REDENTOR S. JARDIN​, complainant, vs. ​ATTY. DEOGRACIAS VILLAR, JR.

​ respondent
A.C. No. 5474. August 28, 2003 TINGA, J.

Doctrine: ​An attorney is sworn to do his level best and to observe full fidelity to the courts and
his clients. He should put his maximum skills and full commitment to bear in representation of
their causes

Facts:
Jardin contracted the service of Atty. Villar in the case for collection of money representing the
alleged unpaid contract price for the repair of the house of defendants in that case. Atty. Villar
failed to file his formal offer of exhibits despite being given extensions for several times. Case
was dismissed for lack of interest on the part of Jardin.

July 4: Jardin filed a verified affidavit-complaint for the disbarment of Atty. Villar. He alleges
that 1. He terminated the services of counsel 2. Counsel failed to return the originals of the
documentary exhibit entrusted to him

Sept. 10: SC required Villar to comment on complaint but he failed to do so. Case was referred
to IBP for further investigation.

IBP found that Atty. Villar is liable for negligence and recommended suspension of 6 months.

Issue: ​W/N there was a failure on the part of respondent/ misconduct

Decision: ​Suspended for 6 months

Ruling:
1. YES. Pursuant to Canon 18 and 19, it is the responsibility of the lawyer to take all
measures to protect the interests of his client. However, in this case respondent caused
damage to the interest of the complainant because of the failure to file the formal offer of
documentary exhibits which led to the dismissal of the case. Atty. Villar has been languid
in the performance of his duties as counsel. He was given several extensions to file the
formal offer of exhibits but he still failed to do so. He fell short of the competence and
diligence required of every member of the Bar.
a. Provisions of Code which he violated
i. Canon 12 A LAWYER SHALL EXERT EVERY EFFORT AND
CONSIDER IT HIS DUTY TO ASSIST IN THE SPEEDY AND
EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
 ii. Canon 17 A LAWYER OWES FIDELITY TO THE CAUSE OF HIS
CLIENT AND HE SHALL BE MINDFUL OF THE TRUST AND
CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM
iii. Canon 18 A LAWYER SHALL SERVE HIS CLIENT WITH
COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE.
iv. Canon 19 A LAWYER SHALL REPRESENT HIS CLIENT WITH
ZEAL WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE LAW.
b. He committed a serious transgression when he failed to exert his utmost learning
and ability and to give entire devotion to his client’s cause. As an attorney, the
respondent is sworn to do his level best and to observe full fidelity to the courts
and his clients. This means that in relation to his duty to his clients he should put
his maximum skills and full commitment to bear in representation of their causes.