G.R. No. L-350, August 7, 1959
In re: DALMACIO DE LOS ANGELES, respondent.

FACTS

Atty. Dalmacio de los Angeles was convicted of the crime of attempted bribery in a final decision rendered by the Court of Appeals. He was sentenced to two years, four months, and one day of destierro, and to pay a fine of P2,300, with subsidiary destierro in case of insolvency. Following this conviction, under the Rules of Court, he was required to show cause why he should not be disbarred. In his written explanation, he appealed for sympathy and mercy, citing his need to support his six children and that any disciplinary action would bring them dishonor. He also stated that if he committed the act, it was due to an error of judgment which he sincerely deplores.

ISSUE

Whether or not Atty. Dalmacio de los Angeles should be disbarred following his final conviction for attempted bribery.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court ordered the disbarment of Atty. Dalmacio de los Angeles. Under the applicable rule, a member of the bar may be removed if convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. The Court held that the continued possession of good moral character is a requisite for the practice of law, and the loss of such qualification justifies disbarment. Bribery is a felony involving moral turpitude. Consequently, despite sympathizing with his personal circumstances, the Court was constrained to decree his disbarment as mandated by the rules. It was ordered that he be removed from his office as an attorney and his name be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys.