Case Digest (A.C. No. 10676)
Facts:
In Atty. Roy B. Ecraela vs. Atty. Ian Raymond A. Pangalangan (A.C. No. 10676, September 8, 2015), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Commission on Bar Discipline (IBP-CBD) docketed CBD Case No. 07-1973 upon a petition filed on April 12, 2007 by complainant Atty. Roy B. Ecraela against respondent Atty. Ian Raymond A. Pangalangan. Both lawyers graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1990 and were admitted to the Bar in 1991. Complainant alleged that, while married to Sheila P. Jardiolin and having three children, respondent engaged in serial adulterous relationships with several women from 1990 to 2007, using deceit by representing himself as a bachelor. Beyond his illicit affairs with women identified only by initials (AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD, EEE), respondent was accused of conspiring with opposing counsel in a Manila International Airport Authority case, attempting to bribe a Solicitor General, and receiving a Toyota Corolla as reward. A Senate inquiryCase Digest (A.C. No. 10676)
Facts:
- Background of Parties
- Atty. Roy B. Ecraela (Complainant) and Atty. Ian Raymond A. Pangalangan (Respondent) were classmates at UP College of Law (1990) and admitted to the Bar in 1991. Both registered with IBP–Quezon City.
- Respondent was married to Sheila P. Jardiolin, with whom he had three children, but allegedly carried on multiple illicit affairs from 1990 to 2007.
- Illicit Relations
- Affairs alleged with five women (identified as AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD, EEE) while still married, including:
- AAA (1990–1992) – spouse of a UP Law colleague.
- BBB (c. 1992–1996).
- CCC (c. 1996–2007) – concurrently involved with DDD.
- DDD (c. 2000–2002).
- EEE (May 2004 onward).
- Alleged deceit: Respondent represented himself as single to CCC and DDD to induce romantic relations.
- Alleged Corrupt Acts in Government Service
- As counsel for MIAA in OGCC, he allegedly conspired with KDC’s counsel to sabotage government’s case and received a Toyota Corolla (plate ULS-835) as reward.
- Subject of a Senate Blue Ribbon/Justice & Human Rights Committee inquiry (Senate Report No. 367), recommending Ombudsman investigation for graft (RA 3019) and potential disbarment.
- Ombudsman found probable cause; Information filed with Sandiganbayan for violation of RA 3019.
- Abuse of Authority as Educator
- At Manuel L. Quezon University, San Sebastian College, College of St. Benilde, and Maryknoll College, allegedly induced male students into “nocturnal preoccupations” and entertained advances of female students in exchange for passing grades.
- IBP-CBD Proceedings
- Petition for Disbarment filed April 12, 2007 (CBD Case No. 07-1973). Respondent filed an Answer but made no specific factual denials, challenged admissibility of evidence.
- Mandatory conference and hearings scheduled August–September 2007; respondent repeatedly sought postponements and failed to attend. Subpoenas issued; complainant’s witnesses (including ASG Miranda, Atty. Litong, Atty. Corpus) testified to illicit affairs and document authenticity.
- IBP-CBD Investigating Commissioner Villadolid issued Report (2008), finding gross misconduct and recommending two-year suspension.
- IBP Board of Governors (March 20, 2013) modified recommendation and ordered respondent’s disbarment; motions for reconsideration were denied. Records forwarded to Supreme Court November 11, 2014.
Issues:
- Whether Respondent committed gross immoral conduct in violation of the Lawyer’s Oath, the 1987 Constitution (Art. XV, §2), and the Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting his disbarment.
- Whether Respondent’s deceit and procedural maneuvers before IBP-CBD violated Canon 10 (candor and fairness to the court).
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)