3 Zaguirre vs.

Castillo

The Court found Atty. Alfredo Castillo guilty of

gross immoral conduct with penalty of indefinite
suspension because of having an affair with
complainant, who got pregnant and is now
asking for child support after the respondent-
lawyer promised so in a notarized affidavit
acknowledging the child as his.
Respondent filed a motion for reconsideration
seeking compassion and forgiveness.
The IBP of Occidental Mindoro issued a
resolution recommending exoneration of
respondent from administrative liability stating
that his suspension would cause great loss to the
community.
The IBP, through Director for Bar Discipline,
stated that MOR should be denied since
respondent has not truly repented as he is still
not supporting the child.
Wife of respondent argued that complainant
should have filed a case for support where the
paternity of the child could be determined and
not use the present administrative case to get
support from respondent.
Issue is WON the respondent should be
suspended and WON the complainant may claim
support through the same case.
Ruling: Yes. The courts original decision of
indefinite suspension has been modified to a
suspension for a period of 2 years, in view of the
respondents show of repentance and active
service to the community.
For 2nd issue: No. Complainants further claim for
support of her child should be addressed to the
proper court in a proper case.