[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 144-2018, July 06, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 144-2018, July 06, 2018 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 144-2018, July 06, 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, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT 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. SAMUEL SM. LEZAMA FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW FOR TWO (2) YEARS

For your information and guidance, quoted hereunder is the Resolution dated 3 October 2017 of the Court En Banc in Administrative Case No. 11483, entitled "Luzviminda S. Cerilla v. Atty. Samuel SM. Lezama," to wit:

WHEREFORE, respondent Atty. Samuel SM. Lezama is found guilty of violating Canons 5, 15 and 17 of the Code of Professional Responsibility. Hence, he is SUSPENDED from the practice of law for a period of TWO (2) YEARS and STERNLY WARNED that a repetition of the same or a similar offense shall be dealt with more severely.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant, to be appended to the personal file of respondent. Likewise, copies shall be furnished the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Court Administrator for circulation to all courts of the country for their information and guidance.

In a Resolution dated 19 June 2018, the Court stated that the suspension order took effect upon respondent's receipt of the Resolution dated 3 October 2017. Per the Postmaster of San Carlos City CPO, the respondent, through his authorized agent, received a copy of the aforesaid Resolution on 29 November 2017. Hence, the suspension of respondent commenced on 29 November 2017. The Court further DENIED respondent's motion for reconsideration.

6 July 2018

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator