Facts:

• BSA Tower Condominium Corporation filed a disbarment complaint against Atty. Alberto Celestino B. Reyes II.
• The complaint originated when BSA Tower engaged Reyes in November 2005 to address real estate tax issues with the City of Makati.
• Between December 2006 and January 2007, Reyes received P25 million from BSA Tower for legitimate professional expenses but only accounted for P5 million.
• On June 22, 2011, Reyes represented Marietta K. Ilusorio in a civil case against BSA Tower concerning a reimbursement claim of P500,000.
• During the proceedings, Reyes testified against BSA Tower and acknowledged his position as Corporate Secretary at the time of the alleged advances.
• BSA Tower filed a motion to expunge Reyes's testimony, citing a conflict of interest under Rules 15.03 and 21.02 of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR).
• Reyes denied the allegations, asserting a valid fee agreement with BSA Tower and no objection to his representation of Ilusorio.
• The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) initially recommended dismissing the complaint, a decision later upheld by the IBP Board of Governors.
• BSA Tower's motion for reconsideration was denied, prompting the escalation of the case to the Supreme Court.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court dismissed the disbarment complaint against Atty. Alberto Celestino B. Reyes II due to lack of merit.
• The Court upheld the IBP's findings, concluding that BSA Towe...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court highlighted that the burden of proof in administrative proceedings rests with the complainant, necessitating substantial evidence for claims.
• BSA Tower's allegations of Reyes's misappropriation of funds were contradicted by a ruling from the Makati Regional Trial Court, which found BSA Tower liable to pay Reyes for his services.
• The Court determined that Reyes's representation of Ilusorio did not c...continue reading