Vs. Atty. Levi P. Munoz, A.C. No. 5582/A.C. No. 5604/A.C. No.
5652. Jan 24, 2017
 (EVAROLA) Susan Loberes-Pintal Vs. Atty. Ramoncito B. Baylosis, A.C. No. 11545. January 24,
2017
 (FERNANDEZ) Marita Tolentino and Fely San Andres Vs. Sheriff IV Glenn A. Umali, A.M. No. P-
16-3615. Jan 24, 2017
 (GUINDO) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Exec Judge Illuminada P. Cabato, A.M. No. RTJ-
14-2401. Jan 25, 2017
 (JARANILLA)Silvestra Medina and Santos Medina Loraya Vs. Atty. Rufino Lizardo, A.C. No.
10533. Jan 31, 2017
 (JUBIAR)Eufemia A. Camino Vs. Atty. Ryan Rey L. Pasagui, A.C. No. 11095. January 31, 2017
 (MARCELO) Judge Guillermo P. Agloro Vs Court Interpreter Leslie J. Burgos, et al., A.M. No. P-
16-3550. Jan 31, 2017
 (PAGHARION)Spouses Rodel and Eleanor Canos Vs. Atty. Louise Marie Therese B. Escobido,
A.M. No. P-15-3315. February 6, 2017
 (SEGISMUNDO)Orlando S. Castelo, et al. Vs. Atty. Ronald Segundino C. Ching, A.C. No.
11165. February 6, 2017
 (QUERUBIN) Anita Santos Murray Vs. Atty. Felicito J. Cervantes, A.C. No. 5408. February 7,
2017
 (TECSON )Re: Complaint of Aero Engr. Darwin A. Reci Against Court Administrator Jose Midas
P. Marquez and Deputy Court Administrator Thelma C. Bahia Relative to Criminal Case No. 05-236956, A.M.
No. 17-01-04-SC. February 7, 2017
 (VILLANUEVA) Flordeliza E. Coquia Vs. Atty. Emmanuel Laforteza, A.C. No. 9364. February 8,
2017
 (VINLUAN) Natividad R. Munar, et al. Vs. Atty. Elmer T. Bautista and Atty. Winston F. Garcia,
A.C. No. 7424. February 8, 2017
 (ABALOYAN)Concerned Lawyers of Bulacan Vs. Presiding Judge Victoria Villalon-Pornillos,
etc., A.M. No. RTJ-09-2183. February 14, 2017
 (ARANETA) Dominador Biado, et al. Vs. Hon. Marieta S. Brawner-Cualing, A.M. No. MTJ-17-
1891. February 15, 2017
 (DE LARA) Atty. Raul Q. Buensalida Vs. Marinel Gabinete, A.M. No. P-16-3593. February 21, 2017
 (ATIENZA) May N. Laspinas et al. Vs. Judge Felipe G. Banzon/Judge Felipe G. Banzon Vs. May
N. Laspinas, A.M. No. RTJ-17-2488/A.M. No. P-14-3216. February 21, 2017
 (BAGAIPO) Re: Illegal and Unauthorized Digging and Excavation Activities Inside the Supreme
Court Compound, Baguio City/Re: Investigation Report on the Alleged Unauthorized Digging and
Excavation Activities within the Supreme Court Compound in Baguio City, A.M. No. 2016-03-SC/A.M. No. 16-
06-07-SC. February 21, 2017
 (BANTILAN) Dr. Raul M. Sunico, in his capacity as President of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines Vs. Judge Pedro DL. Gutierrez, A.M. No. RTJ-16-2457. February 21, 2017
 (DIAMANTE) Judge Bensaudi A. Arabani, Jr. Vs. Rahim A. Arabani/Judge Bensaudi A. Arabani,
Jr. Vs. Rodrigo Ramos, Jr./Rodrigo Ramos, Jr., et al. Vs. Judge Bensaudi A. Arabani, Jr., A.M. No. SCC-10-
14-P/A.M. No. SCC-10-15-P/A.M. No. SCC-11-17. February 21, 2017
 (EVAROLA)Re: Findings on the Judicial Audit Conducted in Regional Trail Court, Branch 8, La
Trinidad, Benguet/Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Judge Marybelle L. Demot-Marinas, Regional Trial
Court, Branch 8, La Trinidad, Benguet, A.M. No. 14-10-339-RTC/RTJ-16-2446. March 7, 2017
 (FERNANDEZ) Flordeliza A. Madria Vs. Atty. Carlos P. Rivera, A.C. No. 11256. March 7, 2017
 (GUINDO) Re: Letter of Tony Q. Valenciano, Holding of Religious Rituals at the Hall of Justice
Building in Quezon City, A.M. No. 10-4-19-SC. March 7, 2017; Concurring Opinion - J. Leonardo-De Castro, J.
Jardeleza; Dissenting Opinion - J. Leonen
 (JARANILLA) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Retired Judge Pablo R. Chavez, et
al./Re:Undated anonymous letter-complaint against the Presiding Judge, Clerk of Court and Court
Stenographer of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 87, Rosario, Batangas, A.M. No. RTJ-10-2219/A.M. No. 12-
7-130-RTC. March 7, 2017
 (JUBIAR) Dr. Basilio Malvar Vs. Atty. Cora Jane P. Baleros, A.C. No. 11346. March 8, 2017
 (SEGISMUNDO) Liang Fuji Vs. Atty. Gemma Armi M. Dela Cruz, A.C. No. 11043. March 8, 2017
 (MARCELO) Rosa Yap Paras Vs. Justo De Jesus Paras, A.C. No. 5333. March 13, 2017
 (PAGHARION) Re: Medical condition of Associate Justice Maria Cristina J. Cornejo,
Sandiganbayan, A.M. No. 16-10-05-SB. March 14, 2017
 (QUERUBIN) Ortigas Plaza Development Corporation, represented by Janice Montero Vs. Atty.
Eugenio S. Tumulak, A.C. No. 11385. March 14, 2017
 (TECSON) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Judge Eliza B. Yu/Re: Letter dated 21 July 2011
of Executive Judge Bibiano G. Colasito etc./Re: Letter dated May 2, 2011 of Hon. Eliza B. Yu, etc./Leilani A.
Tejero-Lopez Vs. Judge Eliza B. Yu/Josefina G. Labid Vs. Judge Eliza B. Yu/Amor V. Abad, et al. Vs. Hon.
Eliza B. Yu/Executive Judge Bibiano G. Colasito, et al. Vs. Hon. Eliza B. Yu/Judge Bibiano G. Colasito, et al.
Vs. Hon. Eliza B. Yu/Judge Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito Vs. Judge Eliza B. Yu, A.M. No. MTJ-12-1813/A.M. No.
12-1-09-MeTC/A.M. No. MTJ-13-1836/A.M. No. MTJ-12-1815/OCA IPI No. 11-2398-MTJ/OCA IPI No. 11-2399-
MTJ/OCA IPI No. 11-2378-MTJ/OCA IPI No. 12-2456-MTJ/A.M. No. MTJ-13-1821. March 14, 2017
 (VILLANUEVA) In re: Alleged immorality and unexplained wealth of Sandiganbayan Associate
Justice Roland B. Jurado and Clerk of Court IV Mona Lisa A. Buencamino, Metropolitan Trial Court,
Caloocan City
A.M. OCA IPI No. 10-21-SB-J. April 4, 2017
 (VINLUAN) Roger Rapsing Vs. Judge Caridad M. Walse-Lutero and Celestina D. Rota, A.M. No.
MTJ-17-1894. April 4, 2017
 (ABALOYAN) Re: Dropping from the rolls of Rowie A. Quimno, Utility Worker I, Municipal
Circuit Trial Court of Ipil -Tungawan - Roseller T. Lim, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, A.M. No. 17-03-33-MCTC.
April 17, 2017
 (DE LARA) Nenita De Guzman Ferguson Vs. Atty. Salvador P. Ramos, A.C. No. 9209. April 18,
2017
 (ARANETA) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Judge Justino G. Aventurado, A.M. No. RTJ-
09-2212. April 18, 2017
 (ATIENZA) Francis C. Arsenio Vs. Atty. Johan A. Tabuzo, A.C. No. 8658. April 24, 2017
 (BAGAIPO) Jocelyn Mclaren, et al. Vs. Honorable Jacinto C. Gonzales, Presiding Judge
Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2, Olongapo City, A.M. No. MTJ-16-1876. April 26, 2017
 (BANTILAN) Eleanor Olympia-Geronilla and Emma Olympia Gutierrez, represented by Atty.
Beatriz O. Geronilla-Villegas Vs. Ricardo V. Montemayor, Jr. and Atty. Luningning Centron, A.M. No. P-17-
3676. June 5, 2017
 (DIAMANTE) Re: Anonymous Letter Complaint Vs. Judge Divina T. Samson, etc., Compostela
Valley, and Utility Worker Francisco M. Roque, Jr., etc., A.M. No. MTJ-16-1870. June 6, 2017
 (EVAROLA) Virgilio J. Mapalad, Sr. Vs. Atty. Anselmo S. Echanez, A.C. No. 10911. June 6, 2017
 (FERNANDEZ) Sps. Edwin and Greta Chua Vs. SACP Teresa Belinda G. Tan-Sollano, et al.,
A.C. No. 11533. June 6, 2017
 (GUINDO) Maura Judaya and Ana Arevalo Vs. Ramiro F. Balbona, A.M. No. P-06-2279. June 6,
2017
 (JARANILLA) Re: letter of Lucena Ofenidoreyes alleging illicit activities of a certain Atty.
Cajayon involving cases in the Court of Appeals, Cagayan De Oro City/Re: Letter-complaint of Sylvia
Adante Charging Hon. Jane Aurora C. Lantion, Associate Justice, Court of Appeals, Cagayan De Oro City,
and Atty. Dorothy Cajayon with "Systematic Practices of Corruption", A.M. No. 16-12-03-CA/IPI No. 17-248-
CA-J. June 6, 2017
 (SEGISMUNDO) PO1 Myra S. Marcelo Vs. Judge Ignacio C. Barcillano, A.M. No. RTJ-16-2450.
June 7, 2017
 (JUBIAR) Security and Sheriff Division, Sandiganbayan Vs. Ronald Allan Gole R. Cruz, A.M. No.
SB-17-24-P. June 11, 2017
 (MARCELO) Romulo De Mesa Festin Vs. Atty. Rolando V. Zubiri, A.C. No. 11600. June 19, 2017
 (PAGHARION) Oscar C. Rizalado Vs. Presiding Judge Gil G. Bollozos/Re: Letter-complaint
dated June 27, 2011 of Oscar C. Rizalado against Judge Gil Bollozos, Regional Trial Court, Branch 21,
Cagayan De Oro City, relative to G.R. No. 188427 (Cynthia G. Espano, et al. Vs. Dr. Othello C. Guzman, et
al.)/Othello C. Guzman, et al. Vs. Presiding Judge Gil. G. Bollozos/Oscar C. Rizalado Vs. Presiding Judge
Gil G. Bollozos, OCA IPI No. 11-3800-RTJ/OCA IPI No. 12-3867-RTJ/OCA IPI No. 12-3897-RTJ/OCA IPI No. 13-
4070-RTJ. June 19, 2017
 (QUERUBIN) Judge Celso O. Baguio Vs. Jocelyn P. Lacuna, A.M. No. P-17-3709. June 19, 2017
 (TECSON) Anonymous Vs. Glenn L. Namol, et al., A.M. No. P-16-3614. June 20, 2017
 (VILLANUEVA) Arlene Villaflores-Puza Vs. Atty. Rolando B. Arellano, A.C. No. 11480. June 20,
2017
 (DE LARA) Atty. Prosencio D. Jaso Vs. Gloria L. Londres, A.M. No. P-16-3616. June 21, 2017
 (VINLUAN) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Atty. Jerome B. Bantiyan, A.M. No. P-15-3335.
June 28, 2017
 (ABALOYAN) Sps. Gerardo Montecillo and Dominga Salonoy Vs. Atty. Eduardo Z. Gatchalian,
A.C. No. 8371. June 28, 2017
 (ARANETA) Gregorio V. Capinpin, Jr. Vs. Atty. Estanislao L. Cesa, Jr., A.C. No. 6933. July 5,
2017
 (ATIENZA) Filipinas O. Celedonio Vs. Atty. Jaime F. Estrabillo, A.C. No. 10553. July 5, 2017
 (BAGAIPO) Emma G. Alfelor Vs. Hon. Augustus C. Diaz, A.M. No. MTJ-16-1883. July 11, 2017
 (BANTILAN) Re: in the matter of the petition for reinstatement of Rolando S. Torres as a
member of the Philippine Bar, A.C. No. 5161. July 11, 2017
 (DIAMANTE) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Presiding Judge Bill D. Buyucan and Clerk
of Court Gerard N. Lindawan, A.M. No. MTJ-15-1854. July 11, 2017
 (EVAROLA) Re: letter of Rafael Dimaano Requesting Investigation of the Alleged Illegal
Activities Purportedly Perpetrated by Associate Justice Jane Aurora C. Lantion of the Court of Appeals,
Cagayan De Oro City, and a certain Atty. Dorothy S. Cajayon of Zamboanga City/Re: Unsworn complaint of
Rosa Abdulharan Against Associate Justice Jane Aurora C. Lantion of the Court of Appeals, Cagayan De
Oro City, and a certain Atty. Dorothy S. Cajayon of Zamboanga City, A.M. No. 17-03-03-CA/IPI No. 17-258-CA-
J. July 11, 2017
 (FERNANDEZ) The Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Elizabeth R. Tengco/Judge Elpidio R.
Calis Vs. Elizabeth R. Tengco/The Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Elizabeth R. Tengco, A.M. No. P-06-
2253/A.M. No. P-07-2360/A.M. No. P-13-3157. July 12, 2017
 (SEGISMUNDO) Sps. Geraldy and Lilibeth Victory Vs. Atty. Marian Jo S. Mercado, A.C. No.
10580. July 12, 2017
 (GUINDO) Jocelyn Ignacio Vs. Atty. Daniel T. Alviar, A.C. No. 11482. July 17, 2017
 (JARANILLA) Dr. Eduardo R. Alicias, Jr. Vs. Atty. Vivencio S. Baclig, A.C. No. 9919. July 19, 2017
 (JUBIAR) Paces Industrial Corporation Vs. Atty. Edgardo M. Salandanan, A.C. No. 1346. July 25,
2017
 (MARCELO) Anonymous Complaint Vs. Presiding Judge Exequil L. Dagala, etc., A.M. No. MTJ-
16-1886. July 25, 2017; Concurring and Dissenting Opinion - J. Leonen
 (PAGHARION) Spouses Felix and Fe Navarro Vs. Atty. Margarito G. Ygona, A.C. No. 8450. July
26, 2017
 (QUERUBIN) Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Retired Judge Pablo R. Chavez, et al./Re:
Undated anonymous letter complaint against the Presiding Judge, Clerk of Court and Court Stenographer
of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 87, Rosario, Batangas, A.M. RTJ-10-2219/A.M. No. 12-7-130-RTC. August
1, 2017; Separate Opinion - J. Velasco, Jr.
 (DE LARA) Jean Marie S. Boers Vs. Atty. Romeo Calubaquib, A.C. No. 10562. August 1, 2017
 (TECSON) Ariel G. Palacios, for and in behalf of the AFP Retirement and Separation Benefits
System (AFP-RSBS) Vs. Atty. Bienvenido Braulio M. Amora, Jr., A.C. No. 11504. August 1, 2017
 (VILLANUEVA)Office of the Court Administrator Vs. Eduardo T. Umblas and Att. Rizalina G.
Baltazar-Aquino, A.M. No. P-09-2649. August 1, 2017; Dissenting Opinion - C.J. Sereno, J. Caguioa
 (VINLUAN) Arnel Mendoza Vs. Hon. Marcos C. Diasen, Jr., A.M. No. MTJ-17-1900. August 9, 2017
 (ABALOYAN) Laurence D. Punla and Marilyn Santos Vs. Atty. Eleonor Maravilla-Ona, A.C. No.
11149. August 15, 2017; Separate Opinion - J. Leonen
 (ARANETA) Rafael Padilla Vs. Atty. Glenn Samson, A.C. No. 10253. August 22, 2017
 (ATIENZA) Judge Ramon V. Efondo, Municipal Trial Court of Goa, Camarines Sur Vs. Eden D.
Favorito, Clerk of Court II, Municipal Trial Court, Goa, Camarines Sur/Office of the Court Administrator Vs.
Eden D. Favorito, Clerk of Court II, Municipal Trial Court, Goa, Camarines Sur, OCA IPI No. 10-3423-P/A.M.
No. P-11-2889. August 22, 2017
 (BAGAIPO) Lito V. Buenviaje Vs. Atty. Melchor G. Magdamo, A.C. No. 11616. August 23, 2017
 (BANTILAN) Atty. Plaridel C. Nava II Vs. Prosecutor Ofelia M. D. Artuz/Att. Plaridel C. Nava II Vs.
Judge Ofelia M.D. Artuz, etc., A.C. No. 7253/A.M. No. MTJ-08-1717. August 29, 2017
 (DIAMANTE) Cesar O. Sta. Ana, et al. Vs. Atty. Antonio Jose F. Cortes, A.C. No. 6980. August 30,
2017
 (SEGISMUNDO) Ms. Florita Palma and Ms. Filipina Mercado Vs. Judge George E. Omelio, et
al., A.M. No. RTJ-10-2223. August 30, 2017
 (EVAROLA) Edigardo V. Bondoc Vs. Atty. Olimpio R. Datu, A.C. No. 8903. August 30, 2017
 (FERNANDEZ) Atty. Pablo B. Magno Vs. Judge Jorge Emmanuel M. Lorredo, A.M. No. MTJ-17-
1905. August 30, 2017
 (GUINDO) Hon. Maria Cristina C. Botigan-Santos Vs. Leticia C. Gener, A.M. No. P-16-3521.
September 4, 2017
 (JARANILLA) Lolita R. Martin Vs. Atty. Jesus M. Dela Cruz, A.C. No. 9832. September 4, 2017
 (JUBIAR) Sps. Andre Chambon and Maria Fatima Chambon Vs. Atty. Christopher S. Ruiz, A.C.
No. 11478. September 5, 2017
 (MARCELO) Re: Report on the Preliminary Results of the Spot Audit in the Regional Trial
Court, Branch 170, Malabon City, A.M. No. 16-05-142-RTC. September 5, 2017; Dissenting Opinion - J. Peralta
 (DE LARA) Atty. Melita S. Recto-Sambajon Vs. Public Attorney's Office, G.R. No. 197745.
September 6, 2017
 (PAGHARION) Ma. Asuncion SJ. Samonte Vs. Rey P. Roden, A.M. No. P-13-3170. September 18,
2017
 (QUERUBIN) Re: Request for Survivorship Pension Benefits of Spouses of Justices and
Judges Who Died Prior to the Effectivity of Republic Act No. 9946, A.M. No. 17-08-01-SC. September 19, 2017
 (TECSON) Ma. Vilma F. Maniquez Vs. Atty. Danilo C. Emelo, A.C. No. 8968. September 26, 2017
 (VILLANUEVA) Susan Basiyo & Andrew William Simmons Vs. Atty. Joselito C. Alisuag, A.C.
No. 11543. Sept 26, 2017
 (VINLUAN) Maria Magdalena R. Joven, et al. Vs. Lourdes G. Caoili, A.M. No. P-17-3754.
September 26, 2017
 (ABALOYAN) Luzviminda S. Cerilla Vs. Atty. Samuel SM. Lezama, A.C. No. 11483. October 3,
2017
 (ARANETA) Re: Anonymous Complaints against Hon. Dinah Evangeline B. Bandong, former
Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 59, Lucena City, Quezon Province, A.M. No. RTJ-17-2507.
October 9, 2017
 (ATIENZA) Judge Lita S. Tolentino-Genilo Vs. Rolando S. Pineda, A.M. No. P-17-3756. October
10, 2017