[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2016, January 14, 2016 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2016, January 14, 2016 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 09-2016, January 14, 2016 ]

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, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A CIRCUIT COURTS, THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF STATE PROSECUTOR, PUBLIC ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES

SUBJECT : EXTENSION OF SUSPENSION FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW FOR TWO (2) YEARS OF ATTY. BENIGNO C. VILLARENTE, JR.

For your information and guidance, quoted hereunder is the Resolution of the First Division dated 24 August 2015 in Administrative Case No. 10017, entitled "[formerly CBD Case No. 05-1620] (Catherine Viacrusis Villarente vs. Atty. Benigno C. Villarente, Jr.," to wit:

Considering the separate letters of respondent and complainant dated February 26, 2014 and February 14, 2014, respectively, the Court further resolves to ADOPT and APPROVE the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations dated December 16, 2014 (Annex "A"). Accordingly:

the respondent's suspension from the practice of law is EXTENDED to two (2) years, effective upon notice hereof, considering that he was able to complete his teaching stint at the University of Cebu and "Practice of Law" shall not be limited to court appearances, but shall include signing as Notary Public, signing all other pleadings as counsel, and all other activities related to or involving the law profession; and

the respondent is likewise WARNED to be more circumspect in his personal dealings.

14 January 2016

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator