EN BANC
[A.C. No. 4500. September 9, 2014.]
BAN HUA U. FLORES, petitioner, vs. ENRIQUE S. CHUA, respondent.
NOTICE
Sirs/Mesdames :
Please take notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, which reads as follows:
"A.C. No. 4500 (Ban Hua U. Flores vs. Enrique S. Chua). — In her letters dated August 22, 2012 and January 24, 2013, the complainant alleges that respondent continues in the practice of law in circumvention of and despite his disbarment. Complainant claims that respondent misrepresented himself as an "Atty." in the wedding invitation of his son, and a signboard hanging outside the respondent's office display the title "Attorney-at-Law" under respondent's name. Lastly, complainant informs the Court that she had received reports that respondent continues in the practice of law by making other lawyers sign the pleadings that he prepares for cases involving his clients.
In his Comments dated December 21, 2012 and December 13, 2013, on the other hand, respondent maintains that he had no hand in the preparation of his son's wedding invitation, and that the signboard bearing his name and the title "Attorney-at-Law" outside his office had been put up long before his disbarment, not immediately or shortly thereafter. Respondent also strikes down the complainant's allegations regarding his continuous practice of law as unfounded and a simple "vexation to the spirits." SDITAC
On this matter, the Court is of the view that the title "Atty." preceding respondent's name in his son's wedding invitation, and the signboard outside his office bearing his name and the words "Attorney-at-Law" are not evidence sufficient to convince this Court that respondent continues in the practice of law, in violation of this Court's Decision dated April 30, 1999 that ordered his disbarment. Neither is the Court swayed by the complainant's allegations of respondent's continuous practice of law based on mere "reports." Without more, these reports are pure hearsay and are without evidentiary value.
Nonetheless, respondent is hereby ORDERED to remove the signboard outside his office showing his name and the words "Attorney-at-Law," and to refrain from doing any act which violates the April 30, 1999 Decision of this Court ordering his disbarment." Sereno, C.J. and Mendoza, J., on official leave. (adv12)
Very truly yours,
(SGD.) ENRIQUETA E. VIDALClerk of Court