SC exec: Bar passers with cases against them can’t take oath

Bar passers with pending cases filed against them cannot take their oaths, according to a representative of the Supreme Court's Office of the Bar Confidant present during Wednesday's Senate hearing on the death of law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.

At the hearing, an online group chat among members and alumni of the Aegis Juris fraternity, most of whom are lawyers and soon-to-be lawyers, was presented by the Manila District Police (MPD).

The conversation showed messages wanting to have the fraternity library "cleaned up" before Castillo's family could get a search warrant.

Responding to Senator Miguel Zubiri's inquiry on the possibility of having the lawyers involved in the conversation disbarred, Supreme Court Deputy Clerk of Court Maria Cristina Layusa said she saw "obstruction of justice" as possible grounds should such a case be filed against them.

Zubiri also asked her about consequences the lawyers among the Aegis Juris brotherhood may face should their involvement in a “cover-up” in Castillo’s death be proven.

"'Yung obstruction of justice, but somebody has to file a complaint against these lawyers before the Supreme Court or before the IBP [Integrated Bar of the Philippines],” she added.

'Leave disbarment up to SC'

When asked if they plan to file disbarment complaints against the lawyers in the group chat, the Castillo camp said the will leave the decision to the Supreme Court to file charges “motu proprio."

"No, we don't have plans at the moment. We haven't discussed it. The Supreme Court can motu proprio file disbarment. I think the senate hearing spoke for itself. All the evidence is there,” attorney Lorna Kapunan told GMA News Online.

"Motu proprio, the Supreme Court can take care of that disbarment. Motu proprio, by itself. It depends on the recommendation of the Supreme Court,” she added, citing Layusa’s statements during the hearing.

On Thursday, Castillo's mother called for the disbarment of the lawyers involved in the initiation rites that led to her son’s death and the "cover-up" plot that followed it.

‘Cannot take oath’

The Office of the Bar Confidant noted during the hearing that would-be lawyers involved in hazing cases, even in the past, were prevented from officially taking their oath as lawyers.

"For example, somebody was involved in hazing and a pending case…[When] a case has been filed against them, the court will not allow them to take their oath unless the case has been dismissed,” Layusa said.

She said they would only be re-allowed to take their oath if submitted documents convince the Supreme Court they are of good moral fiber.

“They have to file a petition before the Supreme Court that they be allowed to take their oath,” she added.

Castillo, a 22-year-old freshman law student at the University of Santo Tomas, attended “welcoming rites” held by Aegis Juris on the night of September 16.

The next day, following "orders," self-confessed Aegis Juris brod John Paul Solano brought Castillo's bruised body to Chinese General Hospital, despite the fact that UST's hospital was closer to the fraternity library.

Castillo was pronounced dead in the hospital.

'Sana malinis na'

Manila police Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel said they were looking into the chat conversation that allegedly led members of the fraternity to hold a meeting at the Novotel hotel.

A certain Marvi Rosero Abo, a lawyer, started the group chat with the message: “Brods, we need to meet ASAP! Calling on all die hard Aegeans.”

Lawyer Alston Kevin Anarna said in the chat group: “Brod, may kaya yang family niyan. Bukas makakakuha na sila search warrant sa fratlib. Sana malinis na.”

“Matanggap na ang paddle dun,” he also said.

The other members of the group chat were lawyers Cecilio Jimeno, Ferdinand Rogelio, Edzel Bert Canlas, Cesar Ocampo Ona, Gaile Dante Acuzar Caraan, Henry Pablo, Jr., Michael Vito, Cesar Gaba dela Fuente, Nino Servanez, Manuel Angelo Ventura III, and Jet dela Peña Villaroman.

Arvin Balag, the Grand Praefectus of the fraternity, was also in the chat group, along with  Brian Bangui, Milfren Alvarado, Ronald Cheng, and Jose Miguel Salamat.

Balag was cited for contempt and was detained for initially refusing to answer questions during Wednesday's session of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

Castillo's family also demanded that the fraternity members return Atio's belongings, including his glasses, watch, and mobile phone. — BM, GMA News