Facts:

• The case involves a disciplinary action against Atty. Michael M. Cabugoy, filed by officers, stockholders, and employees of Radial Golden Marine Services Corporation, represented by Eugene R. Avenido.
• The complaint, dated January 12, 2011, accused Atty. Cabugoy of gross misconduct and ignorance of the law.
• During the annual general meeting of Radial Golden Marine Services Corporation, Atty. Cabugoy, along with Sheila Masacote and Virgilo Anuevo, entered the office premises claiming to be stockholders.
• They insisted on attending the stockholders' meeting and participating in the election despite not being stockholders.
• Atty. Cabugoy ordered the meeting to be stopped and declared the proceedings illegal, causing disruption.
• The Supreme Court required Atty. Cabugoy to comment on the allegations on February 7, 2011, and later issued another resolution on August 31, 2011, due to his non-compliance.
• The resolution was resent on September 7, 2016, and received by Atty. Cabugoy on November 28, 2016, but he still did not comply.
• The case was referred to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for investigation, report, and recommendation.
• The IBP-Commission on Bar Discipline (IBP-CBD) issued a Notice of Mandatory Conference for October 23, 2017, but neither party appeared or submitted mandatory conference briefs.
• The IBP-CBD recommended a suspension of one year and six months for Atty. Cabugoy, later modified by the IBP Board of Governors to a one-year suspension and a fine of P15,000.00 for ignoring IBP directives.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

1. The Court found that the allegations of gross misconduct and ignorance of the law against Atty. Cabugoy were not substantiated by clear and convincing evidence due to the complainants' failure to attend hearings and submit required documents.
2. The Court ruled that Atty. Cabugoy's non-compliance with the Court's and IBP's directives warranted disciplinary action...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court emphasized that in administrative proceedings, the complainant bears the burden of proving allegations by substantial evidence.
• The failure of the complainants to provide clear and convincing evidence, attend hearings, and submit position papers would typically result in the dismissal of the complaint.
• However, the Court could not overlook Atty. Cabugoy's nonchalant attitude towards complying with the Court's and IBP's directives.
• His repeat...continue reading