Case Summary (A.C. No. 13132)

Background of the Case

• Complainant Teodora Altobano-Ruiz filed a complaint against Attys. Wilfredo A. Ruiz, Cherry Anne Dela Cruz, and Francisco S. Benedicto III for disbarment.
• Allegations included violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR), specifically multiple canons and rules.
• The complaint stemmed from a series of synchronized acts of harassment against the complainant, primarily by Atty. Ruiz, her estranged husband.

Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

• On June 4, 2008, Teodora filed a case against Atty. Ruiz under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262).
• The Regional Trial Court granted a Permanent Protection Order on September 10, 2008, prohibiting Atty. Ruiz from committing acts of violence and requiring him to provide support to Teodora and their children.
• Despite the court's ruling, Atty. Ruiz failed to comply with the support order, leading to further legal actions.

Attempts to Evade Support Obligations

• Atty. Ruiz executed a Memorandum of Agreement with his mistress, Radelia C. Sy, to conceal his assets and evade support obligations.
• The agreement included provisions that excluded their son, Leri Jarren, from receiving financial support.
• Teodora alleged that Atty. Ruiz's actions constituted economic abuse and defiance of court orders.

Role of Respondent Attys. Dela Cruz and Benedicto

• Atty. Dela Cruz, Teodora's former counsel, was accused of colluding with Atty. Ruiz to delay the enforcement of the PPO.
• Atty. Benedicto represented Atty. Ruiz in the nullity of marriage case and was implicated in the alleged conspiracy against Teodora.
• Both attorneys denied the allegations, asserting that they acted within the bounds of their professional duties.

Findings of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)

• The IBP Investigating Commissioner recommended disbarment for Atty. Ruiz due to his refusal to comply with court orders and his dishonest conduct.
• The complaint against Attys. Dela Cruz and Benedicto was dismissed for lack of merit, as they were found to have acted appropriately in their respective roles.

Court's Ruling on Atty. Ruiz

• The court affirmed the findings of the IBP, emphasizing Atty. Ruiz's multiple violations of the CPR, including economic abuse and misuse of court processes.
• Atty. Ruiz's actions were deemed to reflect a lack of moral character and fitness to practice law.
• The court ultimately imposed the penalty of disbarment, citing the severity of his misconduct and the need to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

Dismissal of Charges Against Attys. Dela Cruz and Benedicto

• The court found no substantial evidence of conspiracy or misconduct by Attys. Dela Cruz and Benedicto.
• Their actions were characterized as fulfilling their professional responsibilities, and they wer...continue reading

Case Syllabus (A.C. No. 13132)

Antecedents

• Complainant Teodora Altobano-Ruiz filed a complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) against respondents Attys. Wilfredo A. Ruiz, Cherry Anne Dela Cruz, and Francisco S. Benedicto III, seeking disbarment.
• The complaint alleged violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR), including various canons and rules pertaining to ethical conduct for attorneys.
• The basis of the complaint was a series of synchronized acts of harassment against the complainant stemming from a domestic violence case against Atty. Ruiz.

Background of the Case

• On June 4, 2008, complainant filed a case against her husband, Atty. Ruiz, citing violations of Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) and requested a Permanent Protection Order (PPO).
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruled in her favor on September 10, 2008, granting the PPO, which included several prohibitions and orders for support.
• Despite the order, Atty. Ruiz failed to provide financial support, leading the complainant to seek enforcement through a writ of execution issued by the court in 2015.

Allegations Against Respondents

• Atty. Ruiz was alleged to have executed a Memorandum of Agreement with his mistress to conceal his assets and evade his obligations under the PPO.
• Atty. Dela Cruz, who represented...continue reading