The Supreme Court (SC) disbarred Atty. Demosthenes S. Tecson for misappropriating over P60 million in client funds.
Atty. Tecson was hired to represent Mamerta C. Lizada, Benito Cuizon, Abelardo Cuizon, and Enrique Quizon in an expropriation case. After the court ruled in their favor, he received P134 million on their behalf but remitted only P53 million. He claimed the rest as attorney’s fees and allegedly used part of it for former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s senatorial campaign.
The petitioners filed a disbarment case with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). In his defense, Atty. Tecson said he used the remaining funds as a “facilitation fee” to expedite payment, with his clients’ consent.
However, the IBP found him guilty of violating his duty of fidelity under Canon III of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability and recommended disbarment. The SC upheld the ruling.
Canon III requires lawyers to uphold the law, ensure justice, and prioritize their clients’ interests. Mismanaging client funds is considered misappropriation, and failure to return them upon request suggests personal use.
Atty. Tecson failed to refute this. His claim of paying a “PR man” lacked evidence and, if true, amounted to bribery—further violating legal ethics.
The SC ordered his immediate disbarment and directed him to return P67 million to the petitioners.IMT
