Facts:

• Complainant Selwyn F. Lao filed an administrative complaint against Atty. Robert W. Medel.
• The complaint cited dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct unbecoming of an attorney.
• Medel refused to honor four RCBC checks totaling PHP 22,000, issued as payment for a loan from Lao.
• Despite multiple promises to settle his debt, Medel failed to do so.
• The case was initially filed with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Commission on Bar Discipline (IBP-CBD).
• During proceedings, Medel acknowledged his debt and committed to pay PHP 42,000 (including attorney's fees), but failed to comply.
• Medel's conduct during hearings, including abruptly leaving a scheduled hearing, showed disregard for the proceedings and his obligations.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The issuance of worthless checks and failure to pay debts constitute gross misconduct warranting disciplinary action against a lawyer.
• A lawyer can be disciplined for misconduct in their private capacity if it shows them...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court held that deliberately failing to pay just debts and issuing worthless checks constitute gross misconduct.
• Membership in the legal profession demands a high degree of good moral character, both for admission and as a continuing requirement.
• Medel's failure to honor financial commitments and disrespectful behavior during IBP-CBD hearings fell short of the standards expected of a lawyer.
• Lawyers must maintain legal proficiency and a high sta...continue reading