In Re: Arthur M. Cuevas, Jr.

Leg Pro: Ch 1: The Lawyer and Society

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Bar Mat. No. 810 January 27, 1998 Francisco, J. Cham Baccay
Petitioners: Respondents: Commented by:
Arthur M. Cuevas A"y. Raul I. Camaligan
Recit Ready Summary

A sister case of In Re: Al Argosino. Co-accused Arthur M. Cuevas also prayed to the Court that he may
be allowed to take his lawyer’s oath. The petitioner attached various certifications attesting to his
righteous, peaceful and law-abiding character. Atty. Gilbert D. Camaligan, father of the deceased
hazing victim, was required to comment on the matter. Atty. Camaligan refused to give his own
comment and submits to the discretion of the Court. It was resolved that petitioner was allowed to take
the lawyer’s oath.

Facts

1. Facts of In Re: Al Argosino apply where Raul I. Camaligan, a neophyte, died from inflicted
personal violence during the initiation rites of Lex Talionis Fraternitas, a fraternity in San Beda. The
criminal case was murder, however, Atty. Camaligan, the father of the victim, has consented to the
plea of guilty to the lesser offense of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide out of pity to the
mothers of the student-accused.

2. The attached certifications attached were from: (a) Mayor of the Municipality of Hamtic, Antique (b)
Officer-in-Charge of Hamtic Police Station (c) Sangguniang Kabataan of Pob. III, Hamtic through
chairman and officers (d) a member of the IBP Iloilo Chapter (e) Parish Priest and Vicar General
of St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose, Antique and (f) the President of the Parish Pastoral Council,
Parish of Sta. Monica, Hamtic, Antique.

Rationale

The Court took the various certification of petitioner’s character as proof of the petitioner’s decisive
steps to purge himself of his deficiency in moral character and atone for the unfortunate death of Raul I.
Camaligan. Also, the Court had taken judicial notice of the general tendency of the youth to be rash,
temerarious and uncalculating. Therefore, the court was willing to give the petitioner a chance in the
same manner as it did for Al C. Argosino.

Disposition

The Court resolved to ALLOW petitioner to take the lawyer’s oath and sign the Roll of Attorneys on a
date set by the Court.

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