FACTS: Atty.
Narag’s spouse filed a petition for disbarment in the IBP alleging that her
husband courted one of his students, later maintaining her as a mistress and
having children by her. Atty. Narag claims that his wife was a
possessive, jealous woman who abused him and filed the complaint out of spite.
ISSUE: Whether or not Atty. Narag
should be disbarred.
HELD: Atty. Dominador Narag failed to prove his
innocence because he failed to refute the testimony given against him and it
was proved that his actions were of public knowledge and brought disrepute and
suffering to his wife and children. Good moral character is a continuing
qualification required of every member of the bar. Thus, when a lawyer
fails to meet the exacting standard of moral integrity, the Supreme Court may
withdraw his or her privilege to practice law. (Canons 1&7, Rule
7.03, Code of Ethics for Lawyers) It is not only a condition precedent to the
practice of law, but a continuing qualification for all members.
Hence when a lawyer is found guilty of gross immoral conduct, he may be
suspended or disbarred. Grossly immoral means it must be so corrupt as to
constitute a criminal act or so unprincipled as to be reprehensible to a high
degree or committed under such scandalous or revolting circumstances as to
shock the common sense of decency. As a lawyer, one must not only refrain
from adulterous relationships but must not behave in a way that scandalizes the
public by creating a belief that he is flouting those moral standards
