[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 224-2018, October 29, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 224-2018, October 29, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 224-2018, October 29, 2018 ]

TO : THE COURT OF APPEALS, SANDIGANBAYAN, COURT OF TAX APPEALS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A DISTRICT COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURTS, THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF STATE PROSECUTOR, PUBLIC ATTORNEYS OFFICE AND THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES

SUBJECT: SUSPENSION OF ATTY. GODOFREDO N. BERNARDINO FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW FOR TWO (2) YEARS

For your information and guidance, quoted hereunder is the Resolution dated 24 July 2018 of the Court En Banc in Administrative Case No. 9363, entitled "Dax Neal La Guardia vs. Atty. Godofredo N. Bernardino," to wit:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Court finds respondent Atty. Godofredo N. Bernardino GUILTY of violating CANON 16- Rule 16.01, Rule 16.03, Rule 18.03 and Rule 18.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and accordingly, resolves to SUSPEND him from the practice of law for TWO (2) years with a STERN WARNING that a repetition of the same or similar offense shall be dealt with more severely. The Court further ORDERS respondent to RETURN to complainant Dax Neal La Guardia within thirty (30) days from notice of this Resolution the amount of P130,000.00 with interest of at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from February 9, 2012 to June 30, 2013 and six percent (6%) per annum from July 1, 2013 until its full satisfaction.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant, to be appended to respondent's personal record as attorney. Likewise, copies shall be furnished to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and all courts in the country for their information and guidance.

Per Registry Return Receipt No. 87839, respondent received the copy of the aforesaid Resolution dated 24 July 2018 on 31 August 2018.

29 October 2018

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator