Narag VS Narag PDF

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NaragvsNarag:AC3405:June29,1998:PerCuriam:EnBanc
ENBANC
[A.C.No.3405.June29,1998]
JULIETA B. NARAG, complainant, vs. ATTY. DOMINADOR M. NARAG,

respondent.
DECISION
PERCURIAM:
Good moral character is a continuing qualification required of every member of the bar.
Thus,whenalawyerfailstomeettheexactingstandardofmoralintegrity,theSupremeCourt
maywithdrawhisorherprivilegetopracticelaw.
On November 13, 1989, Mrs. Julieta B. Narag filed an administrative complaint[1] for
disbarment against her husband, Atty. Dominador M. Narag, whom she accused of having
violatedCanons1and6,Rule1.01oftheCodeofEthicsforLawyers.[2]
Thecomplainantnarrated:
TheSt.LouisCollegeofTuguegaraoengagedtheservicesofAtty.DominadorM.Narag
intheearlyseventiesasafulltimecollegeinstructorintheCollegeofArtsandSciences
andasaprofessorintheGraduateSchool.In1984,Ms.GinaEspita,17yearsoldanda
firstyearcollegestudent,enrolledinsubjectshandledbyAtty.Narag.Exertinghis
influenceasherteacher,andasaprominentmemberofthelegalprofessionandthen
memberoftheSangguniangBayanofTuguegarao,Atty.NaragcourtedMs.Espita,
graduallylesseningherresistanceuntilthestudentaccededtohiswishes.
Theythenmaintainedanillicitrelationshipknowninvariouscirclesinthecommunity,but
whichtheymanagedtokeepfromme.Itthereforecameasaterribleembar[r]assmentto
me,withunspeakablegriefandpainwhenmyhusbandabandonedus,hisfamily,tolive
withMs.Espita,inutterlyscandalouscircumstances.
ItappearsthatAtty.Naragusedhispowerandinfluenceasamemberofthe
SangguniangPanlalawiganofCagayantocausetheemploymentofMs.Espitaatthe
DepartmentofTradeandIndustryCentralOfficeatMakati,MetroManila.Outof
gratitudeperhaps,forthisgesture,Ms.EspitaagreedtolivewithAtty.Narag,hersense
ofright[e]ousnessandmoralscompletelycorruptedbyamemberoftheBar.
ItisnowacommonknowledgeinthecommunitythatAtty.DominadorM.Naraghas
abandonedus,hisfamily,tolivewitha22yearoldwoman,whowashisformerstudent
inthetertiarylevel[.][3]
ThisCourt,inaResolutiondatedDecember18,1989,referredthecasetotheIntegrated
BarofthePhilippines(IBP)forinvestigation,reportandrecommendation.[4]
On June 26, 1990, the office of then Chief Justice Marcelo B. Fernan received from
complainant another letter seeking the dismissal of the administrative complaint. She alleged
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/1998/jun1998/ac_3405.htm
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therein that (1) she fabricated the allegations in her complaint to humiliate and spite her
husband(2)allthelovelettersbetweentherespondentandGinaEspitawereforgeriesand
(3) she was suffering from emotional confusion arising from extreme jealousy. The truth, she
stated,wasthatherhusbandhadremainedafaithfulandresponsiblefamilyman.She further
asserted that he had neither entered into an amorous relationship with one Gina Espita nor
abandonedhisfamily.[5]SupportingherletterwereanAffidavitofDesistance[6]andaMotionto
Dismiss,[7] attached asAnnexesA and B, which she filed before the IBP commission on bar
discipline.[8]InaDecisiondatedOctober8,1991,theIBPBoardofGovernors [9]dismissedthe
complaintofMrs.Naragforfailuretoprosecute.[10]
The case took an unexpected turn when, on November 25, 1991, this Court[11] received
another letter[12] from the complainant, with her seven children[13] as cosignatories, again
appealingforthedisbarmentofherhusband.Sheexplainedthatshehadearlierdroppedthe
caseagainsthimbecauseofhiscontinuousthreatsagainsther.[14]
InhisCommentonthecomplainantsletterofNovember11,1991,filedincompliancewith
this Courts Resolution issued on July 6, 1992,[15] respondent prayed that the decision of the
BoardofGovernorsbeaffirmed.Denying that he had threatened, harassed or intimidated his
wife,heallegedthatshehadvoluntarilyexecutedherAffidavitofDesistance [16]andMotionto
Dismiss,[17] even appearing before the investigating officer, Commissioner Racela, to testify
underoaththatshepreparedtheMotiontoDismissandAffidavitofDesistanceonherownfree
willandaffirmedthecontentsthereof.
Inaddition,heprofessedhisloveforhiswifeandhischildrenanddeniedabandoninghis
family to live with his paramour. However, he described his wife as a person emotionally
disturbed,viz.:
WhatispitiablehereisthefactthatComplainantisanincurablyjealousandpossessive
woman,andeverytimethestreakofjealousyrearsitshead,shefiresofflettersor
complaintsagainstherhusbandineveryconceivableforum,allwithoutbasis,and
purelyonimpulse,justtosatisfytheconsumingdemandsofherlovingjealousy.Then,
asishernature,afewhoursafterwards,whenherjealousycoolsoff,sherepentsand
feelssorryforheractsagainsttheRespondent.Thus,whenshewrotetheLetterof
November11,1991,shewastheninthegripsofoneofherboutsofjealousy.[18]
On August 24, 1992, this Court issued another Resolution referring the Comment of
respondenttotheIBP.[19]InthehearingbeforeIBPCommissionerPlaridelC.Jose,respondent
allegedthefollowing:[20]
2.YourRespondentcomesfromverypoorparentswhohavelefthimnotevenasquare
meterofland,butgavehimthebestlegacyinlife:apurposefulandmeaningful
education.Complainantcomesfromwhatsheclaimstobeveryrichparentswhovalue
materialpossessionmorethaneducationandthehigherandnobleraspirationsinlife.
Complainantabhorsthepoor.
3.YourRespondenthasalovingupbringing,nurturedinthegentlewaysoflove,
forgiveness,humility,andconcernforthepoor.Complainantwasrearedandraisedin
anentirelydifferentenvironment.Hervaluesystemistheveryopposite.
4.YourRespondentloveshisfamilyverydearly,andhasdoneallhecouldinthirtyeight
(38)yearsofmarriagetoprotectandpreservehisfamily.Hegavehisfamily
sustenance,acomfortablehome,love,education,companionship,andmostofall,a
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goodandrespectedname.Hewasalwaysgentleandcompassionatetohiswifeand
children.Eveninthemosttryingtimes,heremainedcalmandneverinflictedviolence
onthem.Hischildrenareallnowfullfledgedprofessionals,mature,andgainfully
employed.xxx
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YourRespondentsubscribestothesanctityofmarriageasasocialinstitution.
Ontheotherhand,consumedbyinsaneandunbearablejealousy,Complainanthas
beensystematicallyandunceasinglydestroyingtheveryfoundationsoftheirmarriage
andtheirfamily.TheirmarriagehasbecomeatorturechamberinwhichYour
RespondenthasbeenincessantlyBEATEN,BATTERED,BRUTALIZED,TORTURED,
ABUSED,andHUMILIATED,physically,mentally,andemotionally,bytheComplainant,
inpublicandathome.Theirmarriagehasbecomeanightmare.
Forthirtyeightyears,yourRespondentsufferedinsilenceandborethepainofhis
misfortunewithdignityandwithalmostinfinitepatience,ifonlytopreservetheirfamily
andtheirmarriage.Butthisisnottobe.TheComplainantnevermellowedandnever
becamegentl[e],loving,andunderstanding.Infact,shebecamemorefierceand
predatory.
Hence,atthispointintime,thelightatthetunnelforYourRespondentdoesnotseemin
sight.Thedarknesscontinuestoshroudthemaritalandfamiliallandscape.
YourRespondenthastoundergoacatharsis,aliberationfromenslavement.
ParaphrasingDorfmaninDeathandtheMaiden,canthetorturerandthetorturedco
existandlivetogether?
Hence,facedwithanabsolutelyuncomprehendinganduncompromisingmindwhose
onlyobsessionnowistodestroy,destroy,anddestroy,YourRespondent,withperpetual
regretandwithgreatsorrow,filedaPetitionforAnnulmentofMarriage,Spl.Proc.No.
566,RTC,BranchIII,Tuguegarao,Cagayan.xxx.
5.Complainantisaviolenthusbandbeater,vitriolicandunbending.Butyour
Respondentneverrevealedthesedestructivequalitiestootherpeople.Hepreserved
thegoodnameanddignityofhiswife.Thisisincompliancewiththemaritalvowtolove,
honororobeyyourspouse,forbetterorforworse,insicknessandinhealth...Evenin
thiscase,YourRespondentneverrevealedanythingderogatorytohiswife.Itisonly
nowthatheisconstrainedtorevealallthesethingstodefendhimself.
Ontheotherhand,fornoreasonatall,exceptajealousrage,Complainanttells
everyone,everywhere,thatherhusbandisworthless,goodfornothing,eviland
immoral.Shegoestocollegesanduniversities,professionalorganizations,religious
societies,andallothersectorsofthecommunitytotellthemhowevil,badandimmoral
herhusbandis.Shetellsthemnottohirehimasprofessor,asCounsel,oranyother
capacitybecauseherhusbandisevil,bad,andimmoral.Isthislove?Sincewhendid
lovebecomeaninstrumenttodestroyamansdearestpossessioninlifehisgood
name,reputationanddignity?
BecauseofComplainantsvirulentdisinformationcampaignagainstherhusband,
employingeveryunethicalandimmoralmeanstoattainhisends,YourRespondenthas
beenirreparablyandirreversiblydisgraced,shamed,andhumiliated.YourRespondent
isnotascandalousman.Itishewhohasbeenmercilesslyscandalizedandcrucifiedby
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theComplainant.[21]
Toprovetheallegedpropensityofhiswifetofilefalsecharges,respondentpresentedas
evidencethefollowinglistofthecomplaintsshehadfiledagainsthimandGinaEspita:
3.1ComplaintforImmorality/NeglectofDutyxxx
3.2ComplaintforImmorality/NeglectofDuty,DILG,Adm.CaseNo.P590.xxx
3.3ComplaintforConcubinage.ProvincialProsecutorsOfficeofCagayan.I.SNo.
89114.xxx
3.4ComplaintforAntiGraftandCorruptPracticesandconcubinage.OMBUDSMAN
CaseNo.1920083.xxx
3.5ComplaintforCivilSupport.RTC,Tuguegarao,CivilCaseNo.4061.
DISMISSED.
3.6ComplaintforConcubinage.ProvincialProsecutorsOfficeofCagayan.I.S.No.
92109.DISMISSED.(xxx).ComplainantfiledMotionforReconsideration.
DENIED.(xxx).
3.7ComplaintforDisbarment(xxx)withS[upreme]C[ourt].Withdrawn(xxx).
DISMISSEDbyIBPBoardofGovernors(xxx).Reinstituted(xxx).
3.8ComplaintforDisbarment,again(xxx).Adm.CaseNo.3405.Pending.
3.9ComplaintforConcubinage,again(xxx).ThirdMCTC,Tumauini,Isabela.
Pending.xxx[22]
Inhisdesperateefforttoexculpatehimself,heaverred:
I.Thatalltheallegedlovelettersandenvelopes(xxx),picture(xxx)are
inadmissibleinevidenceasenunciatedbytheSupremeCourtinCeciliaZuluetavs.
CourtofAppeals,et.al.,G.R.No.107383,February20,1996.(xxx).
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II.Thatrespondentistotallyinnocentofthecharges:HenevercourtedGinaEspita
intheSaintLouisCollegeofTuguegarao.Henevercausedtheemploymentofsaid
womanintheDTI.Heneverhadorishavinganyillicitrelationshipwithher
anywhere,atanytime.Heneverlivedwithherashusbandandwifeanywhereat
anytime,beitinCentroTumauinioranyofitsbarangays,orinanyotherplace.He
neverbegotachildorchildrenwithher.Finally,respondentsubmitsthatallthe
otherallegationsofMrs.Naragarefalseandfabricated,xxx
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III.Respondentneverabandonedhisfamily[.]Mrs.Naragandhertwosonsforcibly
droverespondentNaragoutoftheconjugalhome.Afterthat,Atty.Naragtriedto
returntotheconjugalhomemanytimeswiththehelpofmutualfriendstosavethe
marriageandthefamilyfromcollapse.HetriedseveraltimestoreconcilewithMrs.
Narag.Infact,inoneofthehearingsofthedisbarmentcase,heofferedtoreturn
homeandtoreconcilewithMrs.Narag.ButMrs.Naragrefusedalltheseeffortsof
respondentNarag.xxx
IV.ComplainantJulietaB.Naragisanunbearablyjealous,violent,vindictive,
scandalous,virulentandmercilesswifesincethebeginningofthemarriage,who
incessantlybeat,battered,brutalized,tortured,abuse[d],scandalized,and
humiliatedrespondentAtty.Narag,physically,mentally,emotionally,and
psychologically,xxx.
V.ComplainantJulietaNaragsclaiminhercountermanifestationdatedMarch28,
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1996,totheeffectthattheaffidavitofDominadorB.Narag,Jr.,datedFebruary27,
1996wasobtainedthroughforceandintimidation,isnottrue.Dominador,Jr.,
executedhisaffidavitfreely,voluntarily,andabsolutelywithoutforceorintimidation,
asshownbythetranscriptofstenographicnotesofthetestimoniesofRespondent
Atty.NaragandTuguegaraoMTCJudgeDominadorGarciaduringthetrialof
CriminalCaseNo.12439,Peoplevs.DominadorM.Narag,et.al.,beforethe
TuguegaraoMTConMay3,1996.xxx.
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VI.RespondentAtty.Naragisnowanoldmanaseniorcitizenof63yearssickly,
abandoned,disgraced,weakenedanddebilitatedbyprogressivelydegenerative
goutandarthritis,andhardlyabletoearnhisownkeep.Hisveryphysical,medical,
psychological,andeconomicconditionsrenderhimunfitandunabletodothe
thingsattributedtohimbythecomplainant.Pleaseseetheattachedmedical
certificates,xxx,amongmanyothersimilarcertificatestouchingonthesame
ailments.Respondentisalsosufferingfromhypertension.[23]
On July 18, 1997, the investigating officer submitted his report,[24] recommending the
indefinitesuspensionofAtty.Naragfromthepracticeoflaw.Thematerialportionsofsaidreport
readasfollows:
Culledfromthevoluminousdocumentaryandtestimonialevidencesubmittedbythe
contendingparties,two(2)issuesarerelevantforthedispositionofthecase,namely:
a)Whethertherewasindeedacommissionofallegedabandonmentof
respondentsownfamilyand[whetherhewas]livingwithhisparamour,
GinaEspita
b)WhetherthedenialunderoaththathisillegitimatechildrenwithGina
Espita(AurelleDominicandKyleDominador)asappearingonparagraph
1(g)ofrespondentsCommentvisavishishandwrittenloveletters,thedue
executionandcontentsofwhich,althoughheobjectedtotheiradmissibility
forbeingallegedlyforgeries,wereneverdeniedbyhimonthewitness
standmuchlesspresentedandofferedprooftosupportotherwise.
Exceptforthetestimoniesofrespondentswitnesseswhosetestimoniestendtodepict
thecomplainingwife,Mrs.Narag,asanincurablyjealouswifeandpossessivewoman
sufferingeverytimewithstreaksofjealousy,respondentdidnotpresenthimselfonthe
witnessstandtotestifyandbecrossexaminedonhissworncommentmuchlessdid
hepresenthisallegedparamour,GinaEspita,todisprovetheadulterousrelationship
betweenhimandtheirhavingbegottentheirillegitimatechildren,namely:Aurelle
DominicN.EspitaandKyleDominadorN.Espita.Worse,respondentsdenialthatheis
thefatherofthetwoisagroundfordisciplinarysanction(Morcaydav.Naz,125SCRA
467).
Viewedfromalltheevidencepresented,wefindtherespondentsubjecttodisciplinary
actionasamemberofthelegalprofession.[25]
In its Resolution[26] issued on August 23, 1997, the IBP adopted and approved the
investigating commissioners recommendation for the indefinite suspension of the respondent.
[27] Subsequently, the complainant sought the disbarment of her husband in a
Manifestation/CommentshefiledonOctober20,1997.TheIBPgrantedthisstifferpenaltyand,
initsResolutiondatedNovember30,1997,deniedrespondentsMotionforReconsideration.
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Afteracarefulscrutinyoftherecordsoftheproceedingsandtheevidencepresentedbythe
parties, we find that the conduct of respondent warrants the imposition of the penalty of
disbarment.
TheCodeofProfessionalResponsibilityprovides:
Rule1.01Alawyershallnotengageinunlawful,dishonest,immoralordeceitful
conduct.
CANON7Alawyershallatalltimesupholdtheintegrityanddignityofthelegal
profession,andsupporttheactivitiesoftheIntegratedBar.
Rule7.03Alawyershallnotengageinconductthatadverselyreflectsonhis
fitnesstopracticelaw,norshouldhe,whetherinpublicorprivatelife,
behaveinascandalousmannertothediscreditofthelegalprofession.
Thus,goodmoralcharacterisnotonlyaconditionprecedent[28]tothepracticeoflaw,buta
continuing qualification for all members of the bar. Hence, when a lawyer is found guilty of
grossimmoralconduct,hemaybesuspendedordisbarred.[29]
Immoral conduct has been defined as that conduct which is so willful, flagrant, or
shameless as to show indifference to the opinion of good and respectable members of the
community.[30]Furthermore,suchconductmustnotonlybeimmoral,butgrosslyimmoral.That
is,itmustbesocorruptastoconstituteacriminalactorsounprincipledastobereprehensible
to a high degree[31] or committed under such scandalous or revolting circumstances as to
shockthecommonsenseofdecency.[32]
We explained in Barrientos vs. Daarol[33] that, as officers of the court, lawyers must not
only in fact be of good moral character but must also be seen to be of good moral character
and leading lives in accordance with the highest moral standards of the community. More
specifically, a member of the Bar and officer of the court is not only required to refrain from
adulterous relationships or the keeping of mistresses but must also so behave himself as to
avoidscandalizingthepublicbycreatingthebeliefthatheisfloutingthosemoralstandards.
RespondentNaragisaccusedofgrossimmoralityforabandoninghisfamilyinordertolive
withGinaEspita.Theburdenofproofrestsuponthecomplainant,andtheCourtwillexercise
its disciplinary power only if she establishes her case by clear, convincing and satisfactory
evidence.[34]
Presented by complainant as witnesses, aside from herself,[35] were: Charlie Espita,[36]
Magdalena Bautista,[37] Bienvenido Eugenio,[38] Alice Carag, [39] Dr. Jervis B. Narag,[40]
DominadorNarag,Jr.,[41]andNievesF.Reyes.[42]
Charlie Espita, brother of the alleged paramour Gina Espita, corroborated complainants
chargeagainstrespondentinthesecategoricalstatementshegavetotheinvestigatingofficer:
QMr.Witness,doyouknowAtty.Narag?
AYes,YourHonor,heistheliveinpartnerofmysister,GinaEspita.
QIfAtty.Naragishere,canyoupoint[to]him?
AYes,sir.
(Witnesspointedtotherespondent,Atty.DominadorNarag)
QWhydoyouknowAtty.Narag?
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ATTY.NARAG:
Alreadyanswered.HesaidIamtheliveinpartner.
CONTINUATIONOFTHEDIRECT
ABecauseheistheliveinpartnerofmysisterandthattheyarenowlivingtogetherashusbandand
wifeandthattheyalreadyhavetwochildren,AurelleDominicandKyleDominador.
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During crossexamination conducted by the respondent himself, Charlie Espita repeated
hisaccountthathissisterGinawaslivingwiththerespondent,withwhomshehadtwochildren:
QMr.Espita,youclaimthatAtty.Naragisnowlivingwithyoursisterashusbandandwife.Youclaim
that?
AYes,sir.
QWhydoyousaythat?
ABecauseatpresentyouarelivingtogetherashusbandandwifeandyouhavealreadytwochildren
and I know that that is really an immoral act which you cannot just allow me to follow since my
moralvaluesdontallowmethatmysisterislivingwithamarriedmanlikeyou.
QHowdoyouknowthatAtty.Naragislivingwithyoursister?Didyouseetheminthehouse?
AYes,si[r].
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Q You said also that Atty. Narag and your sister have two children, Aurelle Dominic and Kyle
Dominador,isitnot?
AYes,sir.
QHowdoyouknowthattheyarethechildrenofAtty.Narag?
ABecauseyouarestayingtogetherinthathouseandyouhaveleftyourfamily.[44]
Inaddition,CharlieEspitaadmitted(1)thatitwashewhohandedtoMrs.Naragthelove
letters respondent had sent to his sister, and (2) thatAtty. Narag tried to dissuade him from
appearingatthedisbarmentproceedings.[45]
WitnessBienvenidoEugeniostrengthenedthetestimonyofCharlieEspitainthiswise:
QMr.Witness,doyouknowtherespondentinthiscase?
AIknowhimverywell,sir.
QCouldyoupleasetelluswhydoyouknowhim?
ABecausehewasalwaysgoingtothehouseofmysoninlawbythenameofCharlieEspita.
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QMr.Eugenio,doyouknowtheresidenceofAtty.DominadorM.Narag?
AAtthattime,he[was]residinginthehouseofReynaldoAngubong,sir.
QAndthisislocatedwhere?
ACentroTamauini,Isabela,sir.
QAndyouspecifically,categoricallystateunderoaththatthisistheresidenceofAtty.Narag?
AYes,sir.
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QAndunderoaththisiswhereAtty.NaragandGinaEspitaareallegedlylivingashusbandandwife,is
itnot?
AYes,sir.[46]
Witness Nieves Reyes, a neighbor and friend of the estranged couple, testified that she
learnedfromtheNaragchildrenRandy,BongandRowenathattheirfatherlefthisfamily,
that she and her husband prodded the complainant to accept the respondent back, that the
Narag couple again separated when the respondent went back to his woman, and thatAtty.
Naraghadmaltreatedhiswife.[47]
On the strength of the testimony of her witnesses, the complainant was able to establish
that respondent abandoned his family and lived with another woman. Absent any evidence
showing that these witnesses had an ill motive to testify falsely against the respondent, their
testimoniesaredeemedworthyofbelief.
Further,thecomplainantpresentedasevidencethelovelettersthatrespondenthadsentto
Gina. In these letters, respondent clearly manifested his love for Gina and her two children,
whomheacknowledgedashisown.In addition, complainant also submitted as evidence the
cards that she herself had received from him. Guided by the rule that handwriting may be
proved through a comparison of one set of writings with those admitted or treated by the
respondent as genuine, we affirm that the two sets of evidence were written by one and the
same person.[48] Besides, respondent did not present any evidence to prove that the love
letterswerenotreallywrittenbyhimhemerelydeniedthathewrotethem.
While the burden of proof is upon the complainant, respondent has the duty not only to
himselfbutalsotothecourttoshowthatheismorallyfittoremainamemberofthebar.Mere
denial does not suffice. Thus, when his moral character is assailed, such that his right to
continue practicing his cherished profession is imperiled, he must meet the charges squarely
and present evidence, to the satisfaction of the investigating body and this Court, that he is
morallyfittohavehisnameintheRollofAttorneys.[49]Thishefailedtodo.
RespondentadamantlydeniesabandoninghisfamilytolivewithGinaEspita.Atthesame
time, he depicts his wife as a violent husbandbeater, vitriolic and unbending, and as an
insanelyandpathologicallyjealouswoman,whoseonlyobsessionwastodestroy,destroyand
destroyhimasshownbyherfilingofaseriesofallegedlyunfoundedchargesagainsthim(and
Gina Espita). To prove his allegation, he presented ninetyeight (98) pieces of documentary
evidence[50]andten(10)witnesses.[51]
Wenote,however,thatthetestimoniesofthewitnessesofrespondentdidnotestablishthe
factthathemaintainedthatmoralintegrityrequiredbytheprofessionthatwouldrenderhimfit
to continue practicing law. Neither did their testimonies destroy the fact, as proven by the
complainant,thathehadabandonedhisfamilyandlivedwithGinaEspita,withwhomhehad
two children. Some of them testified on matters which they had no actual knowledge of, but
merelyreliedoninformationfromeitherrespondenthimselforotherpeople,whileotherswere
presentedtoimpeachthegoodcharacterofhiswife.
Respondentmayhaveprovidedwellforhisfamilytheyenjoyedacomfortablelifeandhis
childrenfinishedtheireducation.Hemayhavealsoestablishedhimselfasasuccessfullawyer
and a seasoned politician. But these accomplishments are not sufficient to show his moral
fitnesstocontinuebeingamemberofthenobleprofessionoflaw.
We remind respondent that parents have not only rights but also duties e.g., to support,
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educateandinstructtheirchildrenaccordingtorightpreceptsandgoodexampleandtogive
themlove,companionshipandunderstanding,aswellasmoralandspiritualguidance.[52]Asa
husband, he is also obliged to live with his wife to observe mutual love, respect and fidelity
andtorenderhelpandsupport.[53]
Respondenthimselfadmittedthathisworkrequiredhimtobeoftenawayfromhome.But
theevidenceshowsthathewasawaynotonlybecauseofhisworkinstead,heabandonedhis
familytolivewithhisparamour,whoborehimtwochildren.Itwouldappear,then,thathewas
hardlyinapositiontobeagoodhusbandoragoodfather.Hischildren,whogrew upmostly
underthecareoftheirmother,musthavescarcelyfeltthewarmthoftheirfatherslove.
Respondents son, Jervis B. Narag, showed his resentment towards his fathers moral
frailtiesinhistestimony:
QMyquestionisthis,isthereanysinsogrievousthatitcannotbeforgiven,isthereafaultthatisso
seriousthatitisincapableofforgiveness?
AThat depends upon the sin or fault, sir, but if the sin or fault is with the emotional part of myself, I
suppose I cannot forgive a person although I am a Godfearing person, but I h[av]e to give the
personalessoninorderforhimorhertoatleastrealizehismistakes,sir.
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COMR.JOSE:
Ithinkitsoundslikethis.Assumingforthesakeofargumentthatyourfatheristheworst,hardened
criminalonearth,wouldyousendhimtojailandhavehimdisbarred?Thatisthequestion.
CONTINUATION.
AWiththereputationthathehadremovedfromus,Isupposehehastobegivenalesson.Atthispoint
intime,Imightjustforgivehimifhewillhavetoexperienceallthepainsthatwehavealsosuffered
forquitesometime.
QDr.Narag,yourfathergaveyoulife,hisbloodrunsinyourveins,hisfleshisyourflesh,hisbonesare
yourbonesandyounowdisownhimbecauseheistheworstmanonearth,isthatwhatyouare
saying.
ASortof,sir.
QYouarenowtellingthatasfar[as]youareconcernedbecauseyourfatherhassinned,youhaveno
morefather,amIcorrect?
ALongbefore,sir,IdidnotfeelmuchfrommyfatherevenwhenIwasstillakidbecausemyfatheris
notalwaysstayingwithusathome.So,howcanyousaythat?Yes,hegavemelife,whynot?But
forsure,sir,youdidnotgivemelove.[54]
Anotherson,DominadorNarag,Jr.,narratedbeforetheinvestigatingofficerthetraumahe
wentthrough:
QInconnectionwiththataffidavit,Mr.Witness,whichcontainsthefactthatyourfatherismaintaininga
paramour,couldyoupleasetellthisHonorableCommissiontheeffectonyou?
AThishasaverystrongeffectonmeandthisincludesmybrothersandsisters,especiallymymarried
life,sir.Anditalsoaffectedmychildrensomuch,thatIandmywifeha[ve]partedways.Ithurtsto
saythatIandmywifepartedways.Thisisonereasonthataffectedus.
QWillyoupleasetellusspecificallywhyyouandyourwifepartedways?
ABecause my wife wa[s] ashamed of what happened to my family and that she could not face the
people, our community, especially because my wife belongs to a wellknown family in our
community.
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QHowabouttheeffectonyourbrothersandsisters?Pleasetelluswhatarethose.
A Well, sir, this has also affected the health of my elder sister because she knows so well that my
mothersufferedsomuchandshekeptonthinkingaboutmymother.
xxxxxxxxx
QWhydidyourwifeleaveyou?
AThetruthisbecauseofthethingsthathadhappenedinourfamily,YourHonor.
QInyourwifesfamily?
AInourfamily,sir.
QAndwhatdoyoumeanbythat?
AWhatImeantbythatismyfatherhadanillicitrelationshipandthatmyfatherwenttotheextentof
scolding my wife and calling my wife a puta in provincial government, which my motherinlaw
hated him so much for this, which really affected us.And then my wife knew for a fact that my
fatherhasanillicitrelationshipwithGinaEspita,whomheboretwochildrenbythenameofAurelle
DominicandKyleDominador,whichIcouldproveandIstandfirmtothis,YourHonor.[55]
Although respondent piously claims adherence to the sanctity of marriage, his acts prove
otherwise.Ahusbandisnotmerelyamanwhohascontractedmarriage.Rather,heisapartner
whohassolemnlysworntoloveandrespecthiswifeandremainfaithfultoheruntildeath.
Wereiterateour rulinginCordovavs.Cordova[56]The moral delinquency that affects the
fitnessofamemberofthebartocontinueassuchincludesconductthatoutragesthegenerally
acceptedmoralstandardsofthecommunity,conductforinstance,whichmakesamockeryof
theinviolablesocialinstitutionofmarriage.
InToledovs.Toledo,[57] the respondent was disbarred from the practice of law, when he
abandonedhislawfulwifeandcohabitedwithanotherwomanwhohadbornehimachild.
Likewise, in Obusan vs. Obusan,[58] the respondent was disbarred after the complainant
proved that he had abandoned her and maintained an adulterous relationship with a married
woman.ThisCourtdeclaredthatrespondentfailedtomaintainthehighestdegreeofmorality
expectedandrequiredofamemberofthebar.
In the present case, the complainant was able to establish, by clear and convincing
evidence, that respondent had breached the high and exacting moral standards set for
members of the law profession. As held in Maligsa vs. Cabanting,[59] a lawyer may be
disbarredforanymisconduct,whetherinhisprofessionalorprivatecapacity,whichshowshim
to be wanting in moral character, in honesty, probity and good demeanor or unworthy to
continueasanofficerofthecourt.
WHEREFORE, Dominador M. Narag is hereby DISBARREDandhisnameisORDERED
STRICKENfromtheRollofAttorneys.LetcopiesofthisDecisionbeinthepersonalrecordof
RespondentNaragandfurnishedtoallcourtsoftheland,theIntegratedBarofthePhilippines,
andtheOfficeoftheBarConfidant.
SOORDERED.
Narvasa, C.J., Regalado, Davide, Jr., Romero, Bellosillo, Melo, Puno, Vitug, Kapunan,
Mendoza,Panganiban,Martinez,Quisumbing,andPurisima,JJ.,concur.
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4/22/2016
[1]Seerecords,Vol.I,pp.12.Attachedthereinarephotocopiesofthemarriagecontractofthecoupleandoftwo
loveletterswrittenbytherespondenttohisparamour.
[2]CodeofProfessionalResponsibility.
[3]Records,Vol.I,pp.12.
[4]Records,Vol.I,p.11.
[5]Records,Vol.II,pp.1314.
[8]TheCourtnotedtheletterinitsResolution,datedJuly30,1990,andreferredthesametotheIBP.Seerecords,
Vol.II,p.19.
[9]SignatoriesthereinareNumerianoG.Tanopo,Jr.,presidentErnestoS.Salunat,JoseAguilaGrapilon,BedaG.
Fajardo, Baldomero C. Estenzo, Rene C. Villa and Teodoro D. Nano, Jr., governors of Northern Luzon Region,
Southern Luzon Region, Bicolandia Region, Eastern Visayas Region, Western Visayas Region and Eastern
MindanaoRegion,respectivelyMervynG.Encanto,executivevicepresidentandRomeoT.CapulongandDidagen
P.Dilangalen,governorsofCentralLuzonRegionandWesternMindanaoRegion,respectively.
[10]Records,Vol.III,pp.3437.
[11]ThroughtheofficeofthenChiefJusticeFernan.
[12]DatedNovember11,1991.
[13] The children are Genevieve Narag Bautista, Dominador B. Narag Jr., Randolph B. Narag, Jervis B. Narag,
RowenaNaragAddun,CherylRitaB.NaragandChristianaB.Narag.
[14]Records,Vol.III,p.23.TheletterwasforwardedtotheOfficeoftheBarConfidantonDecember2,1991.
[15]Records,Vol.III,pp.4042.
[17]Ibid.,pp.1718.
[18]Ibid.,pp.4041.
[19]Records,Vol.III,p.44.
[20]CompiledAnswer/CommentandCounterAffidavits,records,Vol.II,pp.111.
[21]Ibid.,pp.13.
[22]Ibid.,pp.89.
[23]MemorandumfortheRespondent,pp.16records,Vol.IV,pp.299304.
[24]Records,Vol.I,pp.1759.
[25]ReportbyComm.PlaridelC.Jose,pp.4243records,VolI,pp.5859.
[26]Ibid.,pp.1516.
[27] Notice of Resolution from the IBP Commission on Bar Discipline, Board of Governors, Pasig City, signed by
National Secretary Roland B. Inting. A copy of said notice was received by the Office of the Bar Confidant on
September16,1997.Records,Vol.I,pp.1516.
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4/22/2016
[28]2,Rule138oftheRulesofCourtprovides:Everyapplicantforadmissionasamemberofthebarmustbexxx
ofgoodmoralcharacterandmustproducebeforetheSupremeCourtsatisfactoryevidenceofgoodmoralcharacter,
and that no charges against him, involving moral turpitude, have been filed or are pending in any court in the
Philippines.(Underscoringsupplied)
[29]27,Rule138oftheRulesofCourt.
[30]7C.J.S.,14,p.826BlacksLawDictionary,6thed.,p.751citingInreMonaghan,126VT,53m222A.2d665,
674andPhilippineLawDictionary,3rd ed., p. 447, citingArciga vs. Maniwang, 106 SCRA 594, 594,August 14,
1981.
[31]Reyesvs.Wong,63SCRA667,673,January29,1975.
[32]Royongvs.Oblena,7SCRA859,869870,April30,1963.
[33]218SCRA30,40,January29,1993,percuriam,citingTolosavs.Cargo,171SCRA21,26,March8,1989,per
Feliciano,J.
[34] Noriega vs. Sison, 125 SCRA 293, 297298, October 27, 1983 Santos vs. Dichoso, 84 SCRA 622, 627,
August22,1989Adarnevs.Aldaba,83SCRA734,739,June27,1978Arboledavs.Gatchalian,58SCRA64,67,
July23,1974andGovs.Candoy,21SCRA439,442,October23,1967.
[35]TSN,September22,1993,pp.1546.
[36]Ibid.,pp.28134.
[37]TSN,November3,1993,pp.1641.
[38]Ibid.,pp.4255.
[39]Ibid.,pp.5871.
[41]Ibid.,pp.3564.
[42]TSN,January17,1994,pp.314.
[43]TSN,September22,1993,pp.3132.
[44]Ibid.,pp.8589.
[45]Ibid.,pp.39and75.
[46]TSN,November3,1993,pp.4344,4748and51
[47]TSN,January17,1994,pp.68and11.
[48]Section22,Rule132oftheRulesofCourt.
[49]DelosReyesvs.Aznar,179SCRA653,658,November28,1989.
[50]SeeRecords,Vol.III,pp.1234.
[51]JudeSales(TSN,April19,1994,pp.36)Atty.VirgilioA.Sevandal(TSN,April19,1994,pp.616)JuanitoH.
Comia (TSN,April 19, 1994, pp. 1724)Alfonso Tumamao (TSN,April 19, 1994, pp. 2551) Ofelio Pablo (TSN,
April20,1994,pp.236)JudgeRolandoL.Salacup(TSN,May16,1994,pp.237)RomeoCalabaquib(TSN,May
17,1994,pp.221)RemigioMagundayao(TSN,June7,1994,pp.26)Fr.BenjaminT.Lasan(TSN,June7,1994,
pp.719)andAlfonsoC.Gorospe(TSN,June7,1994,pp.1927).
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4/22/2016
[52]Art.220,FamilyCode.SeealsoArt.356oftheCivilCodeandArt.3oftheChildandYouthWelfareCode(or
PD603).
[53]Art.68,FamilyCode.
[55]TSN,November4,1993,pp.3839and4546.
[56]179SCRA680,683,November29,1989,
[57]7SCRA757,April27,1963.
[58]128SCRA485,April2,1984.
[59]ACNo.4539,May14,1997,pp.56,percuriam.
13/13

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4/22/2016

JULIETA B. NARAG, complainant, vs. ATTY. DOMINADOR M. NARAG,

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