(Eagle News) — The Supreme Court has suspended a lawyer for what it said were his “underhanded tactics” against former Presidential Spokesperson and now-senatorial candidate Harry Roque.
In a seven-page decision penned by Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, the SC imposed the two-year suspension on Atty. Rizal P. Balbin after he was found guilty of violating several canons and rule 19.01 of the Code of Professional Responsibility when he threatened to file baseless and administrative and criminal complaints against Roque, who had secured judgment against Balbin’s client.
In his verified complaint-affidavit filed against Balbin in 2006, Roque said the lawyer made various telephone calls and sent text messages and electronic mails to him and to his friends and other clients, threatening to file disbarment and criminal cases against him.
He said Balbin also threatened to publicize the suits.
In imposing the two-year suspension, the SC effectively increased the one-year suspension initially recommended by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, after it found Balbin administratively liable following an investigation.
The IBP also gave Balbin a warning.
According to the SC, Balbin’s administrative liability was aggravated when he moved for extension of the time within which to file his comment to Roque’s complaint but did not do the same.
The SC said this prompted it to repeatedly fine him and order his arrest.
“Such audacity” not only caused undue delay in the resolution of the administrative case but was in violation of Canon 11, Canon 12, Rule 12.03, and Rule 12.04 of the CPR mandating respect for the courts and compliance with judicial orders, among others, the SC said.