A.C. No. 10574 (Formerly CBD Case No. 11-3047) - PATRICK R. FABIE, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. LEONARDO M. REAL.

Ruling

WHEREFORE, the Court FINDS respondent Atty. Leonardo M. Real guilty of violating Canon 18, Rule 18.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and the Lawyer's Oath and thus SUSPENDS him from the practice of law for a period of six months effective from notice, ORDERS him to return to complainant Patrick R. Fabie within 10 days from notice the sum of P40,000.00 with legal interest of 12% per annum reckoned from the time he received the amount on August 24,2009 until June 30,2013, and 6% per annum from July 1, 2013 until full payment thereof, and STERNLY WARNS him that commission of any similar infraction in the future will be dealt with more severely. Finally, he must SUBMIT to this Court written proof of his compliance within 30 days from notice of this Resolution. Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant to be appended to respondent Atty. Leonardo M. Real's personal record as an attorney; the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and the Office of the Court Administrator for dissemination to all courts throughout the country for their information and guidance. SO ORDERED.