A.C. No. 12173 - ATTY. ANTONIO B. MANZANO, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. CARLOS P. RIVERA,D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE, respondent Atty. Carlos P. Rivera is found GUILTY of violating the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, Canon 7, and Rules 1.01 and 7.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and the Lawyer's Oath. Accordingly, he is PERPETUALLY DISQUALIFIED from being commissioned as a notary public. Atty. Rivera is likewise SUSPENDED from the practice of law for a period of three (3) years and is STERNLY WARNED that a repetition of the same will be dealt with more severely. Respondent is DIRECTED to file a Manifestation to this Court that his suspension has started, copy furnished all courts and quasi-judical bodies where he has entered his appearance as counsel. Let copies of this Decision be furnished to the Office of the Bar Confidant, to be appended to the personal record of Atty. Carlos P. Rivera as an attorney; to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and to the Office of the Court Administrator for dissemination to all courts throughout the country for their guidance and information. SO ORDERED.