Case Summary (G.R. No. 186571)
Nature of the Complaint
The complaint against Attorney Grecia centers on charges of dishonesty and grave misconduct following his alleged theft of two pages from a medical chart while representing his clients in a damage suit against the doctors and St. Luke's Medical Center. The court's focus in disciplinary actions is to determine whether the attorney remains fit to practice law, protecting public interest and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
Background of Respondent's History
Respondent Grecia had a prior record with the court, having been disbarred in 1987 for participating in unethical activities involving corruption with a judge. Although he was reinstated in 1990 after pledging to amend his conduct, he faced new allegations less than a year later. This history raised significant concerns about his moral character and fitness to practice law.
Details of the Medical Malpractice Case
The case arose from the tragic death of Fe Linda Aves, who died shortly after being admitted to St. Luke's for pregnancy-related complications. Following her death, her husband, Attorney Damaso Aves, sought damages against the hospital and the attending physicians, with Grecia representing him. This court case became pivotal in the subsequent disbarment proceedings.
The Incident of Theft
On July 16, 1991, during a court session, Grecia was observed tearing out pages from the medical records of his client, an act witnessed by court personnel who promptly reported the incident to Judge Teresita Dizon-Capulong. Following the act, Grecia allegedly passed the stolen pages to an unidentified man, which initiated a series of investigations to ascertain the identity of this individual.
Legal Investigations and Testimonies
The court conducted an investigation led by Deputy Court Administrator Juanito A. Bernad, where various personnel, including Acting Branch Clerk Avelina Robles and court clerk Maria Arnie Sandico, testified against Grecia. Their reports were found credible, noting disbelief in the respondent's attempts to fabricate a defense, as they clearly observed his act of theft.
Evaluation of Evidence and Witness Credibility
Judge Bernad's findings favored the testimonies of court personnel over that of Attorney Grecia, concluding no substantial evidence supported Grecia's claims of innocence. The judge emphasized the credibility of the witnesses who faced pressure and yet remained consistent in their accounts. In contrast, Grecia was found to show inconsistencies in his recollection and failed to provide a convincing narrative regarding the allegations against him.
Conclusion and Court's Ruling
Ultimately, the cou
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 186571)
Case Overview
- Disbarment complaint filed on August 20, 1991, against Attorney Benjamin M. Grecia by Doctors Alberto Fernandez, Isabelo Ongtengco, Achilles Bartolome, and St. Luke's Medical Center.
- Charges: dishonesty and grave misconduct related to the theft of two pages from a medical chart, which were crucial evidence in a damage suit against the complainants.
- The case raises questions of public interest and the fitness of an attorney to continue practicing law.
Background of the Respondent
- Benjamin M. Grecia has a prior history of disciplinary actions; previously disbarred on November 12, 1987, for immoral conduct and reinstated on December 18, 1990, after promising to reform.
- Just eight months following his reinstatement, he faced new allegations of dishonesty and unethical practice.
Incident Details
- The case revolves around the medical records of Fe Linda Aves, who was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital on December 20, 1990, and subsequently died on December 27, 1990.
- Her husband, Attorney Damaso Aves, filed a suit for damages against St. Luke's and the doctors, with Grecia as their counsel.
- On July 16, 1991, Grecia borrowed medical records from Acting Branch Clerk Avelina Robles and was observed te