A.C. No. 12443 - BERNALDO E. VALDEZ, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. WINSTON B. HIPE.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE , the Court finds respondent Atty. Winston B. Ripe (respondent) GUILTY of violating the 2004 Rules of Notarial Practice. Accordingly, he is SUSPENDED from the practice of law for a period of one (1) month, effective upon receipt of this Decision. Moreover, his notarial commission, if any, is hereby IMMEDIATELY REVOKED , and he is DISQUALIFIED from being commissioned as a notary public for a period of one (1) year. He is STERNLY WARNED that a repetition of the same offense or similar acts in the future shall be dealt with more severely. Respondent is DIRECTED to immediately file a Manifestation to the Court that his suspension has started, copy furnished all courts and quasi-­judicial bodies where he has entered his appearance as counsel. Let copies of this Decision be furnished to: (1) the Office of the Bar Confidant to be appended to respondent's personal record as an attorney; (2) the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for its information and guidance; and (3) the Office of the Court Administrator for circulation to all courts in the country. SO ORDERED.