[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 167-2016, July 25, 2016 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 167-2016, July 25, 2016 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 167-2016, July 25, 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 : SUSPENSION FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW FOR ONE (1) YEAR OF ATTY. JOSE R. HIDALGO

For your information and guidance, quoted hereunder is the Resolution dated 6 April 2016 of the Second Division in Administrative Case No. 6934, entitled "Helen Chang vs. Atty. Jose R. Hidalgo," to wit:

WHEREFORE, respondent Atty. Jose R. Hidalgo is found guilty of violating Canon 17 and Canon 18, Rule 18.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. He is SUSPENDED from the . practice of law for a period of one (1) year, wilh warning that repetition of the same or similar acts will merit a more severe penalty. Respondent is also ORDERED to return to complainant Helen Chang the amount of £61,500.00, with interest at 6% per annum from the date of promulgation of this Resolution until fully paid.

Respondent received the said resolution on 27 May 2016. To date, respondent has not filed a motion for reconsideration.

25 July 2016

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator