A.C. NO. 5996 - MARIO S. AMAYA, COMPLAINANT, VS. ATTY. DELANO A. TECSON.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

Accordingly, disbarment should not be decreed where any punishment less severe such as a reprimand, suspension, or fine would accomplish the end desired. [14] Considering that the respondent in this case returned the money for litigation expenses to the complainant after the denial of the motion for reconsideration, the Court sees fit to reprimand the respondent for his actuations. WHEREFORE , respondent Atty. Delano E. Tecson is adjudged GUILTY of violating Rule 18.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and is hereby REPRIMANDED . He is STERNLY WARNED that similar conduct in the future shall be dealt with more severely. Let a copy of this Decision be included in the respondents files which are with the Office of the Bar Confidant, and circularized to all courts and to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. SO ORDERED.