G.R. No. A.C. No. 9354 August 20, 2019
MARIFE A. VENZON, Complainant vs. ATTY. AMADOR B. PELEO III, Respondent

FACTS

Complainant Marife A. Venzon engaged respondent Atty. Amador B. Peleo III to handle her petition for annulment in 1996. They developed a relationship, and she gave birth to his son on April 17, 1998. Initially, respondent provided support and they jointly purchased properties. However, he later stopped giving financial support. On December 7, 2006, respondent executed a “Kasulatan ng Pagbibigay ng Ari-Arian at Sustento,” undertaking to give specified properties to their son and provide monthly support for his expenses and education, but he did not fulfill this. Complainant sought IBP assistance. On June 28, 2011, a “Kasunduan” was brokered by the IBP, wherein respondent agreed to give their son a share in apartment rents and ownership of a lot, but he again dishonored this agreement and sent a threatening text message to complainant. Complainant also alleged respondent: filled their son’s birth certificate with a false entry that they were married; was legally married to another woman (Erlinda Sierra) during his relationship with complainant and filed but did not prosecute a petition for nullity of that marriage; had illicit affairs with other women; and fraudulently obtained a Senior Citizen card to avail of discounts while only 45 years old. In his Comment, respondent claimed he had provided support through apartment rents and a property, gave reasons for the false birth certificate entry and the lapsed nullity case, and admitted securing the Senior Citizen card for discounts.

ISSUE

Whether respondent Atty. Amador B. Peleo III should be held administratively liable for professional misconduct.

RULING

Yes, respondent is DISBARRED. The Court adopted the findings and recommendation of the IBP Board of Governors. Respondent violated Rule 1.01, Canon 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR) by engaging in unlawful, dishonest, immoral, or deceitful conduct. His acts constitute gross immorality and dishonesty: maintaining an illicit relationship with complainant while married; fathering a child out of wedlock and then refusing to provide consistent support despite written undertakings; falsifying his son’s birth certificate; misusing judicial processes by filing but not prosecuting a nullity case; engaging in other extramarital affairs; and fraudulently obtaining and using a Senior Citizen card. His failure to support his child also violated his duty under the law. His disregard of the IBP-brokered agreement showed disrespect for the Bar’s integrity. These cumulative acts demonstrated a character unfit for the legal profession. Disbarment is the appropriate penalty.