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ISIDRA BARRIENTOS v. ATTY. ELERIZZA A. LIBIRAN-METEORO

This case has been cited 5 times or more.

	AC. No. 7505 2008-10-24	WALTER WILKIE v. ATTY. SINAMAR E. LIMOS LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J.
In Barrientos v. Libiran-Meteoro,[16] we held that:x x x [the] deliberate failure to pay just debts and the issuance of worthless checks constitute gross misconduct, for which a lawyer may be sanctioned with suspension from the practice of law. Lawyers are instruments for the administration of justice and vanguards of our legal system. They are expected to maintain not only legal proficiency but also a high standard of morality, honesty, integrity and fair dealing so that the people's faith and confidence in the judicial system is ensured. They must at all times faithfully perform their duties to society, to the bar, the courts and to their clients, which include prompt payment of financial obligations. They must conduct themselves in a manner that reflect the values and norms of the legal profession as embodied in the Code of Professional Responsibility. Canon 1 and Rule 1.01 of which explicitly states:
	AC. No. 7494 2008-06-27	WILSON CHAM v. ATTY. EVA PAITA-MOYA CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
Any gross misconduct of a lawyer in his or her professional or private capacity is a ground for the imposition of the penalty of suspension or disbarment because good character is an essential qualification for the admission to the practice of law and for the continuance of such privilege.[20] The Court has held that the deliberate failure to pay just debts and the issuance of worthless checks constitute gross misconduct,[21] for which a lawyer may be sanctioned with one year's suspension from the practice of law,[22] or a suspension of six months upon partial payment of the obligation.[23]
	AC. No. 7434 2007-08-23	SPS. AMADOR AND ROSITA TEJADA v. ATTY. ANTONIUTTI K. PALAÑA VELASCO, JR., J.
With respect to the recommendation to suspend respondent Palaña for three (3) months, we find that the sanction is not commensurate to the breach committed and disrespect to the Court exhibited by the erring member of the bar. We increase the suspension to six (6) months in view of our ruling in Barrientos v. Libiran-Meteoro.[11]
	AC. No. 5454 2004-11-23	CARMELINA Y. RANGWANI v. ATTY. RAMON S. DIÑO CHICO-NAZARIO, J.
Finally, in the most recent case of Isidra Barrientos, et al. v. Atty. Elerizza A. Libiran-Meteoro,[42] this Court imposed upon respondent Atty. Elerizza Libiran-Meteoro the penalty of suspension for six (6) months for having issued several checks to the complainants in payment of a pre-existing debt without sufficient funds -
	AC. No. 4585 2004-11-12	MICHAEL P. BARRIOS v. ATTY. FRANCISCO P. MARTINEZ PER CURIAM
In the recent case of Barrientos v. Libiran-Meteoro,[29] we stated that:(T)he issuance of checks which were later dishonored for having been drawn against a closed account indicates a lawyer's unfitness for the trust and confidence reposed on her. It shows a lack of personal honesty and good moral character as to render her unworthy of public confidence. [Cuizon v. Macalino, A.C. No. 4334, 07 July 2004] The issuance of a series of worthless checks also shows the remorseless attitude of respondent, unmindful to the deleterious effects of such act to the public interest and public order. [Lao v. Medel, 405 SCRA 227] It also manifests a lawyer's low regard for her commitment to the oath she has taken when she joined her peers, seriously and irreparably tarnishing the image of the profession she should hold in high esteem. [Sanchez v. Somoso, A.C. No. 6061, 03 October 2003]