Facts:

• Carmelita I. Zaguirre filed a disbarment petition against Atty. Alfredo Castillo.
• The Supreme Court of the Philippines decided the case on March 6, 2003.
• Zaguirre and Castillo were officemates at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in 1996.
• Castillo courted Zaguirre, falsely claiming to be single, and they had an intimate relationship until 1997.
• Castillo passed the bar examinations and was admitted to the Philippine Bar on May 10, 1997.
• Zaguirre discovered Castillo was married when his wife confronted her in May 1997.
• After Zaguirre became pregnant, Castillo executed an affidavit acknowledging their relationship and the unborn child.
• Following the birth of their daughter, Aletha Jessa, on December 9, 1997, Castillo refused to recognize the child or provide support.
• Castillo denied the relationship, claiming it was based on mutual lust and asserting that Zaguirre was aware of his marital status.
• The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) found Castillo guilty of gross immoral conduct and recommended indefinite suspension.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court found Atty. Alfredo Castillo guilty of gross immoral conduct.
• Castillo was ordered to undergo indefinite suspension from the practice of law.
• The suspension will continue until Castillo can prove to the court...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court's decision was based on the Code of Professional Responsibility, which prohibits immoral or deceitful conduct by lawyers.
• Castillo's extramarital affair and denial of responsibility for his child were deemed grossly immoral, undermining the integrity of the legal profession.
• The Court emphasized that immorality must shock the community's sense of decency, and Castillo's actions fell short of expected standards.
• The Court re...continue reading