Suspension of Atty. Enrique C. Villanueva from the practice of law

August 4, 1988

SUPREME COURT CIRCULAR NO. 13-88

 

For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder is the disposition portion of the DECISION of the Court En Banc, promulgated on July 29, 1988, in ADMINISTRATIVE CASE NO. 1892, entitled "Atty. Luis V. Artiaga, Jr. vs. Atty. Enrique C. Villanueva", suspending respondent from the practice of law, to wit:

"The practice of law is a privilege accorded only to those who measure up to certain standards of mental and moral fitness. For a counsel who has been sworn to assist in the administration of justice and to uphold the rule of law, respondent has miserably failed to live up to the standards expected of a member of the Bar. Instead of assisting in the speedy disposition of cases, he made a mockery of our system of justice, thus deserving to be censured and penalized by the Court. No doubt, respondent is guilty of gross misconduct in office.

"WHEREFORE, the respondent is hereby SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY from the practice of law from date of notice until such time that he can demonstrate to the court that he has rehabilitated himself and deserves to resume the practice of law. Let this decision be noted in the bar records of respondent.

"SO ORDERED". cd

Manila, August 4, 1988.

(SGD.) MAXIMO A. MACEREN Court Administrator